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In an interview with Tom Staggs (chairman of Walt Disney's park and Resort) the announcement of AVATAR land coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom park he said the following:
"The Animal Kingdom project is expected to begin construction in 2013. From start to finish, a project of this size and scope takes about 5 years to design and build. We can't give you an exact date but we know that when it's complete, it's going to be a trulyunforgettable experience.
Our AVATAR land will give guests the chance to see, hear and touch the world of Pandora and we can't wait to dive in with James Cameron and his team as we create new experiences that will delight and thrill our guests.
Disney's Animal Kingdom is the perfect place for our first AVATAR land because at its core, the park gives guests the opportunity to experience the worlds of animals and nature – real and mythical – in whole new ways. With AVATAR, we've found the perfect opportunity to let our guests explore one of the most compelling mythical worlds ever conceived. Animal Kingdom also celebrates adventure, living in harmony with nature and environmental stewardship – themes that are deeply rooted in the story of AVATAR."
Disney's Free Dining to continue certain dates through March 31st contact us for details.
Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa opened in the Ko Olina Resort area of Oahu,
Hawaii on August 29, 2011. The location for Aulani, right on the
oceanfront in beautiful Ko Olina, about 17 miles north of the Honolulu
Airport, is spectacular. Hawaiian culture and tradition come to life in
this resort, modeled after the Hawaiian village concept. The ocean
views, white sandy beaches, tropical foliage and salt-water lagoons make
this newest resort a great vacation destination.
Aulani features 359 traditional hotel rooms, decorated with wood and
Hawaiian elements. These rooms have several views available: standard
view, Ocean View, Partial Ocean View, Poolside Gardens View, Island
Gardens View. All of these rooms sleep 4 and have either 2 queen-size
bed or 1 king-size bed with queen-size sleeper sofa. The 382 square-foot
rooms have 1 bathroom. There are also handicap accessible rooms
available for all views and on most floors.
Many of the contemporary custom furnishings pay homage to ancient
culture. Fabrics in earth tones were inspired by kappa, or bark cloth,
known for its subtle intricacy and embossed patterns. The headboards
reflect outrigger canoe shapes and butterfly joints that were used to
mend precious wooden bowls. Fabrics from the 1940's and 1950's have been
reinvented in the room's pillow and bedding. Being a true Disney resort,
you will find "hidden Mickey's" in the pineapple-patterned
Hawaiian quilts on the bed and Ukulele playing Mickey Mouse lamp on the
desk.
Disney resorts are known for their recreational opportunities and Aulani is no exception.
The Waikolohe Valley is the main pool area of the resort where the pools
and water play area blend seamlessly into the beautiful surrounding
scenery. There are two pools, both of which offer zero-entry as well as
traditional steps. There are also two slides in Waikolole Valley, a tube
(Tuberstone Curl) and a body slide (Volcanic Vertical) that takes you on
a ride through volcanic rock, or you can float along in the lazy river
that circles the entire valley (900 linear feet). There are also four
Jacuzzis, two of which feature "infinity" edges that let you
sit and soak in the beautiful Hawaiian sunsets.
TIP: Look at main pool at night and you'll see that the pool lights form the shapes of various Hawaiian constellations. It might help to go up to a higher floor in the building and look down. - Corey Martin
This play area is for children under 48 inches and features 3 slides, a
play structure and more! Children using this area must be supervised at
all times and diaper age children must wear swim diapers. There is no
lifeguard in duty here.
The Rainbow Reef saltwater snorkel lagoon is filled with tropical fish
for you to explore. The Rainbow Reef experience is $20 for adults and
$15 for children, or you can purchase an length-of-stay pass at $39 for
adults and $29 for children. This is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Tip: The water in the Reef is COLD, but it's definitely worth it. Snorkeling in the lagoon has plenty to look at in the Reef. If you're trying to decide whether to spend you're money on renting snorkeling equipment in the lagoon or doing this, I would say do this. I only saw a bunch of rocks in the lagoon. - Corey Martin
Guests of Aulani have access to an exclusive beach and lagoon area that
is only shared by one other resort. Relax on a beach chair or take
advantage of the rentals from Makiki Joe's.
Tip: If you plan on using the beach rentals throughout your stay, you might want to consider purchasing one of these when you arrive. It's $99 per pass and includes the Rainbow Reef experience and unlimited beach rentals. Beach rentals include single and double kayaks, snorkel set, stand up paddle boards, and use of a beach umbrella for your chairs. I would suggest looking at the rental prices listed below and decide if you think $99 per person is worth it. You will see how fast these individual rentals can add up. If only one person in you family plans on using the rentals, then you only need to purchase a pass for them. These are non-refundable and non-transferable. For us, it came out cheaper to spend $99 for unlimited rentals. - Corey Martin
Makiki Joe's is located on the beach and is where you will rent single
and double kayaks, snorkel sets, stand up paddle boards, beach
umbrellas, canoe adventures, and paddle board lessons. Makiki Joe's is
open from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
There are a total of 8 pool cabanas that you can rent for the day for up
to 6 Guests. The cost per day is $275 and includes lounge chairs, couch,
6 waters in a mini fridge, safe, iHome for your ipod/iphone, 32-inch
flat panel TV, fan, WiFi, and a menu to order food from. These are
available from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.
