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+/ natt
Boka detta om 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.
Varför människor älskar det
- 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
Snabb Överblick: 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.
Recenserat av @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.
Gäster som bodde här sa
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
Renlighet & Underhåll
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™
7.5TYST
0-4BULLRIG
4-7.5MÅTTLIG
7.5-10TYST
- Screaming children at the Waikolohe Valley pool complex (8 AM - 8 PM)
- Luau drums and music on the lawn (evenings until ~8:30 PM)
Innan du bokar
Bra att veta
- 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.
Vad du ska packa
- 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)
Rum Genie
Bästa val
- 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)
Rum att undvika
- Low floors near the Waikolohe Valley (noise is intense)
- Standard view rooms that face the parking garage or conference center roof
Rumsförfrågan Genie – kopiera och klistra in
“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 & Dolda tips
Allt du verkligen vill veta innan du bokar.
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.
Insider-tips
- ✨
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 saker du bör veta innan du åker
💡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).
Lokalt playbook
Karta
Se var Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa ligger och vad som finns i närheten.