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

[drmrchk]

On the whole cabana topic.....Do they monitor the number of people in your cabana? It says for up to 6 guests.....we have 6 adults (5+14yo) and another 4 little kids (8,5,5,3). So are they saying up to 6 guests because there are 6 chairs? The kiddos aren't going to sit in the chairs much, plus we likely won't all be in the cabana at the same time. But if we have 8 of us in there are they going to come kick us out?

Also I wanted to make sure that I'm understanding this. The cabanas you reserve in advance. If you're on the waiting list it's wherever it happens to come open....is that right? And I can't tell with the Executive Lanai at Ama Ama....It says the casabellas are FCFS...but does that include the Lanai or can we book that in advance like the cabana? So confused. Same question there on the # of people....technically that seats 8 right? with 2 casabellas (4 people, 2 each), and 4 chairs?

Going during a busy season, is there ever a problem finding sand toys? Would it be worth it to pick up a set of our own when we hit up Costco? With such a big group we will cook most of our meals in our villa so will have no problem going through costco-sized food!

 

[Girimama33]

On the whole cabana topic.....Do they monitor the number of people in your cabana? It says for up to 6 guests.....we have 6 adults (5+14yo) and another 4 little kids (8,5,5,3). So are they saying up to 6 guests because there are 6 chairs? The kiddos aren't going to sit in the chairs much, plus we likely won't all be in the cabana at the same time. But if we have 8 of us in there are they going to come kick us out?

Also I wanted to make sure that I'm understanding this. The cabanas you reserve in advance. If you're on the waiting list it's wherever it happens to come open....is that right? And I can't tell with the Executive Lanai at Ama Ama....It says the casabellas are FCFS...but does that include the Lanai or can we book that in advance like the cabana? So confused. Same question there on the # of people....technically that seats 8 right? with 2 casabellas (4 people, 2 each), and 4 chairs?

Going during a busy season, is there ever a problem finding sand toys? Would it be worth it to pick up a set of our own when we hit up Costco? With such a big group we will cook most of our meals in our villa so will have no problem going through costco-sized food!

They will not kick you out if you have over 6 guests in the cabana. We had a party of 13 and had two cabana days and a day at the Exec Lanai. For the most part people would be in and out at different times. When I booked them, they were the only ones left, so there was not option to book two of them...nor would I have...especially in hindsight.
Our cabana attendents never cared and were aware that we had more than 6 guests. They even brought over additional deck chairs without us even asking.
The casabellas can only be booked the day of. The Executive Lanai has two casabellas, two deck chairs, two chairs and two umbrellas. The Lanai can be booked ahead of time...I just booked it on Monday for a day during our March trip.
You should be okay with the sand toys...just get some early.

 

[TLCP]

Some of the extra perks were really nice that we didn't know about.

1.) When we arrived, a hostess greeted us with a flower lei and a necklace for the kids as well as a fruit infused cold glass of water...awesome!

2.) We rented a car from Alamo at the airport (easy) and drove to the resort ourselves...it was cheaper than renting from Speedishuttle!

3.) We kept the car only one night, and with the free self parking ($35 savings!) we drove around the next morning before turning the car in within the 24 hr rental window. You turn the car in to the valet so no waiting in line to deal with Alamo.

4.) The ride out was cheaper (by a few dollars) and more convenient to rent a car. However, to rent from the Aulani back to the airport was 150% more expensive. The concierge advised us to simply take the Charley's Taxi which is waiting outside. $55 to the airport and no stops at any other resort. Cheaper than Speedishuttle, and quicker and more private.

5.) Horseback riding at Gunstock Ranch (North Shore by Turtle Bay) accommodated our younger child as the Disney horseback adventure requires a child to be 10. Gunstock will allow as young as 7...parents use your discretion if your young child is able to ride a horse! However, if they are, Disney, still won't let them ride until they're 10.

6.) Paradise Cove Luau (down the street) was awesome, and we bought our tickets through Fun Hawaii travel saving about $100 for a family of 4.

7.) Paradise Water Sports (waikikiparasailing.com) was awesome. Get the shorter trip 500', and they don't really "measure" how high up you are...I guarantee you we were WAY further than 500' from the boat. Andrew and Dave were super nice...pricier than other services, but isn't that why we stay at Disney...you get what you pay for! I asked for the web discount, and they knocked some dollars off the price.

