TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

The resort is beautiful. Definitely has that Disney up keep…. But for me, didn’t have that Disney magic. We came in around 11 and had to wait for our room to be done but you are allowed to use the park before check in. Rooms were standard and spacious for our family of 4. Characters walk around the pool area at certain times… we never really looked for them and ran into goofy, Minnie and Daisy Duck. Food on the resort is comparable to prices in Waikiki. However nothing was great, but also not bad.. Kids loved the lazy river and slide! Most pool levels is 3’-4-3” I think. Overall great experience.. but for the price tag and the lack luster Disney experience.. I can’t give the full 5 stars.

We just got back from a trip and stayed at Aulani on the last leg. We were ready to get out of there. We did not have a good experience. It was just an expensive and overcrowded water park. The pool area was decent but just way too crowded. The rooms were small for the price, they charge extra for any activity or amenity, and the shower in our room was broken and didn’t get fixed before we left. We didn’t feel any Disney magic there, only a lot of chaos and “come see the vacation club villas”. Their luau had good food and music but was simplified with a Disney style story so I wish we had gotten to go the the cultural center instead. We had just left Koloa Landing on Kauai and it was paradise in comparison. Still a great pool area (multiple areas, some busy and some quiet), spacious and relaxed and a two bedroom, two and a half bath villa for only a little more than two tiny rooms at Aulani. They had a ton of extras included like soccer, a putting green, free activities with a prize of a snow cone for the kids, and they made S’mores with the kids. They even gave every kid a little backpack with a compass, binoculars, and activity book at check in. We will go back to Hawaii but we will definitely skip Aulani next time.

During my stay at Disney Aulani in October, the room rates were comparable to the neighboring Four Seasons, setting high expectations for a timeshare property and experience. For Disney enthusiasts, Aulani delivers character sightings and opportunities for photos with Mickey. The resort heavily leverages the Disney brand, from Mickey ear waffles to themed merchandise featuring Minnie and Mickey. Its everywhere. The ambiance may not justify the premium price tag for all. The pools can get extremely crowded, resembling a game of musical chairs just to find a seat. The dining experience is 2 levels up from Dennys, consisting of fairly mediocre and unhealthy offerings that might not appeal to those with a palate for finer cuisine. If you're a Disney fan looking for a timeshare experience at a luxury price point, Aulani might be the perfect spot. Just be prepared for the crowds and a mediocre dining experience. You may want to consider staying at the four seasons next door, then grab some lunch at the Aulani with kids, look for Mickey, then walk 5 minutes back to the four seasons for your real holiday.

This Reviews for Makaiki breakfast restaurant. I came in for waitlist 2 hours ahead. The reception straight racist discrimination until 10:45. They said they can’t get me in but the white group behind my waiting list get in. I went to front desk file complaint to Manager but no manager willing talk to him. Hopefully your boss read this message contact me directly. You got my contact number. Unbelievable to all my 5k followers. Do not stay here. They all F..Ck racist.

My friend and I just finished lunch (Saturday, 4/6 at 12:30pm) and was so excited to see ShellieMay standing alone (most don't know who she is, but she is my favorite character from Tokyo Disney). Picture included. I gave my phone to my friend to take a picture with my beloved, ShellieMay - only to be abruptly stopped by a young girl who stood in front of me to block my way asking for my wrist band and sternly said that "pictures can only be taken if you’re a guest." I said that I understood but stated that we had just had lunch (almost $100) and where at the resort to check out the property and there was absolutely NO ONE in line. We were interested in investing into the Disney Club Vacation worth thousands of dollars (minimum of 33K first year), and I even flew to Honolulu to visit Aulani. I would not have approached ShellieMay if there were a line of resort paying guests. Upon arrival to Aulani, we walked right up to Pluto and Max, but didn't take pictures, and the young girl asked if we wanted to take pictures. I was curious about Aulani's ratings, and not surprised to read, "...While the hotel's cleanliness receives high marks, opinions on service and value diverge; some praise the attentive staff, while others bemoan..." I completely understand that resort guests are the priority. Perhaps, local families have brought their children in the past to see the characters because they are otherwise unable to afford a family trip to Disneyland. However, the way the young girl spoke to us and treated us (with ShellieMay) left a very unpleasant "Aloha" feeling towards Aulani. This may have been an isolated incident for which training for current and new employees should emphasize the care in which they speak to anyone on the property. We have held off on investing into the Disney Club Vacation, will never stay at Aulani and would not recommend to friends/colleagues who live in Hawaii, and will visit Tokyo Disney if we want to take a picture with ShellieMay.