Aulani: What's the One Thing You Wish You Knew?

[carissa1970]

We were there June 10-17 and while had trouble finding 2 or 3 chairs together at times, was able to have a CM either help us out, or another guest didn't need a chair shortly after we sat down. Guests who save chairs is a huge pet peeve of mine so I'm so happy Aulani is vigilant about their chair policy. A sign is posted with the chair policy at each booth that you get your towels and wrist bands, so guests must not be reading it if they aren't aware of the 1 hour policy.

Never had a problem at the pool areas, but boy, at the storytelling firepit, tons of people saving chairs and we had nowhere to sit. Some of them never came yet they wouldn't let us use the chairs.

 

[AZMermaid]

We were there around that same time period last year and always saw unused chairs. The resort didn't seem crazy crowded either.

Awesome! We are going the first week of June next year. I picked that week on purpose since I am done with school (teacher) but many others aren't out yet!

 

[mic_KY_mouses]

I wondered the same thing. There was a promo out there a few months ago for a freebie for Disney Visa Cardholders but it disappeared and I haven't seen it again. I printed the info and will ask when we get there in a few days to see if they will honor it. I'll post back if I can.

It worked! I took the info I printed out to Rainbow Reef and asked for the Disney cardholder free snorkel. They gave us a week-long pass, which was even better, by punching a mickey-shaped hole in our room key. We were to re-sign the waiver each day we wanted to use the pass and they punched our wristbands for the day. We only did RR once because I found snorkeling at the back of the lagoon closest to open water to be much better, and warmer.

 

[MrsPinup]

It worked! I took the info I printed out to Rainbow Reef and asked for the Disney cardholder free snorkel. They gave us a week-long pass, which was even better, by punching a mickey-shaped hole in our room key. We were to re-sign the waiver each day we wanted to use the pass and they punched our wristbands for the day. We only did RR once because I found snorkeling at the back of the lagoon closest to open water to be much better, and warmer.

Where did you find that? I recently got a Disney Visa

 

[mic_KY_mouses]

Where did you find that? I recently got a Disney Visa

A few months ago
I saw it on the Visa website but didn't print it. It was only there a short time. When I went back it was gone, so I "googled" it and found something with similar wording and printed it. I haven't looked lately. I don't know if you have to have the paper because it wasn't a coupon. If you can't find it anywhere just ask. I can't remember the valid dates and don't have it anymore, sorry.

 

[DisneyCruisin]

Got home Monday and I am so sad it's over! You will love it.

Save time at Safeway!
Send one person to the deli counter to get the cold cuts/salads while the other shops! The deli lady was lovely, but she was on island time. It took 20+ minutes to complete our order...

Make your own Ama Ama pineapple mimosas!
Get some bubbly, or prosecco at safeway or costco, and add pineapple juice! YUM!

Wasn't prepared for it getting dark so early, compared to home. Made the evenings seem to go so quick!

Get tubes at ABC for $3.99 to use in the lagoon. ABC in Waikiki offered to inflate them for us, but we declined. A cast member at Aulani saw me trying to inflate one and offered to inflate it for me! And then pay it forward and pass along to some kids on your last day. We made two families happy.

The fresh pasta chicken alfredo at Costco is delish, and easy. Pair it with some salad and you have a quick meal.

Was shocked at how often one or more pools were closed throughout the day, every day!

Was pleased to see how closely cast monitored the lounges. We had a large group and rotated, shared lounges. While some swam, others lounged. If we were patient, we almost always managed to get a bunch together, with umbrellas, whether poolside or on the beach.

Be prepared to not have a tube in the lazy river initially and to deal with pushy, rude people who think they don't have to wait their turn for a tube, or worse, who come from behind you and snatch it from the person handing it to you.

 

[LisaT91403]

Was shocked at how often one or more pools were closed throughout the day, every day!

Be prepared to not have a tube in the lazy river initially and to deal with pushy, rude people who think they don't have to wait their turn for a tube, or worse, who come from behind you and snatch it from the person handing it to you.

We have been to Aulani twice (most recently over Christmas week, 2013), and I never saw a pool close during either of our visits. We also never experienced a wait to use a tube.

I am sad to hear that things have changed since we were there :-(

But...I still wanna go back!

 

[amypetecar]

Anyone know if there are showers/restrooms that are public at north shore? Don't want to wear wet swimsuits back to aulani.

We found several including at Turtle Beach and Sunset Point Beach. There are several more throughout the coast, but those were the two we used.

Fyi. Sunset Point Beach...... Best, most magnificent waves ever....... Ever

 

[Saints67]

We have been to Aulani twice (most recently over Christmas week, 2013), and I never saw a pool close during either of our visits. We also never experienced a wait to use a tube. I am sad to hear that things have changed since we were there :-( But...I still wanna go back!

We were there June 8-15. Seemed like the main pool closed for at least a couple of hours every day. They said it was something to do with the chemicals. Not a big deal....the infinity pool, lazy river, adult pool, and of course the lagoon provided many options.

We did find that tubes we not immediately available most of the time but never really had to wait more than 5-10 minutes to find one.

 

[carissa1970]

We found two great beaches! Drive North on Farrington Hwy until it ends, completely ends. Most beautiful beach, relatively undiscovered, and has facilities.

