• START HERE!
    • ABOUT CARLY
    • CONTACT
  • FASHION
  • BODY POSITIVITY
  • GIRL POWER
  • SD LIFE
  • DISNEY
  • SHOP MY INSTAGRAM
  • SHOP MY FAVES

Lipgloss and Crayons

Disney

Disney Aulani: A Full Family Guide

This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website. This post may also contain items gifted for consideration.

Looking for some insight into Disney Aulani? I’m sharing our full family guide: what to book, where to eat, MUST do activities, and how to get the MOST out of the Disney Vacation Club resort!

Thanks to Disney Vacation Club for providing this vacation to my family. All opinions are my own.

Disney Aulani: This full family travel guide shares what to schedule, where to eat, and tips for saving money on a trip to the Disney Vacation Club resort! We just returned from our first (and definitely not our last) trip to Disney Aulani.  This amazing Hawaiian resort was probably the most relaxing trip we’ve ever experienced, is IDEAL for families, and has a TON of fun options for activities and some of the BEST food I’ve had in years.  This full family guide will help you plan your own Aulani trip!

How stunning is this sunset from the beach at Disney Aulani?

Disney Aulani: A Full Family Guide

We left Los Angeles EARLY on a Sunday morning (we decided on a 7 am flight). I’m not going to lie, when our alarms went off that morning at about 4 am…..I questioned my decision.  But then, we landed in Oahu at 9:45 am.  We took a short ride from the airport to Ko’Olina and we arrived at Disney Aulani in time for lunch.  If you’re flying to Hawaii from the West Coast, my first tip? Take that early flight!  Our early arrival gave us a WHOLE extra day to explore.

These Kortni Jeane Mommy and Me Bathing Suits are PERFECT for a Hawaiian Vacation!

From beginning to end, our trip to Aulani was magical.  We stepped out of our car, and were greeted with leis, a beautiful lobby, and AMAZING ocean views.  Yes, you can see the ocean from the lobby!  As we checked in, the focus of Aulani was clear……celebrating Hawaiian Culture.  The resort houses an amazing collection of native Hawaiian Art (the LARGEST collection in the world in fact).  And behind the check in desk? Is a mural created from photos taken by local children who were asked to represent what Hawaii means to them.

Check out this article about resorts (including Aulani) reflecting the local Hawaiian culture……it’s an amazing trend in family travel!

Disney Aulani Villas: Tips On What to Book

There are a variety of room options at Aulani…….but after our experience, my preference will ALWAYS be one of the Aulani Villas.  We stayed for four nights in a one bedroom villa, and it was perfect for our family.  We had a TON of room, and there is plenty of space for a family with two or three children.  Our master bedroom had a huge bed, plus there are two sleeping options in the living room area (a murphy bed under the television and a pull out couch).  I love that Lydia had her own sleeping space.  We also had a full kitchen (stocked with pots, pans, cookie sheets, a coffee pot…..even a rice cooker), AND A WASHER AND DRYER!  We had all the ease of staying in a house with the luxury of a hotel.  It was easy to wash clothes as needed, and I loved the option of preparing food or saving our leftovers in a full sized fridge.

1 bedroom villa at Disney Aulani

< image c/o Aulani >

TIP: There are separate towers for the Aulani hotel rooms and the Disney Vacation Club Villas and Deluxe Studios….the entire resort is AMAZING, but the villas are perfection for a family trip! All of the Villas have a full kitchen and washer and dryer, and the studios have a kitchenette.   (Plus, who doesn’t want to book an amazing vacation with your family each year…..something you can easily do with DVC)! Disney Vacation Club has a ton of options for members including trips to Aulani and the amazing Disney Cruise we did this summer.

Where to Eat: Aulani Restaurants

Prepare yourself Aulani restaurants are some of the best I’ve eaten at anywhere in the WORLD.  There are a variety of options, and if you followed us on Instagram Stories during our trip, then you know we tried them all (you can still watch the highlights of our trip to see all our taste testing).

Ulu Cafe: The Ulu Cafe is located next to the main pool area, and is PERFECT for quick and easy meal options.  They’ve got a ton of pre-prepared meal options, hot entrees, fun speciality items, and are open ALL day.  A few of our favorites at Ulu Cafe: the acai bowls for breakfast (they’re HUGE and can easily feed two people), the poke bowls for lunch (I’m a little embarrassed to admit I ate one EVERY day we were there — they’re SO GOOD), the famous Mickey Spam Masubi, kids’ meals are GREAT (Lydia loved the Mickey PB+J….it’s a great price), flatbread pizzas for lunch, and for dinner? Each night you can order full sized pizzas.  They’re prepared to order, and cost under $30.  We grabbed one on the night we decided to relax and eat on our balcony.  You can’t beat dinner for all three of us for that price!

