DISNEY fans may be thrilled to find there’s a little-known resort branch on an island not too far from home.
Die-hard Mickey lovers can take a trip to see their favorite characters and attractions outside of the states of California and Florida.
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Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, opened in August 2011 in Ko Olina, Hawaii, along the shores of the island of Oahu.
The resort offers standard Disney offerings like character meet-and-greets, Disney-themed music, and plenty of Mickey Mouse headband sightings.
It also seeks to immerse guests in an authentic Hawaiian experience, packed with the island’s rich history.
Visitors can take full advantage of the resort’s proximity to the water and a white-sand beach with pool parties (and a selection of pools to choose from, with waterslides, lazy rivers, and 21+ hot tubs), family activities, and aquatic views from their suites.
Type A planners can expect to fill their itineraries with floral ear-making sessions, Aulani-exclusive shopping trips, swim sessions, and character meet-and-greets, including rare Asia-specific Mickey Mouse Clubhouse friends like Duffy.
An activity that’s a must on any itinerary, however, is the Rainbow Reef, a private snorkeling lagoon that houses thousands of tropical fish.
First-time snorkelers can purchase single-day passes for a quick lesson or simply to feed the fish.
More seasoned swimmers can book entire vacation passes to spend days in the waters.
Guests can even sign up for canoe rides to spend more time on the water.
To rest their sleepy heads at night, visitors have their pick between traditional hotel-style suites or Disney Vacation Club Villas.
The majority of the resort’s rooms are villas, which come with separate private bedrooms, a full kitchen, spacious living and dining areas, and even washers and dryers for convenience.
All visitors, however, can expect their rooms to be decked out in Hawaiian art and decor like your favorite Disney character playing with ukuleles and sporting leis.
After a day spent on the water, hungry guests can pick through a wide range of cuisine offerings, including standard Hawaiian fare like poke and musubi.
Other options like multi-course dinners and American classic waffles and pancakes are sure to please the picky eater.
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Those looking to splurge on a taste of Hawaii can look to AMA‘AMA, an open-air restaurant offering four-course sets with locally sourced ingredients.
More casual options for budget travelers include Off the Hook for breakfast through dinner and Ulu Cafe for a quick bite, snacks, and their popular Mickey-shaped spam rice balls.
Dessert enthusiasts can even grab Mickey Mouse-shaped shaved ice at Pāpālua Shave Ice or a fruit Dole Whip sundae, a classic Hawaiian treat, down by the water at Little ‘Opihi’s.
Those interested in experiencing Hawaiian culture firsthand can drop by the KA WA‘A lū‘au, a three-hour experience where guests can learn about ukulele playing, taro pounding, and more.
Vacationers looking for a more low-key time can wind down at the Laniwai spa.
The world-class spa and fitness center offers a full range of services from facial treatments to Hawaiian massages, soaking pools, rain showers, and even an outdoor hydrotherapy garden.
Parents who’ve brought their little ones on board for a family vacation can treat them (and themselves to a little free time) to Aunty’s Beach House, a kids club for ages four to 12.
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