Visiting Disney’s Aulani Resort

Being from Florida, we love Disney! So naturally we had to go visit Disney’s Aulani Resort during our trip to Hawaii. Rooms were over $800 a night so we did not stay here, we just came for the day. Here are some things you can do on a visit to Aulani Resort without being a hotel guest.

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Disney’s Aulani Resort
92-1185 Ali”inui Drive
Kapolei, HI 96707

Our most recent trip to Oahu was during Aurora’s Birthday so that’s the day we chose to visit.

Upon entering Aulani we were greeted with a hidden Mickey! Yep, you can find Hidden Mickeys inside any of the Disney resorts, not just the parks. Keep an eye out.

We made reservations for the Character Breakfast Buffet at Makahiki. If you want to do the Character Dining make sure to make a reservation ahead of time as they book up in advance.

If you have a dining reservation you can park at Aulani for 2.5 hours for free in the self parking lot. We went straight to check in for our breakfast reservation when we arrived. The resort has free buttons if you are celebrating so they gave Aurora a Hawaiian Happy Birthday button. After check in the first thing you’ll do is get a photo with Mickey!

The restaurant is open air seating and we were seated outside by the lazy river and koi pond.

Dining is a set rate which includes drinks, all you can eat buffet, and the character meet and greets.
To view the Breakfast Buffet Menu, click here.

Disney food is always delicious and this buffet is no different! They’ve got specific items for the picky kiddos, local Hawaiian specialities, a custom omelette bar, fresh fruit, and SO MUCH MORE. We filled our plates, then filled them again.

While you are eating the characters will come around to your table. The day we went we got to see Goofy, Minnie, and Pluto. Characters are subject to change. I remember seeing Daisy last time we dined here.

There is also entertainment while you dine. The host sings and has the kids get up and participate in activities.

Because it was Aurora’s birthday they brought her a little birthday Muffin and we sang to her.

For more info about the dining options at Aulani, click here.
To make reservations at Makahiki, click here.

After stuffing ourselves we decided to walk around the resort.

Aurora and I love matching! One of our favorite brands to match in is Lilly Pulitzer. The bright colors are perfect for any tropical vacation. Here are some of our favorites below. Click the photo to view and shop.

I really wish Disney would allow you to purchase a day pass to the pools at Aulani but unfortunately they are for hotel guests only. They have multiple pools, a lazy river, and a water slide.

We had our Mickey headbands made to match our Lilly Pulitzer dresses! These can be ordered in pretty much any print on Etsy. Click the photo below to view and shop.

You may not have access to the pools at Aulani but according to Hawaii State Law all beaches are public. So you are welcome to come to Aulani’s lagoon at Ko’ Olina and enjoy the beach! You can visit any of the four lagoons and honestly this is my favorite beach on the entire island.
For more info on what else there is to do in Ko’Olina and where to park for the beaches, read my other post here.

There are Disney characters around the resorts for Meet and Greets but you must be a resort guest to see them and take a photo. They made an exception for us since it was Aurora’s birthday so we got a photo with Chip N Dale.

After drooling over the pool we went to check out the gift shops! You can find exclusive Aulani Resort merchandise here as well as items like stuffed animals, the Dooney & Bourkey Disney Collection, and more.