Aloha beautiful people and welcome back to my blog! This beautiful family is back from a fantastical vacation! Today we are sitting down with Danielle! Together we are going to recap their experience and hear all about their adventure at Disney’s Aulani resort in Ko Olina, Hawai’i! When visiting Ko Olina, you will find 642 acres on the island of Oahu along the Waianae mountain range. You’ll also find white-sand beaches, four swimming lagoons and a classic Hawaiian vibe! Today we will be reviewing one resort in particular, Disney’s Aulani resort in Ko Olina, Hawai’i!. This is a beach front family resort! Now lets jump into the trip report and hear their experience!
Q: Aloha Danielle! Thank you so much for participating in this Q& A with me! I can’t wait to hear all the details! Now which airport did you fly into and how long was your flight?
A: We flew into Honolulu, which was a 4 hour flight from where we reside in California.
Q: Wow! ONLY 4 hours! That sounds very manageable! I’d definitely have to split up the flight from Oklahoma, haha! How did you travel to and from the resort from the airport?
A. We used Top Limousine and they were fantastic!
Q: Great to hear! How fun to have a limo!? That looks awesome! Y’all were riding in style! 😎 How long did that ride take?
A: It took 45 mins to get the resort. There was an accident on our way back to the airport and our driver knew a way around the area. It took much longer.
Q: Sorry to hear about the accident but I’m glad he at least knew another way to get there! Plus ya’ll had more time in the limo! Would you use them again?
A: 1,000%!!!! A++++
Q: That is great feedback!! All my readers out there, you read it here first for that great limo company referral! After your awesome limo ride, how was the resort check in?
A: The check in was easy and super fast! We arrived at 10:30am and our room was ready. We were in Ewa tower room 950.
Q: I’m so glad it was easy and fast! Yay! I know you really wanted that view!! I’m so glad it worked out!! Pros and cons of the room?
A: Cons: None at all!
Pros: spectacular views, tons of space, layout for 6 people was perfect, balcony was HUGE!
Q: Lady! This all sounds and looks amazing! I’m so happy we found something that accomplished everything that y’all were needing! What did you think of the resort?
A: Beautiful! They had tons to do for all ages. We felt safe letting our kids roam without us. The staff told me there has never been an incident with kids getting taken or hurt. Also, my father, who is 72, enjoyed being in the room.
Q: You know, that’s a great point. I feel like that’s a topic that isn’t talked about enough. I’m really glad you brought that up! Security is everything when you are living your everyday life and that applies on vacation as well! I’m so glad you felt so safe and secure! I’m also glad your father was able to find comfort in the room with those gorgeous rooms too! How was the on-site dining?
A: On everyday food, we enjoyed chicken tenders, fries, burgers, ribs, poke bowls, salads. It was perfect for us. We all loved the character breakfast!
Me and my husband went to AMA AMA for a date night! It made our time here feel so special, as if it could get any more special! The experience felt intentional. From every staff person, to the service and explanation of every bite you will taste, to the ambience. Everything felt luxurious yet down to earth. You are paying for just that. We loved every bite we experienced.
Price: the food is worth the money. Because most bites are rich with flavor, I found myself getting full towards the end of the 3rd course. You truly savor every single bite. For these reasons, it is worth the price per person. So much thought is put into every ingredient. My compliments to the chef!If you desire large portions and to feel stuffed when you leave, this experience isn’t for you. If you want a splurge that feels worth it and you appreciate delicate foods I highly recommend this option. Again, it may not be for everyone, but for me this was a special highlight for my husband and I!
Q: Oh my word! I’m drooling! That all looks and sounds absolutely phenomenal! The food is almost too pretty to eat! It looks like art! What an experience?! Thank you so much for that attention to detail! I am adding this to my “must do” list right now!!! 😂 What were your favorite things about staying at the resort?
A: We enjoyed the pools, slides, character sightings everywhere, the room, the snack options, drink waiters, lazy River, and the reef. We even rented an executive lanai for our pool day! It was amazing! It was close to the pool and the ocean view was great!
