Cabanas

[Loveallthingsmouse]

Our concern is the availability at the 7 month mark. Is that usually far enough out?
I am ok booking ahead...just hoping there is something open. We are considering the lanai and there is only one. We can always go for a cabana as a back-up plan.

I would call as soon as you have your reservation. They wouldn't let us book until we had our reservation #. I have no experience with the lanai, when we booked we asked for the Ka Maka Landing area both times. The first time no issues (they call the day before and let you know your cabana number and give you the opportunity to cancel) the second visit they had us in the bridge area, with two teenagers it was not going to be ideal since they can not even use that area. We called and they said they were assigned based on when they were reserved, anyways, someone must have canceled or wanted the bridge area, because the next morning we were exactly where we wanted to be and loved it. Have a wonderful trip, Aulani is beautiful, we long to go visit everyday!!

 

[ebenmax]

So if you are assigned a particular cabana and don't want that area, you can cancel with no charge? Would they also put you on a waiting list for a certain area at that point, if you asked?

 

[Angelaann]

Yes.

 

[alldiz]

I booked the Lanai for 2 days during our July trip. This was at 6 months. First I booked on Wednesday which is my birthday. I started looking at the IWA and it seems
they do Luao on Wed and lots of activities that we wanted to do. I called to see what other day I could reserve, Mon gone, (Tues we going on North shore excursion)so I snagged Thursday.
My initial thought was to keep the day that seems we will do the most lounging. On Monday if finding a pool area is as difficult as what I hear I might keep both days. We are not renting a car so we want to truly
immerse myself in Aulani. Gonna be hard to do that if I keep having to worry about stuff on lounger while we step away.

We are only 4 people so the Lanai is quite large. It would be nice if I can find a nice couple to share with us
Kerri

 

[CaliAdventurer]

I booked the Lanai for 2 days during our July trip. This was at 6 months. First I booked on Wednesday which is my birthday. I started looking at the IWA and it seems
they do Luao on Wed and lots of activities that we wanted to do. I called to see what other day I could reserve, Mon gone, (Tues we going on North shore excursion)so I snagged Thursday.
My initial thought was to keep the day that seems we will do the most lounging. On Monday if finding a pool area is as difficult as what I hear I might keep both days. We are not renting a car so we want to truly
immerse myself in Aulani. Gonna be hard to do that if I keep having to worry about stuff on lounger while we step away.

We are only 4 people so the Lanai is quite large. It would be nice if I can find a nice couple to share with us
Kerri

We're a party of 4 also and it was nice. My husband was in the lounger. I was in one of the casabellas and the kids in another. any more than 6 would be too crowded IMO.

 

[ebenmax]

We have 6 adults and would also need a pack-n-play for a baby. Is there room for one on the lanai or in a cabana?

Thanks!

 

[nkereina]

We have 6 adults and would also need a pack-n-play for a baby. Is there room for one on the lanai or in a cabana?

Thanks!

With the pack and play, I would think the lanai would be tight. It's also pretty sunny with the shade coming from the umbrella and under the umbrella are lounge chairs and a table/chairs so I don't know if one would fit without it being in the way or taking the shade away from someone else. I think a cabana might be more spacious for this.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

With the pack and play, I would think the lanai would be tight. It's also pretty sunny with the shade coming from the umbrella and under the umbrella are lounge chairs and a table/chairs so I don't know if one would fit without it being in the way or taking the shade away from someone else. I think a cabana might be more spacious for this.

ooooooohhhh. With a pack n play, I'd go with a cabana. The lanai is mostly in the sun. There is an umbrella over the two loungers and the 2 casabellas. If you aren't directly under them, you're in the sun. There is room for a play pen but there is no fridge either so waters and snacks get warm over time. I'd suggest a cabana for your group.

 

[SnowWitch]

ooooooohhhh. With a pack n play, I'd go with a cabana. The lanai is mostly in the sun. There is an umbrella over the two loungers and the 2 casabellas. If you aren't directly under them, you're in the sun. There is room for a play pen but there is no fridge either so waters and snacks get warm over time. I'd suggest a cabana for your group.