Tip: Cabana No. 1 has the best view, but it books fast and is often reserved. When booking your cabana, also ask if it's near the kids play area. Depening on your situation, having a cabana in the kids area can be a good or bad thing. - Corey Martin
Tip: There is a grocery store across the street from Aulani. It's called Island Country Markets (by ABC Stores) and it's literally across the street within walking distance. Picking up a few snacks to keep in your room might be a good idea. They also have hot food items available for less than what you would pay at Aulani. I considered breakfast at Aulani somewhat limited, so check out the selection at the store. They even have seating outside. - Corey Martin
This signature dining restaurant serves local favorites while you dine
alongside the Pacific Ocean. Ama Ama means Mullet Fish and the themeing
behind the restaurant is a fishing village. Ama Ama offers both lunch
and dinner and is said to begin offering breakfast in November. Lunch is
served from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm. Dinner is served from 5:30 pm - 10:30
pm. There is live music from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. This is not a cheep
restaurant so be prepared to spend money.
A buffet of fresh, international foods are served in this open-air dining room. There is a breakfast and dinner buffet with a large selection of items on both. Makahiki is the season of the harvest and celebrated during the rainy season usually occurring from late fall to early spring. This buffet restaurant was created to honor this season of renewal and celebrated as a feast with gifts from the land. Traditional Makahiki ceremonies are held throughout Hawaii.
Breakfast is served from 7:00 am - 11:00 am. Price for adults is $27.00 and $14.00 for children 9 and under. Character breakfast is only offered on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. Character breakfast price for adults is $32.00 and $18.00 for children 9 and under.
Example of items on the breakfast buffet include: Fresh fruits, assorted yogurt, cereals, pastries, Oatmeal with fresh Berries, Scrambled Eggs, Vegetable Frittata Omelets, Eggs Benedict, Pork Sausage, Turkey Bacon, Bacon, Portuguese Sausage, Aulani Potatoes, Loco Moco, Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast, Dim Sum, Seared Island fish, Miso Soup, Farm Greens, Tamango, Steamed Rice, Pickled Vegetables, Carving Station.
Available on select days from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Dinner is served from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Price for adults is $43.00 and $21.00 for children 9 and under.
Items on the dinner menu might not appeal to everyone in your family. Take a look at the items listed below. I personally thought the food was great, but I also try everything and eat plenty at a buffet. My wife did not have the same experience. - Corey Martin
Example of items on the dinner buffet include: Curried Mussels, Braised
Lamb with Goat Cheese Polenta, Grilled Teriyaki Eggplant with Asparagus,
Sautéed Bok Choy, Assorted Tempura: (Shrimp, Sweet Potato, Carrots,
Green Beans, and Onions), Port and Vegetable Lumpia Spring Roll, Sauté
Green Beans with Onions, Huli Huli style chicken, Roasted Strip loin of
Beef with Spiced Hawaiian Salt Crust, Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes,
Traditional Pork & Butterfish Lau Lau, Assorted Vegetable Lau Lau,
Chinese-style Steamed Fish, Beef Chow Fun Noodles, Assorted Dim Sum,
Guava Barbecued Ribs, Sautéed Yellow Squash Zucchini and Peppers,
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Assorted Sushi, Charcuterie Platter,
Poached Shrimp, Fresh Sashimi, Mixed Island Greens, Macaroni Salad,
Buckwheat Soba Noodle Salad, Poke, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Poi, Edamame Salad,
Fruit Salad, Mango Cheesecake, Brownies, Banana Cream Puffs. Kids Dinner
items include: Bacon-cheeseburger Macaroni, Pepperoni Pizza, and Grilled
Chicken Strips with steamed vegetables.
Menus item are subject to change without notice based on seasonal local ingredients.
'Olelo is the Hawaiian word for "language". This as an
"interactive language lounge" that many sculptures labeled in
'Olelo Hawaii so that guests will increase their Hawaiian vocabulary.
In 1896 English was made the main language of Hawaii schools and
speaking it in class was punished, so parents discouraged theirs
children from speaking it at home. As a result the Hawaiian language was
nearly lost forever.
Continental breakfast is available from 6:00 am - 10:00 am. The lounge is open from 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm serving traditional food and drinks. There is live music outside of the 'Olelo room from 5:30 - 9:00 pm.
