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The Ultimate Review Of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Day 1 and 2

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We just got back from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and we are so excited to share our full review with you. Special thanks to Disney for hosting this amazing vacation! We can’t wait to go back!

View from a plane window taking of from Los Angeles International Airport
View from a plane window taking of from Los Angeles International Airport

We are sharing our whole adventure in our videos too! So be sure to watch the video above!

Our adventure started flying high above Los Angeles in the exact same seats as our last visit to Hawaii! How often does that happen, I wonder? Our flight was more restless this time though because we were all so excited to be going to Aulani!

Two girls sitting in first class airplane seats
Two girls sitting in first class airplane seats

We landed at 9 pm local time, so it was already dark but we had a limo van or party bus as we call them waiting for us. That totally woke us back up!

Three girls sitting in a limo on the way to Aulani
Three girls sitting in a limo on the way to Aulani

When we arrived, we were greeted with citrus-infused water and beautiful leis!

Family receiving leis in the lobby of Aulani
Family receiving leis in the lobby of Aulani

We headed up to our suite and went straight to bed so that we would be well-rested and ready to really have some big fun in the morning!

Balcony view of Aulani
Balcony view of Aulani

Good morning Aulani!

Bedroom of a family room at Aulani
Bedroom of a family room at Aulani

Aren’t the rooms beautiful?!

Towel sculpture and orchid on bed in room at Aulani
Towel sculpture and orchid on bed in room at Aulani

This is the view we woke up to!

View of ocean from balcony room at Aulani
View of ocean from balcony room at Aulani

Pete went down to the coffee bar (open until 11 am) and got us both coffee, and we just took in this view while the girls got ready. I had a soy latte and he had a black regular brew, but they also have delicious specialty drinks just for this resort, so be sure to have one of those too!

Ocean view from Aulani
Ocean view from Aulani

Then we headed down to Makahiki for the Disney Character Breakfast. PS. There are water stations throughout the resort with delicious fruit infused water… be sure to stay hydrated with them!

Two girls enjoying complimentary water at Disney's Aulani
Two girls enjoying complimentary water at Disney’s Aulani

This is a great way to have some easy meet and greets with your favorite characters. 

Family meeting Mickey Mouse at Disney's Aulani
Family meeting Mickey Mouse at Disney’s Aulani

And it is more than just food and characters. There is a lot of fun too! Aunty plays music and sings while you eat and also leads fun activities too!

Girl and Aunty celebrating at breakfast buffet at Disney's Aulani
Girl and Aunty celebrating at breakfast buffet at Disney’s Aulani
Girl celebrating with Minnie Mouse at Disney's Aulani
Girl celebrating with Minnie Mouse at Disney’s Aulani

The food is also really fun!

Banana cut in the shape of a dolphin at the breakfast buffet at Disney's Aulani
Banana cut in the shape of a dolphin at the breakfast buffet at Disney’s Aulani

Of course, there were plates full of Mickey waffles too… even gluten-free and vegan ones!

I really love how this is very much a Disney resort with the characters and food items, but that it is also just as much, if not more a Hawaiian vacation resort. So for those that want the Disney magic, it’s here… and for those that want a more traditional Hawaiian resort feel, it’s here too!

Girl enjoying vegan breakfast at the breakfast buffet at Disney's Aulani
Girl enjoying vegan breakfast at the breakfast buffet at Disney’s Aulani
Girl laughing with Pluto at the breakfast buffet at Disney's Aulani
Girl laughing with Pluto at the breakfast buffet at Disney’s Aulani

This is also the place for kids of all ages.

The teens had just as much fun as the little one… and the adults of course too. While Emmy was at Aunty’s Beach House (the included kids club) the teens were enjoying the pools, having snacks, shopping and spending time at the teen’s spa. More on all that later…

Three girls posing with Minnie Mouse at the breakfast buffet at Disney's Aulani
Three girls posing with Minnie Mouse at the breakfast buffet at Disney’s Aulani

After breakfast, we made sure we got some of the Aulani tumblers. These are great to get right away because you pay once and can get complimentary refills of soda, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea for the rest of your stay. We used ours for coffee because we can’t function without it!

Refillable beverage mugs at Disney's Aulani
Refillable beverage mugs at Disney’s Aulani

Since we were really experiencing the resort for the first time, at least in the daylight, we went off exploring and had our first look at Rainbow Reef. With over 1,000 beautiful tropical fish in this private, onsite lagoon, we were really excited to go snorkeling there! It was even fun just enjoying it from outside through these huge glass windows!

Glass window into the snorkling pool at Disney's Aulani
Glass window into the snorkling pool at Disney’s Aulani

Of course, Emmy had a couple of other things on her mind. Swimming and snacks!

Girl sitting on the edge of a pool at Disney's Aulani
Girl sitting on the edge of a pool at Disney’s Aulani

There are pools, a lazy river, slides and a splash pad that is more like a huge waterworks playset!

Girl holding root beer flavored Mickey Mouse-shaped Shave Ice at Disney's Aulani
Girl holding root beer flavored Mickey Mouse-shaped Shave Ice at Disney’s Aulani

You can’t go to Aulani and not get a Mickey Shave Ice… you just can’t. Emmy had one flavored with root beer. It was as divine as it sounds!