Do you have pics by any chance? I am unsure of the difference in the options.

 

[Minnie824]

I have a question on the cabanas.. they say that they seat 6...we have a party of 6. 2 teens, 4 adults. When looking at the pics though, there are only 2 lounge chairs for laying out...will they bring you extras, because 2 will definitely not be enough for our party.

 

[diznykidz]

So I am also curious about the lanai. I have searched the website but have not found the lanai. Is there a specific way to book this?

 

[alldiz]

So I am also curious about the lanai. I have searched the website but have not found the lanai. Is there a specific way to book this?

I called directly to Aulani recreation. I left a message and they got back to me. There is only one near ama ama so call as soon as you know your dates.
Kerri

 

[glencoe]

OMG!!!!! Little did I realize how the type A Disney planners we are has carried over to Aulani....not sure why I was so suprised. I unfortunately was focusing on my WDW trip in June and did not give the attention to the Aulani trip in July....specifically Aulani!! I booked many excursions myself while we are staying on the North shore for 3 days and with the go oahu card and we are saving a ton....however I just sat down last night did my research on Aulani since we will be there 7 days.....well....I was only able to book the casabella executive lanai for one day!!! I wanted possible two days, the lanai was a first choice over the cabana so I lucked out but I was so surprised how everything was taken!!

So lesson learned....Aulani is just as type A as all other Disney planning....I have not even discussed food ressies yet!!! That also was a shock!!

 

[CaliAdventurer]

OMG!!!!! Little did I realize how the type A Disney planners we are has carried over to Aulani....not sure why I was so suprised. I unfortunately was focusing on my WDW trip in June and did not give the attention to the Aulani trip in July....specifically Aulani!! I booked many excursions myself while we are staying on the North shore for 3 days and with the go oahu card and we are saving a ton....however I just sat down last night did my research on Aulani since we will be there 7 days.....well....I was only able to book the casabella executive lanai for one day!!! I wanted possible two days, the lanai was a first choice over the cabana so I lucked out but I was so surprised how everything was taken!!

So lesson learned....Aulani is just as type A as all other Disney planning....I have not even discussed food ressies yet!!! That also was a shock!!

Yep! We make our cabana res at 11 mos with the reservation. Although people cancel on the day A LOT so its worth getting there when the desk opens and asking. I think folks realize they are fine with the chairs or dont prefer the locations and decide to save the cash. Last we were there 2 days the parties did not take the lanai and it went empty all day.
If you don't have the Makahiki Breakfast booked already, you're not likely to get in. The same with Ama Ama for dinner on busy weeks unless you're ok with eating late (which no one is due to the sunset and the time change). Note, if you go to the concierge they will tell you too bad. If you go to the reception desk of the restaurant first thing in the am, they will try to accommodate reservations for your stay. When we were there last the new luau was sold out because they had rain on one day and moved the reservations to the next show. So don't leave that one either!

 

[alldiz]

OMG!!!!! Little did I realize how the type A Disney planners we are has carried over to Aulani....not sure why I was so suprised. I unfortunately was focusing on my WDW trip in June and did not give the attention to the Aulani trip in July....specifically Aulani!! I booked many excursions myself while we are staying on the North shore for 3 days and with the go oahu card and we are saving a ton....however I just sat down last night did my research on Aulani since we will be there 7 days.....well....I was only able to book the casabella executive lanai for one day!!! I wanted possible two days, the lanai was a first choice over the cabana so I lucked out but I was so surprised how everything was taken!!

So lesson learned....Aulani is just as type A as all other Disney planning....I have not even discussed food ressies yet!!! That also was a shock!!

