Disney is expanding their resort operations to Hawaii with a new hotel currently under construction. The first section is expected to open in the fall of 2011. Disney has announced the name of the hotel will be Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina having selected a Hawaiian name to show their commitment to honoring Hawaiian culture and traditions throughout the resort.
The property will sit on 21 acres of oceanfront land in the Ko Olina Resort and Marina development, about 30 minutes from Waikiki. Ko Olina was a sacred place of renewal for Kamehameha the Great and his wife, Ka`ahumanu. Known for its sandy beaches, majestic seascapes and snorkeling, Ko Olina is home to many islanders who make their living from the rich agricultural tradition and fishing in the area.
The 360 hotel rooms and 481 time-share villas will include an 18,000 square foot spa, 2 restaurants, kids’ club, designated area for meetings and banquets, as well as a wedding lawn.
Disney is, of course, synonymous with family entertainment. We don’t have all the details at this time, but we know the children’s programs will engage children in fun-filled Hawaiian-themed activities like creating crafts from local materials and interacting with touch tables that will offer children a more in depth look into Hawaii. There will be several pools, waterslides, a sparkling inland saltwater lagoon for snorkeling, and a river running through a specially designed volcanic outcropping for tubing. The resort is sure to have extra touches that will make this resort uniquely Disney.
I find this resort to be an interesting move, as Disney recently dropped their Hawaii tours from their Adventures by Disney family tour product. There’s also a lot of competition in Hawaii with upscale resorts that offer family programs, and Disney is usually quite expensive. Will travelers be willing to spend more to stay at a Disney resort? Time will tell.
