Aulani Disney Resort in Hawaii: 40 Things to Know Before You Go!

[@TheMeleaShow]

THERE ARE HIDDEN DOLLAR SIGNS IN THIS VIDEO!!! HOW MANY DID YOU FIND??? Tell me below!!!

[@erin3785]

I found 4.

[@Thebestmom04]

I found 4 too

[@JasonJDMoore]

The Mel 55555555555555555

[@janicep6835]

I found 4 tooooo

[@christinachang740]

Hawaii is the best place to Uber because of the aloha spirit! I went on a "babymoon" with my 6yo to the Big Island and our driver was an older lady who was the absolute sweetest! She gave us her number in case we wanted to use her for the ride back to the airport, which we did, and not only did she remember our names (5 days later), she gave my daughter a little gift bag filled with goodies! Soooo sweet!

[@OneInAMillion31]

After living there for 3 years all I'm gonna say is its expensive but so freaking beautiful. I miss hawaii

[@beverlysantillano]

We went to Aulani in October last year 2018. Family of 6. Loved it! Best family vacation ever, but we saved by having lua at the Polynesian Cultural Center just a couple of dollars more per person but you can check in hours earlier to shop shops. We rented a mini van from the airport. Much cheaper! Self park to save from tipping valet. And ate off resort most of time. One character breakfast. And a few other restaurants on Aulani. Saw Pearl Harbor and the Sea Life Park. It can be pricey , you just have to pick and choose.

[@TheMeleaShow]

I agree! You do have to pick and choose for sure!

[@esthelacarvajal4530]

Polynesian cultural center luau was amazing! Such a vibe 😍

[@thecozyintrovert]

We just booked 10 days at Aulani and I am so freaking excited! I’ve been binging on KZbin videos. Thanks for the tips!

[@sophiamontes2883]

ive been there around three times growing up and it’s an amazing experience, yes i was unaware of the price because we went when i was 7,9, and 11, it is one of the reasons why i love the island and disney. there is a lot of things to do outside of the hotel like going to the farmers market and my dad took me scuba diving

[@TheLongsally]

Since I am a DVC member, this is perfect for my family as the room is free and so is the parking. Free upgrades also in the spa!!! I am stoked to get there

[@widhrbwh7543]

same i am a dvc member and im going next year

[@ninifire4282]

@@widhrbwh7543 take me; please????

[@apriljoon]

Hands down one of the best review video on KZbin. You were concise and got right to the point!!! I hate videos that take forever to get to the tip.

[@stephaniemcdowell2607]

You have confirmed why we didn’t stay there when we visited in October. We found a VRBO next door in the Ko’Olina and it was seriously amazing. The pools were gorgeous and hardly very busy. We bought groceries at the nearby Target and Costco. We walked next door to Aulani to check it out one day and couldn’t believe how packed the pools were. If you want a relaxing vacation, I would suggest the beach villas next door.

[@marktinasteinke8900]

You do an excellent job - speak clear and concise! You don't ramble. Give good info and do great editing!!

[@MRS.TRIPLE-A321]

Thank you so much for posting this video! I recently got engaged to my boyfriend of six years on Saturday, September 21, 2019! We’re eloping in Oahu, Hawaii in March 2020 & we are staying at Aulani for part one of our Disney honeymoon (2nd part being The Disneyland Resort). So we are definitely taking notes from this video!

[@mewa5798]

You have the best review. I wasn’t going to go until I saw your review

[@TheOptimalLife]

I didn’t even know this place existed until last week! 😯

[@lindseymarie6053]

Thank you for the advice already been to the resort like five Times but this was really helpful!!

[@tonhajo9630]

You are so helpful! I am considering Vacationing at this Resort. I really appreciate all of your helpful tips.

[@florifisalmero8413]

Thank you for your video! It was very informative and it really gave me a heads up as far what I need to do to make most of my stay there!

[@Tryingtohaveityall]

Always love your Disneyland tips - especially hotels. How about a Disney Cruise?

[@litcarspottinglifejoshuath1272]

I just got back from Hawaii and I’m watching this video again because I miss Hawaii

[@fancyfeathers5343]

Awseome my daughter who is 8 years old and I were just doing research for our trip, she was enthralled with your video. You do amazing thank you so much so for the information & I took notes. I can't believe that you did this, also we appreciate your time. Now we just don't know how far out to book this crazy stuff going on.

[@esthelacarvajal4530]

I didn’t even think of instacart for our Hawaii trip! Omg. Would’ve been such a time saver lol. We didn’t rent a car since we went kid free, and those store runs added up!

