I LOVE Aulani, it's my favorite resort. The atmosphere and the cast members really make it. Joe Rohde did a wonderful job with it. However, you're totally right with the service, unfortunately the cast members are limited to what they could do due to service cuts. When I went prior they had room service and the room was well stocked, but going back after the pandemic was just very different. I went back in 2021 so I could totally understand at that time why they had to cut the "in room" services, but it's been so long :( they could have at least brought back room service.
I appreciate this honest review. We are planning a trip to Hawaii and have considered staying at Aulani but the cost vs. value for money? We cannot justify it.
@@kadeedoyle I personally think it’s still a great experience. The ambiance really makes it, even if you stay for a night or two. Of course it all still depends on your means, could also totally understand deciding it’s not worth it if you’d rather allocate the funds towards something else
The decline in service is consistent across all Disney properties. Felt it at Grand Floridian a few months back also. It seems disney hopes that their stellar ambience will cover for their subpar service.
I used to work at this property. Was there the first year it opened. They used to give everyone checking-in a floral lei and a bottle of water. There was a full-time greeter that would welcome guests and explain the layout of the property. It felt magical and special. Unfortunately, like most other hotels, Covid changed the way hotels and resorts are operated. Services declined or eliminated as prices have risen. This property is mostly about timeshare. After a purchase, Disney gets the money afterwards regardless of services.
I really want to stay a few nights, but may go on a Disney cruise instead. I went on one a few years ago and loved it! At least food and drink is included on the cruise. They do the animal towels and have classes to learn how to fold napkins and towels
if you want the true Disney experience with excellent service & just the whole nine yards a Disney cruise is the way to go! hands down. ‘Aulani won’t check all those boxes
I am a bit baffled by that call to the front desk. Disney resorts do not hand out mickey ears upon request, and I have stayed at many including The Grand Floridian. Those are available for purchase. Towel animals are more a thing that is done during turndown service on a Disney cruise, and I have never heard of towel animals being done on request at a Disney resort. Waters were not in the rooms at Aulani even before the pandemic so that is not new.
Thanks for watching! The idea with the Service Test is to request something odd and see how far the staff will go. Check out some of my other reviews (hotel Bel Air great example) to see how other hotels accommodated 😄
Adding a comment to help the interactive algorithm - enjoyed the coverage and format. The cost seemed high but you must have been there at peak high season - I have seen the room more in the $600 - 650 range. Thanks for posting this - looking forward to the Halekulani review.
Love aulani resort ❤so beautiful very luxurious amazing rooms and restaurants and love the merch they have Hawaii is such a beautiful place grew up going to Hawaii growing up so many amazing memories that will last with me forever 😊
Hope you got to try Monkeypod's restaurant's iconic Mai Tai, they were right across the street. I'm a local and I will drive a far distance just to enjoy their Mai Tais frequently, the best on the island! FYI we have wanted to stay at Aulani for a staycation but still haven't been able to afford it. It was cheaper to go to Japan for a week vs a few days at Aulani.
@@ryanwalkerT5 We liked the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo for the super convenient access to the Shinjuku train station and great shopping all walking distance; it was also super luxurious for the price. We loved the Hotel Granvia Kyoto for the absolutely convenient fact that the hotel was inside the train station, it's also surrounded by eateries and shopping and the staircase in the train station lights up at night with it's own light show! We liked Kyoto better and wished we stayed longer, same things were said by our friends. There's a Disney Hotel in Tokyo but we don't have experience with that, but you may want to check it out! Now is a really good time to go because the Yen is so weak against the dollar, like 150 yen to the dollar...just don't go in the summer!
Pretty fair review. I too was disappointed about no room service. Miss details like music in elevators and the quality of shampoo and conditioners. Also all the included activities such as drawing, storytelling time, and character meet and greet. Also for parents free hour and half daycare where you drop off the kids for that time where they get activities and you get to do adult things.
This is an exceptionally well shot review. I felt like given what you showed of the room I’d give it a lower score! Something like 4.5/10. It seemed like there wasn’t as much Disney IP sprinkled about like some of their other resorts.
Great quality in your video capture. Lots of good shots, as well as lighting. AMA‘AMA tight shot was especially well done. Hard to compare anything Disney to anything else because they have a built-in audience that will overlook the absence of certain amenities from, say, the Four Seasons next door. That said, I love the resort, as well as the respect paid to local culture. Might want to also note there are no private beaches in Hawaii. All are public, period. Ko Olina resorts are no exception. If not a guest, you can’t use the chairs. However, you can still visit the beach.