Here are some of the food items you might find on the appetizer menu: Sashimi sampler ($15), Steamed Manilla Clams ($17), Ahi Poke ($15), Fresh Shrimp Summer Roll ($12), Kobe Beef Sliders ($15), Sweet Potato Fries ($8), Squid Ring Luau ($13), Domestic and Imported cheese platter ($12), Mini dessert sampler ($13).
Off the Hook is the sports lounge located poolside and there are 2 large
flat screen tv's that only show sporting events. The theming behind Off
the Hook is a fisherman's house where the fishermen would gather after
their day on the water to share stories about the "one the go away.
" Along the inner ledge of the building, you will find artifacts
they brought back from their journey's. The 3 large hanging lights
resemble fishing nets and water droplets.
Off the Hook is open 11:00 am - 12:00 am. An appetizer menu is served from 5 - 10 pm. This is the only place you can get an adult beverage at Aulani after 11:00 pm.
Here are some of the food items you might find on the appetizer menu: Feast of the Sea - Build your own seafood platter. Priced per piece. (choice of Oysters ($1.50), Prawns ($3.50), Clams ($.50), Keahole Lobster ($28), and Kona Abalone sea snails ($15.00) served with Black Butter Bread, Mignonette, Chili Pepper Water, and Aioli) Hamachi and Ahi Sashimi with Ume Ponzu Sauce ($15), Prawns Satay on Sugar Cane skewers with peanut sauce ($15), Kobe Beef Sliders ($15), Peking Duck Flatbread with Hoisin sauce ($12), Domestic and Imported cheese platter ($12), Mini dessert sampler ($13).
This is a walk-up window. Freshly-made sandwiches and wraps, house-made
desserts, refillable mug station. Children's menu is available. Hours
are 11:30 am - 3:00 pm.
Here's an example of the menu items served here: Kalua-Roasted Pulled Pork Sandwich ($12.45), Soy-Marinated Tofu Wraps ($10.95), Today's Hawaiian Sustainable Catch Fish Tacos ($12.95), Crispy Marinated Check Lettuce Wraps ($11.95), Crispy Marinated Chicken Lettuce Wraps ($11.95), Angus Chuck Burger with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese ($12.45) . Some of the above items are served with chips or carrot-sea asparagus salad.
Kids menu (choice of...Angus Chuck Cheeseburger, Today's Hawaiian Sustainable Catch Fish Taco, Fresh Vegetables with dip): $6.95. All kids meals are served with choice of fresh fruit or Taro chips.
The Lava Shack is the grab & food and beverage offering cold plate lunch or snack. Refillable mug station is also available. Since this is located near the pool area, you can pick up pool and sun essentials here too. Hours are 9:00 am - 8:00 pm.
Pool-side stand that serves fruity shaved ice treats.
Yogurt with fresh fruit and other toppings are available in the youth spa, Painted Sky. Adults are allowed to purchase yogurt but are not allowed to hang out in that area.
Available from 6:00 am to midnight daily.
If you're lounging around the pool, you can take advantage of being served food and beverages without having to get up.
Tip:You're paying for convenience when you order from this menu. Take a look at the One Paddle, Two Paddle menu and you will find similar items for less. It might be worth it to send dad over and have him walk the food back. Give him the tip! - Corey Martin
Here's an example of the lunch menu that is served around the pool and pool bars: Kalua-Roasted Pulled Pork Sandwich ($19), Soy-Marinated Tofu Wraps ($17), Today's Hawaiian Sustainable Catch Fish Tacos ($19), Crispy Marinated Check Lettuce Wraps ($18), Char-Grilled Vegetable Wrap ($17), Turkey Wrap ($18), Angus Chuck Burger with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese ($21) *All of the above are served with chips and Chocolate Cake.
Kids menu (choice of... Turkey wrap, Mac & cheese, Peanut butter & jam, burger, chicken strips, tuna salad): $8.50
Self parking and valet is $35 per night and is assessed at check-in.
Laniwai means "freshwater heaven." As you enter the 23,000
square-foot spa and see the tranquil reflection pool, you'll immediately
feel the calm surround you. Enjoy a massage therapy session, facial, or
a full body treatment. Kids ages 13+ can head to Painted Sky, a 1,500-
square-foot spa complete with a yogurt bar, computer station, and a
mixology station where girls can learn to make cosmetics from natural
ingredients.
Kula Wai (meaning "water source") is Aulani's 5,000-square-foot
outdoor hydrotherapy garden where you can relax before your massage
treatment. You can soak in an outdoor vitality bath meant to calm your
mind and refresh your body. Used in tandem with a massage session, early
Hawaiians believed that using fluctuating water temperatures helped to
reset the body, boost immunity and increase circulation. This is a part
of of the Laniwai Spa and is not available to non-spa guests.
