Disney vacations: Pixie dust in the Hawaiian Islands

By Valerie Moloney

Like others in my generation who grew up belting out the words to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Hakuna Matata,” I am a proud supporter of Disney. Having lived in Tampa for five years, I visited the Magic Kingdom every chance I got—how could I not, what, with a mere hour to drive? As the parentof a preschooler and first grader, I still get the warm and fuzzies when I see the fireworks above Cinderella’s Castle or actually get to meet Princess Jasmine in person.

Even without kids, Disney vacationers have a pretty compelling reason to visit the next resort: It will marry the magic of Disney with a Hawaii vacation. Aulani, the new upscale property slated to open on Aug. 29 in Ko Olina, Hawaii, pays tribute to the folklore, beauty and food of the islands along 21 pristine oceanfront acres. Once complete, the resort will boast 359 traditional hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas in two towers, two restaurants (including one on the beach), an 18,000-square-foot fitness center and spa. At the theme parks, the experience might be affected by lines and weather, while a stay at Aulani — which means the messenger of a chief – can flow at a more leisurely pace and be customized by guests.

Head to the fire pit for storytelling or explore the area pineapple plantations or mountains during an offsite excursion. Swim in a 3,800-square feet lagoon with native angelfish, tangs and Hawaiian fish. Reserve time in the conservation lagoon to touch the velvety backs of stingrays. Proceeds from the interactive encounter will fuel local research and conservation efforts via the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

For the tykes, the giddiness starts at mealtime with Disney characters at the buffet-style Makahiki, bubbles up at Aunty’s Beach Club with interactive touch tables and nature programs and explodes into full-on glee at Waikolohe Valley, a seven-acre water park with inner tubes and water slides. What’s especially attractive about this particular Disney resort is that the experience isn’t limited to rides, shows or games. So if you or yourlittle one get stressed, you can simply go – no joke — swim with a dolphin. Now that’s some real pixie dust.

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Valerie Moloney is a writer for Orbitz who was born in the Philippines, lived in Morocco and married a native Irishman. She now covers hotels around the world and contributes to the Orbitz blog.

Tagged: Disney, Family time, Hotels