Q: I mean, that all sounds spectacular! Speaking of, where is that drink waiter?! Haha, jk but a drink does sound good right now! What activities did you do while staying at the resort?
A: Rainbow reef, paddle boarding, making our own Mickey ears!
Q: Sign me up! ALL of that sounds like a good time! How much were they if additional costs?
A: Rainbow reef $25 per person, paddle boarding $40 per person, and Mickey ears $10 per person.
Q: Would you do them again?
A: Yes
Q: Any tours or excursions?
A: We had booked a visit to Pearl Harbor on our own in advance. Do Pearl Harbor early. We had beat the crowds and the heat. Our transportation company picked us up at 6:30am. We arrived at 7:30am and had plenty of time before the crowds arrived.
Q: That is a “must-do” attraction when visiting the area for sure! Did y’all enjoy any shopping off site?
A: We shopped at the ABC STORE and surrounding shops.
Q: Where did you explore in the area?
A: North Shore
Q: Ah yes! This is a very in demand tourist attraction! How did you get there?
A: We rented a suburban from Aulani rental cars.
Q: Awesome! How much was it?
A: $300 for the day
Q: Okay! So you loaded up the family and headed to the North Shore! How were the beaches?
A: It was beautiful and the water was awesome. Parking can be tricky. You have to be patient and wait for a spot. On the way there, we grabbed some delish shaved ice at Matsumoto’s!
Q: How was the weather this time of year in May?
A: Our weather was windy but perfect. 70’s/80’s and light humidity.
Q: That sounds sunny and perfect! Great temps! I bet the wind was refreshing at times too! Any additional tips and tricks for anyone reading this blog?
A: Mickey ears were fun, but there were limited supplies. I wish I would’ve known and brought more supplies with me or just skipped it all together. They bent as soon as we got home. Pictures in them were cute though.
Q: Must do’s?!
A: Do multiple resort days. We couldn’t get enough!Try the Coconut mint mojito… SO DELISH! Lava flow for kids! Refillable cups will save so much money. Book the Character Breakfast! Paddle boarding for older kids and adults. Walk out to the green space point for sunset. Go to Ama Ama for date night!
Q: Thank you so much for your feedback!! Did you eat anywhere off site that you recommend?
A: Monkeypod, Eggs n things, Mina’s fish house was $$$$ but so worth it! Monekypod is a short walk across the street and is worth it. We didn’t have reservations but my husband went ahead of us and got on the list. It was a Monday. All local foods but they cater to tourists as well.We ate at Eggs n Things and it’s SO GOOD! Make the reservation! Joanna is the best server and the food was delish. We got the breakfast burrito, French toast, Nutella and strawberry waffles with mochi inside. Everyone was happy! Coffee was 👌🏻.
Q: These are great tips! Thanks so much for sharing! So would ya’ll stay at Aulani again?
A: Yes absolutely! It is not an every year thing for us because of the cost but we would definitely go back.
Q: Any additional information you’d like to share to help future travelers?
A: Make your own Mickey ears. Selections for boys is very limited to wooden icons but the kids love the LED lights. Snap a picture with Mickey when at your character breakfast! It’s so fun and alleviates the stress of getting a photo. Get the Aulani special iced latte. It’s so good. Characters are everywhere. Don’t stress about the meeting times. We saw goofy all the time, chip and dale a lot, and Mickey and Minnie at character breakfast. Moana is super popular, so if she’s important to you… check her times.
Make sure to grab your wristbands the night before to avoid the line in the am!
Ashli with Oahu Cakes is phenomenal! Book her!
They even deliver in a vintage VW BUS! How fun! Snag your complimentary birthday treat from the character breakfast. Wear your birthday button and you’ll get lots of goodies!
Thank you so much Danielle for your time and insight on this trip report! This concludes this blog. I hope that this interview was helpful for anyone who is looking to visit, which is always my goal. If you are looking for your next family vacation or maybe a romantic getaway, maybe a cruise is for you! If you would like quotes or are looking to book, give me a shout. I’d love to work for you! Until next time, see you real soon!✨
Fantastical Vacations By Leslie Jenkins 