[@bryanjeske6856]

Excellent informative tour !!! Thank-you for this very professional guide !!! Aulani is very beautiful and well organized , but yes, very pricey - especially the $37 per day parking fee which probably discourages people from renting a car where you can drive to the more affordable grocery stores like ABC. Overall, i still think Hawaii is top-notch , but most families can't afford Aulani. Hey, how about a tour of Aruba ?

[@wahsdarb1013]

I just booked the luau and drinks are included and unlimited now!

[@kimbracooke3844]

We have stayed at the Marriot next to the Aulani resort and we always hit the costco before we go so we can utilize the kitchen!!

[@TheMeleaShow]

Yes!! Such a smart idea! It can really save families a ton!

[@lindsayjensen8216]

I want to do a Disney cruise! Hawaii is on my list of places to go!

[@Uhiwailani]

Your video is so informative! You were spot on with everything you’ve explained. Love it!

[@TheMeleaShow]

Thanks! Tried to be as transparent as possible so people can make their own decisions about going. :)

[@battlement]

Thanks Melea, these vacation saving tips are video gold! Have a good 2019!

[@dancieteague6854]

Friend went and check in time is 3 but you can check in at 9 You can do anything you want. They have a privet lounge were you can change clothes to swim . also check out is 11 you do have to leave your room but can stay at the resort till 6.

[@thenerdymillennial]

Definitely do one for the Disney cruise line

[@vaomoala934]

We just went in November loved it but yes a bit pricey. We thought it was worth it! We stayed 1/2 our time there and half on north shore we got to experience both sides which are totally different! You were spot on with your tips our kids were up at 4am too we would walk down to the other hotel lagoons as well.

[@MonicaHernandez-tf6ty]

A Disney cruise! My dream vacation.

[@carmenmartinez4972]

We just went on a Halloween Disney cruise last year and it was amazing and so much cheaper since food and drinks are included and Disney Characters everywhere

[@bessyisyourbestieforever3164]

This was such a helpful video. Thank you sooo much!!!

[@wongsequipmentservice4400]

We are also DVC members and go once or twice a year. One thing I didn't see mentioned is that the pool area also has 2 water slides. The tube riding slide you can go single or double rider. We enjoy the coconut shrimp from the snack bar, $12 I think so not bad. I've only been to a couple of other luxury resorts on the Big Island and the food offerings there are of comparable price. The small mall across the street also has a really good pizza restaurant.

[@Alyssa24Rae]

You did such an amazing job at explaining all the benefits of Disney Aulani!!! So happy you went to Monkey Pod, it one of my favorite places in Ko'Olina along with Just Tacos!!! I live in Kapolei, Hawaii right by that Costco you mentioned in your video!:) We are at the Four Season or Aulani every weekend!:)

[@TheMeleaShow]

Honestly, if we go back, we would probably try the Four Seasons. It was priced similarly to Aulani and not as crowded. Have you guys stayed there before? Thoughts?

[@ninifire4282]

@@TheMeleaShow stay at an Airbnb!

[@meldenyse1970]

I need to start saving for this trip now.

[@ar159101]

I live down the street from the Aulani and if you do rent a car go with Turo. Although parking is expensive, there are so many good places to eat in Waianae and you will save a ton of money on food.

[@chenoamorrison2951]

Would love to see a video on the different cruise options!

[@otas9398]

We are DVC members and stayed at Aulani Dec 2018. we loved it and would definitely go back. we didn't enjoy ama ama that much, and found the buffet on site the same as any other Disney buffet. the craziest thing was they do not offer the DVC discount on property, but the Hard Rock cafe in waikikiki does????crazy. we also ate at the monkey pod and had groceries for the room, but the ABC island market has EXCELLENT precooked meal options for about $5-7/person-loco moco and other noodle bowls. plus regular entrees and sandwiches and sundries. while Disney seems expensive, Hawaii is expensive in general. $8.00 for a galllon of milk as an example from target - oh an no plastic shopping bags on Oahu. you need to bring your own shopping bag. if looking to dine on property on the cheap, visit the lounge next to the buffet for happy hour. 5 dollar pints and appetizers - plenty of food for snacking at dinner.

[@TheMeleaShow]

Totally agree! Hawaii is just expensive in general. Last year, we did Tahiti (another video we did) and it cost almost the same as our trip to Aulani! It's crazy!