‘Ama ‘Ama: ‘Ama ‘Ama is a must try at least once during any stay at Aulani.  This sit down restaurant is stunning (it’s designed to pay homage to Hawaiian homes), and looks out over the beach.  There is live Hawaiian music most evenings, and the food is PHENOMENAL.  Our favorites? The macadamia nut horchata we sampled at the start of our dinner, the crab cakes (the best I’ve had anywhere) and the filet mignon (this coming from a non-steak person….it was THAT good).

Obsessed with shave ice? This Mickey Shave Ice from Disney Aulani is a must try!

Papalua Shave Ice: This was literally our first stop after we checked in.  I’d seen it on Instagram and knew we HAD to try the rainbow, Mickey Shaped Shave Ice.  There’s something extra magical about waiting in line straight out of the pool, drying off in the warm Hawaiian sun, and enjoying a brightly colored, icy treat.  Beware, this Shave Ice is addictive and you’ll want to go back every day for more (our favorite flavor combo was strawberry, watermelon, and banana).

Makahiki Character Breakfast: These red velvet mickey waffles at Aulani are a must try Disney Food item!

Makahiki Character Breakfast: The Makakhiki character breakfast is a perfect blend of Hawaiian culture and Disney magic.  The breakfast is hosted by Aunty (the same amazing woman who owns Aunty’s Beach House — the kids club).  Throughout the meal Aunty walks around greeting the children, she sings songs, gives hula lessons, and leads a parade.  We got to meet a variety of characters (in their vacation garb), and the food is delicious.  The red velvet Mickey waffles were a favorite, along with watermelon and guava bread and some of the best fresh fruit I’ve had anywhere.

< Check out all the Aulani dining options HERE >

Must Do Activities

There are so many amazing activities at Aulani…….that we found it easiest to come up with a few must do items each day.  That way, we still got to have a relaxed schedule……but we got everything done we REALLY wanted to accomplish.

Laniwai Spa: The Laniwai Spa is a must try experience for grown ups.  It’s a unique, and amazingly relaxing.  Upon entering the spa, you select a word carved on a stone that reflects your needs (mine was harmony).  After a short walk, you return your rock to the most beautiful fountain and are escorted into the spa.  From relaxing rooms to O‘ahu’s only outdoor hydrotherapy garden……Laniwai is guaranteed to bring you to a zen state.  There’s even a reflexology path to walk on for tired feet.  I experienced the Lomilomi Massage, and this traditional Hawaiian massage was pure bliss.

Disney Aulani: This splash pad and water park area is a MUST do for toddlers and preschoolers!

Lazy River and Water Slides: From the relaxing lazy river to the exciting water slides……the pools at Aulani have something for everyone.  Be SURE to snag an inner tube and to float down the lazy river…..it’s the perfect way to see the whole resort at a slow pace.  And the water slides? SO MUCH FUN (I’d suggest them for ages five or six and up……)!

Disney Aulani: This splash pad and water park area is a MUST do for toddlers and preschoolers!

Rainbow Reef: Rainbow Reef is the perfect starter location for young snorkelers.  This protected lagoon is in the center of the pool area, and is calm as can be!  Lydia loved seeing thousands of tropical fish and on a warm day, the slightly cooler water in the reef (it’s about 77 degrees) is refreshing!

Mickey at Disney Aulani.....isn't his vacation outfit adorable?!?
Minnie at Aulani, isn't her dress the cutest?!?

Characters in Vacation Garb: From Moana to Mickey and Minnie in their vacation gear…..the characters at Aulani are a blast to see.  You can check the Daily ‘Iwa for information or call the resort hotline to find out who will be appearing and when.

Search for Menehune: The Menehune are shy, mischievous people from Hawaiian Legends…….and one of the best parts of Aulani.  There are over 300 Menehune statues hiding around the resort.  Lydia LOVED searching for them everywhere we went (there are even some hiding inside of Rainbow Reef)!

Painted Sky Makeover: this amazing new experience at Disney Aulani is a MUST DO!
Painted Sky Makeover: this amazing new experience at Disney Aulani is a MUST DO!

Painted Sky: One of the most magical parts of our Aulani trip? Was Lydia’s visit to the new Painted Sky studio.  From a mermaid package to a Moana makeover to getting Luau ready in outfits designed exclusively for Aulani by Tori Richards…….Painted Sky makes dreams come true.

