It's amazing how kids can sometimes be tuned into the smallest detail, and other times be oblivious to everything around them. When I attended the Grand Opening Celebration for Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii a few weeks ago, Eilan was perfectly happy to play in the sand as we waited for the show to start. He seemed completely oblivious to the throngs of people surrounding him. But when the first note sounded, he practically hopped up onto my shoulder with eyes open wide, desperate to catch every moment.
Related Links
The Littlest Mouse (Part 1: At Home)
Honolulu and Greater Oahu with Kids (City Guide)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 1)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 2)
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
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I got more questions from readers and friends from this trip Disney's new Aulani Resort on Oahu than I have for any other trip. This is a new type of Disney experience, so it makes sense that we'd all be curious exactly how things work. Here are the most popular questions and answers.
How much does it cost to stay at Aulani Resort
There's no doubt that a trip to Aulani resort is a real splurge. Rooms without a beach/water view begin at $400 per night for a standard room with two queen sized beds. Here's what typical expenses might look like for a family of four (with kids over age 3) staying four nights:
Typical Costs
Standard Room (parking lot view) + Taxes: $1,818.84
Airport Transportation in a Taxi 2 ways (does not include carseats): $160
Rental Car + Gas for one day: $100
Character Breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids: $100
50 minute massage for one parent: $160
Snorkeling in Rainbow Reef for 2 kids: $40
Continental breakfasts for 4 x 3 days: $100
Poolside lunch from One Paddle Two Paddle for 4 x 4 days: $168
One night dinner for two at 'Ama 'Ama (with 2 kids at $26): $150
Dinner for two kids from One Paddle Two Paddle $15
Dinners for 3 nights at Off the Hook: $225
Sodas, Juice and Snacks from Island Country Market across the street: $30
Childcare at Auntie's Beach House: Free
Starlight Hui, Evening Movies, Character Experiences: Free
Total Cost for a family of four staying 4 nights: $3066
What didn't I include? Airfare. Taxes. Cabana or Beach Umbrella Rentals. Outside excursions or experiences. Drinks. Snacks. Tips. Souvenirs.
Here are more tips for creating a budget for your family vacation
How Can I Save Money at Aulani Resort?
- Bring your own snorkel gear and snorkel in the lagoon
- Eat your breakfast in the room and enjoy a self catered lunch from Island Country Market across the street (all rooms include a small refrigerator and a coffee maker and teapot that you can use to heat water for oatmeal or morning coffee). Want a view? There's no reason you can't enjoy your meal at one of Aulani's poolside tables or on your balcony.
- Aulani's late checkout facilities include lockers and showers for guests with late flights. If you have an early morning flight, consider spending a full day at the resort the day before you fly, using the lockers to stow your gear, and spend the last night at an airport hotel that has an airport shuttle
- Use an airport shuttle instead of driving a rental car from the airport. When you rent at the airport, rental car rates are about $100/day for a compact car. Parking at Aulani is and additional $35/night. Instead of renting a car for your entire stay, take a taxi to the hotel and back (about $80 each way). If you'd like to take a daytrip, rent a car at Aulani, where the lack of airport taxes reduces the cost of a rental car by about $30/day. When you're completely done with the car, just return it to the valet and have them park it in Alamo's lot to avoid paying overnight parking fees.
- Splurge on a spa day pass ($45) instead of massage or expensive treatment
- Don't order dessert with your meal. Instead, enjoy poolside shave Ice as an afternoon snack ($3.75 poolside)
- There are so many opportunities to meet Disney characters at Aunties Beach House and throughout the resort that you could forgo the character breakfast without too much drama.
- Splurging on a fancy meal? Try lunch instead of dinner when prices are a bit cheaper.
- Take full advantage of the included entertainment. With character meetings, dance parties, movie nights, the starlight HUI, some crafts and cultural activities included free of charge, it's unlikely anyone would get bored using only the included activities
- If you plan to explore the island, consider making full use of the Aulani Resort for several days, and then using a less expensive hotel as your home base while you sightsee.
- Be sure to bring everything you might need with you. Buying specialty items in Hawaii is a sure-fire budget breaker, and beach toys and snorkel gear are not included in the resort cost. Other items, like diapers or specialized snacks cost significantly more in Hawaii (and double that in resort areas) than they do on the mainland.