Drive across the H3 (worth the trip on its own) and go to Lanikai Beach. I've never seen anything like it. We saw a sea turtle just swimming around. Gorgeous water. No facilities, but there are tons of options nearby.

 

[alohamom]

I would have to second Carissa1970's suggestion of Lanikai beach. Absolutely incredible turquoise waters and long gorgeous stretch of soft white sand. Just before it is the town of Kailua and the beach there is amazing too. There is excellent easy public parking and facilities at Kailua beach park but Lanikai can be tricky for parking. We just park on a side street and walk up a beach path but parking is enforced so be careful, so worth it though!

http://www.best-of-oahu.com/Lanikai-Beach-Oahu-Hawaii.html

http://www.best-of-oahu.com/kailua-beach-park.html

 

[SeaPic]

Finishing up last minute things and was wondering ...

Is there Hot Chocolate at the refillable mug station? Coffee? (I do love my SBucks but was OK with WDW coffee ... crazy I know)

Just read you need to sign up for the Mahalo Mingle. Does it fill up?

Ditto for catamaran experience? (all the sudden DH wants to go on a catamaran ... what? I haven't researched this! I need more time!)

Thanks!

 

[poohj80]

Ditto for catamaran experience? (all the sudden DH wants to go on a catamaran ... what? I haven't researched this! I need more time!)

Thanks!

We did the catamaran snorkeling excursion (if that's the one you mean). It was fun but did not see one turtle and very few fish. Made up for it when we started chasing a pod of 3 whales though!

 

[abthomas]

There is coffee available at Ulu Cafe most of the day. Hot cocoa packets are at cashiers, just ask.
We did the Disney catamaran snorkel and it was ok. Probably not worth the price, but the boat was brand new. We also swam with 5 sea turtles which was cool. Boat not crowded, bar drinks were tasty. Nice fish and it was nice to see that part of Oahu's coastline.
Not sure about mingle, we weren't able to go as it was on our last day there.
Have a blast!

 

[Cinderpamela]

Just read you need to sign up for the Mahalo Mingle. Does it fill up?

Thanks!

We went to the Mahalo Member Mingle when we were there over the Christmas Holiday and it was really full. Can't speak to other times of year but it was sure popular when we were there..... they gave away some really fun Disney framed art prints (smallish- like 8"x10" size) to winners of drawings and such, and we each got a fun DVC Pewter Christmas ornament (I suspect the ornament is only during the Christmas Season).

They had a nice continental type breakfast with sweet rolls and juices/coffee so they probably need to have an idea how many folks are showing up ahead of time.

Also if you love your Starbucks you should try the coffee place across the street at Ko Olina Station- Island Vintage Coffee Company, it was really good local organic espresso, ect..... and there is a Starbucks next door at the Marriot too.

 

[lovetotraveltx]

We went to the Mahalo Member Mingle when we were there over the Christmas Holiday and it was really full. Can't speak to other times of year but it was sure popular when we were there..... they gave away some really fun Disney framed art prints (smallish- like 8"x10" size) to winners of drawings and such, and we each got a fun DVC Pewter Christmas ornament (I suspect the ornament is only during the Christmas Season).

They had a nice continental type breakfast with sweet rolls and juices/coffee so they probably need to have an idea how many folks are showing up ahead of time.

Also if you love your Starbucks you should try the coffee place across the street at Ko Olina Station- Island Vintage Coffee Company, it was really good local organic espresso, ect..... and there is a Starbucks next door at the Marriot too.

Is it only on/still on Monday morning?

 

[Cinderpamela]

Is it only on/still on Monday morning?

Taken from the Aulani Website:

Mahalo Member Mingle
Most Monday Mornings

Disney Vacation Club® Members are invited to the Mahalo Member Mingle! Enjoy some coffee, mingle with fellow Members and learn about the latest Resort and island offerings. Space is limited. To reserve your spot, visit the Disney Vacation Club® Preview Center, located steps from the front desk.

We checked in on a Monday and so we purposely got there really early just so we could attend, it started at 8am. I called the resort ahead of time (we were staying in Waikiki for the first 4 days of our trip) to RSVP since we could not just stop by the preview center to do so.

After check in (way too early to expect a ready room, they texted us later in the day when it was ready) we headed over to the event... we were a wee bit late so we couldn't all sit together for the presentation, but there were still seats, we just had to split up 2x2.

 

[poohj80]

Is it only on/still on Monday morning?

We were at Aulani over Spring Break and there was one on Monday and I think Thursday (probably since it was a very busy time). Lots of cool giveaways and everyone received a pair of DVC sunglasses.

 

[jerseygal]

Didn't make it, would have like too...too busy enjoying other things!

DVC Soundglasses sound Fun! Always nice to get a fun DVC something!

We received nice DVC member hats free at a member gettogether on our Disney Dream Cruise, summer, '11....I oddly enough did not see ONE other person wearing DVC hats? Come in SO HANDY as protection from the sun!

 

[poohj80]

We received nice DVC member hats free at a member gettogether on our Disney Dream Cruise, summer, '11....I oddly enough did not see ONE other person wearing DVC hats? Come in SO HANDY as protection from the sun!

We always travel with our DVC Member hats because if we lose one, we an just pull another out of our bag.