Visiting O'ahu and would like to visit Aulani

[msquoted]

My family is visiting O'ahu in a couple weeks (9/5-9/11) and I would love to get some Disney in the trip. This trip is a little different because instead of going with my husband and our three boys- I am actually taking a trip with my grandpa, mom, and five adult siblings. This was kind of a short notice trip and I am not the one really planning it but to be honest- there isn't a whole lot of planning. It is mostly just us all going there and staying at a house my mom has rented for the week. We are doing some stuff together but also have a lot of down time to go do whatever we would like. I see that we are staying about 25mi from Aulani and would love, love to go visit. Not sure if any of my travelmates would be interested so maybe it would just be me
With not having a room, would I still be able to make a dining reservation? I see that I can do some shopping in the gift shops- anything else that I would be able to do? Any other suggestions for those of you familiar with the area or you have gone before on things I should do (Disney or not).
Thanks!

 

[Amw1064]

I would think you could do the character breakfast if that interests you or just walk the grounds. It is really pretty out by the pools and you will most likely run into a character or two. I think you only need a wristband to actually go in the pools.

 

[Girimama33]

You can dine at any of the restaurants there. You can actually get your parking validated if dining at Ama Ama or Makahiki. I think it even applies to gift shop purchases. You can't use the pools or attend the entertainment offerings, but you could enjoy the lagoon there. All beaches in Hawaii are public. You would just need to bring your own towels, chair, etc., since you would not be able to use the loungers on the beach. The coves between Aulani and Paradise Cove luau are nice to explore. You can usually see turtles and monk seals.

 

[msquoted]

Thank you!

 

[alohamom]

If you dont want to break the bank, I think there would be no problem with eating at Ulu cafe. It is kind of self serve place and everything we ate there was pretty good. I would park across the street at Ko Olina Station shopping plaza where Monkeypods is located and walk across to save the parking fee. There are a few little stores, an ice cream place, coffee place and an Island Market/ABC variety store in that same spot so you could always pick up something small to justify the parking there.

 

[BeachClub2014]

Won't be a problem at all for you to visit Aulani for shopping, dining, spas and beach. I live not too far from the resort and when I have visitors to the island we will often go to Aulani. The valet parking is easy and I have always had it validated by the restaurant to have the fee waived.

Weather may be your real issue with two hurricanes passing thru the neighborhood. Crazy hot and humid here at the moment!

 

[msquoted]

Won't be a problem at all for you to visit Aulani for shopping, dining, spas and beach. I live not too far from the resort and when I have visitors to the island we will often go to Aulani. The valet parking is easy and I have always had it validated by the restaurant to have the fee waived.

Weather may be your real issue with two hurricanes passing thru the neighborhood. Crazy hot and humid here at the moment!

Oh man, good to know about the weather. I really, really want to do the character breakfast but trying to talk my family who aren't really "Disney people" into going has proved difficult. I really wish my kids and DH were going with me. Any dining experience you recommend for a party of 1?

 

[msquoted]

Oh, and could anyone tell me the current prices for the character breakfast?

 

[Girimama33]

Oh, and could anyone tell me the current prices for the character breakfast?

Last time we were there adults were $32 and children $18.

 

[thepops]

Do they have a DVC tour you could take and check out the rooms ? (or would that be too painful to see them and not stay?)

 

[phil1914]

Last time we were there adults were $32 and children $18.

This is what we paid yesterday

 

[DenLo]

Yes there is a tour, but I am not sure where you check in for it since DVC is opening offices in the shops across the street. In the past just off of the lobby towards the Waianae wing, DVC had a preview center where you registered for a tour. There should be a sign if that preview center has closed and moved to the shopping center.

 

[msquoted]

Man, I am so bummed. My mom and siblings are just not that into Disney and don't really want to go with me. I wish DH and my kiddos where coming with me on this trip. I decided that I would go ahead and make a reservation for the character breakfast anyway for at least me because who knows when I will be in HI again and the only time they had was 11am on Thursday the 10th. Then I found out- my mom has already booked a Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center for noon that day (which I am sure will be amazing). Half considering posting in the boards asking if anyone has a character breakfast for anytime on Wednesday that wouldn't mind adopting me and adding a +1 to the reservation (but that might make me creepy )
I still think I will go that Wednesday the 9th and do the DVC tour and some shopping.

 

[dsnydaddy]

My family is visiting O'ahu in a couple weeks (9/5-9/11) and I would love to get some Disney in the trip. This trip is a little different because instead of going with my husband and our three boys- I am actually taking a trip with my grandpa, mom, and five adult siblings. This was kind of a short notice trip and I am not the one really planning it but to be honest- there isn't a whole lot of planning. It is mostly just us all going there and staying at a house my mom has rented for the week. We are doing some stuff together but also have a lot of down time to go do whatever we would like. I see that we are staying about 25mi from Aulani and would love, love to go visit. Not sure if any of my travelmates would be interested so maybe it would just be me
With not having a room, would I still be able to make a dining reservation? I see that I can do some shopping in the gift shops- anything else that I would be able to do? Any other suggestions for those of you familiar with the area or you have gone before on things I should do (Disney or not).
Thanks!

When we went to Oahu we got a killer deal on a one bedroom at the Marriott. So we really weren't thinking that we'd be able to do much but look around at the Aulani. Then I got the great idea of renting just enough points to stay one night at the resort. The cost wasn't terrible (certainly less than paying cash) and we got to enjoy the hotel for two days. It was really some of the best dollars that I spent on the island.

 

[msquoted]

Woohoo! I was able to book a Character Breakfast for Wednesday and my mom is going with me. I am excited!!!!