Here are more ideas for saving money on a Hawaiian Vacation
Are Meals included at Aulani Resort?
No. Meals are not included at Aulani Resort. To save money on meals, one option is to purchase groceries across the street at the Island Country Market. While there is no microwave in the room, there is a teapot and a coffeepot, meaning that you can heat water for oatmeal or noodle soup.
How can I get from Honolulu Airport (HNL) to Aulani
Aulani does not currently run a shuttle service from the airport to the Aulani Resort. A taxi from the airport to Aulani would typically be the most cost effective transportation for a family of four, and costs about $80
Can I visit Aulani Resort if I am not a Hotel Guest? Can I buy an Aulani Resort Day Pass or a pool day pass?
You can visit Aulani even if you are not a hotel guest. Parking can be validated for four hours or less when you spend $35 or more at the resort. As a non-guest, you won't be able to use the pools (hotel guests are required to wear a wristband to use the pool), nor will your kids be able to visit Auntie's Beach House (even for a fee). There is currently no option to buy a day pass that would give you access to Aulani's facilities without being a hotel guest.
How much does it cost to park at Aulani Resort
It costs $35 for hotel guests to park at Aulani Resort. Disney Vacation Club Members receive complimentary parking.
Do Ko Olina Beach Club members get any special privileges or rates at Aulani Resort
Nope, but you can walk over or take the Ko Olia shuttle and enjoy the resort instead of paying the parking charge.
What Can I do at Aulani if I am not a resort guest
As a non guest, you'll be able to enjoy the resort grounds, including the beach. You can eat at any of the resort restaurants, and a Character Breakfast might be particularly fun. Be sure to pick up the "Daily Iwa" (Aulani's daily activities schedule and newsletter) at the reception desk to find out about "Disney Friends Meet and Greets," shows, and other free activities that are happening during your visit. If you will be visiting Aulani without kids, I'd strongly recommend scheduling a spa treatment as this is one of the loveliest spas I've ever seen.
Is the Aulani Resort wild with color, characters, and sound effects like Disneyland and Disneyworld?
Aulani is a much more muted experience than the Disneyland Resorts and the company worked hard to bring Hawaiian elements to center stage, with the Disney characters taking a backseat. Still, this is Hawaii infused with the whimsey and sense of discovery that you're used to at the Disney Parks.
Does Aulani have a Kids Club?
Yes, "Auntie's Beach House is Aulani's Kids Club. Auntie's is available free of charge to resort guests at 3+ who are potty trained. Kids may stay for up to 12 hours per day, and the childcare closes at 11pm. Children under age 3 may visit Auntie's Beach House if a parent stays with them. At this writing, there is no childcare available for children under age 3, and parents may arrange to have an outside sitter provide in-room care.
What can adults do Aulani?
For me, a trip to Aulani would be for the purpose of enjoying it with my kids. That said, I talked with several adults who were staying at the resort without kids and enjoying it immensely. Here are a few of the activities that adults can enjoy at Aulani.
- The Laniwai spa, with it's outdoor massage tables, rain water showers, and hydrotherapy garden and spacious lounges is one of the most stunning spas I've ever seen. If I weren't staying here, I'd be tempted to sneak over for a visit.
- Daily exercise classes (some at additional cost) are also available. Some take advantage of Aulani's beach or poolside.
- Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main pool, you'll also find Aulani's quiet pool - secluded and shady it's an ideal place to hide away.
- The nighttime Starlight Hui is a must for any age
- Disney works with established local tour operators and their own guides to provide high quality excursions around the island.
- Check out the craft and storytelling program in the Pau Hana room. Activities like the making of intricate Lei Hulu (feather lei) are designed to scale well from young guests to older guests.
Are there rides at Aulani?
Nope. Not unless you're planning to give someone a piggy back ride.
Was the Weather Warm?
Admittedly this question came from my Seattle questions. Over, and over and over. When you live somewhere that barely manages to get warm in summertime, it's hard to imagine that anyplace else is warm in fall. The temperature during our September stay was in the 80's. Just warm enough that you need to drink extra water, but not so warm as to keep you from being active. Here's a link to historical weather charts for Honolulu in general, temperatures rarely get much over 90 degrees, and nighttime temperatures are often above 70, but rarely below 60 degrees.
