Aulani Trip Reports PLEASE!!

[Podgieree]

We were told the price on refillable mugs dropped as part of the tweaking. At $18, these seem to be selling well (lots of folks are carrying the mugs). The refill station in the store has good coffee and nice selection of tea bags ... I think there were only sodas at the pool area refill station.

Thank you so much for the updated information. I really appreciate it!

 

[bwvBound]

Went snorkeling off-property, but nearby. We had our own gear. The spot was easy to find using tips from the following web-site: http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/kahe_point_beach_park_snorkeling.html

 

[Cambsuk]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2792809

My trip report from opening week.

I am surprised they removed the length of stay option, I don't think anyone would really snorkel every day, but I guess Disney was losing money on that option.

I am also glad to see the price of the refillable cup go down, I would have bought it for $18 as a souvenier

 

[DisneyFan68]

I heard there was supposed to be BBQs that guests would be able to use at Aulani. I didn't see any though. Does anyone know where they are located?

 

[bwvBound]

I heard there was supposed to be BBQs that guests would be able to use at Aulani. I didn't see any though. Does anyone know where they are located?

Sitting in storage right now. We were told they'll be installed on the island-view side of the Ewa tower. That space is still blocked off in construction.

 

[mkymsehi]

I showed friends around the resort on Friday, and stayed from Saturday to Sunday.

I didn't bother to look at the refillable mugs, having seen them at $32.99 on opening day. Didn't notice if they were now $18.

The beach rental and Rainbow Reef rental shacks both had the $99 length of stay part taped over on the signs.

 

[Cambsuk]

I hope someone can answer these questions

2. Are the photopass cards the same as the ones you get in DLR or WDW? We're doing a late October WDW trip and I'd love to combine my photos on one photopass card to order just one CD
?

4. Are there lots of "free" umbrellas by the pool area for use? From what I can understand, the "for fee" chairs/umbrellas only apply to the beach area.

As far as I know its a regular photopass card, I was able to use this same card last week at Disneyland without any problem. I haven't ordered any of the photos though so I am not sure about that part of it.

There are a few (like 5?) 'free' umbrellas on the beach that are closer to the JW and are a permanent feature of the beach, but there are no chairs, the chairs either belong to Disney or the JW.

Sorry I just read that you meant the pool area not the beach, there are umbrellas but not very many by the larger pools, its open and not covered. Also most of the ones they do have are taken quickly.

 

[FullAB]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! We are staying a week in a two bedroom pool view villa in late Feb. We cant wait!

 

[mkymsehi]

I just had to call customer service at Photopass in Florida, to resolve issues with my cards issued at Aulani. When I uploaded to my account, it recognized my numbers, but the photos did not appear in my albums.

Speaking to a Cast Member, I had to describe days and approximate times we took photos with characters, or around the resort. Since I already had Disneyland photos from two weeks ago, she was able to see what I looked like, in order to go through the photos in their system. Once she found one, she could link up all the others. So my photos have been added to my account.

HOWEVER, the picture taken with Mickey at the Character Breakfast, did not come with the event number printed either on the boarder, or the back of the photo. The Aulani Photopass people had no clue that once you purchase a event photo, it can be added to a card or into my account with the event number. In fact, they won't scan your card when the picture is taken, but they photograph your dining reservation slip.

While you're dining, they come around and show you the photos, and ask you if you want to purchase. Another $32 added to your bill for one 5 x 7" of your family, with one 5 x 7" of Mickey and Minnie. Plus four 3 x 5's, of each of the two photos they take of you with Mickey at the entrance.

Make sure you deduct the $32 mentally from your bill, otherwise you're tipping on the higher amount including the photos.

I did have my photopass card with me from Disneyland, but they recommended I use the Aulani card, since the beginning part of the code is AULA NI_ _ _ _. There system is separate from the parks system.

As far as the umbrellas poolside. First come first served. Lifeguards and pool attendants work from 8 am to 8 pm. Early at 7 am, not many guests are up yet, and usually go to breakfast. By 9 am on Saturday, most of the umbrellas were taken. But on Sunday, less people were on property, and we scored a nice spot next to the Menehune Bridge kids play area. Stayed there ALL DAY LONG, and saw lots of other people come and go.

There is the option to rent a pool cabana. No idea what it costs, but if you've got the money, then splurge.

EDITED 2/14/12:

Disney Photopass has fixed their problem, and photos from Aulani now upload to their server in Florida. You can order photos online, or the photo CD. Big hint, pre-order the disc online BEFORE your trip for $99. It's more if ordering it at the resort.