The ‘Olelo Room: The ‘Olelo Room is a great spot for appetizers, drinks, and the perfect place to listen to Hawaiian music. This lounge is created to pay homage to the Hawaiian language…..every who works there speaks Hawaiian, and the furniture is even labelled with the name for each item (plus the food is AMAZING)!

Hula Lessons at Aulani are a total blast for kids of all ages!

KA WA‘A Luau: It’s not a trip to Hawaii without a luau, RIGHT?  And like everything Disney does……Aulani’s luau is the best of the best.  THE FOOD is amazing and they had great kids’ options for little ones who may or may not be picky.

Aunty's Beach House: The kids club at Aulani is filled with activity areas and even an amazing play structure (plus it's included in your stay)!

Aunty’s Beach House: Want a little adult time? Aunty’s Beach House is the kids’ club that is INCLUDED in your stay at the resort.  Children ages 3-12 can join Aunty inside her house.  The club has TONS of different indoor areas (a movie room, activity rooms, a dress up area) and a HUGE outdoor play space.  Lydia LOVED it, and kept begging to go back!

Disney Aulani: Insider Tips

Get a Refillable Cup: Buy a refillable beverage cup upon arrival.  You can use it for juice, soda, and COFFEE.  There are stations around the resort, and trust me…..you’ll use it everyday (we bought ours at Ulu Cafe and it was worth every penny (we used it 3-4 times EACH day).

Book Aunty’s Beach House in Advance: You can register online for Aunty’s Beach House before you arrive using your reservation number.  While it’s not a requirement, it does make your first day easier and smoother.

Pau Hana Community Room: The Pau Hana Community Room was one of our favorite hidden spots at Aulani.  They have TONS of board games, a sitting area that plays Disney movies, they check out DVDs to watch in your room, and they have activities you can sign up for.  This is also where you can check out IPADS to use for a virtual cultural tour or Menehune hunt clues!  My suggestion? Stop by the first day and check out two DVDs to have on hand in your room.  They’re perfect for downtime in the late afternoon!

Luana Lounge: Have an early flight upon arrival or leaving late in the day? The Luana Lounge will be your new favorite spot.  This lounge has showers, lockers, and a sitting area that can be used by resort guests the day they check in or check out.  So, you can check out…..spend the day at the pool, shower, and take a late flight out.  It’s a perfect way to get a WHOLE extra day on property!

Disney Aulani: This full family travel guide shares what to schedule, where to eat, and tips for saving money on a trip to the Disney Vacation Club resort!

Interested in more Disney Vacation Club travel options? Check out:

Our Stay at the Copper Creek Villas at Walt Disney World

Our First Disney Cruise Experience

This Moana Makeover from Painted Sky at Aulani is THE BEST!

Have YOU visited Disney Aulani? What are your favorite parts of the resort and Disney Vacation Club?

Disney Aulani: This full family travel guide shares what to schedule, where to eat, and tips for saving money on a trip to the Disney Vacation Club resort!

Planning a trip to Aulani? Now is the time to book! During Aulani Mahalo Season, summer extends to December, for a whole lot less……book a 3-night stay and add a 4th night for free. Or stay longer and save more with 30% savings on stays of 5 or more consecutive nights! Book now–October 24, 2018, for consecutive stays Aug. 20–Dec. 21, 2018 (excludes travel November 19–23, 2018).

Click HERE more details on the Resort and how to book.

1 Comment

Subscribe to L&C Weekly!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Elizabeth says

    October 3, 2018 at 6:55 am

    I followed your trip on Instagram stories, but it was super to see more details. What a great trip!

    Reply
Previous Stitch Fix Review October 2018
Next Fall Overalls for Women

Related Posts

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure

The Ultimate Disney Gift Guide

Cinderella Movies: The Best Ones+Where to Find Them...

