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Because it’s a cold February for most of us (it’s currently snowing outside my window), I’ve decided to name this Hawaii week at the families.com Disney blog. Today and Friday I’ll post articles about what Disney’s got going on in Hawaii, and those of us freezing elsewhere in the country can squeeze our eyes shut and pretend we’re somewhere sunny and warm.
First up is Disney’s announcement that in Fall 2011 they will open a resort on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The resort’s full name is Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii. According to Disney officials its name, Aulani, means “the place that speaks for the great ones,” or “the place that speaks with deep messages” in Hawaiian.
Disney has recently launched a website for the Aulani resort, where web users can find details on what the resort will offer, a gallery of renderings and photographs, watch a video of a virtual flyover tour, and sign up to receive updates when more information is available.
“We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it. The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep story-telling – and its roots are here in this land,” said Joe Rohde, senior vice president Imagineer. “We’re so grateful to the local Hawaiians who led us to the discovery of this name, and our goal is to live up to its meaning.”
Thus Hawaii is not just the location of Disney’s new resort, but its main theme, and that is reflected in more than just the architecture. Aulani is designed to be like a village, with rooms varying in size all the way up to miniature houses. The name of the resort itself reflects the importance of storytelling in Hawaiian culture.
The details of the resort are reminiscent of Disney cruises: elegant, comfortable luxury with areas designated especially for children. This time the children’s area, known as the “kid’s club,” joins in on the resort’s overall Hawaiian theme. Activities include exploring Hawaii with electronic touch-tables, and arts and crafts using gourds, kukui nuts, and leis.
Aulani will be the latest Disney Vacation Club property and the first to offer both a regular hotel experience and a timeshare. Other amenities include sunset-facing hot tubs, multiple kids’ clubs, and a river made for tube floating that winds through volcanic-style scenery.
According to Djuan Rivers, vice president of the Disney Vacation Club, Hawaii, The Aloha State was always on the Top 5 list when Disney Vacation Club members were polled on their most desired location for a new resort.
While the specs for Aulani look amazing, I wonder if it’s much different from any other Hawaiian resort. I’m interested to see what future perks Disney might include at Aulani before its opening, to woo us non-Disney Vacation Club members to plan our Hawaiian vacations there.
Related Articles:
Disney Innovation in Times Square
Villagers Ejected from the Future Site of the Most Magical Place on Earth
Homeschooling Groups and Resources in Hawaii
*(This image by jurvetson is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.)
