Aulani - here now - post your questions

[gonzalj1]

Sad to say we left today. We are home now.

We had a great time. Please let us know if there anything we can answer for you.

 

[Fellowship9798]

I still can't decide between a 1BR and a studio. One friend who has visited recommended a studio since we won't be in the room much while another said we shouldn't go below a 1BR since it's nice to have the full kitchen for breakfast and lunch in the room on pool/beach days since there is a Costco close. We'd be going during a prime time when points are higher.

We are at Aulani in a 1BR right now. It did cost quite a few points but we are taking advantage of the kitchen (not quite as much as we thought but still it helps) and the extra space. I would go with the 1BR again if I could make it work with the points. As it is, it's taking 1.5 years of our DVC points for thus 10 day stay.

Either a Studio or a 1BR would be fine as long as it gets you here.

 

[poohj80]

We are at Aulani in a 1BR right now. It did cost quite a few points but we are taking advantage of the kitchen (not quite as much as we thought but still it helps) and the extra space. I would go with the 1BR again if I could make it work with the points. As it is, it's taking 1.5 years of our DVC points for thus 10 day stay.

Either a Studio or a 1BR would be fine as long as it gets you here.

Totally agree there! Leaning toward the 1BR , even though it will take two years worth of points for a week, as we want our first visit to be magical.

 

[lovesthebeach]

Totally agree there! Leaning toward the 1BR , even though it will take two years worth of points for a week, as we want our first visit to be magical.

We are here for 9 mights in a studio and I would have loved to get a 1 bedroom for all the reasons above, but we also have our son and DIL here in another studio so we didnt have enough points. We did manage to get plenty of breakfast and lunch goodies at Costco but it doesn't cover all the meals and we aren't thrilled with the food here at the resort. So I agree to get a 1 bedroom if you can.

 

[psimon]

We are here for 9 mights in a studio and I would have loved to get a 1 bedroom for all the reasons above, but we also have our son and DIL here in another studio so we didnt have enough points. We did manage to get plenty of breakfast and lunch goodies at Costco but it doesn't cover all the meals and we aren't thrilled with the food here at the resort. So I agree to get a 1 bedroom if you can.

We moved on from Aulani on Wednesday. We loved Monkeypod across the street. Happy hour is a good deal. Check it out. Enjoy!

---Paul in Southern NJ (but not this week!)

 

[gumbypee]

I really wanted a studio but none were available so I got stuck with a 1 Bdrm. I'm doing zero cooking. Such a waste but only way I could get to see aulani

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

We have a 1br booked at Aulani for President's Week- me, DH and DD(8). This is our first stay in a DVC villa, but we normally stay in timeshares so we know we wanted the full kitchen. When we went to Maui we cooked a ton since DD would rather be in the pool than at a restaurant!

I am looking into booking Fish are Friends and Surfs Up for DD. Does anyone know how much these cost (and is it worth it), and how far in advance I can book?

Another question, when we stayed at Westin Ka'anapali in Maui, there were grilling/dining areas near the pools- this was great since DH and I had dinner while DD swam. Does Aulani have grills and what is it near?

Any recommendations for parasailing, DD and DH went in Maui and loved it!

Thanks!

 

[wdrl]

Another question, when we stayed at Westin Ka'anapali in Maui, there were grilling/dining areas near the pools- this was great since DH and I had dinner while DD swam. Does Aulani have grills and what is it near?

Aulani has gas grills. They are located on the Ewa side of the resort near Auntie's Beach House and the One Paddle Two Paddle counter service.

JonLouisB was in Villa 787 and posted some photos of his view on the Aulani Villas and Views thread. If you look at the third photo in his post (click here) you'll see the gas grills in the upper right of his third photo. Its not a very good photo of showing off the grills (its a better photo of the outdoor play area at Auntie's), but its the only one I have.

 

[poohj80]

We have a 1br booked at Aulani for President's Week- me, DH and DD(8). This is our first stay in a DVC villa, but we normally stay in timeshares so we know we wanted the full kitchen. When we went to Maui we cooked a ton since DD would rather be in the pool than at a restaurant!

I am looking into booking Fish are Friends and Surfs Up for DD. Does anyone know how much these cost (and is it worth it), and how far in advance I can book?

Another question, when we stayed at Westin Ka'anapali in Maui, there were grilling/dining areas near the pools- this was great since DH and I had dinner while DD swam. Does Aulani have grills and what is it near?