Disney Halloween Sale

Primary Sidebar

Search

NEW? START HERE

DISCLAIMER

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

🪞 Reminder: You at the Model that Your Kids Wan 🪞 Reminder: You at the Model that Your Kids Want to Look Like……. 🪞⠀
⠀
🪞Remember those magazine models we all wanted to look JUST LIKE? What if we looked at ourselves the way the teenage us looked at them? What if we curated our feeds here to celebrate women of all shapes and sizes?  What if…….we celebrated beauty in every roll, dimple and wrinkle? What if we reminded ourselves that……there isn’t one type of beauty? And celebrated it in ourselves and each other?⠀
⠀
🪞This is dedicated to my pre-teen and teen self who cut out Calvin Klein and CK One ads to paper my walls and a reminder that she was, and is……stunning just the way she is. ⠀
⠀
alternate caption: nothing gets between me and my calvins (I had to, ha)! ⠀
⠀
#troopselflove
🎠But what do you do if there aren’t rides?!?! 🎠But what do you do if there aren’t rides?!?!?🎠⠀
⠀
✨Here we go: a ton of fun things to do when visiting Downtown Disney + Buena Vista Street with Kids RIGHT NOW:⠀
⠀
✨check out the fun interactive light displays inside of World of Disney⠀
✨grab pizza at Naples (Lydia loves the kids’ cheese)⠀
✨Check out the art in Off the Page⠀
✨Taste taste the latest beignets at Jazz Kitchen⠀
✨Watch the train go around the Candy Mountain in the window at Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street⠀
✨Earl of Sandwich also has a great kids menu⠀
✨check out the Lego Store displays⠀
✨Cast Members sometimes have little white boards with Disney Trivia keep your eyes open for them⠀
✨Watch the caramel apples being made through the window at Marcelines⠀
✨Visit ALLLLL the fountains⠀
✨Look for Hidden Mickeys (there are some in Downtown Disney and some on Buena Vista Street)⠀
⠀
🎠Important Disneyland news as of TODAY: Buena Vista Street will remain open as an extension of the Downtown Disney District through March 14, and will be closed beginning March 15. Beginning March 18, Buena Vista Street will become part of A Touch of Disney.  A Touch of Disney, is an all new limited-capacity ticketed experience that begins March 18 at DCA. There will be Disney ood and beverages, characters, merch and special photo spots (you can see more info about this in my stories or on the Disney Parks Blog). ⠀
⠀
✨What are YOUR favorite things to do at Downtown Disney right now????⠀
⠀
#DowntownDisney⠀
 @DisneyParksBlog⠀
#disneyland⠀
#dca ⠀
#disneycaliforniaadventure⠀
HOSTED
I did it.⠀ ⠀ 🛏I spent Saturday night blissf I did it.⠀
⠀
🛏I spent Saturday night blissfully alone at a local hotel.  And now? I want to talk about it.  I was floored by the varied reactions when I mentioned doing this last week.  A lot of people seemed to love the idea, but a solid amount? Asked why.  Said it was a waste.  Said it was “too much”. So let’s unpack that.⠀
⠀
🛏First of all, of course different things are of value to different people.  This may not be of value to you and that is OK.  For me? After a year of staying at home here in California (and yes, it’s still going here with full time virtual school for Lydia)…..I felt like I needed an evening alone to decompress, to rest, and to be more present for my family.  I watched a million episodes of Scandal (how did I never watch this show??), got take out delivered, slept in, and it MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE.⠀
⠀
🛏Does it make me a bad mother? A bad wife? Irresponsible with money or time? To spend an evening alone? That’s sort of what society tells us, right? And truth be told, I almost cancelled.  Was it too much? Was I being dramatic? Or ridiculous?  But the refreshed me today? Says it was just what I needed.⠀
⠀
🛏This is your daily dose of encouragement to take care of yourself and put your oxygen mask on first so you can truly be present for those you love.  I promise, it makes a difference. #troopselflove
💕Are you Being Kind to YOURSELF?💕⠀ ⠀ ❤ 💕Are you Being Kind to YOURSELF?💕⠀
⠀
❤️It’s Random Acts of Kindness Day…..and I have a question for you…….when was the last time you did an act of kindness for YOURSELF?⠀
⠀
💕I was talking on stories the other day about booking a hotel room to get away for a night this weekend.  ALONE.  The reaction was mixed.  Some said it was a great idea. Some said it was selfish or unnecessary. But, what if it’s simply to do something for myself?  What if it leaves me refreshed and more able to show up for those I love? That’s what kindness to yourself does.⠀
⠀
❤️I know, we can’t all escape for a night.  So these? Some easy acts of kindness that may work in your life and schedule:⠀
💕watch a show you love alone ⠀
💕take a long, relaxing bath with fancy bubbles⠀
💕go for a walk⠀