Does Aulani provide an "authentic" Hawaiian experience
This is a tricky question to answer. Aulani doesn't at all feel like a theme park transported to Hawaii, and the energy that Disney spent engaging local artists in the design and decor shows through in a big way. This is the only big Hawaiian resort I have stayed at where the Hawaiian influence runs deeper than the wallpaper, but still, it's not as if you'll have an unchoreographed locals experience here.
Beyond the decor, I appreciated the effort that went into providing educational opportunities about Hawaiian history, folklore, and culture for both kids and adults. Hotel staff clearly take personal pride in explaining the stories behind the brilliantly colored murals in the hotel entrance and the Makahiki Restaurant. The resort's Pau Hana Room is dedicated to teaching Hawaiian Culture. I particularly liked the fact that many of the craft activities would scale well for whole families to do them together.
Is Aulani close to Honolulu
Aulani Resort is about 20 min from Honolulu airport, and about 30 minutes from Waikiki (though the drive can take as much as an hour with traffic). The relaxed North Shore, with it's famous surf towns and shave ice is about 30 minutes away. You'll also have access to the other parts of the Ko Olina resort, including Roy's restaurant, a small shopping center, and the Ko Olina Golf Course. That said, this is an area created for tourism and is a bit isolated from the areas that locals would normally frequent.
Is Aulani quiet
From our soundproofed room on the 9th floor, with the doors closed, we did not hear noise from the pool or our neighbors. Aulani isn't the sort of hotel where you would leave your door open to hear the sound of the surf at night, but if you're worried about hearing the type of noise that you might experience if you were sleeping above Disneyland, know that even the daytime sounds are muted and that things really quiet down after dark. There are no fireworks or other loud noises, and outdoor shows, like the Starlight Hui are situated away from hotel rooms.
Will my kids put up a fight if I try to make them leave the hotel and explore other parts of the island.
Probably. But you should do it anyway, Oahu is beyond lovely.
Readers: As your questions about Aulani in Comments and I'll do my best to answer them
Related Links
What to do at Aulani Resort with a Toddler
Honolulu and Greater Oahu with Kids (City Guide)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 1)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 2)
The Littlest Mouse (Part 1: At Home)
The LIttlest Mouse (Part 2: Aulani Resort)
I was an invited guest on this trip, and Disney paid for most of my expenses, including our hotel stay, most meals, and my airfare. Disney did not request that I express any particular point of view, and my opinions are my own.
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Posted on October 4, 2011 |
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After 5 days at Aulani Resort, Disney's new Hotel on Oahu, with Eilan (now just over 2 years old), here are my best tips for enjoying Aulani with a toddler.
Overview
My son loved exploring the resort grounds, splashing in the pools and running his fingers through the sand. For most toddlers, those activities will be your mainstay, and character meetings would be a highlight. Though there aren't many activities targeted specifically at babies or toddlers, they are welcome to join in on activities designed for older kids. Dance parties and storytimes work particularly well. The Aulani Resort's compact layout makes easy to navigate even with a tired toddler, and of course every aspect of the resort is stroller friendly (not counting the sandy beach of course!). If you want to enjoy a special dinner or time at the spa, be sure to arrange babysitting well in advance.
What To Do With a Toddler at Aulani Resort
- Stare Starry Eyed the Fish at Rainbow Reef
A week after returning from Aulani, Eilan is still talking telling everyone "I watch fishies" when they ask about Hawaii. Rainbow reef is Aulani's man-made reef (filled with continuously recirculated ocean water and oodles of tropical fish). Older kids can snorkel here without fear of waves, and with lifeguards standing by. If you want to look without getting wet, there's a cozy little cave area, complete with bench seating, where your toddler might just stay mesmerized for a half an hour. If you have an early riser, the 8am fish feedings are an especially great time to check out rainbow reef.
- Visit Auntie's Beach House: Though only kids age 3+ who are potty trained can stay be dropped off at Auntie's, any child is welcome to visit as long as a parent stays with him or her. The environment here is calming - it's like your relaxed Auntie's house where you can play and have fun - and a little magical. You never know who might show up for a visit, there's an enchanted fireplace, windows that rain even when it's sunny outside, and an enchanted fireplace. There's not much for a crawlers to do here, but for toddlers, there's a kitchen, coloring sheets, dress up clothes, and many toys. Auntie's beach house is a great place to duck in when the sun gets too hot or you just need a little down time.