The 2,000 square-foot health club is the perfect place to stay in shape
while on vacation. The state-of-the-art facilities offer yoga and tai
chi classes, group fitness training, sport-specific training, and boot
camp series spa treatments; relax after class in the sauna and steam
rooms. You will need your room key to enter and exit.
Enjoy board games arts and crafts, book and Disney Family Movies
together. DVD rentals also available. This is also where you will need
to sign up to play the Menehune Adventure Game.
Tip: Check your daily 'IWA for some of the free classes that are held here, such as lai making.
Reserve tee times at an 18-hole championship golf course created by legendary course designer Ted Robinson.
Aulani has a 15,000+ square-foot conference center available for all of your group's needs. If an outside venue would suit your needs better, select one of the outdoor locations in the available 40,000 square-foot area.
Aunty's Beach House is designed just for kids ages 3 to 12 and it offers
secured programming where all children will be within sight or sound of
the Youth Activities Counselors. Base activities (covered by the Resort
room charge) and premium experiences (offered for a fee) will surprise
and delight guests at Aulani by encouraging and promoting physical,
intellectual, emotional, social and cultural development. The counselors
are trained in basic first aid, CPR and AED. Also, each one goes through
a basic ASL class, as well as a basic Japanese language class. There are
three certified teachers on staff and one teacher is always working on
Aunty's side of the house.
Drop them off while you go have a little adult time and know that they will be having the time of their lives. The Beach House is divided into two sides, Aunty's and Uncle's, and features traditional Disney music in Hawaiian. The keiki (children) will learn about Hawaiian culture in Aunty's living room where she gathers the children for Once Upon an Island storytelling, Make Believe Magic, lei making, hula lessons and ukulele playing. An enchanted fireplace and a magical ceiling window make this area extra special. Meals and snacks are served in Aunty's Kitchen. Snacks are provided free of charge every two hours and lunch and/or dinner are provided at an additional cost. Kids can also watch movies here and participate in Eruption Disruption! (a Volcanic experiment) as well as Stitch's Space Goo.
Tip: If you were a fan of the Adventurers Club at Pleasure Island you have to check out Uncle's T.V. Room. You might spot a few familiar artifacts here. You won't be able to just walk in on your own, so ask about tour times. - Corey Martin
The interactive touch table games located in Uncle's Den will keep even the most tech-savvy kid entertained. Kids can "make it rain" to start movie time in Uncle's T.V. room or watch their favorite Disney show. Nap mats are available here for those keiki that need daytime rest. There are computers and gaming consoles in Uncle's Surfboard Workshop. Uncle's Garage is where your child can participate in arts and crafts, face painting, and the Fish Are Friends program (this is a premium experience at an additional charge and reservations are required). Kids will get an inside look at how the Aulani Animal Programs train, feed and care for the resort marine life. Not only will they see the animals first hand, but they will make fish food and feed it to them. With all these experiences available, you may have to bribe them to leave!
If you are the parent of a child under the age of 3, there is the Disney Aloha Junior program. This allows the parent and child to use Aunty's Beach House during the earlier part of the day. Parental supervision is required for all children under 3.
Aunty's Beach House is open 7 days a week, 12 months a year, but operating hours vary by day. Sunday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am until 11pm. Monday and Saturday from 8am until 9pm. Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30am until 9pm. All children participating in secured youth activities must have a completed Youth Registration Form on file and they must wear a Mickey Band while checked-into the beach house. The primary cell phone number for the child's family will be used as the point of contact between Aunty's Beach House and the child's family. Children are encouraged to leave all personal toys and gaming equipment with their families. Any items brought in will be labeled and stored until the child's check out from Aunty's Beach House. Kids are required to be potty trained, but potty accident clothing is provided by Aunty's Beach House just in case. Cast Members will not provide medication to guests in Youth Activities. The only medications allowed are prescribed asthma inhalers and EpiPen.
Aunty's Beach House accommodates all children, including those with disabilities, and the cast will work with each family to ensure the needs are met for each child to the best of the staff's abilities.
The Hawaiian legend of the menehune, or mischievous and playful little
people, will inspire visiting children of all ages. The menehune
(May-nay-hoo-nay) were believed to inhabit Hawaii long before the
Polynesians settled into the islands. They are a mischievous race of
hard workers and traces of their work and culture still remain on many
of the islands, including the Fish Pond on Kauai.
Imagineers have hidden menehune statues all over the resort for keiki (the Hawaiian word for children) to discover. Players are given a handheld device and there will be audible and visual clues that will help guide them on their adventure to find the menehune.
Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust,
Donna Dot Disney
Aulani pictures and information courtesy of wdwinfo.
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