Disney’s Aulani Resort, scheduled to open its first phase August 29, 2011, combines the rich culture and beauty of Hawai’i with a touch of Disney magic. The resort will reside on 21 acres of pristine waterfront property, and will feature 359 hotel rooms (16 suites included) and 460 Disney Vacation Club Villas, 21 of which will be Grand Villas. Starting August 2, the Walt Disney Travel Company will begin taking reservationsfor guests interested in staying at Aulani Resort.
Among the many amenities guests will experience during their stay at Aulani Resort are the exceptional restaurants. Four restaurants are on property, but by far the most prominent will be the Makahiki Buffet Restaurant. The breakfast buffet will feature a character breakfast, where guests can join Disney friends for delicious fresh fruit, house-baked pastries and daily specials. The name itself is derived from murals that will be painted on the walls that depict the story 
of Makahiki, the Hawaiian harvest festival.
The dinner buffet will serve line-caught, sustainable seafood, fresh-baked goods, a carving station, Asian-inspired entrees, pasta, fresh salads, island fruit, house-made desserts, and Hawai’ian-inspired beverages.
If you plan to dine at The Olelo Room, you’ll be able to enjoy a continental breakfast, traditional afternoon tea, and a lounge menu that serves Hawai’ian-inspired food and drinks. While there, ask for the ‘IKE MUA, which is the discovery drink of the day!
The ‘AMA ‘AMA Beachside Restaurantboasts views of the Pacific ocean and Aulani’s swimming lagoon, and will serve traditional Hawai’ian meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located next to ‘AMA ‘AMA, One Paddle, Two Paddle offers a quick-service option for hungry guests. They serve fresh sandwiches and wraps as well as house-made desserts. They also feature a refillable mug station and a children’s menu.
Finally, The Lava Shack will be a second quick service option, and will offer a refillable mug station, a grab-and-go snack bar, and plate lunches that feature authentic Hawaiian cuisine. There will also be a shave ice kiosk poolside for guests to enjoy a refreshing snow cone.
One of the special touches guests can expect to see once Aulani opens is the rainbow collagethat dominates the lobby area. This collage was created in collaboration with the children of Hawai’i. Children from all age groups have submitted photos – 138 in all – that represent the beauty of Hawai’i. When all of the pictures combine, the mural will form the entire rainbow spectrum.
Disney Vacation Club members will also be able to choose from several DVC rooms, including deluxe studios and 1 and 2-bedroom villas. Grand villas, which can accommodate up to 12 people, will be available as well. Room views will include standard views, poolside garden views, island garden views or an ocean view, depending on availability.
On April 22, the major structural work for the resort was completed, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse, along with the construction crew and Disney cast members, gathered together to celebrate the milestone. A giant Mickey silhouette was even formed on the beach, made up of the various cast and crew.
Guests will also relish Aulani’s spa, which was recently given a new name – Laniwai, which means “freshwater heaven.” The spa features a plethora of treatments for singles, couples and families alike, and will also include a special teen area called Painted Sky. This area incorporates a yogurt bar, mixology station, and full computer access.
Disney Imagineers have worked hard to combine the best of Hawai’i and Disney into one magical resort, while remaining true to the culture and traditions of these beautiful islands. With so much attention to detail, it’s clear that Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa will immerse guests in an experience unlike any other.