Hi Diane,
How exciting to be planning your first trip to
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. It is absolutely beautiful!
I assume from your question that you are thinking of paying with a traditional payment method, such as with cash or a credit card, rather than booking your stay with Disney Vacation Club vacation points. I called and spoke with cast members both at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa as well as at Disney Vacation Club. Both informed me that often, a deposit of the price of one night stay including tax is due as the time you make the reservation, and that the rest is payable when you check in to the resort. This is true for Disney Vacation Club members staying on a Disney Vacation Club cash reservation. However, policies may vary, so you should check with your travel agent or whomever helps you to make the reservation to determine if this is the case with your vacation. To book an Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa vacation, you can call 1-866-443-4763 or 714-520-7001.
I hope that this information is helpful for you, Diane. Have a wonderful time planning your Hawaiian vacation, and please do not hesitate to ask if you have any further questions.