The room...It really does look underwhelming .. the hyatt in orlando has better rooms. I guess youre there for the rest of the hotel . For over$1k a night is absolutelY WILD. Love your honest review
I'll be there soon using DVC points. Hope those rooms are better. I do wish you had described the food a little more and what the spa service and price was. Joh Rohde was the imagineer in charge of designing this along w Animal Kingdom. I was a little confused about asking for ear and towel animal delivery. who does that? Housekeeping at many Disney resorts leave animals
I try not to do prices because it can change so quickly. The service test is meant to be a strange request to see how the hotel responds. Thank you for watching!
This just seems like video of someone who wanted something for nothing. Being pixie dusted is supposed to be a surprise, not an entitlement. We’ve been going to WDW for years and DCL. We never expect special treatment, but when you get it, it’s great. We plan on going to Aulani in a couple years, and we can’t wait to experience it!
$750+ minimum a night isn’t nothing to most people - this price point warrants high service expectations. Thank you for watching and hope you enjoy your trip!
@@ryanwalkerT5 I agree, $750 a night is a lot. We plan on paying it, knowing what you get for the cost. I do appreciate your review of the room and some of the needed upgrades. And the fact that you are highlighting what you get for your money. But calling guest services and asking for towel animals and ears is silly to say the least. Thank you for what you are doing, and I wish you the best.
Would love to review a Disney cruise! Definitely will do Disney World hotels in 2025, and of course, the new Helios hotel for Universal. So thankful to have you on the channel, always love the feedback 🙌
I feel like you are missing the point of what the service test is in his videos. It’s more supposed to show how staff reacts to a unique request. Otherwise how do you SHOW the service to the audience in these videos. I’m getting what he’s trying to do.
Wow. Thanks for the truth. I really enjoyed this video. I will be spending my husband's 50th birthday there, September I did inquire about balloons . They said they don't do that anymore. That was a bummer.
We wanted to book a 1 Bedroom 2 Queen Villa for our family of six (2 adults 4 children) and they said we couldn’t because it only sleeps five. They said we had to get a 2 Bedroom Villa which is like 4k more and waaaaaay more room than we need or want. We were wondering how they would even know if we booked a 1 Bedroom 2 Queen Villa with six instead of five people and they said something about wristbands which I didn’t see in your video. Wondering if we should roll the dice and get the 1 Bedroom and save 4k and try and get another wristband we may or may not need.
They have a wristband system for the pool access, but didn’t wear it the whole stay and wasn’t an issue - I’d say spend less and risk it, then upgrade onsite if needed 🙌
I LOVE Aulani, it's my favorite resort. The atmosphere and the cast members really make it. Joe Rohde did a wonderful job with it. However, you're totally right with the service, unfortunately the cast members are limited to what they could do due to service cuts. When I went prior they had room service and the room was well stocked, but going back after the pandemic was just very different. I went back in 2021 so I could totally understand at that time why they had to cut the "in room" services, but it's been so long :( they could have at least brought back room service.
Completely agree, feels about time to lift the service cuts, and glad to hear you experienced it before the changes
I appreciate this honest review. We are planning a trip to Hawaii and have considered staying at Aulani but the cost vs. value for money? We cannot justify it.
@@kadeedoyle I personally think it’s still a great experience. The ambiance really makes it, even if you stay for a night or two. Of course it all still depends on your means, could also totally understand deciding it’s not worth it if you’d rather allocate the funds towards something else
I've watched a ton of Aulani videos and actually learned the most from this one. Really really appreciate the straight shooting review
Always will be honest and thorough. I do it for you!
The decline in service is consistent across all Disney properties. Felt it at Grand Floridian a few months back also. It seems disney hopes that their stellar ambience will cover for their subpar service.
Hope reviews like this show that it is catching up to them
I used to work at this property. Was there the first year it opened.
They used to give everyone checking-in a floral lei and a bottle of water. There was a full-time greeter that would welcome guests and explain the layout of the property.
It felt magical and special.
Unfortunately, like most other hotels, Covid changed the way hotels and resorts are operated. Services declined or eliminated as prices have risen.
This property is mostly about timeshare. After a purchase, Disney gets the money afterwards regardless of services.
I think it will catch up to them! Many people agree with you in the comments here
I hope that Disney see’s this an amps up the service aspect! Good, fair review!
@disney @disney @disney 👀
This video is so well done, kudos!