There's are several rooms just for little kids, but when Auntie's isn't busy, the little guys can roam through Auntie's entire beach cottage and into the big kids areas.
- Run and Splash Under the Menehune Bridge
Eilan never did get comfortable enough with the running, splashing water to venture up on the bridge (and he might have been trampled by bigger kids if he had), but he loved the zero-entry pool underneath the Menehune Bridge. The water here never got deeper than his waist, making it easy for him to run and splash without ever risking going too deep.
- Dig in The Sand
Aulani's man made lagoon has plenty of space and nice white sand. Bring your own sand toys or buy them across the street at the ABC store. Umbrellas can be rented for $20/day
The lagoon waters are calm enough for even a young toddler to wade in, and life jackets are available poolside if your child needs one. The best time for the beach is in the early morning or evening at sunset. The sand won't be so hot, the light colored sand won't reflect as much light, and you'll have the benefit of a little shade!
- Dance with Minnie at Disney Junior Aloha
Eilan just loved Disney Junior Aloha, a special toddler activity (during our stay it was scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 am) at Auntie's Beach House. We started with a dance party, complete with shakers and other musical instruments, did some coloring, and then had a surprise visit from Minnie Mouse. It was so nice for him to cuddle with Minnie without crowds of bigger kids.
- Splash in the Main Pool
The Waikolohe Valley Pool has a zero depth entry, making it great for little guys. Life jackets are available poolside if your child needs one. For even more fun, bring along a few cups or other water toys.
- Try your hand at Hawaiian crafts and listen to Hawaiian Storytelling in the Pau Hana Room
The Pau Hana Room, Aulani's Hawaiian cultural center, is mostly geared towards older kids who can drop in to play a game or learn more about Hawaii, but it's also a quiet spot to enjoy with a toddler. Storytelling may appeal to toddlers who are good lap-sitters, and some though some of the crafts are very advanced (like my picture below of the feather leis that were being made during our visit) others might work well for a toddler with adult help. You never know what might be going on here, and one evening Eilan and I dropped in for an impromptu Ukelele lesson!
- Search for Menehune
In Hawaiian lore, Menehune are mischievous little people who only come out at night, and who build temples and many of the natural wonders you see around you in Hawaii. You'll find them hidden all over (it's estimated that there are over 300). Many are at toddler height, so you might find that your child can find more than you can!
- Float down the Lazy River
Eilan is still talking about Aulani's "Bagels." A ride down the lazy river would be an especially lovely way to wind down before bedtime. Though there are no toddler-sized rafts, there are lifejackets, and you can perch your toddler on your lap for a cuddle as you float down the stream. Be aware that there is one area where you are likely to get splashed - if you're winding down before bedtime, or have a child who would be scared by water dumping on him, you might want to get out before you reach that spot.
- Cuddle up with a book in the Pau Hana Room
The Pau Hana room has a nice selection of Hawaiian children's books so that you can cuddle up for some quiet reading time
- Explore the grounds
I was surprised at how much Eilan enjoyed just walking around the Aulani grounds. There was so much to see at his eye level, and for him there was a sense that *anything* could be around the next corner. Your child will probably make up his or her own fun, but here's what Eilan loved: Eilan loved searching for circles (that's manhole covers to you and me) and jumping on the metal ones, which make a pleasing clanging sound. Filling up a cup of water (and drinking it) all by himself. Picking up the flowers that had blown down from the trees "to kiss him." The Koi pond and fountains are predictably kid pleasers too.
- Get some coloring sheets from the concierge
Up at the crack of dawn? Visit the concierge for a few coloring sheets and crayons and then hang out in the lobby and make Mickey all the colors of the rainbow.
- Catch an Evening Show
Aulani's evening program, including the Starlight Hui, Movie Nights, and the Sunset Ceremony are designed to be enjoyed by every age group.
- Beg stickers from just about anyone
You never know who might have a Mickey Mouse sticker to hand out. The bellperson, the cast member holding a door open for you, or even restaurant staff.
- Meet a Character Each morning you'll receive a schedule of character meet and greet opportunities for the day. Don't worry about making them all... there will be more tomorrow.
