Aulani - can I double check something please?

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi all

I've just had an email from Aulani, as I'd messaged them a while ago asking when was the earliest I could book some activities (kids club events, cabana and executive lanai) and dining reservations.

They have said it is 6 months in advance - but I'm sure somewhere here someone has booked earlier than that?

Just wanted to double check - as we really want to book a cabana in a particular location, but I know someone has told me I can't book until the 7 mth window (when I book the hotel) and that others could possibly book earlier than me.

I'd love my reply from Aulani to be accurate, but for some reason I trust my Dis friends more!!

 

[Pooh2]

I cannot answer your question but wanted to comment that we sent several emails to Aulani to ask questions before our trip and were surprised how long it took to receive an answer; usually 10-14 days for a very basic question.
Maybe try calling concierge for a quicker answer?

 

[Neraj]

Just keep in mind that things may have changed over time. Some people may have been able to book further than 6 months in advance before, but after seeing how that worked Aulani needed to adjust. There have already been a number of changes to Aulani in its first 3 years.

 

[wdrl]

I believe the simplest, most direct way to find out what and when you can book things at Aulani is to call the resort as soon as you make your villa reservation. If Aulani takes your reservation, then fine; if not, then you know you'll have to wait.

According to a couple different CMs we have talked to the resort is currently about 80% occupied and has about 3,000 guests. Several cabanas and executive lanais have been available every day we have been here. We've seen parents line up at Aunty's Beach House as early as 6:45 AM (it opens before 8:00 AM) to sign up for kids programs that are "limited space" activities. We haven't checked out the Lani'wai spa so I can't comment on spa availability. The Holoholo Travel can arrange excursions well in advance of your check-in date.

 

[AZMermaid]

We booked our cabana days at about 10 months out for next late May/ early June. They did not ask for a reservation number but I was booked, so maybe my name was in the system for those dates or something. I guess that is possible. I called 808-674-6200 to book and it was easy peesy. I was sent a text and an email literally the second I hung up the phone. My understanding from reading reports was they call the night before in the order booked to see which cabana you want. I am not sure what happens if you don't answer! We requested the bridge area for the first day and I didn't specify for the second day because I am going to see if that area is busier than we like during the first day. Or it might be the perfect spot to watch the kiddos play. Just not sure until we try it!

My understanding (from reading reports here) is the free events at Aunty's are same day only and you have to get there super early (like before 7AM) to get a spot at busy times of year. I am not sure about the pay events. We plan to do Surf's Up with Chip and Dale for the kids the night we go to Ama Ama. I know dining is 6 months in advance, so I assumed that the kids stuff was too- but I could be wrong on this.

 

[Girimama33]

Aulani will book spa visits dining and activities 6 months out.
They allow booking of the cabanas and executive lanai earlier, but they have to be able to tie it to a reservation. You are not allowed to use the cabanas or executive lanai unless you are guests of the hotel, so that does need to be confirmed when making the reservation, either by reservation # or name and dates you will be at the hotel.
Az Mermaid, with having younger ones, the Menehune Bridge was a fabulous location. If was our DDs favorite place to be there. So it was nice to be able to still enjoy the cabana woke she played.

 

[TigerLaw]

Is there somewhere I can go to see what is and is not available to be booked in advance - what the options even are?

thanks!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Thanks everyone I guess I'm back to waiting for my 7 month booking window and just hoping that there aren't many in the cabana queue before me