Any recommendations for parasailing, DD and DH went in Maui and loved it!

Thanks!

We'll be traveling with DD(8) for spring break (just finalized reservations this morning at 7 month window) in a 1BR Ocean view (if we're gonna do this, we're doing it right! ). Our DD will also probably rather stay in the pool than a erstaurant so definitely plan on hitting Costco and at least having breakfast and some lunches in the room.

I have only found the following about the kid's experiences so we may have to call to get prices:

Premium Experiences*
The Premium Experiences below are interactive activities that are specially designed to reflect the spectacular setting of Oʻahu—and include immersive enchantment, food, souvenirs and so much more! Due to popularity, advance reservations are recommended. Secure your spot by calling the Reservation Center at (808) 674-6200.
Fish Are Friends
Young Guests love this inside look at how the animal specialists train, feed and care for the marine life at Aulani. During this up-close encounter with colorful Hawaiian fish, kids get to prepare fish food and then feed it to them!

This 3-hour Premium Experience includes lunch, fish food, a DVD of Disneynature Oceans and a “Fish Are Friends” logo cinch bag. Reservations required.
Surf's Up with Chip and Dale
Chip and Dale are excited to share everything they love about surfing and the beach! During this surf-themed party, Guests ages 3 to 12 can decorate their own wooden mini-surfboard, dine with new friends and dance with Chip and Dale.

This 3-hour Premium Experience includes a themed dinner, special cinch bag and decorated mini-surfboard. Reservations required.


We'd also like to take DD to see the volcanoes on the Big Island so thinking we may start there for a night or two then hop over to Aulani for the rest of our stay.

 

[scottergee]

Did you happen to notice if there was Vinylmation trading boxes anywhere at Aulani?

 

[gonzalj1]

Did you happen to notice if there was Vinylmation trading boxes anywhere at Aulani?

Didn't see any trading but they did have a couple Aulani specific Vinylmation for sale in the gift shop.

 

[Fellowship9798]

We have a 1br booked at Aulani for President's Week- me, DH and DD(8). This is our first stay in a DVC villa, but we normally stay in timeshares so we know we wanted the full kitchen. When we went to Maui we cooked a ton since DD would rather be in the pool than at a restaurant!

I am looking into booking Fish are Friends and Surfs Up for DD. Does anyone know how much these cost (and is it worth it), and how far in advance I can book?


Thanks!

My kids DD6 and DS8 did Fish are Friends just today. Cost for the 3 hr program was $69 per child and included lunch. I didn't get the full review from them yet, but it sounds like they would recommend it.

 

[psimon]

Did you happen to notice if there was Vinylmation trading boxes anywhere at Aulani?

I specifically asked about vinylmation trading and they said that, no, they do not do trading, yet. They were hoping for it to start soon, but no info on that yet.

Hope that helps...


----Paul in Southern NJ (but not this week!)

 

[Mazz519]

Definately use mousesavers but go through all the codes

 

[poohj80]

Definately use mousesavers but go through all the codes

For what?

 

[DisneyOHFan]

This is fabulous info. Thank you everyone. We just booked for Spring Break and can't wait.

 

[poohj80]

This is fabulous info. Thank you everyone. We just booked for Spring Break and can't wait.

So did we. See ya there!

 

[DisneyOHFan]

So did we. See ya there!

Awesome. We check in 3/22.

 

[poohj80]

Awesome. We check in 3/22.

Us too (for now) but considering going to the Big Island for a night first to see the volcanoes.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Us too (for now) but considering going to the Big Island for a night first to see the volcanoes.

LOL, no way could I go to the Big Island for one night first. Unless you live on the west coast, your body clock will take enough of a hit that you will be awake earlier than the butt crack of dawn! I'd wait until you can spend more time on the Big Island and after you are acclimated to the time change a bit and can enjoy it. The Big Island is our absolute favorite, and we would have purchased Aulani if they would have built it on Hawaii instead of Oahu. If you think you want to only spend one day there, then take a one day excursion from Oahu in the middle of your trip. My advice though, is to spend at least a couple of days there and divide the time between the Hilo side and the Kona side. Right now you can not access Volcanoes park from the Kona side of the island. That road is closed on that side. You must access the park from the Hilo side, and the road is only open to the visitor's center, and then you have to turn around and go back the way you came.