Help planning first trip to Aulani

[littlemichelle16]

Working on best flights/plan to visit Aulani sometime the last half of August 2022. We will have DVC points available and will likely book a studio. 4 people (me, my husband and 2 teen boys). Will need affordable airfare and would love to stay a few nights on way home near Disneyland and visit parks a day or two. I have no idea what hotels to stay at near Disneyland and don't mind a bit of a walk. Want a good value as this is first Disneyland trip so we will be in the parks most of the time.
What I have so far is 2 options to get there and would love feedback.
8/18 Buffalo to LAX ($123) On Southwest- will need hotel overnight Land at 1:05 am..haven't researched how difficult a hotel is to get near LAX
8/19 LAX- HNL ($185) on SW
OR
8/19 BUF -LAX ($226) LAND 9:55 AM, THEN LAX-HNL ($185) at 1:45 pm for about $400 more than other option.

Plan to come home so far is HNL-LAX ($185), spend three nights near Disney then Long Beach to BUF ($119).
Ideas for hotels, flights airlines?

 

[CarolynFH]

I'm sure you'll get some good answers here, but you might also ask on the Aulani board, HERE, especially about the flights and hotels!

 

[fflmaster]

We are going the same timeframe, so following.

 

[vacay77]

I would go with the 2nd flight (not staying overnight in LA). With the first flight, would you be leaving that same day to Hawaii or would you be spending the whole day in LA, then leaving the next day? I just think that day would be more hassle than what it’s worth with the limited time you’d be there, especially if you factor in the price of a hotel for the night.

For hotels near Disneyland, my family and I enjoyed our stay at the Hyatt. It’s next to a Starbucks and Walgreens and within walking distance of the parks. If you are a Hyatt member, you can also get complimentary breakfast.

 

[littlemichelle16]

I would go with the 2nd flight (not staying overnight in LA). With the first flight, would you be leaving that same day to Hawaii or would you be spending the whole day in LA, then leaving the next day? I just think that day would be more hassle than what it’s worth with the limited time you’d be there, especially if you factor in the price of a hotel for the night.

For hotels near Disneyland, my family and I enjoyed our stay at the Hyatt. It’s next to a Starbucks and Walgreens and within walking distance of the parks. If you are a Hyatt member, you can also get complimentary breakfast.

Thank you! I will look into the Hyatt. On the way to HI we could arrive to LAX very late and fly out the next morning or early afternoon to HI. We would stay at a hotel near LAX. Or we would fly out of Buffalo VERY early (which would require a hotel in Buffalo the night prior since we live in Rochester) to LAX then short lay over then head to HI.

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

I know you mentioned you don’t mind a walk to the park, but I would definitely recommend getting something that’s close to the parks. Average walking distance while in DL is around 7 miles, and the last thing you’ll want at closing time is another mile walk back to your room.

We last stayed at the Fairfield Inn, which was just okay - but it is one of the nicest right across from the entrance. Pretty reasonable rates given their location.

The trip before we were at the Residence Inn by Marriott. That was still pretty close, with really nice rooms, a decent breakfast (pre-pandemic) and a nice, but simple, pool.

We’ve always heard good reports about the Candy Cane Inn, which is on the same block as DCA. They’re closed for renovations, but should be open in time for your trip.

We’re headed to Aulani in August also. We’ll spend a few days over on the Waikiki side (to visit with Mom), and then a week at Aulani. We can’t wait for the break!

 

[littlemichelle16]

I know you mentioned you don’t mind a walk to the park, but I would definitely recommend getting something that’s close to the parks. Average walking distance while in DL is around 7 miles, and the last thing you’ll want at closing time is another mile walk back to your room.

We last stayed at the Fairfield Inn, which was just okay - but it is one of the nicest right across from the entrance. Pretty reasonable rates given their location.

The trip before we were at the Residence Inn by Marriott. That was still pretty close, with really nice rooms, a decent breakfast (pre-pandemic) and a nice, but simple, pool.

We’ve always heard good reports about the Candy Cane Inn, which is on the same block as DCA. They’re closed for renovations, but should be open in time for your trip.

We’re headed to Aulani in August also. We’ll spend a few days over on the Waikiki side (to visit with Mom), and then a week at Aulani. We can’t wait for the break!

Thank you! I'll check out the Fairfield. We are yearly visitors to WDW so we are use to a lot of walking. But closer would be better! We want to maximize our time.

 

[Disneypapa]

Another vote for the Candy Cane... We stayed there a couple of night a few years ago and found it affordable, clean and convenient.

 

[La2kw]

There are plenty of hotels on Century Blvd near LAX and all have free shuttle service to and from the airport if you decide that route.
There are lots of decent chain hotels near Disneyland and there is also a frequent shuttle system throughout the resort area called ART (Anaheim resort transit). There are stops near all the hotels in the area. We have stayed in many of the Hotels, including the Candy Cane and Fairfield. There are much better hotels than the Candy Cane and the Fairfield, which are overpriced motels. There are Hiltons, Homewood Suites, Residence Inns, Embassy Suites, Marriotts, Sheratons, etc. With all the competition, prices are often very reasonable. Also, check Garden Grove for hotels on Harbor Blvd. There are a lot of new ones there that are a 10 minute ART ride down Harbor Blvd. to Disneyland.

 

[littlemichelle16]

Another vote for the Candy Cane... We stayed there a couple of night a few years ago and found it affordable, clean and convenient.

Right now the web site says closed through September 2022 for refurbishment. Maybe I will call to see if they may be open sooner.

 

[littlemichelle16]

There are plenty of hotels on Century Blvd near LAX and all have free shuttle service to and from the airport if you decide that route.
There are lots of decent chain hotels near Disneyland and there is also a frequent shuttle system throughout the resort area called ART (Anaheim resort transit). There are stops near all the hotels in the area. We have stayed in many of the Hotels, including the Candy Cane and Fairfield. There are much better hotels than the Candy Cane and the Fairfield, which are overpriced motels. There are Hiltons, Homewood Suites, Residence Inns, Embassy Suites, Marriotts, Sheratons, etc. With all the competition, prices are often very reasonable. Also, check Garden Grove for hotels on Harbor Blvd. There are a lot of new ones there that are a 10 minute ART ride down Harbor Blvd. to Disneyland.

Definitely trying to find a balance between distance, price and quality!

 

[mort1331]

You are DVC,,,why not try and get the VGC. Start checking now and if you find 3 days start walking it. I know it sounds like a pipe dream,,but our dream came thru 4 years ago. And we had 7 nights at the end of Aug. You might be in that sweet spot where a lot of people are going back to school. You cant beat the walk from VGC, your teen boys will love coming and going while you relax by they pool. Good luck
Or even rent out right now from an owner, and then rent your points out to partial cover the cost,,,well worth the extra to stay there.

 

[littlemichelle16]

Thank you all for the help! Decided to add 1 more day and stay at the Element by Westin. Was able to book buy 3 days get 1 free and purchased transfers to and from the airport and a 3 day hopper. Looks like a decent compromise between price, location and quality. Plus the teens won't have to share a bed and we get a king. There is a free breakfast.