It was so fun to make :)
@@ryanwalkerT5what other resort u recommend at this island? For a family looking for a calm beach
I really want to stay a few nights, but may go on a Disney cruise instead. I went on one a few years ago and loved it! At least food and drink is included on the cruise. They do the animal towels and have classes to learn how to fold napkins and towels
Growing up my parents saved all year to take us all on a cruise and it is one of my best memories
if you want the true Disney experience with excellent service & just the whole nine yards a Disney cruise is the way to go! hands down. ‘Aulani won’t check all those boxes
There’s two new Disney cruises launching 2025… maybe they need a review?
I need a 10/10 room. Thanks for this review.
Couple I’ve reviewed around the world have gotten close! Have you stayed in a 10/10 room?
I am a bit baffled by that call to the front desk. Disney resorts do not hand out mickey ears upon request, and I have stayed at many including The Grand Floridian. Those are available for purchase. Towel animals are more a thing that is done during turndown service on a Disney cruise, and I have never heard of towel animals being done on request at a Disney resort. Waters were not in the rooms at Aulani even before the pandemic so that is not new.
Thanks for watching! The idea with the Service Test is to request something odd and see how far the staff will go. Check out some of my other reviews (hotel Bel Air great example) to see how other hotels accommodated 😄
Didn’t realize the history of the hotel! Another awesome and informative review
I live 15 mins away from Aulani and has never stayed there. I am living the experience through this video.😂
Do a lot of locals stay there or really just tourists?
@ryanwalkerT5 Mainly tourists. I mean you do have some families that can afford it but it's mainly tourists
Adding a comment to help the interactive algorithm - enjoyed the coverage and format. The cost seemed high but you must have been there at peak high season - I have seen the room more in the $600 - 650 range. Thanks for posting this - looking forward to the Halekulani review.
Appreciate you
Love aulani resort ❤so beautiful very luxurious amazing rooms and restaurants and love the merch they have Hawaii is such a beautiful place grew up going to Hawaii growing up so many amazing memories that will last with me forever 😊
❤️
Hope you got to try Monkeypod's restaurant's iconic Mai Tai, they were right across the street. I'm a local and I will drive a far distance just to enjoy their Mai Tais frequently, the best on the island! FYI we have wanted to stay at Aulani for a staycation but still haven't been able to afford it. It was cheaper to go to Japan for a week vs a few days at Aulani.
@@ryanwalkerT5 We liked the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo for the super convenient access to the Shinjuku train station and great shopping all walking distance; it was also super luxurious for the price. We loved the Hotel Granvia Kyoto for the absolutely convenient fact that the hotel was inside the train station, it's also surrounded by eateries and shopping and the staircase in the train station lights up at night with it's own light show! We liked Kyoto better and wished we stayed longer, same things were said by our friends. There's a Disney Hotel in Tokyo but we don't have experience with that, but you may want to check it out! Now is a really good time to go because the Yen is so weak against the dollar, like 150 yen to the dollar...just don't go in the summer!
Great recs thank you!! South Korea next then looking at Japan 😄
Over 1000 a night ! No thanks ! Hawai’i is just not a good value vacation. Beautiful resort tho I’ll give them that !
Very true! Have a couple luxury value spots being posted soon 🙌
Pretty fair review. I too was disappointed about no room service. Miss details like music in elevators and the quality of shampoo and conditioners. Also all the included activities such as drawing, storytelling time, and character meet and greet. Also for parents free hour and half daycare where you drop off the kids for that time where they get activities and you get to do adult things.
Incredible music in the elevator and lobby. Couldn’t show because Disney copyright - but YES
This is an exceptionally well shot review. I felt like given what you showed of the room I’d give it a lower score! Something like 4.5/10.
It seemed like there wasn’t as much Disney IP sprinkled about like some of their other resorts.
I think that Mickey lamp brought it up a point 😂
Thank you for this! ❤
Great quality in your video capture. Lots of good shots, as well as lighting. AMA‘AMA tight shot was especially well done. Hard to compare anything Disney to anything else because they have a built-in audience that will overlook the absence of certain amenities from, say, the Four Seasons next door. That said, I love the resort, as well as the respect paid to local culture. Might want to also note there are no private beaches in Hawaii. All are public, period. Ko Olina resorts are no exception. If not a guest, you can’t use the chairs. However, you can still visit the beach.
Yes thank you - almost reviewed the FS next door but opted for Halekulani (coming soon!)
The room...It really does look underwhelming .. the hyatt in orlando has better rooms. I guess youre there for the rest of the hotel . For over$1k a night is absolutelY WILD. Love your honest review
100%! The cost is for the characters, waterpark, beach access, but still felt like cutting corners. Are you thinking about going?
What other hotel u recommend near by ? For a family.. with a calm beach @ryan walker
Halekulani is a great hotel on Oahu, or Four Seasons Oahu!
