This is actually my 3rd time to Aulani. First was in 2012, then 2013 and this week. The additions to the resort have been great. The Ulu cafe is a convenient spot for refills and breakfast. The new grotto is a good break from the main pool, hasn't been busy at all. We've found seats by the new Keiki Cove two days in a row without a problem. Seats by the main pool are getting reserved pretty early. Seems as though some guests are using the seating policy to their advantage by folding their towels on the chairs to make it appear as though a cast member has already checked that area. It's not a complaint, because we found chairs elsewhere, but they need a better system for tracking who is just saving chairs for later vs who is using them.
The Chef demo was actually the head pastry chef who gave us a demo of how to make macaroons. We got to try several different flavors and he explained his methods every step of the way. It wasn't much of a "tour" as we just sat inside Makahiki, but it was fun. The two teens and the 6 yr old both were into it, just not the flavors of the treats lol.
We also did the Family Animation activity at the community room. That was pretty cool painting the animation cell. The actual "how to draw a Disney character" part was very rushed and from our seats we couldn't see the easel where he was drawing. After having done both Animation Academies in Ca and Florida, that part of the activity left some to be desired.
The addition of Coconut Shrimp to the menu at Mama's Snack shop is awesome! So tasty!
Again, many places close up earlier than expected, but if you plan accordingly (have groceries in room) it's not an issue.
