Aulani Awarded Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Highest Honor

It’s been said that language is central to a culture, and that is definitely true for the beautiful Hawaiian language, ‘Olelo Hawaii, that is such an integral part of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‘i.

Aulani Resort has been celebrating the Hawaiian culture — with a touch of Disney magic — with Guests and Disney Vacation club members, since opening in 2011. The ‘Olelo Room, where Hawaiian language is the central theme, as is evident in the décor, furniture, and even in the service, continues to be a Guest and local favorite. ‘Olelo is Hawaiian for “word” or “to converse” and even the Cast Members working in this special place speak fluent Hawaiian! The ‘Olelo Room is a place where Guests and locals gather to hear beautiful Hawaiian music played nightly by award-winning musicians, and where Hawaiian-language speakers gather and converse, and for those ready to learn, the décor features wooden carvings of common objects, each labeled with their Hawaiian names.

It’s this commitment to the language and the culture that led the Hawaii Tourism Authority to award Aulani Resort, alongside Hawaiian Airlines and ‘Aha Punana Leo, with its highest honor — the Tourism Legacy Award. This award, presented at the 2018 Global Tourism Summit, honors organizations and businesses that perpetuate Hawaiian culture, and this year the honorees were identified for helping to normalize Hawaiian language into everyday life.

“We provide a way for kama’aina (Hawaii residents) to show their pride in their home, and a place where Hawaiian-language speakers can pursue and share their passion for ‘Olelo Hawaii,” said Aulani Resort General Manager Kimberly Agas, who recently accepted the award alongside Aulani Cultural Advisor Kahulu De Santos on behalf of the resort. “At Aulani Resort, Hawaiian language proficiency is a valued professional skill, and conversations in ‘Olelo Hawaii are a common daily occurrence.”

It is an honor for our Aulani Resort to be recognized by our community, and by our industry; and it’s even more humbling to be recognized for our efforts in perpetuating the Hawaiian culture.

Be sure to stop by the ‘Olelo Room during your next visit and surround yourselves in Hawaiian language!

To book your Aulani vacation in Hawaii, email me lauren@magicaltravel.com or call me at 800-883-1535 x 46! When you book your Aulani vacation with me, I'll give you a FREE Disney Gift card that you can spend at the resort during your vacation!

New Retail Locations Opening Soon at Disney Springs

With over 100 stores already open at Disney Springs®, it’s hard to imagine there's room for any more. But there is! Soon, three new venues will be added to the property’s eclectic mix of niche boutiques and brand-name anchor locations, just in time for holiday shopping.

Here’s a preview of what’s to come:

Disney Tails: Opening Oct. 12, 2018 at Marketplace Co-Op, this is THE must-visit destination for pet owners who want to bring a bit of Disney flair home to their four-legged friends. With two existing character collections (Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse) and two new character collections (Haunted Mansion and Star Wars) will debut when the store opens, Guests may want to wait to finalize Fido’s Halloween costume until they’ve had a chance to visit – the themed comfort harnesses are just too cute! While most of the items were designed with dogs in mind, there are a few items that are “purr”fect for cats, too! In addition to leashes, collars, and bandanas, Guests will also discover squeaky toys inspired by favorite iconic Disney foods, because really, it’s not fair that only humans should get to indulge in Mickey waffles, Mickey ice cream bars and Mickey pretzels, right?

Lovepop: Steps away, in the center of Marketplace Co-Op, a new kind of greeting card will be arriving in mid-October. Lovepop is “more than a card” – it’s an intricate 3D paper sculpture designed on cutting-edge software, then hand-assembled with impeccable craftsmanship. Each piece is a gorgeous keepsake and with options for nearly every occasion imaginable, Guests are bound to find something just right for that special someone.

The Art of Disney Presents Greg McCullough: Slated to open on Nov. 3, 2018 in the space formerly occupied by Little Miss Matched, an art gallery featuring works by Greg McCullough – a fan-favorite when it comes to paintings of Disney characters and stories – will open for a limited-time engagement through Jan. 1, 2019. Greg McCullough will appear every day, except Mondays, from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Guests will have a chance to interact with the artist, have artwork signed, and possibly even catch him painting live. Original works of art, limited-editions, and prints will be available, alongside some unique pieces from his Disney Remnants and Abstract Remnants Collections – mosaic collections created by recycling unused oil pant.

As if all of this wasn’t enough, Basin, one of the most beloved brands at Disney Springs, is putting the finishing touches on a refurbishment of their store. With a mid-October completion date, the location will feel familiar but with lighter, brighter, fresh touches that will open up the space in a more modern way.

With so much newness on the horizon, you can get head start on holiday gift purchases on your Walt Disney World vacation!

Contact me Lauren Gonding - A Disney Vacation Planner to book your Disney vacation! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World hotel; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! 

Contact me by: Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com; Answer a few questions to request a quote; Message me on Facebook; or Call me at 800-883-1535 x 46!

Disney Cruise Line Takes Home Top Award

Disney Cruise Line was named Number 1 “Large Cruise Line” in the 2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. This is the seventh year in a row that readers have chosen DCL as their cruise line of choice!

These awards come directly from the readers, many who have sailed with DCL multiple times. More than 429,000 readers cast their votes in this year’s annual survey.

With four ships at sea and three more on the horizon, there are numerous opportunities for a magical Disney cruise vacation! Whether experiencing one of our Broadway-style shows onboard with the entire family, enjoying one of our exclusive adults-only restaurants and lounges, or watching a little one light up when they catch a glimpse of Captain Mickey for the first time, adventure is endless.

Book your Disney Cruise vacation with me, a professional Disney vacation planner and get FREE money to spend on your ship! Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com for a free quote (or to answer any questions you may have!) or you can use this fast and easy form to request your free quote!

As a Disney Vacation Planner, my FREE personalized planning services will help you find a cruise sailing and stateroom that fits your family's needs and budget! I'll also help plan your pre-cruise night stay, port transportation and more! Plus all of my Disney Cruise Line clients get a FREE on-board ship credit for some extra spending money on their vacation plus some extra goodies! Email me today to start planning your cruise vacation today!