- Take in a Movie and Explore The Hidden Experiences in the Aulani Lobby
Is your toddler awake before anyone else? The kid-friendly area by the reception desk might be a great place to hang out while you wait for the rest of the family to wake up.
- Gorge Yourself at a Character Breakfast
There are enough opportunities to meet characters throughout the day, that the intimate size of a character breakfast might not seem as important as it does at Disneyland or Disney World. Still, Eilan enjoyed the dance party, the music, and most of all, the chance to meet Mickey, Minnie and Goofy. The buffet format (with a special kids buffet that included Mickey waffles) made this an easy sit down meal. Even if you're not signed up for a character breakfast, you can still visit Mickey on the plaza in front of the restaurant, just ask a cast member. Note to self: the main problem with character breakfasts is that your child's shirt will be filthy in all those cute pictures. (Extra cost: Adults 32.00 Ages 9 and Under 18.00 Age 2 and under: Free)
- Lounge in the Shade
I recognize that toddlers are not usually into lying still, but after a busy morning, a little time in the shade and an opportunity to watch bigger kids at play might actually be welcome. There are a few shaded lounge chairs in between the Menehune bridge and the lazy river - an ideal spot for watching the action. Cabanas are also available for rent at additional charge and can be closed up if your child needs to nap. Cabanas also include a safe, refrigerator and TV. On the beach, umbrella rentals are available for $20 per day.
- Check out The Spa. Yes, The Spa
Learn how to massage your baby in a special whole family treatment at Laniwai, Aulani's spa. In this 25 minute treatment, one parent will be treated to a massage while the other one learns how to relax baby and develop a closer bond through massage. We had a small sampling of this service during our stay, and I was surprised at how willing Eilan was to slow down and enjoy this experience. (extra charge: Mom Dad and Baby 25 minutes $150. 50 minutes $210) Best of all, after your treatment you can leave your toddler with a sitter or parent while you return and enjoy the spa facility a little longer ($45 value)
- Play in the Room
Though the rooms at Aulani are designed to get you out into the resort, you should be prepared to spend some time here with your toddler. If you're visiting from the mainland, and especially if your child is an early riser at home, be prepared to spend some time in the room, lobby, or on the beach before the pool opens at 7am. Room service begins at 6as does continental breakfast at the 'Olelo Room.
- Feed the Fish
Bring along some fish food (make sure it's appropriate for tropical fish) and take an early morning walk down to the beach to feed the fish.
- Rent A Car
There are no Disney-run excursions for toddlers, but there's nothing preventing you from renting a car and exploring the island on your own. The Alamo branch, right in the resort, can rent you a car (rates are significantly lower than airport rates).
But above all, plan lots and lots of time to splash and play in the water or dig in the sand
Related Links
The Littlest Mouse (Part 1: At Home)
Honolulu and Greater Oahu with Kids (City Guide)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 1)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 2)
I was an invited guest on this trip, and Disney paid for most of my expenses, including our hotel stay, most meals, and my airfare. Disney did not request that I express any particular point of view, and my opinions are my own.
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Posted on October 3, 2011 |
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While we were in Hawaii, Eilan and I rented a car and took a daytrip to Oahu's North Shore. Our rental car keys were tagged with a warning I'd never seen before. Clearly it's needed because the keys end up in someone's pocket in the ocean, but somehow it struck me as funny that it might be just as appropriate in Seattle where hardly anything escapes the rain.
Related Links
Honolulu and Greater Oahu with Kids (City Guide)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 1)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 2)
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
For the month of September, Amazon has been running a huge sale on baby gear. Friday is the last day, so I thought I'd share the prices on a few of the items that I recommend for family travel.
BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light
is on sale for $233, a whopping $46 savings off of the regular price. Here's my full Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Review
The KidCo PeaPod with Self-Inflating Mattress
, a great choice for shade on a sunny beach or to give your child his own bed when you travel, is on sale for $64.95. That's $15 off of the regular price.
Sunshine Kids Radian80 SL Convertible Car Seat
is on sale for $206.52 , a $63 savings off the regular price. This is the car seat I use for my kids, and I'm convinced that it saved them from serious injury in our recent crash. And guess what? If you are ever in a crash, the company will replace your seat for free. Here's my full Radian 80 Car Seat review
CARES Child Aviation Restraint System
is on sale for $64.50, a $10 savings over the regular price. This is a product we purchased ourselves and have used for years to keep the kids safe on flights.
