Aulani is expanding!!!

Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa in Ko’Olina Hawaii opened its doors in August 2011 and has already announced an expansion project!

To those who have seen this massive resort it’s hard to believe an expansion is already in the works but I suppose even something as seemingly perfect as Aulani can be improved.

The expansion will be primarily functional as opposed to cosmetic and will be expanding it’s popular water areas in the Waikolohe Valley area and dining options.

From mid-September 2012 to mid-2013 the resort will be under construction and various areas will be affected. By completion in mid-2013 Aulani will have additional rooms and villas within the 2 towers.

An additional pool, toddler pool and interactive water play area and 18,500 additional square feet of pool deck are included in the expansion, as well as a secondary beach access point.

The majority of the Waikolohe Valley area will remain open during expansion including: the Waikolohe Pool, lazy river, water slides, whirlpool spas, Rainbow Reef and the Menehune Bridge.

The Wailana Pool (quiet pool) and Wailana bar will be closed for a short period of time during the expansion, however the Makai Preseve will be closing permanently this fall. 

The popular evening celebration, the Starlit Hui, will be relocated to a larger area in order to accommodate more guests. It is estimated the relocation will take about a month, during which time the Starlit Hui will be suspended.

Two new quick service dining locations will be added, as well as a beach kiosk.

Makakihi-Bounty of the Islands is making improvements to the outdoor seating areas. An overhead trellis with retractable awnings will be installed to provide shade and shelter from the rain for guests dining outdoors. The inside seating areas will remain open during this refurbishment and Aunty’s Breakfast Celebration will be extended to 6 days a week. This breakfast will be available Tuesday to Sunday and of course resort guests have first priority for reservations.

Exterior decorative beams are being installed throughout the resort so you may see scaffolding or find covered walkways during installation.

On the heels of the expansion announcement Disney is offering a limited time special, buy 3 nights, get 2 free! For a limited time guests can book a five-night stay and two nights will be free!

Offer is available for booking July 26, 2012 to November 10,2012 for stays most nights September 10,2012 to December 22, 2012. A minimum 3-night stay is required. The number of rooms for this offer is limited, excludes resort fees and taxes and is not combinable with any other discounts or offers. Offer excludes suites and 3-bedroom villas, additional per adult charges may apply if there are more than 2 adults per room. Offer applied once per reservation, check for offers for other lengths of stay. Advanced reservations are required, offer is subject to restrictions and change without notice, limit 2 rooms per reservation.