New Hawaii Resort
Disney named the new Hawaii resort. Here is the press release from Disney.
KO OLINA, Hawai‘i, Jan. 19, 2010 – The highly anticipated Disney destination resort currently under construction on the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu now has an official name and a dynamic new Web site offering an inside look at the project. The resort’s name – Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i – reflects the company’s deep commitment to celebrating the islands’ rich history and traditions. Plans call for the first phase of the resort to open in fall 2011.
“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, Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering. “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.”
Rohde noted that Aulani translated from the Hawaiian language to English means “the place that speaks for the great ones” or “the place that speaks with deep messages.”
The Resort
Nearby to historical sites on the western side of O‘ahu, Aulani will be located on 21 acres of oceanfront property in the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development. The resort is planned to have 360 hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas.
Design plans call for amenities to engage every member of the family, a hallmark of a Disney vacation. Among the recreational highlights planned for the resort are pools and sunset-facing hot tubs, a snorkeling lagoon, a variety of kids’ club and other play programs for children, and a river, suitable for tube floating, running through a specially created volcanic outcropping.
The resort will also include an 18,000-square-foot spa designed with families in mind. The resort, built adjacent to a crystal-blue lagoon and a white-sand beach, is planned to also have two restaurants, a 14,545-square-foot conference center and 48,685 square feet of outdoor venues. Located nearby are the existing Ko Olina Marina and a Ted Robinson-designed, 18-hole championship golf course.
The Web Site
Disney has launched a new preview Web site, www.DisneyAulani.com, to provide updates and background information on the resort now under construction. The site also details some of the adventures and amenities under development, and includes conceptual art, descriptions of resort highlights, regularly updated resort information and photos of Aulani as it nears completion.
“We are looking forward to welcoming guests to Aulani to share the fun, immersive family vacation experiences Disney is known for combined with the beauty and culture of Hawai‘i,” said Djuan Rivers, vice president, Disney Vacation Club and Resort, Hawai‘i. “We are turning to the Hawaiian culture for inspiration in everything we are doing at Aulani, and we hope our guests will not only enjoy the Disney experience, but will also embrace the unique culture of Hawai‘i and its diverse people.”
Congratulations Jerry and Darlene
Jerry Applegate was someone I met before the first Tikifest and he not only attended that Tikifest but he was instrumental in making it what it was. Well that night he went on a date. Well I guess Tikifest was even more magical for Jerry and Darlene because January 22, 2010 they got married and are now at the Polynesian on their honeymoon. Congratulations to both of you.
Newsletter
Well I will start off with some news about my news letter. I know so many of you loved getting the inside news and some info I would not post on my site but there have been some problems with the mailing list and addresses that are no longer valid. Without getting into all the details I will not be doing the mailing list anymore. The news will be posted on the web site in the news section but you are always welcome to email me with questions, comments, trip reports, ect.
I will be setting up a Facebook page for those of you who want to have a place to post comments and send me messages also. I may decide to send out some news to those who join that page. There is some news and specials that I can’t post on my site so that would be where you can get the inside info.
Thanks for your interest over the years in my news letter. When I checked last year I was well over 1000 email addresses.
Surprising news about a Polynesian resort favorite
Stay tuned for big news about one of our favorite CMs at the Polynesian.
