ABC’s ‘American Idol’ Returns to Aulani Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

We are thrilled to share that ABC’s “American Idol” is returning to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa!

After earning the chance to become the next American Idol, contestants will travel to Hawaii to sharpen their vocal skills with the help of celebrity mentors and showcase their talents in a concert along the breathtaking shores of Aulani Resort.

But all work and no play is nearly impossible when you’re in Hawai‘i! Between coaching sessions and performances, the contestants will enjoy all the extraordinary experiences the Aulani Resort has to offer, from soaking up the sun in the Waikolohe Valley pool area to dining on island cuisine – and of course, indulging on Mickey Shave Ice! 

The episode will also feature the American Idol all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, along with Emmy-winning producer and host Ryan Seacrest, and celebrity mentors.

The 21st season of ABC’s “American Idol” premieres on Sunday, February 19, (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST). Stay tuned every week to catch the two episodes filmed at Aulani Resort, and see contestants enjoy a family paradise with a touch of Disney magic.

Aulani Resort’s Signature Dining Experience, ‘AMA‘AMA, Returns

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

‘AMA‘AMA, the signature oceanside restaurant at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, will welcome guests back beginning Oct. 14.

The newly reimagined fine-dining experience features a delicious four-course, prix fixe dinner menu. Each course pays homage to the spirit of Hawai‘i, with unique flavors, high-quality ingredients and locally sourced fish and produce. The menu, created by the talented Chef De Cuisine Nicholas Amoriello, is almost completely gluten-free, with a plant-based option available for every course to ensure every type of dietary need can experience the very best of Hawai‘i’s flavors!

The new menu offers an array of contemporary island cuisine, including dishes like the “lox” opakapaka with greens, citrus, and raw and pickled vegetables; and the savory Pork Belly with “scanlan sauce,” onion, kiawe honey and Okinawan sweet potato. 

Pastry Chef Carolyn Portuondo has prepared a decadent selection of desserts, incorporating iconic local flavors such as lilikoʻi, calamansi, coconut, mango, macadamia and Kona coffee.  ‘AMA‘AMA has also unveiled a globally curated wine list to enhance your dining experience.

With an elevated menu, enhanced décor, live music and breathtaking views of Ko Olina Beach, ‘AMA‘AMA is the perfect setting for guests to relax, celebrate their vacation and make memories with their loved ones. 

Aunty’s Beach House to Reopen at Aulani Resort May 25

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Aunty’s Beach House at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, will reopen May 25, treating keiki (kids) ages 5-12 to fun and adventure and – for the first time – offering evening activities the whole family can enjoy.

Designed as a typical hale or house where kids might visit their “aunty,” the rollicking kids club puts the focus on fun. Each of the six colorful rooms is dedicated to different activities – from a movie room to computer lab, arts and crafts studio to a game room.

Parents can reserve a playtime in Aunty’s Beach House between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily for secured children’s programming. During these hours, parents may select 1.5 hours of playtime for complimentary themed activities on “Uncle’s Side” of the house or 2 hours on “Aunty’s Side” of the house for premium activities. Reservations are required, please see below for details.

Complimentary activities include interactive games and arts and crafts based on the theme of the day. Premium activities include Surf’s Up, A Surfin’, Fishin’ and Dancin’ Party with Disney friends. Children will learn about the ocean, catch a wave on carpet surfboards with Max and get the somewhat wacky lowdown on fishing Hawai‘i waters with Goofy.

And now, the whole family can get in on the fun with “after hours” activities from 4-9 p.m. when Aunty’s Beach House turns into an evening entertainment venue. Families can choose from an assortment of complimentary and premium activities where they can learn to play the ‘ukulele, get together for a lesson in animation, or make lasting memories with photo opportunities in front of surfing scenes and other colorful backdrops.

Aunty’s Beach House reopens with new operations, safety and health protocols in place. Among them: face covering requirements, capacity limits, physical distancing, spacing between craft benches and play areas and temperature checks.

Reservations for Aunty’s Beach House are required and will begin on May 11 at 10 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time (1 p.m. PDT) for reservations on May 25. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling (808) 674-6943 from 7 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily. Programs are subject to change.

Update on Hawai‘i’s Safe Travels Program & Safe Access Oahu Program

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts, Uncategorized

Beginning March 26, 2022, the State of Hawai‘i’s Safe Travels program will conclude, and passengers arriving from domestic points of origin will no longer have to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a pre-travel negative test result upon arrival to Hawai’i in order to avoid quarantine. International passengers must continue to follow the travel requirements put in place by the federal government. Government requirements are subject to change, and we encourage Guests to continue to stay updated on any travel requirements leading up to their planned stay.  

In addition, the City & County of Honolulu’s Safe Access O‘ahu has also expired, and Guests are no longer required to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to dine on property.

As a reminder, the State of Hawai‘i maintains a face covering mandate for all indoor locations. At Aulani Resort, face coverings are required for each Guest age 2 and up, and must be worn in all indoor locations, including Laniwai – A Disney Spa, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distancing. Face coverings are optional in outdoor common areas at Aulani Resort.

Please continue to stay up to date on the latest travel requirements by visiting the State of Hawaii’s Safe Travels website and any changes to our offerings by visiting the Know Before You Go page.

Aulani Resort Sets the Stage for ABC’s ‘American Idol’

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

ABC’s “American Idol” is returning to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa for its fifth season on ABC and 20th season overall. After earning their chance to become America’s next superstar in Hollywood, American Idol contestants will journey to Oahu to hone their craft under the guidance of celebrity mentors as they prepare to showcase their vocal skills during a concert on Aulani Resort’s beach. 

But, it will not be all work. Between coaching sessions and performing, the contestants will have time to explore all the incredible experiences that Aulani Resort has to offer. They will dine on culinary delights including Mickey Shave Ice, traditional island cuisine and sushi. And, the lush surroundings on 21 oceanfront acres are sure to provide inspiration for the up-and-coming artists. Of course, the sprawling Waikolohe Valley pool area is always a favorite among activities for American Idol contestants. Here they can admire the view from a quiet infinity-edge pool, float along a lazy river, splash down water slides and more.

The upcoming episode will feature the American Idol all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, along with Emmy-winning producer and host Ryan Seacrest, and celebrity mentors, as they coach and critique contestants competing to become the next American Idol.

This milestone season of ABC’s “American Idol” begins Sunday, Feb. 27 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST). Stay tuned every week to catch the two episodes filmed at Aulani Resort, and see contestants enjoy a Hawaiian paradise with a touch of Disney magic.

Follow along on our Aulani Resort social channels @DisneyAulani and also on @AmericanIdol.