Disney’s Aulani Resort KA WA’A Luau
As an avid Disney fan, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and sailed on Disney Cruise Line. In June, I was able to experience Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa in Oahu for the first time.
As part of our trip, we booked the luau at Aulani. Disney’s only resort in Hawaii, Aulani Resort and Spa, offers amazing entertainment, a luau which mixes Disney magic and Hawaiin culture.
Pricing
During our Hawaii trip, we had the privilege of visiting Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. If you take a trip to Hawaii, I highly recommend visiting multiple islands as they are all very unique.
All of the Hawaiian Islands offer various luau experiences. Every hotel we stayed at had their own luau. We decided to book the luau at Aulani knowing that Disney is known for their storytelling.
General seating is $170 for adults and $99 for children. Preferred seating is $199 for adults and $119 for children. As this was our first trip to Hawaii we opted for the preferred seating.
Preferred Seating gives guests closer seating to the stage and earlier access to the pre luau activities. We enjoyed the preferred seating due to the extra time with the activities, but it is definitely not needed if you are trying to save money. The total experience lasted about 3 hours.
Pre-Show
When you arrive at the luau, there are two lines: preferred and general seating. Once you check in, cast members provide you with a kukui nut lei. We liked the nut lei over the traditional flower lei as it provides you with an amazing souvenir that does not wilt after a couple of days like the traditional lei.
Disney has several stations for the pre-show activities for kids and activities to participate in. Stations include taro pounding, paint tattoos, and lei making. Our kids loved this. Guests are able to interact with the performers and learn about traditional Hawaiian culture.
While guests are returning to their seats after the stations, musicians are playing Hawaiian music.
Food
Unlimited food and drinks are included in the price. We were surprised that alcohol was also unlimited and included. Each guests have drinks brought to the table and are released to the buffet.
The buffet included salad, fruit, vegetables, prime rib, sea food, bread, desserts, and various sides. Our kids were brought a Bento box of child friendly food options but could also get food from the buffet.
Everyone in our group of 9 loved the food. We all thought it had a good mix of traditional Hawaiian food and familiar food for those less adventurous foodies.
Show
The show was the highlight of the luau. It had several parts. The narrators had some pre-shows while guests were eating with songs and dance. Minnie and Mickey Mouse also made an appearance.
Once guests had enjoyed the buffet and it was dark outside, the full show began.
The show was broken into different parts representing Hawaiian history and culture. All the performers were top notch. The singers, dancers, costumes, and physical set with projections delivered what I have come to expect with a Disney show.
We felt that the show was an authentic representation of Hawaii. It told the story of the Hawaiian people in a way that we could all understand through song and dance.
One of the highlights of the show was the flame throwing. The performers were talented, and the entertainment kept you on the edge of your seat.
Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa is a truly unique experience. I highly recommend a trip to Aulani to enjoy the beautiful island, Hawaiian culture, and Disney’s attention to detail.
If you decide to stay off property in Oahu, I highly recommend making the trip to Aulani and booking the luau experience.
Do you want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I also create customized itineraries, book advanced dining, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! Also, did I mention that my services are FREE!!!! Contact me at SLoehrlein@MickeyTravels.com or follow me on Facebook @MickeyTravelsShannonLoehrlein