- Joined
- Feb 9, 2009
First visit to Aulani - the good and bad
Hi all! I don't post very often, but after just getting back from our first trip to Hawaii and Aulani for 9 nights, I wanted to share some of our observations, both the good and bad, with everyone. Let me just start by saying that my wife and I are both huge DVC fans, and have been owners for the last six years.
The good:
The Aulani resort is absolutely gorgeous, and far exceeded every expectation that my wife and I had prior to our visit. Our ocean view 1 bedroom villa on the 9th floor was immaculate and well appointed, and had an incredible view of the resort's valley and the ocean beyond. Although the restaurants were a bit pricey, every meal we enjoyed was outstanding. The spa and its private garden were amazing, and I would definitely recommend trying it at least once, if not more! All of the Aulani cast members were welcoming, friendly, helpful, and embodied everything we have come to expect out of DVC. Not having children, we wished that there was an adult quiet area with a pool and hot tub, but that certainly doesn't apply to the majority of guests. We did find a quieter pool tucked into one corner of the resort.
The bad:
On the day we arrived, we attempted to reserve a pool cabana and were told that they were all reserved for our entire visit by a corporation having an event there. Over the first 4 days, we watched all of the cabanas remain empty, except for the sign saying, reserved for ---- ----------- corporation (I'll withhold the name). On the 5th day, we noticed considerably more activity around the resort and learned that this company booked the entire Marriott resort next door, and a large portion of the Aulani rooms for their event - estimated to be at least 700 people had arrived. The cabanas were now occupied, and we encountered some rude and drunk members of this group. One of them insisted on showing the entire quieter pool area his impression of a salmon swimming upstream in the pool. In the days that followed, various areas of Aulani were closed to other resort guests in favor of the corporate event. The most invasive was closure of half of the beach area to allow for set up, performance, and take down of a huge stage for a concert the company paid for by Gavin DeGraw and Lifehouse one evening. At least that was something we could listen to from our balcony, along with all of the Ko Olina area.
We met with the Aulani Concierge and expressed our dissatisfaction, even stating that we would have changed our visit to another week if we knew in advance that this event was going on. The Concierge was very kind and apologetic, but there was nothing that could be done. The company had dropped millions of dollars for their event, and we were but one DVC family. I'm going to write to DVC Member Satisfaction as well, hoping they'll consider alerting guests in the future if something like this is going to happen. We know corporate events go on at WDW all the time, but at least there is space there to isolate them.
Summary:
In the end, although we experienced this disappointment, we will definitely return to Aulani in 2-3 years. The resort is wonderful, and everyone should experience it at least once. I'm happy to answer any questions that I didn't cover here.
Thanks for listening!
Mike
Hi all! I don't post very often, but after just getting back from our first trip to Hawaii and Aulani for 9 nights, I wanted to share some of our observations, both the good and bad, with everyone. Let me just start by saying that my wife and I are both huge DVC fans, and have been owners for the last six years.
The good:
The Aulani resort is absolutely gorgeous, and far exceeded every expectation that my wife and I had prior to our visit. Our ocean view 1 bedroom villa on the 9th floor was immaculate and well appointed, and had an incredible view of the resort's valley and the ocean beyond. Although the restaurants were a bit pricey, every meal we enjoyed was outstanding. The spa and its private garden were amazing, and I would definitely recommend trying it at least once, if not more! All of the Aulani cast members were welcoming, friendly, helpful, and embodied everything we have come to expect out of DVC. Not having children, we wished that there was an adult quiet area with a pool and hot tub, but that certainly doesn't apply to the majority of guests. We did find a quieter pool tucked into one corner of the resort.
The bad:
On the day we arrived, we attempted to reserve a pool cabana and were told that they were all reserved for our entire visit by a corporation having an event there. Over the first 4 days, we watched all of the cabanas remain empty, except for the sign saying, reserved for ---- ----------- corporation (I'll withhold the name). On the 5th day, we noticed considerably more activity around the resort and learned that this company booked the entire Marriott resort next door, and a large portion of the Aulani rooms for their event - estimated to be at least 700 people had arrived. The cabanas were now occupied, and we encountered some rude and drunk members of this group. One of them insisted on showing the entire quieter pool area his impression of a salmon swimming upstream in the pool. In the days that followed, various areas of Aulani were closed to other resort guests in favor of the corporate event. The most invasive was closure of half of the beach area to allow for set up, performance, and take down of a huge stage for a concert the company paid for by Gavin DeGraw and Lifehouse one evening. At least that was something we could listen to from our balcony, along with all of the Ko Olina area.
We met with the Aulani Concierge and expressed our dissatisfaction, even stating that we would have changed our visit to another week if we knew in advance that this event was going on. The Concierge was very kind and apologetic, but there was nothing that could be done. The company had dropped millions of dollars for their event, and we were but one DVC family. I'm going to write to DVC Member Satisfaction as well, hoping they'll consider alerting guests in the future if something like this is going to happen. We know corporate events go on at WDW all the time, but at least there is space there to isolate them.
Summary:
In the end, although we experienced this disappointment, we will definitely return to Aulani in 2-3 years. The resort is wonderful, and everyone should experience it at least once. I'm happy to answer any questions that I didn't cover here.
Thanks for listening!
Mike
we are going "almost" all out. I've booked a cabana and will be booking a spa day-any thoughts on which one to pick? I quess you left from JFK did you long term park? Thanks Mike.
Bill
