Aulani: Non-US Beginner's Guide?

[Agent 86]

Hi all,

Our family is considering what would be a "once in a lifetime" stay at Aulani in late September / early October 2025. Our local currency is very weak against the US dollar at the moment, so it would be an unprecedented amount of money for us to spend on a hotel.

I'm trying to learn as much as I can about Aulani to determine whether it represents value for us, especially as we'll be travelling with our four year old daughter who loves arts and crafts, character meets and playing in the pool or at the beach. I've been through the official website and also checked out Disney Tourist Blog's many articles: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/aulani-resort-spa-trip-planning-guide/

My main concern at this stage is the ease and availability of the free activities that would most appeal to our daughter, for example:

- ukelele lessons
- hulu lessons
- scavenger hunt
- arts and crafts in the community hall
- fireside storytelling with Moana (?)
- separate "lawn" event with Moana (?)
- Goofy pool party
- beach "mermaid tail" activity
- assorted (free) character meets, especially the Duffy and friends characters.

I think some of these are easily available, like the scavenger hunt and arts and crafts in the community hall. For others, I've read that you have to be in line at 7:30am (for the sign up which opens at 8am) to get a place and places are very limited?

If we only stay for 3 or 4 nights, noting that some activities may not be scheduled during our stay, how likely is it that we will be able to do most of these activities?

I also vaguely understand that the free kids club operates as follows:

- open from 8am to 2pm
- each child can attend (for free) for a maximum of 1.5 hours each day
- you need to make a reservation for your preferred 1.5 hour slot
- at other times, the kids club is open for paid / premium activities or open to all for family activities.

Is that correct?

We won't be able to afford any of the premium experiences, like the luau, Mickey Ears, t-shirt, snorkelling, etc, but that's fine for us. IF we can get places for some of the free activities, I think we'll have more than enough to do.

As far as I can tell, it's possible to borrow life vests, boogie boards and beach toys for free? Is that correct? The official website mentions everything, except beach toys.

I've also read something about a so-called "secret beach" where it's possible to see turtles which staff will drive you to in a golf cart? But, I'm not sure if that's only offered for premium guests? Or maybe non-premium guests can just walk there? Our daughter would love to see some turtles if that's possible (including Olu Mel or "turtle boy" as she calls him).

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[MissPixieDreamer]

Sorry for not having the answers to your questions, since I'm just another person dreaming about one day visiting Aulani. Did lots of research recently too... I just wanted to check if you know about the possibility of renting points to pay less in your stay at Aulani. My local currency is also very weak and renting DVC points could help you lower the cost (just to be clear, I'm a DVC member but I use up all my points, so not trying to offer points...)

Loved your questions, and I'll try to follow the answers you get here to prepare for a possible future visit Thanks for posting the link to Disney Tourist Blog about Aulani planning... I'll also check there to learn more...

I have a 5-year-old daughter and we visited Vero Beach and loved our stay there.

Also...in the DVC part of the forum, there is a dedicated discussion about Aulani, with lots of visitors and owners. It might be a good idea to replicate your post there.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Here a post I made about certain offerings that you book in advance.

Post in thread 'Aulani Activity/ADR Booking Window/Time'
https://www.disboards.com/threads/aulani-activity-adr-booking-window-time.3943513/post-65678028

You are correct about Aunties free time.

Never heard of cast members taking people to secret beach in a cart. You can walk, it’s a bit rocky and turtles are not always there.

 

[mk717]

Just got back from Aulani! There are plenty of no cost activities but many you have to reserve in advance.

There were 3 main activities websites: one for Aunty's, one for activities (Pau Hauna), and one for fitness/spa (for the adults). Each has a different advance booking window (90 days, 30 days, and 2 weeks, respectively). Dining has its own site and a 30 day window. Some sites open midnight Hawaii time, some sites 7am. We were able to do things like daily Aunty's, ukelele lessions, animation drawing. I didn't get a spot for the Thingamabobs - A Mermaid's Tale, that seemed to go quickest. Note that not all activities occur every day. Edit: Adding that some activities didn't appear for a few days after the window opened.

Character meet and greets occur every day and you just need to note the times and wait in line. They have 'Olu Mel and Duffy the Disney Bear which I haven't seen elsewhere. It sounds like your daughter would like the character breakfast so it might be a splurge to consider, though the characters are all available at the meet and greets.

Your planned dates are off peak and I would consider renting DVC points. Free parking vs. $40/night for hotel guests. Anyway, it's a fun place and hope you and your family can make it.

 

[lilsonicfan]

Activity booking has changed at Aulani, we were there in March 2023 and literally during our 4 night stay it went from "go to Pau Hana in person to sign up for activities" to "book online"... and even then it seemed inconsistent in terms of the messaging as to when to book. I will say we didn't do a ton of activities - we did do ukulele lessons and we attended storytelling by the fire pit twice I think (both excellent!) but otherwise it was more about pool/lazy river/beach time. I had signed my kids up for Aunty's but they ended up deciding they didn't want to go.

I'd also suggest renting DVC points, you may find it's cheaper and you can stay longer. Or maybe afford to splurge for the character breakfast or something.

 

[catmegs]

We are from New Zealand, so when we travel it’s with a very weak dollar and a real big cost with the airfare. My biggest advice (if this is a stretch for you) is to not travel with a 4 year old. We did Aulani when our boys were 4 and 5 and neither remember it. We returned when they were 7 and 8 and they had such a better time and remember the trip vividly. They were also much better swimmers which made a huge difference to our ability to relax.

 

[Agent 86]

Thanks everyone!

We're currently investigating renting DVC points - it's a whole new world for us!