Aulani

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa is a new type of Disney vacation that is part hotel and part Disney Vacation Club Resort under development at the Ko Olina Resort & Marina near Kapolei on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Phase 1 is expected to open in August 2011; it will be the third Disney Vacation Club Resort located outside of a Disney theme park property.

Background
Initially announced in October 2007, Disney unveiled the resort's name in January 2010. The project was estimated to cost $800 million and eventually generate about 1,000 jobs at the resort. The project is managed by Disney Vice-President Djuan Rivers, who said he was committed to integrating environmentally friendly initiatives into the resort.

Theme
Walt Disney Imagineers collaborated with local architects and cultural experts to design and construct what will celebrate the customs and tradition of Hawaii. Disney characters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be seen at the resort, however unlike at theme parks where they act as hosts, at Aulani they will be presented as fellow guests.

Facilities
There are four room categories from studios to grand villas. Nearby restaurants include one with views of sunsets of the Leeward Coast and the other buffet-style. Various pools and lagoons were planned. A signature Disney kids' club features custom-planned activities and adventures. The marina hosts dining, entertainment and shopping spots. A golf course was designed by Ted Robinson. A spa encompassed 18,000 square feet (1,700 m2). A 15,000+ square-foot conference center with approximately 40,000 square feet (3,700 m2) of outdoor venues will be included.

Purchase/Reservations
The resort began timeshare sales in July 2010, and began taking room reservations in August 2010.