If you are looking for a fun family getaway Disney Aulani is an amazing experience for everyone to enjoy. The resort and spa has the richness and décor that truly does blend the Hawaiian Islands with a touch of Disney. Aulani has over 30 complimentary activities, character experiences, and six pool areas and exclusive beach access.
Here are my tips and tricks for making the most of your Aulani experience!
There is a military discount
The Aulani offers both Kama’aina and Military Discount so before you book it’s worth calling a representative to see which offer would be best (866-443-4763). According to their website, eligible members of the US military can save up to 30% Sunday through Thursday nights. This offer is valid for stays most nights from January 5 through March 30, 2023, with checkout no later than March 31, 2023 (offer excludes Suites and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas.)
Eligible military service member/spouse must present a valid military ID upon check-in and must stay in a room on the reservation.
You can BYO cooler for snacks and drinks
To save on snacks and meals bring a cooler for snacks, drinks and treats. For our family we loved grab and go options at the Ulu Café (my favorite was the build your own poke bowl). There are also some nice sit down and fine dining options all throughout the resort. The ABC store across the street and local restaurants also offer a variety of grab-and-go options without the resort price. If you don’t make your way to the Ko’olina area often you will have to have a mai tai at The Monkeypod across the street before you head back home!
The resort offers unlimited towels for all guests, but if you do have a little one a hooded towel is always nice to wrap up after a long day in the water. Make sure to pack sunscreen, multiple swimsuits, easy sandals and shoes to walk between pool to pool, and goggles if your little one needs them.
Check-in early with your swimsuit on to maximize your time
Hot tip: check-in early with your swimsuit on and get your wrist band to maximize your time at the pools and beaches! The bell desk will take all your luggage and coolers and hold them until your room is ready. Upon check-in you will receive your wrist band for access to all the amenities before your room is ready. On the day of check-out your wrist band access is until the pools close. So technically for a one night stay you essentially have access to the pools and beach for two days.
Book character experiences in advance
Aulani offers a variety of character experiences and activities daily. When you check-in be sure to ask for the schedule if your little is looking forward to meet a specific character. The Character Breakfast is fun experience to celebrate a special occasion and if you want the Character experience but do not want to stay at the resort. Reservations book quickly and currently can be booked 30 days in advance. Those staying at the resort have priority for reservations but you can always try to call ahead for a spot. Current prices for three course Character Breakfast are $48 for adults, $29 for children ages 9 and under.
There are pools for every age
If you have a little one the splash pad and lazy river are fun options for a day of fun. Older kids and kids are heart will love the water slides. My little is a strong swimmer and so brave she loved the dark waterslide. Make sure you take a moment in the romantic infinity-edge pool and the hot tub. Pro tip if you are staying more than one night grab your fresh towels before heading back to your room for the night. The next morning if you are able make sure to make your way down to the pools early to reserve chairs by placing your towels on the chairs before the pools open if you want chairs in a certain area of the pool. To learn more about the pools, click here.
For our family, a weekend at the Aulani was a fun way to feel like we were on vacation, a chance to unwind and celebrate daddy coming home from deployment. Though there are nicer hotels and resorts on the island, I loved the variety of activities, pool areas, beach access and the charm of characters for our little one. With the busy schedule and routines of this life little getaways can be a fun way to reintegrate, have fun and make special memories!
If you have any questions on our experience message me on IG @aloha.mama.cat or follow me for more family fun and foodie finds! For more Oahu content and things to do, click here.