[@wendimiller6903]

Excellent Video and Content! As DVC Members, I think it will be added to our bucket list to do! Would love to see your family do the Waterparks of the Pocono's...Kalahari Resort, Great Wolf Resort and Aquatopia/Camelbeach Waterpark are three within a 15 drive of each...more are within an hour drive. Some great restaurants and shopping experiences too within a short drive...Given your travel knowledge, would love to hear your perspective on what is quickly becoming a major Waterpark area!

[@MakingMagicalAdventures]

Thank you so much for the info!!! We can’t wait to go the end of this year!

[@TheVioletBaker]

Oooooooooo.... I’m having a ball vlogging Orlando Disney places, but this is AMAZING! I can’t wait to go to Hawaii 🥰

[@jjakuben]

Oh my gosh. Thank you so much for this video! While it’s obviously beautiful, I would’ve been soooo disappointed with all the additional charges!

[@raccoonperson9.11]

I already live in Hawai'i with my ohana, but we're going on a staycation going to Aulani!

[@Ollafebryolla]

Def Subscribed! Omg your vlog is so so cool, to th point and useful

[@victoriarose9090]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us! :)

[@TheStephaniemom]

Scotland with my kids is on my bucket for sure!

[@WolfieRiddle93]

Ill be moving to hawaii soon next year im so excited

[@tiffanybrown2259]

planning my vacation for next year and this is such a big help!!

[@divemasterben]

Awesome job! You did a fantastic overview of great tidbits!

[@TheHitchhikingBones]

Great tips, especially if it's your first time to visit Aulani. Thanks!

[@beckymanning7008]

I’d love a video on just vacationing in Hawaii in general (not just Aulani). Although this was great information!

[@TheMeleaShow]

Great idea! We can do that soon!

[@jenniferjackman5822]

I like your vacation reviews. I love hearing all your money saving tips. But sometimes I wish that you’d pick places that are a little cheaper. Some of these places just seem so pricey, even with all the ways to save. Maybe Tahiti Village in Las Vegas or saving money by using a home away rental or something? I know these aren’t bucket list places but maybe more affordable? Just a suggestion. You do a great job and I love seeing your videos. Bucket list locations, maybe: Disney World or Alaska.

[@Arebollar2]

Have a question about the refillable cups. When you say coffee, does that mean at the coffee stand that has latte? or is it just plain coffee and where do we get that at?

[@kimberlygilbert8712]

This video actually changed my mind..

[@wendyhagen8207]

Thanks for the tips. We are DVC members and have gone to Aulani several times and learned some new tips! I also like the DVC member breakfast every Monday morning. We get free Aulani baseball caps when we go.

[@TheMeleaShow]

That is crazy! We specifically asked if there was anything special for DVC members and they said no. So that's crazy you got free caps!

[@joyceyoung3344]

So is DVC worth it I've been looking into it cause I want to actually do Disney vacations more then one time

[@juliegreenberg3326]

I would love you to do a video like this for a disney cruise.

[@TheMeleaShow]

Great idea! We've had a great disney cruise and a bad disney cruise. So that could be a good video!

[@CherylSStone]

Such a thorough, informative and fun video!! Thanks!!

[@TheMeleaShow]

Glad it helped!

[@miamoussa2623]

I love aulani I go there each year, and I’ve been there 10 times

[@user-xf2rm7pp4z]

Wow how much money do you have

[@generalchadwick]

Very nice video. Great information and not the extra annoying fluff you usually see in these types of videos. I also appreciate that you didn't make it about you. That is also way too common.

[@cuddlesclown]

Thank you your video is the best compared to the rest you were really detailed

[@tiatia947]

This was a very useful video! Thanks!

[@ameliacraik3392]

I've been there it is amazing went during pro bowl friend had timeshare do she let us buy her week time so it was alot cheaper for us but Costco target are there and the prices te same as the mainland and the strip mall across the street was so nice lots shops restaurants so worth it

[@Addleysmom]

This has been so helpful! the video quality as well as the great explanations will be so valuable when we go for our two week trip this summer. My ex husband purchased a DVC after years of Disney vacations -we co-parent and in doing so have vacationed four years together with our daughter for two weeks. It’s been such a blessing to our relationship with each other and our child especially the way Disney handles so much that takes away stress during a vacation. But I must admit I’ve been in the dark for the DVC as he does all the planning and so forth. But Hawai’i is new for us so I’ve been needing more info and this was just lovely. We look forward to the Luau and the spa. The tips on the close properties like the Four Seasons was excellent as I’m headingnow to book dinner reservations. Looking forward to future travel vids for DVC properties -we r heading to Europe next so maybe you guys will be doing that one before we go. Best regards!