Girl sitting on the beach at Disney's Aulani
Girl sitting on the beach at Disney’s Aulani

Maddie and I went for the first of many walks.

The resort connects to a walking path right along the beach that is perfect for afternoon, evening and every other time you want to go strolls. It was so peaceful and relaxing!

Dusk balcony view at Disney's Aulani
Dusk balcony view at Disney’s Aulani

One of my favorite places was on the balcony with this view at sunset.

Heaven on earth, I tell you!

The Ultimate Guide to Aulani - A Disney Resort and Spa
The Ultimate Guide to Aulani – A Disney Resort and Spa

I hope you enjoyed this full picture review of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. We will be back soon to share the rest of this amazing family vacation to Hawaii! Be sure to pin this post too!

Heather Reese
the authorHeather Reese
Heather Delaney Reese is the storyteller and photographer behind the lifestyle and family travel blog, It's a Lovely Life®! For the past decade, she has vacationed over 150 days a year with her family. She is a vegan, and loves being by the water, spending time with her children, husband, 2 Shih Tzus and Cat.

43 Comments

  • This looks like pure HEAVEN! I would love to take my kiddos to Aulani one day. I visited Oahu pre-kids, but I want to go back and let the whole family experience it. This Disney resort looks awesome!! Love your video!

  • How gorgeous the outside of the hotel is. The architecture and lighted paths. Both day and night just lovely. Your room itself was prettier than any hotel room I’ve seen. I want a Mickey shave but don’t tell the kids. They offer snorkeling also, wow. I love your beautiful pictures, the best is the night time picture from above.

  • I have been wanting to go there so badly! It looks like it is everything I hoped it would be and more! Glad you guys had such a nice time!

  • That looks really awesome. I bet its a different experience then going to regular Disney resort since it is in Hawaii. It doesn’t hurt that it has a really beautiful view.

  • I love all things Disney! Beautiful resort, I hope to visit it one day. I’m so glad you guys had a fun time!

  • I always enjoy reading your family vacation posts. The pics are just awesome. Would love to have the Mickey shave ice.

  • I always enjoy reading your family vacation posts. The pics are amazing. Disney resorts are amazing stay options for children and adults both.

  • Wow such a great place to visit. Never been to Aulani but I heard a lot of it, The view at sunset is breathtaking . I have to work more to save more, I will Save for Aulani vacation..That’s a promise!

  • This Disney resort looks absolutely incredible. What a gorgeous experience to have. It looks really versatile with lots to do for everyone.

  • This Disney resort looks absolutely incredible. What a gorgeous experience to have. It looks really versatile with lots to do for everyone. 🙂

  • Ohhhh what a fun time for everyone involved. That Mickey shaved ice looks SO good. I want to go here! 🙂

  • It’s on our family bucket list to go to the Aulani Disney Resort. It looks gorgeous and I would be thrilled at the chance to go. It looks like you had a wonderful time!

  • Wow!! What a great family vacation. Looks so much fun with all these spectacular views and foods. Lovely experience indeed.

  • Oh my this looks like it was so much fun. I honestly didn’t know Disney had resorts in Hawaii. I am a huge Disney fan and really want to go on a cruse one day, but this actually looks like just as much fun. 🙂

  • Wow! What an amazing treat! I love reading your posts and all your family pics and the adventures you take. Disney really did well for you guys here. It looks like such an amazing trip!

  • This looks like one of the fanciest, most luxurious family fun vacation ever. I would love to just sit and look at the scenery.

  • We are considering a resort when we travel to visit Disney. The Mickey Shave Ice has sold my son on the idea of choosing Aulani!

  • This is a lovely post! I enjoy reading family vacations for ideas. I certainly will plan this in the future. Thanks for the post

  • Oh my! That Mickey shaved ice is phenomenal. I love it when a theme is carried out so well. And what a GREAT trip!!

  • Oh my! That Mickey shaved ice is phenomenal. I love it when a theme is carried out so well. And what a GREAT trip!!

  • Your family is certainly having the time of their lives with these first two days! I remember seeing you guys from different resorts and I wondered when the fun will stop but I guess it won’t happen, haha! That picture of the blue sky with those beach chairs is my favorite.

  • Beautiful place that’s worth going to especially if you have the whole family with you. We’re huge fans of disney as well and I think I know where our next family trip is going to be! Thanks for sharing your experience! Can’t wait to read more about this trip!

  • Looks like a really awesome vacation you and your family had. From the airline to the party bus to the hotel, food and activities, everything looks perfect! Hopefully we can do as you did. I would love to take my entire family there too.

  • This would be such a cool place to visit when our little one is a little bit older. Love!

  • Omg this is a dream vacation! Disney spa is fantastic and glad your family have a blast. I will add this to my bucket list.

  • Such an amazing placr to visit. You did great work on this review as it says alot of good things about it. Nice pictures too.

  • We spent 10 days there with our entire family..13 of us and all ages too!! Everyone absolutely just loved it. From the luau, character breakfast, man made snorkeling and the beautiful beach. Nobody wanted to leave!! Everyone is so nice and friendly!! I would totally recommend ????????????????????

    • Hi Elizabeth! That is awesome! I’m so happy you all had such a great time. It really is an amazing resort in a beautiful place!

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