Aulani Trip Reports PLEASE!!

[Jaaron2]

We are planning a two week Aulani vacation in July / August....The wait for 7 months (to book) is killing me We just want to lock in our dates so we can book our flights and begin planning...... We tried to book cash in advance (so we can lock in our dates) but they havent released any cash rooms yet

We checked the regular room rate for our stay (we are planning on July 28 to Aug 11) and it was...... sit down.......$24,800.00.......who said DVC doesnt pay.

 

[vacationclub]

Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier.

We were at Aulani just after Labor day. I was in Hawaii for vacation and some work. I'm a freelance TV cameraman, and own a video production company. Since I had 3 HD cameras with me....of course I covered it. I put together a travel channel style review: An Inside Look at Aulani. (Also has some excursions covered.)

http://vimeo.com/29434941

 

[PrincessYessenia]

Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier.

We were at Aulani just after Labor day. I was in Hawaii for vacation and some work. I'm a freelance TV cameraman, and own a video production company. Since I had 3 HD cameras with me....of course I covered it. I put together a travel channel style review: An Inside Look at Aulani. (Also has some excursions covered.)

http://vimeo.com/29434941

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

 

[bwvBound]

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

Lots of variables involved!

Lagoons:
* May have some issues with clarity depending on ocean conditions.
* No lifeguards on duty.
* Provide your own gear (rentals are available).
* The fish tend to hang near the rocky landscapes. These spaces will be near the ocean-side of the lagoon, not the shoreline. You must be both brave and strong enough to swim across the lagoon to the spaces near the inlets.
* You are swimming in the ocean. Could be scary to many!
* You might see larger critters ... sea turtles, reef shark and (reportedly) hammerhead.

Rainbow Reef:
* Visibility and water conditions are generally consistent.
* Well monitored with CMs.
* Appropriate equipment is provided.
* Pretty certain viewing of a good variety of fish.
* Environment is structured, contained and very safe.

I think some will prefer the lagoons and others, who might not even consider the lagoons or open ocean, will try Rainbow Reef. Especially if visibility is poor at the time they wish to snorkel.

 

[mamaprincess]

Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier.

We were at Aulani just after Labor day. I was in Hawaii for vacation and some work. I'm a freelance TV cameraman, and own a video production company. Since I had 3 HD cameras with me....of course I covered it. I put together a travel channel style review: An Inside Look at Aulani. (Also has some excursions covered.)

http://vimeo.com/29434941

That was beautifully shot, edited and narrated. Thanks so much for sharing.

 

[carlbarry]

Lots of variables involved!

Lagoons:
* May have some issues with clarity depending on ocean conditions.
* No lifeguards on duty.
* Provide your own gear (rentals are available).
* The fish tend to hang near the rocky landscapes. These spaces will be near the ocean-side of the lagoon, not the shoreline. You must be both brave and strong enough to swim across the lagoon to the spaces near the inlets.
* You are swimming in the ocean. Could be scary to many!
* You might see larger critters ... sea turtles, reef shark and (reportedly) hammerhead.

Rainbow Reef:
* Visibility and water conditions are generally consistent.
* Well monitored with CMs.
* Appropriate equipment is provided.
* Pretty certain viewing of a good variety of fish.
* Environment is structured, contained and very safe.

I think some will prefer the lagoons and others, who might not even consider the lagoons or open ocean, will try Rainbow Reef. Especially if visibility is poor at the time they wish to snorkel.

Thanks! I'm definitely going to try the lagoon.

 

[bwvBound]

Thanks! I'm definitely going to try the lagoon.

C'mon -- think BIGGER! You should aim to try all four lagoons (we saw sea turtles in three of the four) ... and possibly open ocean at off-property beaches? Google Electric Beach to see if it might interest you?

 

[carlbarry]

C'mon -- think BIGGER! You should aim to try all four lagoons (we saw sea turtles in three of the four) ... and possibly open ocean at off-property beaches? Google Electric Beach to see if it might interest you?

Ha! Oh yes, of course. Hanauma Bay, and Kahe Point a.k.a Electric Beach (even though I've been told it's in a "bad" area) . . .
Now by "lagoons" (plural) does that mean other lagoons neighboring the ones at Aulani?
Thanks again.

 

[bwvBound]

Now by "lagoons" (plural) does that mean other lagoons neighboring the ones at Aulani?