[@caseykemp3526]

Great video; thanks for taking the time to do this!

[@hemakanamakamaemaikalaniha918]

Just FYI it’s pronounced Aulani (messenger of the king) not Alani (orange fruit)

[@dpacyau]

Every time she pronounced Aulani, it made me cringe.

[@NeverDoubtMe23]

@@dpacyau Wow, it must be nice to have such a great life that something as little as a mispronunciation makes you cringe. First world problems, am I right?

[@dpacyau]

@@NeverDoubtMe23 She's not just anybody. She's a travel blogger with 350K + subscribers, she should at least have done enough research to know how to pronounce the place she's blogging about. She needs to be held to a higher standard. In Hawaii we fought so hard for our native language to not be abolished, if you're going to speak it, speak it properly.

[@bighitstannnnnn1203]

@@dpacyau well everyone isn’t perfect. And she hearted the comment which means she learned from it. Don’t get so butt hurt over a simple mispronunciation. It’s trial and error. Everyone makes mistakes

[@USMC-0311]

...thank you for the video and the information!!

[@matthewcollins93]

Great review thanks! Definitely help me better plan my upcoming trip.

[@Silverpanda-ew9ng]

I agree the food is pricey your pronunciation of all the hawaiian words are really good. Nice vid.

[@janiecerodrgiuez7254]

The Marriott Mena House in Egypt! We have two small kids but would luv to visit as the hotel is literally across from the pyramids 🤗

[@jcpickett8538]

Everything is super expensive here! If you’re thinking about traveling to Hawaii and looking to save. I’d recommend a cheaper hotel with a kitchen. Purchase all your groceries. There’s plenty of grocery stores around.. Safeway, foodland, target, Costco, Walmart. Then I would 100 percent rent a car. The island is beautiful 360 and safe. To get a full experience of Hawaii I wouldn’t want to be confined to just the tourist spots. Then you’ll have access to all the normal food restaurants that at cheaper as well!

[@coreybnrealwithu5683]

We've been to Aulani no less than 6 times. This video does a great job out mentioning some honest tips on what to expect. The resort is Incredible but definitely isn't cheap. We've filled the kitchen of our DVC accommodation each and every time by making the short drive to Costco. The Aulani staff are always super helpful with bringing everything up to the room. The pools are great! The Towel rules are necessary to prevent irresponsible guests from abandoning chairs for hours on end when others could be using them. Staff have always been polite in our experiences with this and are just trying to enhance courteous guests experiences. Thanks for the video! I think it highlighted some of our favorites but was also honest about how to better prepare for a better experience.

[@outsidelife5411]

good info! thanks! We're thinking about coming here next April.

[@finned958]

Aulani is a good place to end your Hawaii vacation especially since all the tourist sites are so far away. Stay at Waikiki when you first arrive as a base to site-see. Make buffet reservations a few months before you arrive. They used to have the free Luau show. Since you have to pay, it might be better to go to Germain’s Luau. The food is cheaper across the street in the to-go market. Overall, the water park is the best thing about the trip. You need to line up at 6 am to enroll on some activities like draw some Disney cells and enroll your kids in the beach house. Do back to back activities with lunch or dinner for your kids. You get 3 hours of free time. Bring your own Disney Resort mug. The mugs are not activated. It’s a honor system. I actually reused my regular beverage cup several times until it was worn out.

[@alejandrasalazar9443]

I loved this! Definitely message of the video is to save up a lot before lol! I'd love to see video on Cancún México anywhere in the Riviera Maya. Thanks! Love your videos!

[@arielrichards3079]

Thanks! We plan on getting married here in the next 2 years and I'm trying to find cheap ways. Lol

[@lostchild06]

That doesn't seem worth it at all. I rather do a disney cruise where food is included and you don't have to think about it.

[@cjay7421]

It’s worth it but it’s just too much stuff to do in short times because of the prices

[@KalynRobert]

My thoughts exactly! I was really looking into before this video

[@belle369]

Ew cruises are terrible

[@rogerdodger8415]

Disney is the worst of all cruise companies.

[@Toast0808]

@@belle369 It depends on who you sail with. Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are crap.

