Aulani?

[minnie56]

Looking for some feedback from those who might have been?
Much to do around there? Nice beach?

Contemplating a trip with my daughters 25/28

Thanks!

 

[trs518]

My wife and I were there in late March with our then 6 year old son. We loved it! The weather was great and the resort when phenominal.

The beach was great, not to crowded. It's actually a small protected cove. You can paddle board and snorkel, but not surf.

The spa looked fun, my wife and I took a very short tour of it.

Rainbow Reef was good, but could get boring if you did it multiple times. It's not that big.

The food was good and they are really trying to bring the price down to make it more affordable.

All that being said, without knowing what you want do on the island, I don't know if I can recommend it for you. The main drawback is that it's not next to any of the major tourist places; North Shore, Waikiki, Diamond Head, etc. All of those will be at least a 30 minute drive.

If you want to spend most of your time at the resort or are ok with driving then I would easily recommend it. If you don't want to drive a lot and still see the major sites, than I would be hesitant to recommend it.

 

[minnie56]

Thank you!
I don't mind renting a car for a couple of days and taking the girls to see some of the sites. I have been to Oahu many years back mind you. I imagine the roads are a lot busier now though. I am thinking perhaps 2-3 days sightseeing and the rest 5-6 staying close to the resort.

Appreciate the help..

 

[trs518]

If you're going to rent a car for a couple days, then I would rent one for the entire trip. The cost for transportation to/from Aulani and the airport is fairly expensive.

We got a good rate on a SUV from Enterprise for an entire week.

 

[bmalonef45]

I agree with the other posts. Rent a car and you will be fine. Its an amazing resort with a great staff. The beach and the pool are both amazing. There are a lot of kids but it is Disney. We had a car for a the entire week but if you are not DVC members remember it cost around 30.00 per night to park so factor that in if needed.

 

[minnie56]

Thanks for the car suggestion, works for me.
It's funny..we were just talking about that the other day while staying at a Resort in Boca Raton that charges a nightly parking fee and the fact that WDW Resorts do not. I guess Hawaii is a whole different thing!

 

[trs518]

If they didn't charge for parking, people would park in their ramp to use the public beach.

 

[ennisb]

parking is free if you are a DVD owner and so is the use of the laundry. we are here now leaving for home Sunday and have had a car for the entire stay


Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

 

[ennisb]

DVD owner sorry can't edit my post


Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

 

[ennisb]

DVC owner sorry can't edit my post


Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

 

[Debbie Jean]

I agree with the other posts. Rent a car and you will be fine. Its an amazing resort with a great staff. The beach and the pool are both amazing. There are a lot of kids but it is Disney. We had a car for a the entire week but if you are not DVC members remember it cost around 30.00 per night to park so factor that in if needed.

I'm waiting for my 7 month window with fingers crossed to book DD's honeymoon which will be in February... if she is staying on my points would she have to pay the parking fee?

 

[rpcvpanama]

I just checked in today and was asked if I am a DVC member. I was told parking was free for me as I am. I also have a second room reserved on my points and our key cards look the same but they knew one of us was a DVC member. Not sure it would work if you ar not on the reservation or there when thy check in. Incidentally, I have not been asked to show my DVC member card, yet.

 

[minnie56]

I am not worried about parking, I don't pay that either...but really am not sure I want a car for a whole week. Sometimes it's nice not to drive..except when you want! I will look into getting to and from the resort and a car for a few days versus the whole week.

Thanks everyone!

 

[ennisb]

We just returned from 13 days. Resort is amazing, staff was fantastic, and the entire stay was a top vacation ever for us. My wife spent time at the spa and could do nothing but rave about the spa and it's staff.

We spent most of the days as the resort but did have a car the entire stay which was great for trips out for dinner, sight seeing, or to pick up items needed such as food. As I listed yes DVC get's free parking and free use of the laundry you have to pick up tokens at the front desk.

Have a great time we are already planning the next trip

 

[wdrl]

For all of you who have visited or are planning on visiting Aulani, I would appreciate it if you would post photos of your villa and views to the thread on Aulani Villas and Views: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2907389. We have a few villas posted so far, but we could use a lot more.

Mahalo!

 

[shari2137]

In regards to parking, if I understand correctly as a DVC member I do not pay for parking. My confusion is if I booked a 2nd or 3rd room for family members using my points, will they need to pay the parking fee?

 

[G'sMaman]

As others have said, Aulani is an amazing resort. There's a daily activity newsletter called the Daily Iwa and there are a lot of classes throughout the day - some free and some for a small fee. I did the lei making and Kappa art class and they were both so much fun. I wish had taken advantage of more of the activites. Someone posted a week's worth of the Daily Iwa's a while back and I will try to find the link if you're interested.

 

[minnie56]

As others have said, Aulani is an amazing resort. There's a daily activity newsletter called the Daily Iwa and there are a lot of classes throughout the day - some free and some for a small fee. I did the lei making and Kappa art class and they were both so much fun. I wish had taken advantage of more of the activites. Someone posted a week's worth of the Daily Iwa's a while back and I will try to find the link if you're interested.

Oh most interested! Thank you!

 

[G'sMaman]

Oh most interested! Thank you!

Here's the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2882361

Check out posts 22 and 23 with links to the Daily Iwa.

 

[minnie56]

Many thanks!
That's great...