stopher1
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2008
- Messages
- 14,402
That's "Welcome Home" in Hawaiian - so welcome to the AULANI OWNERS THREAD! - Aloha!
I could not find an established thread like this, just a bunch of different random threads about Aulani - points, opening dates, etc - so I figured I would take the plunge and start one. Here we can chat and discuss about our new island "home" - slated to open August 29, 2011. I'm pretty excited about it, even though my family won't be able to stay there until the summer of 2012 at the earliest, but that's okay... there will be years of memories to be made with hopefully lots of great trips to our little piece of Disney on the island of Oahu.
Since the resort isn't open yet, there simply aren't a lot of photos yet, but there are some good stories to be found out on the internet in other websites that follow Disney to give us updates on the construction progress, as well as some members on the ground in Hawaii who have posted tidbits here and there. We do also have concept art renderings and a view of the model. Then when it opens and our first members actually stay there - hopefully they will start posting real pics for us all to enjoy, along with reviews, updated information about the restaurants, entertainment offerings and of course the neighboring community. EDITED: NOW that it IS open - I'm looking forward to seeing lots of pictures and TR info as members and their guests start to enjoy this beautiful resort! Can't wait to stay there myself in 2012 or 13.
We know that there will be 460 villas, including 21 Grand Villas. On the other side of the resort will be 359 hotel rooms. There will be the wedding pavilion, the spa, fitness center, Aunty's Beach House children's play/care facility, as well as a couple of restaurants, room service, and the snorkeling lagoon. And of course O'ahu itself has a plethora of things to see and do. Looking back through past issues, I see that Aulani has been a featured highlight in at least three issues of Disney Files. Looking at Disney's official Aulani website, it seems to indicate that there will be concierge on staff to help in planning for events and excursions as well.
Here's some concept art, copyright Disney of course
a view of the model (that was on display at D23 last year and is, I believe, currently on display at Doorway to Dreams in Schaumburg, IL), the first view is of the resort from the ocean side
and then from the opposite side, showing the front, including the porte cachere and the conference center
and then also a closer view focusing specifically on the pool / water play area, with the volacanic caldera in the center with slides coming out from within. It looks awesome, and we can't wait to enjoy it.
Here are a few photos of the model room from the local sales center
All in all we have an exciting new resort on the horizon. It'll be fun to stay there, but at the same time, it will be fun to hear your thoughts, experiences and plans for the future at Aulani.
Aloha!
planning first trip home in July 2012 once I am done with my masters program.