[@colemayhew2060]

another thing anyone traveling to aulani MUST know… NOT ALL ROOMS IN A CATEGORY ARE THE SAME!!! i.e. a partial ocean view room can either have a view of the spa/luau with a good view of the ocean or a view of the parking lot/landscaping with a VERY SMALL view of the ocean. I would recommend familiarizing yourself with the aulani map and pay attention to which sections of the resorts end with certain numbers. i.e. rooms ending in the 20s will be partial ocean or garden views. all even room numbers (except grand villas) face inward toward the resort and all odd room numbers face outward. Requesting a room ending in certain digits can ensure you are happy with the view. For example, if I wanted a high floor ocean view hotel room, I would request an even room number ending in the 30s-48s on floors 10+.

[@lillygirl34]

I absolutely love your vacation tips video's!!!!

[@TheMeleaShow]

Yay, so glad!!

[@sydneemarie9828]

I’m going there tomorrow and this really helped! Thank you!

[@homefries5557]

Great detailed review!!

[@jayg8339]

This is a great and informative video! I am going to Oahu soon and and staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. If you can and have the time, could you possibly do a know before you go video? Thank you 😃

[@ksant143]

The best way to save is to rent DVC points. We did this before buying an Aulani DVC ourselves!

[@pilot41186]

Enjoyed your video! We did the Aulani last year and are currently trying to head out this week. We traveled over 100 days last year and also are from UTAH! would love to talk with you on DVC and how it's working out for you

[@TheMeleaShow]

How fun! I thought I traveled a lot, haha!! DVC didn't make sense until someone finally explained the math correctly. If you do a lot of Disney---it will save you money!

[@pilot41186]

@@TheMeleaShow I've done disney quite a bit but can't figure out how many points would be the right fit. Did you guys use the aulani as your home resort?

[@sharonmorton1981]

Have you done any of the Disney Adventures? I'd love to hear about those experiences.

[@stephaniemitchell5544]

Thank you so much for this video, lots of great info!!

[@charleshamilton9274]

Wow. Excellent video. Thorough, candid, entertaining. Thanks.

[@chalanagoossen6790]

Watching this from the netherlands, definitely on our list! Thanks for the great video, how old are your kids?

[@smallpebbleuncovered]

What about an Adventures by Disney your trip? I’ve been curious if they are worth it and seem to be geared towards families too. :)

[@TheMeleaShow]

We've always wanted to do one of those!

[@brynngibson6878]

also if you go to this resort and walk out the on the golf course in front of the hotel, there is a white duck with a red beak/head and two black swans in a lake... i know its random but its cool

[@MartsEntertainment]

I’m dying to go to The Ice Castle.

[@stephenphilippi9240]

We were there 12/23- 1/2, I did not see you or see me in your video... I did see a few cast members though. The Mexican restaurant next to the MonkeyPod was good too and inexpensive.

[@TheMeleaShow]

Fun we were there at the same time! Lots of people were there though. Good to know about the Mexican restaurant too! Thanks for sharing!

[@grahammiller5812]

do they do day passes , good video

[@camillecardwell3895]

What about the Bahamas or a Caribbean cruise with kids?

[@atropos0754]

Great video, I subscribed 😀

[@marks9897]

Awesome tips, thank you

[@kutke187]

Trying to decide between hawaii and moorea. Which do you prefer?

[@evonaagrochowski8006]

Those, over the water bungalows,.. I have always, always dreamed of staying in them,.. do they have any in Hawaii,..and if so, where,..? Oh and some of the other Islands, as well. Plus more food.

[@bastianr4185]

Hi there, I was wondering if the offer for the DVC tour is still available?

[@ryanracerwong1275]

I love that store

[@Timtimzi]

12/7/21 : I yolo’d a one night stay here because Hawaii was suffering from a severe storm that knocked out the power and water in the abnb I was staying at downtown . $700+ for a one night stay in aulani $1500 for a week in the abnb The studio hotel room is beautiful, but there’s not much outside of the resort aside from a few pools and a lagoon anyone can access if they wanted for free. Realistically I could’ve just paid for a room for two adults instead of three (and saved $100). The wristbands are on only needed for pool and towel access, though nobody really checked. Definitely a price gouge, but I decided to come for the experience of a resort that I’ll never come back to. I didn’t think about watching this video through before coming .

[@callieowen8157]

Some more budget friendly places to visit would be awesome. Even things such as yellowstone, Bear lake , Las Vegas ect. I'm thinking now Disneyland would be better for a Disney experience

[@TheMeleaShow]

If you want a Disney experience, the cruise, Disneyland or DW will give you that for sure. We've done those. I'll try to get some more places on the calendar!