Here are some things I have to share if you're planning on staying at the Aulani Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii:
If you want a beach front view (front row) of the pool or beach chairs, plan to get down to the pool at 4am. I know, that sounds absolutely crazy! But if you're traveling from the main land, you will naturally be up early from the time change. Pool and beach chairs are available until about 8am when the pool opens. If you get down to the pool or beach after 8am, it will be very hard to find a chair for the day.
Purchase a travel mug from Ulu Cafe for $22.95. You get unlitmited refills on water, coffee and soft drinks. I will say, a lot of the time the soda tasted flat, but you can't beat that price for unlimited drinks. Shhhh don't tell the others, but you can also fill your mug with drinks from your room.
A tip that we were told was to purchase bottled water, snacks and alcohol for the room for convenience and to also save a little, which we did. But my tip is to not go over board with what you purchase. We had a lot left over that we eneded up just leaving behind and the bell hop says that happens all the time.
Take a day to get off the resort and explore the island. This was really refreshing to get out and we really got to see the beauty of the island.
Book your character dining breakfast at Makahiki right when they open it up 30 days out from your stay. This books up fast and we almost didn't get a reservation!
A lot of people warned me that it's not a "Disney in your face" kind of resort, but I actually think it had plenty of Disney elements. I think it's what you make of it. I still got decked out in my Disney gear each day as did many others. Characters were out all day long, there are three Disney shops, celebration buttons and many other Disney elements.
The time change was a struggle for me! I didn't fight it though. I just let my body be awake when it wanted to and sleep when it wanted to. I was up at 4am everyday and asleep by 6pm every night. It worked out well for the pool schedule - haha!
They have pin trading stations on the property. Addison was bummed she didn't bring her pins.
Things I didn't love eating on the resort: Ama Ama restaurant. I love fine dining, but I didn't think this was anything special. Our dinner was about $400. I would have been happier if Mickey was there to greet me with a photo opp, but that's me, the Disney freak. I did like my champagne (the one in the wine pairing), the ahi and my salad. I didn't love the Musubi from Ulu Cafe that everyone raves about.
Things I absolutely loved eating on the resort: The ahi nachos or ahi bowls are SO FREAKIN GOOD! I want to order a shipment of their ahi to my house. The cinamon roll in Ulu Cafe is fantastic! I also LOVED the coconut shrimp from Mama's Snack Stop.
BONUS TIP: You don't need to book a private photo session (which they offer on the resort for nearly $300) . Save your dollars! The photopass team is usually down by the water at sunset to take your photos.
Aloha,
Jodi Snowden
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