Aulani cabana/executive lanai cancellations?

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi all

I've just rung Aulani hoping to book the Executive Lanai for one of our days in August. Unfortuately both the lanai and the cabanas were fully booked for all of my dates

We currently have casabellas reserved on the upper level at Ama Ama, but I'm concerned that they will totally be in the shade, having read something to that effect on these boards (although the Aulani CM did say that they get sunshine from midday, so that wouldn't be too bad).

My questions are: has anyone used an ama ama Casabella in August? Were you in the sun? (I guess the shade could differ at different times of the year?) or has anyone had any luck getting a cancellation of the lanai upon arrival? If so, is it worth checking in daily to see whilst we're there?

Many thanks for any help

 

[southerngirl528]

Hi Amysteve. We were just there and though we have done the casabellas, it was on the beach, not the new area just below AMA AMA. But from eating at AMA AMA several times, I cannot imagine it being shaded for much of the day as that deck pretty much faces east. Perhaps later in the day when the sun starts heading mauka? (toward the mtns) If the CM said it's shady in the early part of the day, it must be a casabella toward the south end of the deck and shaded by trees I'm guessing??? I would go by what the CM says because if they work that area of recreation, they should know. Tell them what you are looking for, in your case sun, and let them direct you. Also ask if they have a wait list for the executive lanai. They may or may not, but I would ask if that's what I really wanted. And yes, I would definitely check daily upon arrival, and in fact, I would probably call several times before departing for your trip. Happy planning!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Again, thank you so much for replying

That's great news about the sunshine - I wasn't overly convinced by the CM that I spoke to, as she appeared to be guessing! Besides I prefer your answer!

I did ask about a waitlist for the executive lanai/cabanas, but unfortunately there isn't one, but we are arriving at lunchtime and will check out the casabellas then, because if they do get the sunshine, then they are actually better for us than the lanai, as I think that might be a bit over the top for our small party of 4! But if the lanai appears the better choice for sunshine, I will check in daily to see if there are any cancellations.

Thanks again for posting - you've been a great help

 

[Girimama33]

Amy,
If you want to PM me your e-mail address, I can send you some pictures of the upper and lower veranda casabella decks and the amount of shad they receive. The area is quite shaded because it is at the south end of the Ama Ama deck against a wall with tall trees. There are also trees in front of the decks on the other side of the walkway. Some sun does peak through in the late afternoon, but not a whole lot. We have also used this area in July, and the results were similar. The CM was right on with their description of the area.
The executive lanai would be a better option since you are a sun worshiper because the only shade they have is with the umbrellas and no surrounding trees, or I would rent a few beach casabellas. I would definitely inquire about a waiting list if you find you prefer a cabana or the lanai. People do cancel them from time to time.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Amy,
If you want to PM me your e-mail address, I can send you some pictures of the upper and lower veranda casabella decks and the amount of shad they receive. The area is quite shaded because it is at the south end of the Ama Ama deck against a wall with tall trees. There are also trees in front of the decks on the other side of the walkway. Some sun does peak through in the late afternoon, but not a whole lot. We have also used this area in July, and the results were similar. The CM was right on with their description of the area.
The executive lanai would be a better option since you are a sun worshiper because the only shade they have is with the umbrellas and no surrounding trees, or I would rent a few beach casabellas. I would definitely inquire about a waiting list if you find you prefer a cabana or the lanai. People do cancel them from time to time.

Thank you so much, I'll pm you now

I'm now unsure what to do, we have five full days planned purely around the pool and for Aulani dining/activities. I've currently got four bookings for the Ama Ama upper level casabellas & one day in a cabana (hopefully on Ka Maka landing - we are 3rd in the queue so hopefully we'll get what we want).

I'd read in posts last year about how difficult it is to get spots around the pool unless you are up really early (we would need three seats - one each for Steve & I, and the boys would share). I'd also read about your belongings being packed up if you are away for an hour. Now, tbh I probably sit sunbathing more than the average person , but I also love lazing around on the lazy river (I sound like a really lazy woman don't i??!!) and we also have a couple of breakfasts booked, so I don't want to be stressing incase I've possibly left the seats for too long! After all it's meant to be the stress free part of our trip! So the casabellas etc seemed ideal - had they been in the sun.

