*DIS Contributors review resorts that they have paid for during their own vacations. They only utilize discounts and special offers if they are available to the general public. They receive no additional compensation for rooms, dining experiences, events, or entertainment so that they may give their honest opinions about price and value.
If you are a Disney Vacation Club member and have not taken flight to the magical Islands of Hawaii, then wait no longer! Hawaii is a gift to the senses, allowing all visitors to forget about life on the mainland and become immersed in the spirit of Aloha.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa — Disney’s DVC property on the Island of Oahu — hits every mark perfectly. From the moment you set foot on the grounds you are greeted with warm breezes, a glass of pineapple and citrus infused water and a floral lei or kukui nut necklace. You are now in paradise and life feels good.
Lead Imagineer Joe Rohde ensured that the essence of Hawaii was captured in every square inch of this property. Every detail tells a story and every decision was deliberate and mindful when building this resort. Every guest at Aulani is spoiled; however, as a Disney Vacation Club member there are a few extra perks that I thought you should know about:
1) DVC discounts apply at certain locations:
Of course we all love to save money. Well, if you are a Disney Vacation Club member at Aulani you get to do just that! Here are some highlights of the DVC discounts on site: 10% off beach rentals, 10% off Rainbow Reef and 10% off full-day cabana rentals. If you like to shop, you can get 10% off your purchases at Disney-owned and operated merchandise locations (exclusions apply). A 10% DVC discount also applies to all PhotoPass purchases. For dining discounts head to ‘Ama ‘Ama to receive 10% off your lunch items.
2) FREE popcorn bucket refills at Ulu Café:
After your initial $8 refillable popcorn bucket purchase, with proof of Disney Vacation Club membership (wrist band or ID card) you get unlimited FREE refills for the remainder of your stay! This is the newest perk for members and my kids loved it!
3) $7 DVC cocktail at The Olelo Room with DVC wrist band or ID card.
This cocktail is NOT On the menu and needs to be requested in person at the point of service. This is a great deal, as most alcoholic cocktails at Aulani are double this price!
4) FREE member-only cultural tour of the grounds with Uncle.
This is an amazing tour! I have done this few times over our past five visits to Aulani and I’ve learned something new each time. Uncle walks you through the resort and discusses various landscaping, architectural and design elements of the resort. This is a free tour that you sign up for and meet at the Pau Hana room. Uncle answers all of your questions and is a wealth of knowledge!
5) DVC Member Celebration:
This is a weekly event that gathers together visiting Disney Vacation Club members to discuss the latest in DVC and Disney news. Members play games and chat with each other during the event.
6) Special wrist bands:
Okay, so we all like to feel special, and when you own DVC you are special at Aulani! As a member you get a different band than the regular resort guests. Our bands are sparkly, wider and clearly mark us as members. These bands are also your ticket to all your discounts, so make sure you request it on day one when you get started.
7) Cast members all say, “Welcome Home.”
There is something magical about those 2 words, especially when staying at Aulani. If this is home I never want to leave!
Well, this is likely not a complete list of member perks, but it certainly is some of my favourites. The discounts, secret drinks, member only tours, special wrist bands, and free popcorn — what else could be better? Aulani is already pure Disney magic filled with the spirit of Aloha and as a Disney Vacation Club member we get to take that even further!
After five holidays at Aulani I’m already counting down until our next visit. This place leaves you wanting more. Isn’t that the sign of a perfect vacation?
Until the next time, a hui hou and aloha from our family to yours!