 

[emilymad]

I think the cabana is $275 for the day. At least that is what the pool attendant quoted the people in front of us in line for wrist bands. I only saw one of the cabana's in use during our stay. I want to say they had about 8 people in their group.

 

[twinklebug]

Just curious, what is there to do onsite that does not cost extra?

So far I have: swimming, evening movie, community hall. I guess that's pretty typical of the other Disney resorts.

I'm far more familiar with SC and FL than HI so they don't feel as isolated to me.

What is there to do offsite but within a short drive? (<1 hr)

 

[lilpooh108]

Cambsuk & Jeff,

Thanks so much for your responses to my questions! We're really looking forward to our December trip Hopefully the Photopass system will have worked out all of its glitches by then.

Thanks again!

 

[bwvBound]

Just curious, what is there to do onsite that does not cost extra?

So far I have: swimming, evening movie, community hall. I guess that's pretty typical of the other Disney resorts.

What is there to do offsite but within a short drive? (<1 hr)

Note that the 'Evening Movie,' shown in the Painted Sky Spa, is only for Tweens and Teens. It isn't a family movie night as it might be if shown poolside, on the beach, etc. Additional on-property free activities, add: character meet'n'greets, Menehune Adventure Trail; pin trading; story telling with Uncle; and morning exercise program (7a daily; activity varies).

Offsite, nearby: swap meet at the Aloha Stadium ($1 pp entrance; lots of souvenir products; Sa/Su/W); beaches!; USS Arizona Memorial with related historical center and attractions.

If you enjoy snorkeling -- either bring or rent gear and have fun visiting various beaches. For intermediate/advanced swimmers, there is an excellent snorkeling spot just west of the Ko Olina property (really short drive).

 

[carlbarry]

According to the scans of the daily activities posted previously, other free activities include:
Sunrise yoga, Total Body Circuit, Fish Feeding Viewing at Rainbow Reef, Maka'Ika'I the Nature and Wildlife of Aulani for Adults, Aloha Fun With Disney Friends, Shake A Shaka Pool party with Disney Friends, Aloha Fun! with Disney Friends, Aloha Welcome to Aulani, Mo'Olelo Fire Pit Storytelling, Po La'Ila'I Sunset Gathering, Teen Ukelele, and so forth.

 

[bwvBound]

Just back from Yoga on the lagoon (free activity). Wow - it was a fantastic workout and we feel g-r-e-a-t (if not a little like Gumby). We also enjoyed the 2.3 mile power walk yesterday morning. I highly recommend joining the 7A fitness activity!

 

[TreesyB]

Just back from Yoga on the lagoon (free activity). Wow - it was a fantastic workout and we feel g-r-e-a-t (if not a little like Gumby). We also enjoyed the 2.3 mile power walk yesterday morning. I highly recommend joining the 7A fitness activity!

I am looking forward to that! And then I won't have jet lag when we go home!

 

[bwvBound]

Just back from lunch at Ama Ama. Oh! They have a good selection of Press Pot tea varieties on the desert menu. Next time, we'll order the tea early in the meal! The press pot made at least 4 mugs of tea and is easily shared by two.

 

[bwvBound]

Note that the 'Evening Movie,' shown in the Painted Sky Spa, is only for Tweens and Teens. It isn't a family movie night as it might be if shown poolside, on the beach, etc.

I was wrong! The resort offered a family movie night out on the wedding garden lawn last night. We watched The Little Mermaid while sitting on woven mats. Perhaps they didn't have these earlier through the week due to media events?

 

[Disneyfn420]

Just wanted to say I just got back from Hawaii and 4 nights at Aulani. Everyone in my party LOVED it...and several were not Disney fans. We had a 2BR and a studio, both DVC. I snorkeled in both the lagoon and Rainbow reef...had a great time...tons of fish in the lagoon. Cast members were top notch. It was empty when we were there..could walk up for reservations in all the restaurants...only time it was crowded was our last day which was a Saturday and we left for our cruise. The character breakfast was packed. If anyone has any questions, let me know.

 

[carlbarry]

Just wanted to say I just got back from Hawaii and 4 nights at Aulani. Everyone in my party LOVED it...and several were not Disney fans. We had a 2BR and a studio, both DVC. I snorkeled in both the lagoon and Rainbow reef...had a great time...tons of fish in the lagoon. Cast members were top notch. It was empty when we were there..could walk up for reservations in all the restaurants...only time it was crowded was our last day which was a Saturday and we left for our cruise. The character breakfast was packed. If anyone has any questions, let me know.

So is it worth paying for Rainbow Reef if the lagoon is so good for snorkeling? Thanks.