8.) Menehune Trail was great for the kids, 4 adventures outside and 1 inside with the inside one providing a little "surprise" for the kids.

Surprised that there weren't more DVC discounts available at the resort. No dining savings. The Reef experience, and beach rentals, the store, and the spa gave some. I think since over 70% of the resort is DVC, they've just built it into the pricing or something.

Overall, a great trip and a fantastic resort...we'll be back...not soon enough.

 

[twopeasonepod]

We went to the Big Island about 5 years ago and had a late flight home. We found there to be nothing to do in Kona after 5 or so and we had to search for something open to occupy our time. So maybe this is typical for Hawaai? That's my only other visit, so not a lot to compare, but I don't remember it being an issue at the resort (hilton waikoloa) but we had trouble in Kona itself.

Definitely not the norm on O'ahu. Plenty to do in town, which is why I tell people that want to stay at Aulani to be prepared to be bored (which is what many of them actually want - to just relax without much entertainment).

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[SingingMom]

I was surprised with the lack of nightlife. The dining options at Aulani were minimal, as was the after hour choices. We did enjoy walking across the street to Monkeypod, but there wasn't enough to do after 9 pm. We enjoyed our trip, but it wasn't the best trip we've taken. I probably would not return.
"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[TigerLaw]

bumping...

 

[Dugette]

Haven't been there quite yet, but I sure wish I'd known they'd start closing all the pools/slides/hot tubs 2 hours earlier right before our trip without warning...not ideal when you're planning outings during the day and pool time in the evenings.

 

[Dugette]

Okay, here right now and just a small tip: bring an extension cord/power strip if you plan to use electronics on your balcony. Judging by ours, there are no outlets, but there is one not too far from the door inside. I'm just barely managing to stretch my computer cord this far, but having something longer would be ideal. Or just make sure your stuff is charged up beforehand.

Also, this resort is truly amazing. It makes the Poly pale in comparison.

 

[Pooh2]

Agree with the above poster about the pools/lazy river closing too early.

On our last night, we went down to the beach to swim. The water was still so warm. Wish we had done that all week!

 

[MissDaisyofTexas]

Agree with the above poster about the pools/lazy river closing too early.

On our last night, we went down to the beach to swim. The water was still so warm. Wish we had done that all week!

What time do they close?

 

[Pooh2]

What time do they close?

The lazy river, infinitiy pool and adult pool closed at 8pm. The big pool was suppose to be open until 10pm but was closed due to "An unexpected event and needed chemical treatment". The adult hot tub was full of kids. So we ended up in the lagoon. The lagoon was so beautiful and peaceful at night!

 

[happymommy]

The lazy river, infinitiy pool and adult pool closed at 8pm. The big pool was suppose to be open until 10pm but was closed due to "An unexpected event and needed chemical treatment". The adult hot tub was full of kids. So we ended up in the lagoon. The lagoon was so beautiful and peaceful at night!

They obviously had to shock it - had that happen at AKL once. Someone threw up in the pool I think. It can be that or you know - the other thing. Ick.

 

[apple9117]

Some of the extra perks were really nice that we didn't know about.

1.) When we arrived, a hostess greeted us with a flower lei and a necklace for the kids as well as a fruit infused cold glass of water...awesome!

2.) We rented a car from Alamo at the airport (easy) and drove to the resort ourselves...it was cheaper than renting from Speedishuttle!

3.) We kept the car only one night, and with the free self parking ($35 savings!) we drove around the next morning before turning the car in within the 24 hr rental window. You turn the car in to the valet so no waiting in line to deal with Alamo.

4.) The ride out was cheaper (by a few dollars) and more convenient to rent a car. However, to rent from the Aulani back to the airport was 150% more expensive. The concierge advised us to simply take the Charley's Taxi which is waiting outside. $55 to the airport and no stops at any other resort. Cheaper than Speedishuttle, and quicker and more private.

5.) Horseback riding at Gunstock Ranch (North Shore by Turtle Bay) accommodated our younger child as the Disney horseback adventure requires a child to be 10. Gunstock will allow as young as 7...parents use your discretion if your young child is able to ride a horse! However, if they are, Disney, still won't let them ride until they're 10.

