Aloha, Danielle! It's great to see you again at planDisney. How exciting that you'll be making a journey to where the sky meets the sea--otherwise known as
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Like Pua, I'll be a trusty sidekick as we travel beyond the reef to talk about plans to make your Hawaiian adventure as magical as can be!
Aulani is such a remarkable place, and I am so excited for you to experience this oceanside oasis. Our family stayed at Aulani for our very first trip as
Disney Vacation Club Members and it holds a very special place in our hearts!
There is a wide range of activities and experiences that you can enjoy during your vacation. The timelines for booking vary a bit, so I'm glad you are getting your (Donald) ducks in a row early so you can mark your calendar to make any reservations you're hoping for. All of these bookings can be made through the Aulani website, or by
calling the resort. Here's the details you'll need:
- Dining reservations can be made 30 days in advance of your check-in date. Our 'Ohana really enjoyed Makahiki - The Bounty of the Islands, which offers a delicious Character breakfast and an indulgent three-course dinner.
- KA WA'A, the nighttime luau at Aulani, can be reserved between four and six months in advance. When I looked today, reservations were available through December 24, 2024. This is truly a don't-miss experience, combining Hawaiian stories, dance, song, and food in the most captivating way. My girls still talk about the luau!
- Reservations for the Laniwai Spa open 90 days before check-in. The spa offers a full menu of treatments and features the only outdoor hydrotherapy garden on Oahu--it is SO peaceful and relaxing.
- 90 days is also the magic number to reserve a cabana or casabella for some privacy while you enjoy the Waikolohe Valley pool complex and the beautiful views of the Ko Olina lagoons.
- If you're traveling with keiki aged 4-12 and want to ensure they can join in the fun at Aunty's Beach House, you can pre-register between 2 and 90 days of check-in. There is always something cool happening there, from crafts to games and the occasional visit from a special guest!
- There are many other excursions including surfing, tours, and even a dolphin encounter that my planDisney pal Melissa thoroughly enjoyed! These are managed by an outside company who have a desk in the resort lobby, or you can book online. We did a Pearl Harbor tour and it was really an incredible and moving experience.
Danielle, I know I threw a lot of information at you! I hope it's helpful for your planning purposes (or
porpoises, as Melissa might say...). Thanks again for making a return voyage to planDisney, and please don't hesitate to
reach out directly if I can help with any other questions as the details of your trip come together.
Stay Magical!
Susan