The only other option, as you say, will probably be the beach casabellas - just wondering if they are suitable if the males are going to be in the pool so much?

I've asked about a lanai/cabana waiting list and unfortuately Aulani don't do them.

I might try ringing a few more times in the hope of cancellations (though it's costly as ringing from the UK), and I'll ask again upon arrival.

Thanks again for posting - I really appreciate it

 

[silvaohana808]

Amy,

I've seen many cancellations working at the front desk...so if you want you can definitely keep on calling. We don't mind checking for you because there are people who cancel. Try calling closer to your arrival date also! Crossing my fingers for you!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Amy,

I've seen many cancellations working at the front desk...so if you want you can definitely keep on calling. We don't mind checking for you because there are people who cancel. Try calling closer to your arrival date also! Crossing my fingers for you!

Thanks Keala

I'll definitely keep trying then!

 

[Girimama33]

They will not put you on a waitlist until you get there. I agree to call every so often...but I agree with you that a cabana or the lani may be overkill with a family of 4.
The Beach casabellas would be a fine option for the family. The location at the beach may actually be closer to the pools from where the veranda casabellas are.
The CM chair policy works in different ways I guess. I have had my items picked up within a half hour of me being at the seat (that really ticked me off), so I prefer to have a spot that I do not have to worry about losing.

 

[AZMermaid]

How do you know you are third in line? Did they tell you at booking? We have two cabana days booked and if we find the chair situation manageable or the cabana not worth the money, we plan to cancel the second day. So, I think if you keep checking once there, you might luck out!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

They will not put you on a waitlist until you get there. I agree to call every so often...but I agree with you that a cabana or the lani may be overkill with a family of 4.
The Beach casabellas would be a fine option for the family. The location at the beach may actually be closer to the pools from where the veranda casabellas are.
The CM chair policy works in different ways I guess. I have had my items picked up within a half hour of me being at the seat (that really ticked me off), so I prefer to have a spot that I do not have to worry about losing.

Thanks Jana

From what you've said, I think the beach casabellas might be a better fit for us then - am I right in thinking there is a 24 hr cancellation policy for the reserved casabellas?

If so, I think I'm at least going to cancel my first days casabella, then I've still got time to cancel the other days once I arrive - just incase DH decides he likes the shade, and I can then find myself a sunny spot for when I'm on my own and join them at the casabella when they come out of the pool.

How do you know you are third in line? Did they tell you at booking? We have two cabana days booked and if we find the chair situation manageable or the cabana not worth the money, we plan to cancel the second day. So, I think if you keep checking once there, you might luck out!

Hi I asked upon booking what no I was in the queue and they noted my request for the Ka maka landing. When I rang yesterday to try t book the lanai, they confirmed once again that I was still third in the queue and that my location request was showing

I will definitely ask at check in as do fancy the lanai, I will also ring a few times in early August before we leave home, just in case people have changed their minds

 

[Girimama33]

On the days where you do not have the character breakfast or other morning activity scheduled, you could secure a chair in the sun on the Ama Ama deck close to the verandas. Then you would have a sunny spot and a shaded spot.
That area seems to fill up last too during busy times.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

On the days where you do not have the character breakfast or other morning activity scheduled, you could secure a chair in the sun on the Ama Ama deck close to the verandas. Then you would have a sunny spot and a shaded spot.
That area seems to fill up last too during busy times.

Ooh that sounds like a good idea - thank you

Is the sunny deck of Ama ama just above where our casabellas are? Thinking I could make that work quite well

 

[Girimama33]

If you are standing at the casabella veranda, looking at the ocean...the Ama Ama deck is directly to the right. There are a lot of chairs there...the deck is quite large.

 

[TwinMom202]

What's the differsnce between a casabella and a cabana?

 

[Girimama33]

A cabana is a tent with a small couch, two chairs and two loungers. Also a fridge, fan and TV. You get a waers, a fruit and little dessert plate. The cost is $325. A casabella is just a 2 person lounger with a shade. You can rent them at the beach for $45 a day. There is a deck with 2 casabellas by Ama Ama you can rent for $90 and a lower deck with 3 casabellas for $135. You get a 10% discount if you are a DVC member.