Sorry your experience wasn’t great for you. We go every year and not one time have I been disappointed. Going in October 👍🏼
One of the best Ambiances I’ve seen! Enjoy the trip
In all honesty Disney took away lots of things after the pandemic (Free fastpass, magical express shuttle and luggage service at WdW, Leis at Aulani,
Right! But prices keep going up.
I'll be there soon using DVC points. Hope those rooms are better. I do wish you had described the food a little more and what the spa service and price was. Joh Rohde was the imagineer in charge of designing this along w Animal Kingdom. I was a little confused about asking for ear and towel animal delivery. who does that? Housekeeping at many Disney resorts leave animals
I try not to do prices because it can change so quickly. The service test is meant to be a strange request to see how the hotel responds. Thank you for watching!
This just seems like video of someone who wanted something for nothing.
Being pixie dusted is supposed to be a surprise, not an entitlement.
We’ve been going to WDW for years and DCL. We never expect special treatment, but when you get it, it’s great.
We plan on going to Aulani in a couple years, and we can’t wait to experience it!
$750+ minimum a night isn’t nothing to most people - this price point warrants high service expectations. Thank you for watching and hope you enjoy your trip!
@@ryanwalkerT5have you done a disney cruise? I’ve only gone once, but it was amazing and I’m saving up to go again.
@@ryanwalkerT5 I agree, $750 a night is a lot. We plan on paying it, knowing what you get for the cost.
I do appreciate your review of the room and some of the needed upgrades. And the fact that you are highlighting what you get for your money.
But calling guest services and asking for towel animals and ears is silly to say the least.
Thank you for what you are doing, and I wish you the best.
Would love to review a Disney cruise! Definitely will do Disney World hotels in 2025, and of course, the new Helios hotel for Universal. So thankful to have you on the channel, always love the feedback 🙌
I feel like you are missing the point of what the service test is in his videos. It’s more supposed to show how staff reacts to a unique request. Otherwise how do you SHOW the service to the audience in these videos. I’m getting what he’s trying to do.
Wowww!! This place looks magical
The Ambiance was one of the highest yet
Awesome my friend...
This man is the best part of Aulani!! See you in Oahu again soon
@@ryanwalkerT5 Thank you.
Wow. Thanks for the truth. I really enjoyed this video. I will be spending my husband's 50th birthday there, September I did inquire about balloons . They said they don't do that anymore. That was a bummer.
That’s exactly why I do these reviews. Happy birthday to your husband and be sure to come back and let us know what you thought
Isn't that a DVC Studio unit?
I booked the base room direct from the website :)
@@ryanwalkerT5 Yes they rent out DVC rooms for cash but that wasn’t the normal hotel room
This was surprisingly good video. Does this guy have an instagram?
He does! It’s the same handle @ryanwalkerT5
We have stayed at Aulani and many Disney hotels. Waters have never been free. There is a store downstairs to buy water or across the street is an ABC.
Wow that’s unbelievable!
After seeing the room prices I looked for a different vacation destination. $1000+ a night for that pos motel 6 looking room? So sad
There’s some great resorts at that price on my channel if you’re shopping around!
How do they keep getting better??????????
Glad you liked the review! Have you stayed here?
@@ryanwalkerT5I have!! It was amazing!
8:05 that looked like a drone shot. How’d you get that nice angel?
Got the drone up during a rain shower!😄
ahh oooh lahh knee... first mistake
Pardon the Minnesota accent
The room is way over priced but to compare to motel 6 is silly
Ok hear you there - just gave me an idea to review a Motel 6!
We wanted to book a 1 Bedroom 2 Queen Villa for our family of six (2 adults 4 children) and they said we couldn’t because it only sleeps five. They said we had to get a 2 Bedroom Villa which is like 4k more and waaaaaay more room than we need or want. We were wondering how they would even know if we booked a 1 Bedroom 2 Queen Villa with six instead of five people and they said something about wristbands which I didn’t see in your video. Wondering if we should roll the dice and get the 1 Bedroom and save 4k and try and get another wristband we may or may not need.
They have a wristband system for the pool access, but didn’t wear it the whole stay and wasn’t an issue - I’d say spend less and risk it, then upgrade onsite if needed 🙌
You’re pronouncing “Aulani” wrong.
Doubt that, I learned in Olelo Room ;)
I agree.
I hate when you filling bathtub and the water inconsistent! What a ridiculous nitpick. 4:28
Sure, but no $600-$1000/night hotel would ever have a bathtub like that
@@ryanwalkerT5 so true!
For that kind of money in this economy I’m nitpicking everything