Disney Aulani vs. Turks & Caicos Beaches Resort

[plgit]

We're thinking about doing a family trip and am deciding between Disney Aulani and Beaches Turks and Caicos....has anyone been to both and can give insight into them? Beaches is crazy expensive but everyone who has been there says they loved it...and the price includes everything. Aulani doesn't include food or drink. The kids would be 3 & 5.

Thanks in advance!

Patty

 

[USCAnna]

Love to hear feedback to this question as well...trying to decide between the exact same two resorts as well for our 2016 vacation. Pricing is crazy for Beaches, but I've been to a few Sandals resorts and they were all amazing!

 

[cvjw]

I have not been to Aulani, but did spend a perfect week at Beaches, Turks and Caicos a few years ago. The one piece of info that I would give to you is that I would not take kids as young as yours there. Most of the activities are geared to older kids. The water park is phenomenal, but I don't think kids ages 3 and 5 would get that much enjoyment out of it. Our kids were 11 and 15, but our group of 14 also included kids as young as 8. All 6 kids in our family group had a blast.

The resort is also very spread out - our room was a hike from the beach, but was pretty close to the water park.

The food was wonderful, as was the resort staff and service.

Oh, the Turks and Caicos airport was a total disaster. I am not sure if the new terminal is ready yet, but we won't return there until the airport is in better shape!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[nkereina]

I've not done either. However, I have done several all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean including Breezes, which is part of the Beaches family.

My only concern with Beaches is the international part - more of a hassle at the airport with customs, the currency, different kinds of food, etc. With Aulani being in the US, it's a little more "normal" for people and an easier commute, albeit a long one for most. With two young kids in tow, this would play a factor in deciding for me.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I've not done either. However, I have done several all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean including Breezes, which is part of the Beaches family.

My only concern with Beaches is the international part - more of a hassle at the airport with customs, the currency, different kinds of food, etc. With Aulani being in the US, it's a little more "normal" for people and an easier commute, albeit a long one for most. With two young kids in tow, this would play a factor in deciding for me.

Maybe consider Global Entry... It's a $100 for X years (I think 5) but gives you expedited entry through customs. Similar to TSA precheck

 

[PJF]

I have not been to a Beaches resort but have Aulani.

I can add that for younger kids there is a ton to do at Aulani and the Island itself in general that may make it more enjoyable for everyone.

 

[Dean]

We're thinking about doing a family trip and am deciding between Disney Aulani and Beaches Turks and Caicos....has anyone been to both and can give insight into them? Beaches is crazy expensive but everyone who has been there says they loved it...and the price includes everything. Aulani doesn't include food or drink. The kids would be 3 & 5.

Thanks in advance!

Patty

They offer different types of vacations to a degree. I'm not sure where you're starting from or how long you plan to stay and that would make a different. I wouldn't to go HI for less than about 9 days from the Central US eastward or if it was difficult to get to a decent airport. If HI makes sense I'd do Maui and Oahu with the majority of the time being on Maui. Other considerations would other AI's and other tropical places like St. Kitts or Aruba. We're not big fans of AI's in general.