💕phone a friend⠀
💕pick up takeout for yourself and eat it ALONE at a beach or park⠀
💕take yourself out to coffee⠀
💕make time to move your body in a way that feeds your soul⠀
⠀
❤️Suggestions? What are your favorite ways to treat yourself? #troopselflove
💕 Love At First Sight: Universal Standard Givea 💕 Love At First Sight: Universal Standard Giveaway 💕⠀
⠀
❤️The season of love isn’t over yet! Y’all have been LOVING the Universal Standard Mystery Box sale (warning it’s only lasting a few more days)…..and for me? It’s been an amazing way to dive into learning more about this phenomenal size inclusive brand.⠀
⠀
💕If you are looking for high quality pieces that you’ll wear year after year, Universal Standard is PERFECT.⠀
⠀
❤️Universal Standard gifted a Luxe Mystery Box to me before the sale started so that I could try it out and now……THEY’RE GIVING A LUXE MYSTERY BOX TO ONE OF YOU!⠀
⠀
💕Reminder: Mystery Boxes are curated for your taste and needs, so you’ll get to fill out your survey if you purchase one, or if you’re the winner!⠀
⠀
To Enter:⠀
1️⃣Like and Save This Post⠀
2️⃣Follow Me and @universalstandard⠀
3️⃣Comment with what type of item you’d love to receive if you win: dresses? Shirts? jackets? Pants?⠀
4️⃣Bonus Entries: Tag a Friend Who’d Love This Too or Share This Post to Your Stories (each tag or share counts as an entry)⠀
⠀
❤️If you want to snag a box on your own (they are selling out!) you can use code lipglossandcrayons10 for an extra 10% off!⠀
⠀
💕Winner will be chosen at random on 2/16/21 and will be notified by direct message.  This giveaway is not sponsored by, administered by, or associated with Instagram. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 13+ years of age and US residents and release Instagram of responsibility.
💕You know those days? You’ve been doing the w 💕You know those days? You’ve been doing the work, and most day, you feel pretty good about yourself.  You’re proud of your body.  You are thankful for her.  But…..what about the days when you and your body just aren’t getting along? 💕⠀
⠀
5 Things to Do That Will Instantly Elevate Your Body Image:⠀
⠀
1️⃣Put on Your Favorite Dress / Pants / Outfit: What do you feel your BEST in? Formal gown? Wear it around the house. Leather pants? Yes please.  Take the sweats off (I know, I love mine too) and I promise, your mood will change.⠀
2️⃣Move Your Body In A Way That Reminds You How Bad A$s It Is: Walk, run, skip, bike, swim.  It’s an amazing reminder of the tool that carries us through life.⠀
3️⃣Write a Love Note To Yourself: Yup, I’m serious.  5 things you love about your body.  Each on a post it.  Put them on every mirror in your house.⠀
4️⃣Text Compliments: Text compliments to five friends.  Right now.  Tell them something beautiful about their appearance and something beautiful about their SOUL.  Positive words to others remind our brains to use them with ourselves.⠀
5️⃣Take Photos: Seriously, this might be counterintuitive but…..get dolled up.  Take selfies.  I promise, when you see HOW GREAT you look, you’ll realize your view is skewed.⠀
⠀
#troopselflove
🛍 When you shop these days: are you looking for 🛍 When you shop these days: are you looking for a deal? Or investing a little more in staple pieces? 🛍⠀
⠀
I go through stages of one or the other, but lately? I’m all about investment pieces.⠀
⠀
🛍Lucky for you, I’ve got a way to meet ALLLLLL your needs and check both boxes: a killer deal on staple investment pieces!⠀
⠀
🛍This is my first time trying @universalstandard after hearing RAVEEEEEEE reviews.  This is the most size inclusive brand on the market, and I have to be honest, I’m ready for more.⠀
⠀
<universal standard partner>⠀
⠀
🛍Today I’m sharing the limited edition mystery box.  Every year Universal Standard has a unique sale.  For 7 days, you can buy up to 3 mystery boxes (at a variety of price points depending on what type of items you’d like to receive). You’ll be sent a survey so that their team can analyze your style and needs…..and then? Your curated items will be on the way to YOU.  These boxes are the best deal you’ll see on Universal Standard items all year (I’m ordering two…….a tops only box and a luxe outfitting box).⠀
⠀
🛍And the best part? I GOT Y’ALL A DISCOUNT CODE! Use lipglossandcrayons10 to get an additional 10 percent off any and all mystery boxes.⠀
⠀
🛍If you’ve been wanting to try this brand, or you’re already one of their superfans…….this is the time to get a few more staple pieces for your closet. #universalstandard⠀
⠀
⠀
  • Collaborate
  • Speaking
  • Contact Carly
  • PRESS
  • Privacy Policy
  • Fashion
  • Body Positivity
  • Girl Power
  • SD Life
  • Disney
  • Travel
  • Highlights

© 2019 LIPGLOSS AND CRAYONS  |  SITE DESIGN: MLL DESIGN STUDIO  & FUZE BRANDING