6.) Paradise Cove Luau (down the street) was awesome, and we bought our tickets through Fun Hawaii travel saving about $100 for a family of 4.

7.) Paradise Water Sports (waikikiparasailing.com) was awesome. Get the shorter trip 500', and they don't really "measure" how high up you are...I guarantee you we were WAY further than 500' from the boat. Andrew and Dave were super nice...pricier than other services, but isn't that why we stay at Disney...you get what you pay for! I asked for the web discount, and they knocked some dollars off the price.

8.) Menehune Trail was great for the kids, 4 adventures outside and 1 inside with the inside one providing a little "surprise" for the kids.

Surprised that there weren't more DVC discounts available at the resort. No dining savings. The Reef experience, and beach rentals, the store, and the spa gave some. I think since over 70% of the resort is DVC, they've just built it into the pricing or something.

Overall, a great trip and a fantastic resort...we'll be back...not soon enough.

Great tips, thanks so much!

 

[Dugette]

The lazy river, infinitiy pool and adult pool closed at 8pm. The big pool was suppose to be open until 10pm but was closed due to "An unexpected event and needed chemical treatment". The adult hot tub was full of kids. So we ended up in the lagoon. The lagoon was so beautiful and peaceful at night!

Just wanted to add that this is seasonal. The reason I posted is because sometime recently they moved all of that up two hours earlier. We are here now and nothing is open past 8pm. The slides and lazy river close at 6pm. Kids areas still close at 5pm. Rough when you plan to explore the island during the day. The tip about going to the beach in the evening is good - we may try that.

 

[jillmc40]

Just wanted to add that this is seasonal. The reason I posted is because sometime recently they moved all of that up two hours earlier. We are here now and nothing is open past 8pm. The slides and lazy river close at 6pm. Kids areas still close at 5pm. Rough when you plan to explore the island during the day. The tip about going to the beach in the evening is good - we may try that.

5pm??? That is crazy talk!!

 

[Lissete]

Just wanted to add that this is seasonal. The reason I posted is because sometime recently they moved all of that up two hours earlier. We are here now and nothing is open past 8pm. The slides and lazy river close at 6pm. Kids areas still close at 5pm. Rough when you plan to explore the island during the day. The tip about going to the beach in the evening is good - we may try that.

We were there towards the end of October. The pools & lazy river closed at 8PM for most of our stay. Towards the end, it changed to 6PM. Definitely do not understand the logic though. Considering that there is not much to do after sunset, you would think at least one pool would remain open. Same goes for the quick food spots.

 

[DenLo]

We were there towards the end of October. The pools & lazy river closed at 8PM for most of our stay. Towards the end, it changed to 6PM. Definitely do not understand the logic though. Considering that there is not much to do after sunset, you would think at least one pool would remain open. Same goes for the quick food spots.

I would suspect it is hard to get lifeguards during the school year when the universities are open.

 

[JoeA]

We were there towards the end of October. The pools & lazy river closed at 8PM for most of our stay. Towards the end, it changed to 6PM. Definitely do not understand the logic though. Considering that there is not much to do after sunset, you would think at least one pool would remain open. Same goes for the quick food spots.

I have never seen or even heard of a resort pool closing that early! That's just crazy.

 

[jd99]

Anyone have Christmas week suggestions? Thanks In Advance!

If you are at all interested in a unique religious service, we went to the Christmas Eve service at St. Rita's which is about a 10-15 minute drive. It was done partially in Hawaiian and there was a hula peformance to Silent Night. It was just a beautiful once-in-a-lifetime type of experience.

 

[jd99]

Admittedly, I haven't read the whole string but wanted to add two things. Apologies if they are already in here..

1. If you are staying elsewhere in Hawaii - including Waikiki, take advantage of the opportunity to do some of the water activities (SUP, surf lessons, outrigger) because the cove at Aulani is not ideal for any of this and you have to wear a vest even for SUP.

2. Aulani has a "go home" room -- or at least that is what I like to call it. It's a lounge where they have lockers and a locker room and you can use it on your departure day. It's great when you have a late night flight as you can still swim all day, have dinner and enjoy the property. The go home room also has TVs and comfy seating and is just a nice touch.