Anyone else concerned about Atlantis?

[pamelaj]

When we were at Aulani last week, I spoke to a cast member about Atlantis and she confirmed that it was going to be built right next to Aulani. She even showed us the two sites they had purchased. We own points at Aulani and love it. I am nervous the construction will be long and loud and it will bring a lot more traffic to Ko Olina. Anyone else concerned? Just curious.

 

[Heather Marie]

I didn't even know they were building another Atlantis!! I must say I do love the one in the Bahamas... I feel like with construction going on rates will drop really low, so sounds good to me cause it gives me a reason to go I would be concerned about future traffic once it opens though :/

 

[Minniesgal]

I think it will be awesome

 

[AdamEfimoff]

Just wondering is this the same as the company in the Caribbean
http://www.atlantisbahamas.com/

 

[happymommy]

I am, but I've owned at the Marriott for many years (visited pre construction when our friends bought). I was concerned when Aulani was built.

Not sure how it's going to work out. Too crowded!

 

[nkereina]

Construction is one thing, but once it's up and running the potential traffic is concerning to me. Not only street traffic, but everything could become more crowded at the shopping/dining center across the street. I guess the positive though is that this will likely bring further development in the Ko Olina area, so more opportunity for additional shopping and dining nearby.

 

[blondietink]

Concerns about traffic, yes. But if is is run like the one in the Bahamas, they thrive on selling all-inclusive packages, at least concerning food. There is really little incentive in the Bahamas to go off the resort as it is built in to their system. If you think Aulani is expensive, wait until you see the prices for a Hawaiian Atlantis! I believe the add on meal plan at Atlantis for the lowest tier of restaurants for just breakfast and dinner runs $99 per adult per day over and above the price for your hotel room. This is Hawaii, and I can't imagine people wanting to stay at the resort for their entire vacation and not explore Hawaii for at least a day or two. Hopefully the infrastructure will be upgraded somehow. I remember when we were at Aulani in 2013 that you actually had to check in at the guard gate before they let you in to the complex. On our last visit in April, nobody was stopped at the guard gate, anybody could drive right in.

 

[nkereina]

I remember when we were at Aulani in 2013 that you actually had to check in at the guard gate before they let you in to the complex. On our last visit in April, nobody was stopped at the guard gate, anybody could drive right in.

We were wondering what the purpose of the guard gate was. When we were there in September, we drove right through and the guards stationed at the gate would wave.

 

[jimmymc]

When we were at Aulani last week, I spoke to a cast member about Atlantis and she confirmed that it was going to be built right next to Aulani. She even showed us the two sites they had purchased. We own points at Aulani and love it. I am nervous the construction will be long and loud and it will bring a lot more traffic to Ko Olina. Anyone else concerned? Just curious.

I think unless you're in a low floor right across from the construction then noise won't be much of an issue. It might ruin some views for a while, but that could make the rooms significantly cheaper. I'm more excited by the additional restaurants and things to do offered by a new resort.

 

[alohamom]

Construction is one thing, but once it's up and running the potential traffic is concerning to me. Not only street traffic, but everything could become more crowded at the shopping/dining center across the street. I guess the positive though is that this will likely bring further development in the Ko Olina area, so more opportunity for additional shopping and dining nearby.

When we were in Ko Olina last August, a gentleman who works for Marriott was telling us the land area just in front of the Marina and to the back of the Marriott is being developed into a small plaza with more shops and restaurants similar to KoOlina Station where Monkey Pod is located. I feel the traffic is bad enough already, I cannot even imagine what it will be like in the future.

 

[pamelaj]

I think my bigger concern is the traffic and crowds once it is open. We like that Ko Olina isn't enormous. Hopefully they will add a plan to improve traffic? A shuttle to the airport? Seems like Ko Olina could be very different in 5-10 years.

 

[kathleendsm]

In our trip last week we never thought traffic was an issue at all in Ko Olina, but the little plaza with Monkey Pod (which is great) was always crowded, so I'm glad to hear they'll add more retail/restaurants. There is so much room out there that I'm confident it will work out.

 

[Elima2015]

I think the Atlantis addition will be good for the area. I am sure they will add restaurants and shops, which could mean that Ko Olina can become a destination without needing a rental car. Therefore, while I'm sure overall traffic will increase, it may not be as much as initially thought. We go to Atlantis in the Bahamas and never take a car anywhere once we arrive. They have plenty enough on site, grocery delivery, and within walking distance that everything we need is there.

 

[crystal1313]

My first thought was how crowded the lagoon will get since I am guessing they will share the lagoon with Aulani and the 4 Seasons?

 

[blondietink]

I believe that Atlantis will have most or all of the lagoon next to Aulani. At Atlantis in the Bahamas, most people do not use the beach because the pools and slides are the main attractions.

 

[vikequeen]

I'm hoping it will actually help Aulani. I was disappointed by how crowded it was last trip. We have heard Disney underestimated the extent to which people stay at the resort rather than visiting the rest of the island. Maybe another option next door will pull people out of Aulani and make it more pleasant/less crowded there? I know my kids will love it and want to visit.

 

[Syndrome]

Anyone have a timeline for this project ?
Loosely considering an Aulani trip in September , and if this might be our once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii , dont really want to deal with resort construction next door.

EDIT : In doing some digging, it appears that this project could start as soon as mid 2017 . Lot of permits and such still to go .

Not really liking the fact that it will be literally , right next door to Aulani .
Isn't there a little church/chapel on that property ? What happens to that ? Guess a bulldozer will make short work of it.

 

[ggc]

Syndrome
Spending a once in a lifetime trip at Aulani needs some serious consideration. Hawaii has a lot more to offer. Take a couple weeks or more and spend time on the other island(s).

Our first trip to Oahu was almost forty four years ago. We've seen plenty of changes through the years and hearing about the new construction,
well soooo. Why would that surprise you? There is not much left to develop. I do recall driving to the west side of the island way back when, nothing there except sun and sand.

Oahu is home to most of the people living in all of Hawaii and is simply crowded. You don't want to be on H1 during rush hour!!! When Obama is there total gridlock. Ask the locals.

While Aulani is Hawaii to many, it is not the true Hawaii you will experience by exploring and expanding your stay.

 

[Midoria]

Syndrome
Spending a once in a lifetime trip at Aulani needs some serious consideration. Hawaii has a lot more to offer. Take a couple weeks or more and spend time on the other island(s). While Aulani is Hawaii to many, it is not the true Hawaii you will experience by exploring and expanding your stay.

Agreed. I've never stayed at any resort (not my style), but I have been to Aulani for food and shopping. It's gorgeous and very pleasant to be around. But it's clearly Disney's take on Hawaii which is very different than the Hawaii locals and residents experience.

 

[longboard55]

I remember on TripAdvisor a few years back when the Marriott owners were worried about Aulani.