What's going on at Aulani?

[PetePanMan]

I'm fuzzy on what expansion or other work is going on at Aulani - are they building another tower or just finishing the inside? I heard they have or will soon be closing quiet pool (which I loved) along with ray pool to do some work etc. Is there a site that explains all this along with timing?

Thx much

 

[erionm]

From the Member Website:

Resort Enhancements: Fall 2012 Through Mid-2013
Since the opening of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in August 2011, Guests have enjoyed outstanding amenities and accommodations at this oceanfront Resort. And soon, ways to enhance vacation experiences will be created.

With this in mind, if you visit between mid-September, 2012 and mid-2013, you may notice some of our work in progress as the Resort is expanded. Rest assured, you can still enjoy a fun-filled vacation at Aulani during this period.

Explore all the updates planned at Aulani:

Waikolohe Valley Pool Area
Waikolohe Valley will soon delight Guests with more water features and dining options.
During the pool area expansion, much of Waikolohe Valley will remain open—including Waikolohe Pool, the lazy river, slides, whirlpool spas, Rainbow Reef and Menehune Bridge. However, Makai Preserve will close permanently this fall; Wailana Pool (the quiet pool) and Wailana Bar will close for an extended period.

Starlit Hui
To accommodate more Guests, Starlit Hui will move to a larger venue. Be aware that Starlit Hui will close for approximately one month as it transitions to its new location.

Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands
To provide shaded outdoor seating and accommodate additional Guests in inclement weather, an overhead trellis with retractable awnings will be added to the outdoor dining area at Makahiki.
While enhancements are underway at Makahiki, restaurant operations will continue with interior seating only. As a result, the Disney Character Breakfast—Aunty's Breakfast Celebration at the Makahiki—will be extended to 6 days a week! This experience will be available Tuesday through Sunday, and Resort Guests will enjoy priority for advance reservations.

Exterior Decorative Beams
Finishing touches are being put on the building exteriors—including work on the decorative beam joints. While this work is in progress, you may notice some scaffolding and covered walkways at Aulani.
Watch Disney Files Magazine for updates about these new Aulani offerings as more details materialize in the months ahead!
Mahalo (thank you). Your patience is greatly appreciated during this enhancement period.

 

[wdrl]

DVCNews has a copy of the letter/email sent to guests who have upcoming stays booked at Aulani. Click here to read.

The expansion/renovation plans at Aulani have nothing to do (at least not directly) with Aulani's Phase 3. The buildings that will comprise Phase 3 are already constructed.

It appears that most of the expansion/renovation work, at least the part that may the most intrusive, will happen beginning around September 14 to early December. Guests with stays booked during this time are being given compensation. We are checking in on September 15 for 7 nights and DVC is refunding two nights worth of points to us.

 

[PetePanMan]

Thanks for info

I wonder where they are moving the Starlite Hui to.

Interesting rumours as well about expansion to large open lot next door (likely over longer term)