Aloha, Mickey!

Disney's iconic characters greet visitors to
Aulani, Disney Resort and Spa

The new Aulani, Disney Resort and Spa has just opened its doors in Hawaii on the quiet west coast of Oahu. Georgina Cruz highlights why it’s ideal for Hawaii pre- and post-cruise stays.

The new resort boasts typical Hawaiian architecture and décor and Georgina shares the details she discovered during her recent stay. As a destination resort, Aulani is not connected to a theme park, but filled with its own natural, cultural, and just plain nifty attractions including water fun at pools, slides, lazy river, and a snorkeling lagoon.

However, not everyone wants to fly to Hawaii to cruise and based on an overwhelming response to the first Hawaiian itinerary it offered, Disney Cruise Line has added a second Hawaii cruise to its 2012 schedule. The addition of a second Hawaiian voyage complements a diverse array of Disney Cruise Line itineraries departing from Los Angeles, including cruises to the Mexican Riviera and the Pacific Coast. With so many sailings originating from the West Coast, a Disney family cruise vacation is more accessible to guests from the western United States.

“We listen to our guests, and shortly after we announced our first Hawaiian voyage it was clear our guests wanted more options to visit Hawaii,” said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. “This second sailing to Hawaii is part of a wide variety of Disney Cruise Line vacation options for families in 2012 including new itineraries, regional homeports, and the debut of our newest ship, the Disney Fantasy.”

Two Hawaiian Sailings in 2012…
Disney Wonder will sail through the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, where guests can experience the famous beaches of Waikiki on Oahu, see the views from high atop the summit of Haleakala Crater on Maui, take in the lush tropical gardens and waterfalls of Kauai’s “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and explore the natural wonders of the world’s most active volcano on the Big Island.

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will offer two special voyages to Hawaii from Los Angeles, calling on Kahului, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Honolulu, Oahu; and Hilo on the Big Island; plus Ensenada, Mexico. The 15-night Hawaiian itinerary, which includes nine days at sea, departs April 29, 2012. The newly-added 14-night Hawaiian itinerary, with eight days at sea, departs Oct. 14, 2012.

Photo Courtesy of Georgina Cruz