Attendees of the D23 Expo were teased at the Disney Parks and Resorts Presentation with highlights of the new
Aulani Resort opening on Oahu August 29. We were treated to an authentic Hawaiian music and hula performance and shown incredible photos of the Resort as Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts shared all of the exciting things coming to the highly anticipated
Disney Resort on Hawaii. 
In just a few days, vacationers will be saying "Aloha" to the all-new Disney island paradise! With so much to do and see, you'll want to make every second of your magical vacation count – so Disney turned to the people who know best, the staff of Aulani itself, to share their personal favorites at the Resort. Disney identified ten amazing experiences and we wanted to share them with you. In no particular order, is Disney's Top 10 List of "Musts" at the all-new
Aulani Resort:
1. Waikolohe Stream
Running the course of the Waikolohe Valley, the Waikolohe Stream is a refreshing and magical lazy river filled with surprises. Guests can choose to float in tubes or swim with the gentle current in the endless stream. There are menehune hidden around every corner and Guests will traverse bubbling water vents, find themselves immersed in a lava tube, and get splashed by unexpected spouts of water.
2. The Beach
The crescent-shaped white sand beach at Aulani lines a beautiful turquoise lagoon. During the day, it's the perfect place to relax in the sun in a lounge chair under a beach umbrella (both provided by the Resort), go for a swim, or look out for migrating humpback whales just off the coast in winter. At night, it's a serene spot to stargaze and take in constellations important to Hawai'ian celestial navigators. The Southern Cross is even viewable from the beach for a few months out of the year!
3. Laniwai
Aulani's luxe spa is not just an indulgence, but a journey. In addition to all the standard spa treatments you love, let a spa host or hostess blend a special Hawai'i inspired exfoliation mix – Guests can choose their own aroma, sea salt or sugar, herb, and oil. Then enjoy a body polish in the outdoor hydrotherapy garden showers, the Kula Wai, which includes herbal soaking tubs, a reflexology path to massage your feet, and six different rain showers.
Few spas cater to the younger set, but Aulani's Painted Sky is a rare exception, created especially for ages 13-17. The private spa environment includes a yogurt bar, computer stations, and mixology bars allowing Guests to blend their own nail polish, perfume, and lip gloss. An open-air treatment room provides manicures, pedicures, facials, and massage. Entertaining programs are offered daily, covering topics like the newest hair looks, makeovers, and taking care of the athlete's body.
4. Aunty's Beach House
Whether kids are opening the interactive mailbox, peering into enchanted keyholes, or looking out virtual windows, this house is filled with the wonders of Hawai'i ... and a touch of Disney Magic. At this kid's club, Guests really feel like they are visiting their favorite Aunties and Uncles, sharing the unique treasures and stories that they have personally experienced with all of their 'ohana. Kids can join Aunty by her magical fireplace as a mongoose scatters across the skylight ... sometimes Stitch even lands on top of the skylight to say "Aloha" to the kids! Love the feeling of watching movies on a rainy day? The movie room automatically triggers rain and thunder to get everyone in a cozy mood to snuggle into one of Disney's favorite Movies. The computer room is packed with all the latest technology in gaming and computer fun, complete with two virtual windows with beautiful Hawai'ian scenery. Special programs include "Surf's Up with Chip and Dale," "Stitch's Space Goo!", "Aunty's Once Upon an Island," "Keiki Hula," "Eruption Disruption," "Aunty's Magical Make Believe," and "Uncle's Kahakai Canoe Racing"!
5. Adventures by Disney Excursions
As lovely as Aulani is, Guests will want to get out and explore the island as well – and no one does exploration like Adventures by Disney. Friendly Adventure Guides will make sure that every venture into the cultural and natural treasures of Hawai'i has all the Disney magic and attention to detail that makes an Adventures by Disney experience unlike any other. Don't miss the chance to explore and see Hawai'i during your visit!
6. Rainbow Reef
Rainbow Reef is a unique swim-thru experience where Guests can get an up-close look at many colorful creatures such as butterflyfish, surgeonfish, squirrelfish, and damselfish, all of them native to Hawai'i. The pool was designed to look like a natural Hawai'ian reef so Guests can get a feel for Hawai'i's reefs in an environment free from waves and currents. Guests should also be on the look-out for hidden surprises such as menehune, octopus, eel, and sharks (among other things) carved into the rockwork.
7. Aunty's Breakfast Celebration at the Makahiki
If you love Disney Character Dining, this is a must-see, rich in story and Hawai'ian culture and character! The experience begins with the "gift of bread," a signature bread of Aulani. Aunty teaches everyone to celebrate the harvest and enjoy family and friends. It's a lively fun time as Aunty "talks story," sings and plays the 'ukulele – and some familiar Disney friends may be vacationing as well, including Mickey Mouse. By the end of this event, everyone joins in as Aunty leads songs and dances in celebration – Hawai'i style.
8. 'AMA'AMA
'AMA'AMA is the spot for divine island dining, boasting fresh local ingredients that are connected to Hawai'i's land and sea. A breakfast, lunch, or dinner here is a true taste of Hawai'i, and is enjoyed in a spectacular open-air beachside setting. Let the tropical breezes fan you as you savor fine cuisine – and maybe indulge in a local microbrew or sample a cocktail infused with fresh Hawai'i ingredients.
9. Starlit Hui
This experience truly celebrates the wonder of Hawai'i with a little touch of Disney Magic.
Guests will enjoy a full evening gathering of music and dance focused on the people and places of Hawai'i. Hosted by "Uncle" and featuring a live band, local artisans, and Hawai'ian games, the Starlit Hui takes place in a beautiful setting, on the Makaloa Garden Lawn under the stars with the ocean as the backdrop. This is the night that magical memories are made!
10. Makai Preserve
The perfect way to meet some of Hawai'i's most amazing residents is at Makai Preserve (also known as the Conservation Pool), home to Hawai'ian brown stingrays and other species of fish. Guests will have the opportunity to interact with the stingrays and learn how Aulani's professional aquarists train and feed the stingrays. They'll also learn a little about how stingrays and other marine life are important to the ecology of the Hawai'ian Islands, and how they can help to appreciate, respect, and preserve marine and aquatic life.
Get Away Today thanks Disney for sharing their Top 10 List with us and we hope you enjoyed reading it. If that doesn't inspire you to book your Aulani vacation, perhaps our limited-time special hotel rates will! Aulani 5 night hotel packages including airfare from Sacramento start as low as $1,500 per person based on double occupancy and kids (17 & under) stay free!* Many other airports are available, but availability is limited and prices are subject to change at any time, so
book your Disney Aulani vacation today!
*Does not include child's airfare.