The hype
Families are obsessed with the pools and characters, but many feel the room quality doesn't match the $700+ price tag.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
$550-900+/ notte
Prenota se You want the Disney magic without the theme park chaos, and you're willing to pay a premium for a self-contained, kid-centric Hawaiian bubble.
Perché piace così tanto
- World-class pool complex with a lazy river and private snorkeling lagoon
- Included kids' club (Aunty's Beach House) is legendary
- No resort fees—a rarity in Hawaii
In sintesi: It’s a beautifully manicured Disney stage set on a lagoon, but the rooms are starting to feel tired and the new 'every other day' housekeeping policy is a stingy move for these prices.
Recensito da @Dreamfindingwithfrances: Just checked into Aulani! The room has that classic Hawaiian lodge feel, but honestly, I spent my whole morning on the balcony. The mountain view is so peaceful compared to the ocean side. Definitely request a high floor if you want this scenery.
Cosa hanno detto gli ospiti che hanno soggiornato qui
Reality check
The 'relaxing' vibe is a myth at the main pool—you need to be down there by 7:30 AM to secure a chair before the towel game begins.
- You have kids under 12 who love water and characters
- You want a safe, enclosed resort experience where you don't need a car
- You are a DVC member or renting points to save cash
Pulizia e manutenzione
7.8
- Housekeeping: Downgraded to every-other-day 'light' service (trash/towels). Full cleaning only every 4th night. Disappointing for the price.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but humidity in Hawaii is relentless—check grout lines for pink mold immediately upon entry.
- Maintenance: Rooms are showing their age (last refresh 2021). Watch for worn carpets and scuffed furniture.
- Linens & towels: Standard Disney quality—clean and plentiful, but not luxury thread counts.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like a custom floral perfume (lovely); some hallways can smell musty due to wet carpet from pool traffic.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENZIOSO
0-4RUMOROSO
4-7.5MODERATO
7.5-10SILENZIOSO
- Screaming children at the Waikolohe Valley pool complex (8 AM - 8 PM)
- Luau drums and music on the lawn (evenings until ~8:30 PM)
Prima di prenotare
Buono a sapersi
- There are NO resort fees, which saves you ~$50/night compared to neighbors.
- You can rent DVC points from members to book the same rooms for 30-50% less than cash rates.
- The beach is a public lagoon; it's calm and safe but can get crowded with non-guests.
Cosa portare
- Reef-safe sunscreen (strictly enforced in Hawaii)
- Water shoes (the pool decks and lagoon rocks can be hot and slippery)
- Lanyard for your room key/charge card (you'll live in your swimsuit)
Genio delle camere
Migliori scelte
- Ewa Tower, high floor, ending in xx73 or xx79 (often classified as partial view but offer great ocean angles)
- Rooms ending in 11 or 05 for the quietest experience (overlooking the spa garden)
Camere da evitare
- Low floors near the Waikolohe Valley (noise is intense)
- Standard view rooms that face the parking garage or conference center roof
Genio delle richieste camera – copia e incolla
“I would appreciate a room in the Ewa Tower, ideally a high floor (10+). If possible, a room ending in xx73 or xx79 would be magical. We prioritize a quiet environment over proximity to the elevators.”
FAQ e consigli nascosti
Tutto ciò che vuoi davvero sapere prima di prenotare.
Is the character breakfast worth it?
Yes, for the photos and kids' joy, but not for the food. It's expensive (~$50/adult), so treat it as an entertainment cost.
Can I use the pool if I arrive before check-in?
Yes! You can get a wristband as early as 8 AM on your check-in day and use the facilities all day even if your room isn't ready.
Is there an adults-only area?
Yes, the Wailana Pool is 18+, but it's right next to the main action, so it's not exactly a silent sanctuary.
Do I need a rental car?
Only if you plan to explore the North Shore or Honolulu frequently. For a pure resort stay, a shuttle or Uber is cheaper than the $37/night parking.
Is the snorkeling lagoon free?
No. Rainbow Reef costs ~$25/day or ~$45/stay to snorkel with the fish. The ocean lagoon is free.
How bad is the housekeeping situation?
It's a sore point. Expect trash removal and towel refresh every other day. If you want daily full cleaning, you have to pay extra or beg.
Suggerimenti degli Insider
- ✨
Buy your breakfast at the Island Country Market (ABC Store) across the street—great loco moco for a fraction of resort prices.
- ✨
The 'Menehune Adventure Trail' is a free interactive scavenger hunt on an iPad that kids love; sign up at the Pau Hana Room.
- ✨
You can get free boogie boards and sand toys at the beach rental shack (Makiki Joe's) just by showing your room key.
5 cose da sapere prima di partire
💡The water in the pools is heated to a bath-like 82-86°F, which is amazing in winter but can feel soupy in August.
💡The 'ocean view' can sometimes mean 'view of the ocean if you lean over the balcony railing at a 45-degree angle'.
💡There is a secret 'flight of pancakes' at My Cafe in Kapolei that locals hide from tourists.
💡The elevators in the Ewa Tower can have long waits during peak breakfast and dinner rushes.
💡You can watch the nightly luau for free from the balcony of certain Ewa Tower rooms (floors 5-8 facing the lawn).
Guida locale
Mappa
Scopri dove si trova Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa e cosa c'è nelle vicinanze.