Aulani
| Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa | |
|---|---|
| File:Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa logo.svg | |
Aulani Resort in August, 2011
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| Hotel chain | Walt Disney Parks and Resorts |
| General information | |
| Address | 92-1185 Aliʻinui Drive Kapolei, HI 96707 |
| Opening | August 29, 2011 |
| Owner | The Walt Disney Company |
| Other information | |
| Number of rooms | 359 hotel rooms 460 Disney Vacation Club Villas, including 21 Grand Villas |
| Number of suites | 16 |
| Number of restaurants | 4 |
| Website | |
| Official website | |
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa is a beachside hotel, resort and vacation destination offering complimentary children's activities and programs at the Ko Olina Resort & Marina in Kapolei on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Part of the Disney Vacation Club, it is the third Disney Vacation Club Resort located outside of a Disney theme park property. The resort opened on August 29, 2011.
Contents
Background
Initially announced in October 2007,[1] Disney unveiled the resort's name in January 2010. The project was estimated to cost $800 million and eventually generate about 1,000 jobs at the resort. The project is managed by Disney Vice-President Djuan Rivers,[2] who said he was committed to integrating environmentally friendly initiatives into the resort.[3] The Aulani features an artificial lagoon which is called Rainbow Reef and an open air lobby, named Maka'ala, which was inspired by a traditional Hawaiian canoe house. This kind of architecture is said to connect families or guests to the sea and beyond. The Aulani resort is designed with the Hawaiian local culture in mind. The Walt Disney team has done extensive research on Hawaii to help workers understand Hawaiian customs and traditions. Hawaiian cultural programs are also incorporated into the resort; including music, dance, history, and arts and crafts.[4]
Theme
Walt Disney Imagineers collaborated with WATG and Architects Hawaii Ltd. and cultural experts to design and construct what will celebrate the customs and tradition of Hawaii.[5] Disney characters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse are seen at the resort, however, unlike at other theme parks (where they act as hosts), at Aulani they are presented as fellow guests.[6]
Facilities
There are four room categories from studios to grand villas, two full-service restaurants, a buffet eatery, two lounges, and two pool-side "shacks" that serve beverages and pūpūs. Also included is Internet access. Wireless Internet access is available in guest rooms and public areas of the resort and is included in the room rate.[7] The grounds include a 8,200 square feet (760 m2) pool complex that includes two slides, a lazy river and an artificial snorkeling lagoon.[8] Other amenities include Disney kids' club custom-planned activities and adventures, a spa encompassing 18,000 square feet (1,700 m2) and a 15,000 square feet (1,400 m2) conference center with approximately 40,000 square feet (3,700 m2) of outdoor venues.
Rooms and accommodations
The Aulani resort and spa provide childcare for children between the ages of 6 weeks to 14 years old. This service is available from 6am to 12 am daily and limited to customers only. Private dining is also available. This does not include room service and home cooked family style meals. Menu items include breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and beverages. Starting from 6am to 12 am daily. The resort also offers gifts to be delivered, including specialty items such as desserts and merchandise.[9]
Free amenities and activities
At the Aulani resort, there are many activities that are free of charge or are included in the rate of the guests' stay. This includes, but is not limited to, listening to story tellers, a hangout space provided with free karaoke for teens, ukulele lessons, bracelet making, and attending the evening show with music and dancing. Beach body boot camp or sunrise yoga is also included.[10]
Purchase/reservations
The resort began timeshare sales on July 15, 2010, and began taking room reservations in August 2010.[11][12] On August 12, 2011, Disney suspended Aulani timeshare sales indefinitely and fired three executives, including Disney Vacation Club president Jim Lewis, after senior management realized the annual dues had been set too low to cover maintenance costs.[13]
References
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- ↑ Disney Resort Taking Shape on Oahu; Expects to Invest $800 million, Employ 1,000 / October 2009
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- ↑ Disney takes the lei of the land at Oahu's Aulani Resort - USATODAY.com
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External links
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