Aulani: The Paradise You Never Outgrow

[SpaceMountain77]

Today, I had the opportunity to watch the webcast. Although the resort is architecturally stunning with classic Disney magic and storytelling touches, I would much rather spend a week at Disney's Polynesian Resort.

 

[jekjones1558]

I have stayed at both places and prefer Aulani hands down. But I love Hawaii, so that automatically gives Aulani an advantage in my world. I also watched the webcast and it really does not do Aulani justice.

 

[Mfischee]

Aulani is absolutely beautiful! Poly doesn't even compare. We've stayed at Aulani twice and the first time I walked into the lobby it brought tears to my eyes at how beautiful it really was. Although there isn't so much disney decor, it truly is perfect!

 

[jeremyreger]

Just finished the webcast myself.. I stumbled on this thread, and notice you guys have been..

Is there any tips on the air fare? Any time we have looked at going the airfare for 4 of us will be $3,000 or more.. Is that pretty typical?

 

[CocosMeme]

We did Aulani last year and I cannot wait to go back. The only thing holding me back is the airfare!
We both absolutely loved every minute of that trip. We rented a car and spent every other day day-tripping around the island to see everything. It is amazing!

 

[bwvBound]

Just watched the webcast. In general, I agree with Jean, the webcast, while good, doesn't do Aulani justice. As for Poly vs Aulani, count me as "Prefer Aulani!" -- but largely because it is in HI vs FL.

As to the question seeking tips on airfare -- try breaking up the trip at the west coast. Try monitoring airfare between west coast cities and HNL and then build a trip around the best you find. I'd watch LAX, SFO, SJC and possibly SEA?

 

[SuperRob]

Today, I had the opportunity to watch the webcast. Although the resort is architecturally stunning with classic Disney magic and storytelling touches, I would much rather spend a week at Disney's Polynesian Resort.

Aulani is a far more authentic experience. Plus, you have not lived until you've spent a day at Laniwai, relaxing in the outdoor hydrotherapy garden. The Poly doesn't even come close.

The only thing the Poly has on Aulani is Dole Whip, but at Aulani, you can drive to the actual Dole Plantation and get you Dole Whip right from the source.

 

[badiggio]

^or cross the street and get your dole whip at the ABC store!

 

[bakenatj]

Aulani is a far better resort if you ask me. Not even close. Poly is very dated and Aulani is spectacular. As far as air goes, look at traveling from a Wednesday. I have found it cheaper. It really depends on what part of the country you are flying from though.

And shaved ice is better than a DW IMHO.

 

[georgeat]

You can go by air? The DW and I were at Aulani in a one bedroom in May 2012. I took the Disney Wonder. I could not stay the night but the resort sure beats the Poly. I guess I will have to look into this flying thing.

 

[bwvBound]

You can go by air? The DW and I were at Aulani in a one bedroom in May 2012. I took the Disney Wonder. I could not stay the night but the resort sure beats the Poly. I guess I will have to look into this flying thing.

Aw, shucks! I'd love to go by ship! Especially if I could find one from my home port, San Diego. Nothing beats starting our vacation at the dock!

 

[dsneygirl]

Aulani is a far better resort if you ask me. Not even close. Poly is very dated and Aulani is spectacular. As far as air goes, look at traveling from a Wednesday. I have found it cheaper. It really depends on what part of the country you are flying from though.

And shaved ice is better than a DW IMHO.

Ya, not even close. The Poly is a 1970s version of Polynesia, Aulani is much more authentic. They call it Big H little D, focusing on the culture, traditions etc of Hawaii. It is spectacular. better than any WDW Deluxe resort IMHO.

 

[Anal Annie]

Just finished the webcast myself.. I stumbled on this thread, and notice you guys have been..

Is there any tips on the air fare? Any time we have looked at going the airfare for 4 of us will be $3,000 or more.. Is that pretty typical?

Depending on where you're flying FROM (especially from the east) $750 pp round trip would actually be pretty reasonable for 4 people. We are going this August and found that because we're stopping at DL for a few nights first and returning home from Maui that it's actually going to cost us a lot MORE than that. If we were just doing a straight roundtrip from DC it would've been probably between $800 and $900. BUT we're flying one-way from DC to LA on Alaska Air and then home from Maui (with only 1 stop) on Alaska. Those flights alone are costing us $704 pp. Then we found the one-way between LAX and HNL to be ridiculous this summer. Coach seats on Hawaiian Air when I booked were $474 pp and then we upgraded to "extra comfort" seats to get a few more inches of legroom so that was another $60 pp for a total of $534 pp. Same exact flight today is $688 for coach. (Yes, I could find cheaper ones today for example Delta is $520 but the one I BOOKED in January has gone up that much.) Then our inter-island flights to Maui are $98 pp. Grand total pp is $1,336. Your actual findings may vary but I would rather plan and budget for the higher fares just in case.