Aloha to Aulani, Disney’s Newest Vacation Resort

Who says Mickey Mouse ears and Hawaiian leis don’t mix?  Disney vacation experts are banking that they do as Disney Vacation Club has begun selling interests, as well as accepting reservations, at their highly anticipated  destination resort in Hawaii,  under its official name, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii.

Disney selected the name Aulani in a celebration the rich history and tradition of the Hawaiian culture.  Translated, Aulani means “the place that speaks for the great ones”.

The  21 acre oceanfront resort is located on the western side of the Hawaiian island of O’ahu in the Ko Olina Resort and Marina (map) property, near historic sites like Pearl Harbor (map) and other points of interest like an 18 hole championship golf course and the North Shore area (map).

Built adjacent to one of Hawaii’s famed crystal-blue lagoons and white-sand beaches, the family-friendly resort will offer amenities for every member of the family including a specialty pool area with wading pool and tube slides, a snorkel lagoon and sunset-facing hot tubs.  A river, perfect for tube floating, will run through a specially created volcanic outcropping.

A kids’ club and play programs for children will also be available, making the hot tub and planned 18,000 square foot spa sound even more enticing to me!  A special preview website, holds updated photos of the construction and a virtual aerial view of the property that made  me so excited, I ran for a glass of chilled pineapple juice.

Disney plans to open Phase One of the resort on August 29, 2011.  Realizing Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, upon completion, the resort will hold over 350 traditional hotel rooms, 481 two-bedroom Disney Vacation Club villas, two restaurants, a conference center and a wedding lawn.

For reservations can be booked by calling 866-44-DISNEY.  I know when this resort opens, this Disney Traveler will definitely be saying “I do” to a Hawaiian family vacation, Disney-style.

Image Selection: WDW News