is one night at Aulani worth it?

[Raya]

We originally planned to do 2 nights/3 days at Aulani after a week at another resort. But when we went to reserve those two nights will cost as much as the week at the other place. I'm now thinking of doing just 1 night at Aulani, checking in early, playing in the pool, having dinner (maybe the luau?), and then checking out (maybe late) the next day to go to the airport. Is that crazy? What might we miss with just 48 hours at the resort?

 

[WinterSolider]

I wouldn't. It's too much logistical headache checking in and checking out, especially the day before you fly, especially especially if you're going to be doing pool stuff and getting your bathing suits all wet.

 

[AstroBlasters]

We originally planned to do 2 nights/3 days at Aulani after a week at another resort. But when we went to reserve those two nights will cost as much as the week at the other place. I'm now thinking of doing just 1 night at Aulani, checking in early, playing in the pool, having dinner (maybe the luau?), and then checking out (maybe late) the next day to go to the airport. Is that crazy? What might we miss with just 48 hours at the resort?

It could lead to frustration because you would be treating it like a “theme park”. It’s designed to be enjoyed at a different pace.

 

[disdel]

No

 

[Tigger's ally]

Totally depends on if you plan to be back in the next several years. If not, then do it, you won't regret it.

 

[Raya]

Totally depends on if you plan to be back in the next several years. If not, then do it, you won't regret it.

This will likely be our only trip to Hawaii. There are just too many other places on our list to imagine we'll get back to it any time within the next 20 years, and after that traveling that far will likely not be an option. (Not being a downer, just realistic about life "over the hill" and how long I'd last on a plane at 75 or 80.)

 

[Tigger's ally]

This will likely be our only trip to Hawaii. There are just too many other places on our list to imagine we'll get back to it any time within the next 20 years, and after that traveling that far will likely not be an option. (Not being a downer, just realistic about life "over the hill" and how long I'd last on a plane at 75 or 80.)

Then by all means stay here once! Yeah, it would be great if you could stay for a week, but Enjoy Aulani once for peace of mind!

 

[AstroBlasters]

Then by all means stay here once! Yeah, it would be great if you could stay for a week, but Enjoy Aulani once for peace of mind!

They are not trying to stay for a week, it’s one night vs two nights. I really just don’t think it’s worth it to stay at Aulani if you can only do one night. It’s a place most really need to “settle in to” to enjoy.

 

[Tigger's ally]

They are not trying to stay for a week, it’s one night vs two nights. I really just don’t think it’s worth it to stay at Aulani if you can only do one night. It’s a place most really need to “settle in to” to enjoy.

I know that. Like I said, they will never be back, so why not stay one night to see it.

You and I may not do it that way, but there is nothing wrong with staying 1 night if it is all you are EVER going to be there. I personally don't think the OP would be asking the question if they really didn't want to be there. Opportunity meets chance.

 

[lilsonicfan]

If you have a late flight I think this is a very workable plan. We had a very late flight out of HNL, I think 10pm or something. We still had a full pool day, I got up early to book the Luana Lounge which is the shower/change room near the pool, I believe I had a 6:30pm or 7:00pm timeslot there. Gave us a place to dry off, shower, relax a bit before heading off to the airport. Swimsuits were still damp but we used towels to get as much water out as we could then took them out as soon as we got home. No issues. Given that you can still enjoy Aulani on check-in day, I think it's worthwhile for sure.

The other thing I'd suggest is looking to see if you can rent DVC points to get two nights as it may be a lot cheaper than booking the room through Disney itself.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

I’ve only been to AUL for longer trips, but I would say if your family really loves Disney, it’s worth a visit, it just may not be that relaxing. I would try to get there by lunch on check-in day, explore some is the dry activities (lunch, the kids adventure quest with the iPads, maybe send your kids to aunty’s beach house?) then try to do pool slides and beach for a few hours while waiting for your room to be ready… I probably wouldn’t do the Aulani luau if you only have 24 hours but if you aren’t doing it elsewhere you can give it a shot. Have dinner somewhere near by (or at off the hook, or AMA AMA if you are only adults), consider relaxing in the hot tub at night or doing the star watching activity.

In the AM, you could get up early and squeeze in a bit of pool or beach time before checkout (do not expect a late checkout, I think they are nearly impossible?) or try to get the departure day lounge reserved. You can try to do Makahiki brunch late (after checkout) on Day 2, then chill under an umbrella by the ocean or pool—- or perhaps reserve a casabella or cabana for the day to take a home base after you lose your room? Perhaps a spa appointment? Meet characters?

It won’t give you that relaxed Hawaii feeling but frankly, I don’t think Aulani ever feels relaxed to us, even with a 7 day stay…there’s just too much to do.

 

[Bravelion2]

My first time to Aulani, my wife and I stayed 2 days and we were kicking ourselves as we left that we didn’t stay longer. It was that amazing! The next time we went, we stayed 4 days and wish we could have stayed longer….lol Granted, we did go to other beaches away from the resort one of the days, but for a home base, it was absolutely wonderful. If you only stay 1 day, I can assure you, you will have wished you stayed more.

 

[808blessing]

We live on island. We used to do frequent one day trips the past few years but now we do fewer trips that are two days.

 

[AstroBlasters]

We live on island. We used to do frequent one day trips the past few years but now we do fewer trips that are two days.

It’s the 4pm check in and the 11am checkout that kill the 1 day only stays….

 

[808blessing]

Yes the only saving grace is you can show up at the crack of dawn, hang by the pool all day and leave later the next eve. But yea, too short!

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Yes the only saving grace is you can show up at the crack of dawn, hang by the pool all day and leave later the next eve. But yea, too short!

Yeah, this absolutely works better if you have your own home (or another hotel room) to depart from early on Day 1 and return to late the next night.

 

[aka Charles]

The other thing I'd suggest is looking to see if you can rent DVC points to get two nights as it may be a lot cheaper than booking the room through Disney itself.

I agree 100% !
It's worth checking out the DVC rental sites, just to see.
.

 

[_19disnA]

If Aulani costs for 2 nights what a week costs elsewhere, then no I don't see it is worth it just because it is a Disney themed hotel. There are many really nice hotels to choose from, so I would look for one within your budget. I agree that if you live somewhere in the Central/Eastern part of the US, it takes a LONG time to fly to Hawaii. We have been there twice and while Hawaii is beautiful, there are a LOT of other places near the ocean/coast that doesn't take nearly as long to get to.

 

[WinterSolider]

It’s the 4pm check in and the 11am checkout that kill the 1 day only stays….

You can use the pool and other facilities for the full day, both days. You just can't get in your room.

Still wouldn't.