Just back from our honeymoon trip

[LBear1121]

Hi everyone!

Just back from our 12 day stay at Aulani. This was our second time and overall it was an awesome amazing trip! We did so many things and ate so much great food. That being said, there were some issues with food at Aulani, one of which could have been a very significant problem.

First of all, I have a gluten allergy. I was sick for over a year before being diagnosed and have been gluten free for about 6 months now. I'm still getting used to eating out at restaurants. I'm pretty anxious whenever I eat out and also feel super awkward/uncomfortable about having to say I can't eat gluten. Overall our experience on the island was amazing! So many restaurants were knowledgeable about what food had gluten and what could be modified. They totally put me at ease.

Unfortunately, the one place that I had a major issue with was Off the Hook at Aulani. The first time we ate there I had the fish tacos with corn tortillas. They hit the spot, no problem. Second time, I got a cheeseburger with a gluten free bun. Really good! Third time, asked for the cheeseburger with a gluten free bun. I always specifically ask the waitress to repeat that I need GF, which is awkward, but I'm learning to get over it. She repeated and I felt comfortable about my order. After my burger came out and I took a bite, I noticed that the inside of the bun was yellow...hmmm...I think last time it was white...weird. I look over at my husbands normal hot dog bun and it's yellow...hmmmm....trying not to panic. Long story short, I asked the waitress to check and she confirmed that I was given a normal bun.

The manager came out and was sympathetic and asked if I needed anything. They sent up ginger ale and comped our in room dinner that night and I also received a couple follow up calls later. I think they did everything that they were able to do after the fact, but overall what happened was inexcusable. Luckily for me, I only had one bite and took one enzyme before and a bunch after I figured out that I had been glutened that help with some of the symptoms so I only had one wasted day sitting in the hotel room.

I expect better from Disney. Food allergies need to be taken seriously and this is the first time in my 6 months that I've been given blatantly gluten food from any restaurant when telling them I have an allergy. I figured eventually it would happen because accidents happen, but never would have thought it would be Disney.

The other two hiccups were small in comparison, but I feel that they are worth noting because it shows to me a lack of attention. We ate at ama ama for dinner and let them know it was our honeymoon but didn't receive the dessert that is typically given. Not really a big deal. Maybe because they had gluten, but at least could have offered a fruit bowl...I don't know. Like I said, not a big deal and maybe they don't even give out dessert presents anymore.

Second, I ordered the gluten free margharita flat bread from ulu cafe a few times and they were really yummy but the last time it didn't have any basil and wasn't sliced...just one big pizza.

I don't want to come off super negative. Our honeymoon was amazing! But next time I will not rely on onsite dining nearly as much, especially since our other experiences off property were wonderful.

 

[Cupcakesmum]

Sorry to hear about the issues with your gluten allergy and the lack of acknowledgement of your honeymoon. I'd love to hear more about the things that made your honeymoon amazing if you have a chance!

 

[nkereina]

That's awful about the gluten bun, and I'm also surprised it happen. Could you imagine if it was a life-threatening allergy and they had accidentally given it to someone? Yikes!

We just got back last week from our honeymoon there as well! We island hopped and spent our last week at Aulani. Every resort we stayed at while in Hawaii had it noted that we were celebrating our honeymoon. Every resort had champagne in our room for us - except Aulani. We also didn't receive any kind of acknowledgment from Aulani at any point. When we checked in, the CM checking us in asked if we were celebrating and we said our honeymoon. She looked around the desk for a honeymoon button but didn't have any and just shrugged that they didn't have them. I thought she should have had one sent to the room or something. Not a big deal, but Disney always makes it a point to ask what people are celebrating and then to do nothing to acknowledge it seems kind of contradictory.

 

[cgattis]

That's awful about the gluten bun, and I'm also surprised it happen. Could you imagine if it was a life-threatening allergy and they had accidentally given it to someone? Yikes!

We just got back last week from our honeymoon there as well! We island hopped and spent our last week at Aulani. Every resort we stayed at while in Hawaii had it noted that we were celebrating our honeymoon. Every resort had champagne in our room for us - except Aulani. We also didn't receive any kind of acknowledgment from Aulani at any point. When we checked in, the CM checking us in asked if we were celebrating and we said our honeymoon. She looked around the desk for a honeymoon button but didn't have any and just shrugged that they didn't have them. I thought she should have had one sent to the room or something. Not a big deal, but Disney always makes it a point to ask what people are celebrating and then to do nothing to acknowledge it seems kind of contradictory.

Yes, my friend spent an anniversary there, and suggested we time our trip so we'd be on the cruise on our actual anniversary and not at Aulani They got zero recognition either, and they are HUGE Disney fans, so I think they were surprised too.