Yes us Dis'er are taking over Aulani with the OCD planning
I will be there this July and I lucked out just before 6 month mark to get the Lanai for 2 days. Honestly I doubt I will use for 2 days. But with pool chair situation it's actually crazy that I'm excited to get the lanai to get a spot.
I am getting it Wed and Thurs. I will see on Monday how pool situation is and might cancel Thurs. My birthday is Wednesday so I will probably keep it.
Ideally I would like to find another Dis'er to stare Lanai with me as we are only a family of 4.
When are you there in July?
Kerri

 

[glencoe]

Yes us Dis'er are taking over Aulani with the OCD planning
I will be there this July and I lucked out just before 6 month mark to get the Lanai for 2 days. Honestly I doubt I will use for 2 days. But with pool chair situation it's actually crazy that I'm excited to get the lanai to get a spot.
I am getting it Wed and Thurs. I will see on Monday how pool situation is and might cancel Thurs. My birthday is Wednesday so I will probably keep it.
Ideally I would like to find another Dis'er to stare Lanai with me as we are only a family of 4.
When are you there in July?
Kerri

We will be on the North shore from July 17-20, then checking into aulani the 20th until the 27th. I was only able to get the executive lanai for one day and no cabannas were available for any days....depending on crowds and frustrations (my youngest daughter is 14....going on 21) so we can't hit the adult pool even though she is more mature than my adult boys so since we are beach people anyway, we might end up there more often than the pool!! I was going to check in the morning to see if anything is available other times maybe. Which are your days there?

 

[alldiz]

We will be on the North shore from July 17-20, then checking into aulani the 20th until the 27th. I was only able to get the executive lanai for one day and no cabannas were available for any days....depending on crowds and frustrations (my youngest daughter is 14....going on 21) so we can't hit the adult pool even though she is more mature than my adult boys so since we are beach people anyway, we might end up there more often than the pool!! I was going to check in the morning to see if anything is available other times maybe. Which are your days there?

Hi, we are overlapping. We are stopping at Disneyland from 7-20 to 23rd. Arrive Aulani 7/23 through 7/28. I have the lanai on Wed 7/26 and Thurs 7/27.
I only have one child and she is 15 might be a good fit for share
Kerri

 

[glencoe]

Hi, we are overlapping. We are stopping at Disneyland from 7-20 to 23rd. Arrive Aulani 7/23 through 7/28. I have the lanai on Wed 7/26 and Thurs 7/27.
I only have one child and she is 15 might be a good fit for share
Kerri

That might be a good idea! We unfortunately will be leaving around 11:30-12 to get the airport, we have a 3:15 flight so Thurs probably wont work. The wednesday might be an option if you were thinking that too. How many does that lanai hold? As you probably saw from my signature I have five (two older sons) and my daughter will be 15 in Nov. and my DH. I have kept our last days at Aulani empty so we can take advantage of hanging and relaxing. Let's talk further....I think you can send me a private message through here?

 

[twodogs]

I have a question on the cabanas.. they say that they seat 6...we have a party of 6. 2 teens, 4 adults. When looking at the pics though, there are only 2 lounge chairs for laying out...will they bring you extras, because 2 will definitely not be enough for our party.

There is not enough room in front of the cabanas for more than 2 loungers because the loungers for the other cabanas are right next to yours.

There are some photos in my trip report,page 1.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/mahalo-aulani-three-generation-first-timer-trip-report.3522920/

 

[alldiz]

That might be a good idea! We unfortunately will be leaving around 11:30-12 to get the airport, we have a 3:15 flight so Thurs probably wont work. The wednesday might be an option if you were thinking that too. How many does that lanai hold? As you probably saw from my signature I have five (two older sons) and my daughter will be 15 in Nov. and my DH. I have kept our last days at Aulani empty so we can take advantage of hanging and relaxing. Let's talk further....I think you can send me a private message through here?

Hi, we are 4. My DH, Mom and DD 15. I think the lanai holds 8 including 2 at a table. I guess depends on how we use it. If we all want shade all the time could be a problem. And also It all depends on how the chair situation is for us on Monday. If I Get a spot easy I might not get the Lanai at all. Only reason I got it was for the fear of crazy busy pool area. I'm hoping the time difference gets me up early on Monday and I find a primo spot.
But it would be nice to just have a place without worrying about your stuff being gone if you ate lunch too long. Or went around the lazy river one extra time.
I am so excited for this trip I can't wait.