Yes, I thought the same thing. My family used to take an annual trip to the Polynesian Village in the late 70's and 80's, and let's just say it was magical. That place has gone way downhill (but I'm strongly affected by a very poor concierge-level experience the last time I stayed there about five years ago). Aulani was superb--they have clearly gone to great lengths to hire outstanding cast members and train them well. Let's hope it stays that way for a long time to come!
Aulani Villas & Views -- REVISED 07/22/2017
- Thread starter wdrl
- Start date
Yes, I thought the same thing. My family used to take an annual trip to the Polynesian Village in the late 70's and 80's, and let's just say it was magical. That place has gone way downhill (but I'm strongly affected by a very poor concierge-level experience the last time I stayed there about five years ago). Aulani was superb--they have clearly gone to great lengths to hire outstanding cast members and train them well. Let's hope it stays that way for a long time to come!
If we decide to go with island view this October (which is what I'm leaning towards, so we'll have more points for a 2014 WDW trip), are there places we could sit at the resort to see the ocean from upper floors? I know DH and FIL would enjoy drinking coffee while looking out at the ocean, but I'm not sure how much we'd really use the lanai otherwise since our kids will want to go, go, go.
wdrl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 15, 2009
No, there are no observation places on higher floors that you could sit to watch the ocean. There is a very nice deck right off the lobby, but its only on the third floor and doesn't offer much of a view of the ocean (though it does have a great view of Waikolohe Valley).
There are places are places near the main pool that have great views of the lagoon and ocean. You wouldn't be on a high floor, but you'll still have a relaxing view, especially while the kids are playing in the pool.
Here is a photo of the deck right off the lobby. Though this photo doesn't show them, there are lounge chairs on the deck.
Silly Little Pixie
<font color=blue>My name is Inigo Montoya. You kil
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2007
Thanks BCV23 for the photos of the accessible villa! I am glad to see the location, and that the CM's were right- it was on the 4th floor for the roll-in shower studio.
Another plus for Aulani- CM's that have correct information!
Another plus for Aulani- CM's that have correct information!
Thanks BCV23 for the photos of the accessible villa! I am glad to see the location, and that the CM's were right- it was on the 4th floor for the roll-in shower studio.
Another plus for Aulani- CM's that have correct information!
And thank you for all the help before we left. So glad your FIL recovered so well.
The CMs are wonderful, aren't they? Of course, there are still tens of thousands of CMs at WDW who still spread the magic but one does run into the odd snarky one these days. A matter of sheer numbers I suppose.
Although not much of an ocean view, the third floor lanai off the lobby that wdrl mentioned is really lovely. One of my favorite places to watch the resort come to life in the morning hours.
There are seating areas on every floor of the Ewa tower where the two sections meet. They would need to view the ocean through the glass but it is still lovely. I should say on the floors we visited but I would guess they are on every floor given the architecture. Beautiful woven chairs.
I saw no indication that beverages are included but wouldn't expect them to be at that price really. One could always add drinks from private dining (room service) but I imagine most families have plenty in their fridge or would use the mugs? I know we would.
If you end up ordering one, will you pop back on here after your vacation and give us a review, please?
No, there are no observation places on higher floors that you could sit to watch the ocean. There is a very nice deck right off the lobby, but its only on the third floor and doesn't offer much of a view of the ocean (though it does have a great view of Waikolohe Valley).
There are places are places near the main pool that have great views of the lagoon and ocean. You wouldn't be on a high floor, but you'll still have a relaxing view, especially while the kids are playing in the pool.
Here is a photo of the deck right off the lobby. Though this photo doesn't show them, there are lounge chairs on the deck.
Thank you! That does look lovely!
Although not much of an ocean view, the third floor lanai off the lobby that wdrl mentioned is really lovely. One of my favorite places to watch the resort come to life in the morning hours.
There are seating areas on every floor of the Ewa tower where the two sections meet. They would need to view the ocean through the glass but it is still lovely. I should say on the floors we visited but I would guess they are on every floor given the architecture. Beautiful woven chairs.
Hmm, that might work. Thanks!
Another balcony question... has anyone experienced problems with smoke from other balconies drifting to your balcony? I'd hate to spring for OV so we can sit out on our balcony and enjoy ocean views and then have smoke interfere. This is why we never pay for a balcony on a cruise. I realize we'll get a balcony in any room at Aulani and there's no way to know for sure if it will be an issue, just wondering what others have experienced.
We have been to Aulani three times and never experienced any problems. I believe there is no smoking allowed on the balconies. That does not mean no one does it, but I would be surprised if it happens very often. The only smoking area I know of is fairly isolated to the left of the lobby entrance.
Thanks for sharing! Anyone know for sure- is smoking not allowed on the balconies?
SuzanneSLO
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 10, 1999
State law prohibits smoking on all lanais in Hawaii. -- Suzanne
We just got back from Aulani this week. We had an island/garden 2 lock off 2 bedroom in the Ewa building 16th floor. Imagine our surprise to walk out on the balcony and look to the right and see the OCEAN!!! I will post pictures as soon as I have more time to download them to shutter fly. My DH sat out on the balcony every morning with his coffee even when it rained
Can't wait to go back.
Anjelica
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2004
Just got back - we stayed January 16th-20th. We had an Oceanview Deluxe Studio. In the future, especially since I didn't think the view was that "awesome" we will get the pool view. You could not see the ocean unless you were physically on the balcony. We had room 1485 and the views are posted below (one looking left, looking straight and finally looking right):
Just got back - we stayed January 16th-20th. We had an Oceanview Deluxe Studio. In the future, especially since I didn't think the view was that "awesome" we will get the pool view. You could not see the ocean unless you were physically on the balcony. We had room 1485 and the views are posted below (one looking left, looking straight and finally looking right):
Hmm, we were in room 1677/1679(studio). My DD and DSIL had a similar view from their studio, but it is considered an island/garden view.
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