Right! I'm referring to the four man-made lagoons along the Ko Olina coastline. You might also want to venture to the natural lagoon and beaches just beyond the neighboring Marriott hotel (exit Aulani at the coastal walk, turn right and follow the trail to where the pavement ends ... keep going ... happy exploring!).

 

[Disneyfn420]

I did the lagoon and Rainbow Reef and enjoyed both. I am not a strong swimmer and I had no trouble as long as I staayed within Aulani property. The water was very buoyant and I had flippers. Not as many fish there though. And water wasn't as clear. I did a snorkel excursion on our cruise and water was very clear but didn't see many fish. In rainbow Reef it was awesome as I was going against "traffic" and had hundreds of fish coming at me a few times...was very cool. As a beginner I loved being in a protected environment for my first time. Made me do the other excursion later on!

Lots of variables involved!

Lagoons:
* May have some issues with clarity depending on ocean conditions.
* No lifeguards on duty.
* Provide your own gear (rentals are available).
* The fish tend to hang near the rocky landscapes. These spaces will be near the ocean-side of the lagoon, not the shoreline. You must be both brave and strong enough to swim across the lagoon to the spaces near the inlets.
* You are swimming in the ocean. Could be scary to many!
* You might see larger critters ... sea turtles, reef shark and (reportedly) hammerhead.

Rainbow Reef:
* Visibility and water conditions are generally consistent.
* Well monitored with CMs.
* Appropriate equipment is provided.
* Pretty certain viewing of a good variety of fish.
* Environment is structured, contained and very safe.

I think some will prefer the lagoons and others, who might not even consider the lagoons or open ocean, will try Rainbow Reef. Especially if visibility is poor at the time they wish to snorkel.

 

[carlbarry]

Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier.

We were at Aulani just after Labor day. I was in Hawaii for vacation and some work. I'm a freelance TV cameraman, and own a video production company. Since I had 3 HD cameras with me....of course I covered it. I put together a travel channel style review: An Inside Look at Aulani. (Also has some excursions covered.)

http://vimeo.com/29434941

By far the best video I've seen of Aulani. Even better than Disney videos. Very comprehensive. Thanks!

 

[Podgieree]

Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier.

We were at Aulani just after Labor day. I was in Hawaii for vacation and some work. I'm a freelance TV cameraman, and own a video production company. Since I had 3 HD cameras with me....of course I covered it. I put together a travel channel style review: An Inside Look at Aulani. (Also has some excursions covered.)

http://vimeo.com/29434941

Thank you so much! We leave here in less than 36 hours for our Aulani adventure. I can't wait!!! I really appreciate all of your hard work. Mahalo!

 

[rparmfamily]

Yes, great video!!!! Made me want to visit Hawaii!


Wait...LOL...

 

[wink13]

Yes, great video!!!! Made me want to visit Hawaii!


Wait...LOL...

 

[lilpooh108]

Great video!

 

[dreamlinda]

Great video!

 

[michellebriana]

I am here in Aulani. It is a beautiful resort! Much nicer than the pictures. A couple of things I thought I would mention. Refillable mugs are now $18. The brown embossed Dooney and Bourke bags were delivered on Monday. . They still had about 6 today.
They also had the wristlet and shoulder sling (white). Infinity hot tub is amazing. There are 2 levels. Water slides (tube and body) are both great. You get a 10% DVC discount for the rainbow reef experience. The water is kept colder than pools and ocean. Makahiki buffet was very good - both breakfast and dinner. Beach chairs are free. Everyone here is so nice. We are having a great time! Aloha!

Michelle

 

[barb45]

Can't wait to be able to go. Would like to take the whole family.

 

[wink13]

I am here in Aulani. It is a beautiful resort! Much nicer than the pictures. A couple of things I thought I would mention. Refillable mugs are now $18. The brown embossed Dooney and Bourke bags were delivered on Monday. . They still had about 6 today.
They also had the wristlet and shoulder sling (white). Infinity hot tub is amazing. There are 2 levels. Water slides (tube and body) are both great. You get a 10% DVC discount for the rainbow reef experience. The water is kept colder than pools and ocean. Makahiki buffet was very good - both breakfast and dinner. Beach chairs are free. Everyone here is so nice. We are having a great time! Aloha!

Michelle

Thanks for the update. We'll be there in 2 weeks!

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

My DH and I are going in April next year. Does anyone know if you can use your Disney Visa Reward Dollars there?