More DealsAmazon is running a special September sale on Baby Gear and there are tons of deals on everything from baby bottles and strollers to clothes and other baby gear.
I do receive a small commission when you buy something after clicking an Amazon link on my site. Buying something through my site doesn't cost you more, and the income from Amazon helps me keep the site going.
Related Links
My Favorite Family Travel Gear
Baby Store Sale at Amazon
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Posted on September 29, 2011 |
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If packing a bulky costume in my carry-on bag was silly, bringing a costume that was clearly designed for trick or treating in a cold climate in October to warm and sunny Hawaii was even sillier. I pretty quickly realized that even an early morning jaunt with the costume would be uncomfortable. Once the grand opening parties were over (afterall, we didn't want to upstage the real Mickey), I decided Eilan could wear the costume to a sunset ceremony out on the Aulani Resort's lawn.
Eilan was thrilled beyond measure when I pulled his Mickey Mouse costume out of a secret compartment in the suitcase. For once, he couldn't wait to get dressed. As with much of our stay, he raced through the resort, stopping only to tell people that he was Mickey Mouse. Everyone, cast members and hotel guests alike made a huge fuss over him, and one little girl even stopped to take a picture with him. You should have seen sweet little Eilan trying to put my camera in "view" mode and check out the picture with those big Mickey Mouse hands.
Related Links
The Littlest Mouse (Part 1: At Home)
Honolulu and Greater Oahu with Kids (City Guide)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 1)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 2)
I was an invited guest on this trip, and Disney paid for most of my expenses, including our hotel stay, most meals, and my airfare. Disney did not request that I express any particular point of view, and my opinions are my own.
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Posted on September 28, 2011 |
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I want to thank everyone who entered to my giveaway to win an Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack
The randomly selected winner was Tepe R. who recommended Modern Pastry in my Boston With Kids city guide.
Tepe, please send me your mailing address to receive your CARES harness!
Didn't win this time? The Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag
is available at Amazon for just $109.99.
P.S. I have a very special Disney Aulani giveaway coming up soon. You're not going to want to miss it. Be sure to check back (or subscribe or "like" DeliciousBaby on Facebook so that you don't miss a thing).
Related Links:
My Favorite Family Travel Gear
Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Review
Amazon's Big September Sale in Baby (affiliates link)
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Posted on September 27, 2011 |
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Today is your last chance to enter our free giveaway to win a Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag .
If you have already entered, but want to add your recommendations for kid-friendly activities, restaurants, or hotels to DeliciousBaby for more chances to win, now is the time! Each recommendation will earn five entries in the giveaway.
To enter, just visit this article: Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag and follow the instructions.
Related Links
Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Backpack Bag (Amazon)
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Posted on September 26, 2011 |
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Earlier this week I posted some Early pictures from Aulani's Grand Opening. Now that we've had a little more time to explore, I wanted to post some more!
Eilan woke up bright and early every morning with cries of "Go Out, Go See." I've never seen him run through his days like he did at Aulani. For him, there was such a huge sense of discovery here - afterall, much of the resort is designed to be visually interesting even if you're under 3 feet tall! Here are some pictures of what we saw and did on our second day. Hope you enjoy them!
There's so much for Eilan to see that's just right at his height
And you never know who you might meet
Eilan has a healthy fear of the water (being the third child of a sometimes distracted mom means you have to look out for yourself). So he warmed up to the Aulani pool gradually over the course of our day.
Finally, even Eilan knew he'd had enough time in the sun!
What better way to spend the afternoon than checking out the Spa! I'll have a short video about Aulani's family offerings soon.
And before we knew it, the day was almost over
Goodnight Hawaii
Questions? Ask any questions you might have about Aulani in comments. I'll do my best to get answers while I'm here!
Related Links
Honolulu and Greater Oahu with Kids (City Guide)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 1)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 2)
The Littlest Mouse (Part 1: At Home)
The LIttlest Mouse (Part 2: Aulani Resort)
I was an invited guest on this trip, and Disney paid for most of my expenses, including our hotel stay, most meals, and my airfare. Disney did not request that I express any particular point of view, and my opinions are my own.
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Posted on September 25, 2011 |
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