How to Save Money at Disney Aulani Resort!

Considering visiting Disney Aulani Resort? Amidst the allure of this tropical paradise, families and travelers may find themselves concerned about the potential costs associated with such an extraordinary getaway. However, fear not! This comprehensive guide is your key to unlocking a treasure trove of money-saving tips and savvy strategies that will allow you to immerse yourself fully in the magic of Disney Aulani without compromising on joy or adventure. Discover how to save money, navigate accommodations, dining, activities, and more, all while making the most of your vacation budget, to ensure a truly unforgettable Disney Aulani visit.

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Visit During off Seasons

Aulani’s peak seasons are summer and holidays when rates are highest. Visiting in spring or fall means lower prices. Traveling during the off-peak or shoulder seasons (typically when schools are in session) can result in lower room rates and potentially cheaper airfare.

During busy seasons, all of Aulani’s restaurants, pools, activities and amenities can get packed with families. But in the off months, you’ll encounter much shorter lines, have an easier time getting beach chair spots, and be able to relax at the pools. With fewer people, the vacation vibe is more laid back. Kids also have more freedom to run around common areas without bumping into as many people.

And it’s easier to book your preferred dinner times and get seats at the luau or other shows when crowds are lighter.

Book Packages Early!

Look for discounts up to 30% off when booking months in advance. Last-minute deals can also sometimes be found. Our favorite place to book is through GetawayToday which has discount rates and a layaway plan.

Bundled deals with airfare, dining, and activities included can also offer savings.

Check for any available discounts on the Resort website before booking. Disney sometimes offers deals for certain groups, like military personnel or kamaaina (locals).

Skip Dining on Site and Cook Your Meal

Food and beverages can be expensive at the resort. Pack some snacks and refillable water bottles to save money on drinks during your stay.

While the dining experiences at Disney Aulani are fantastic, eating at the resort exclusively can add up quickly. Consider exploring off-site restaurant options nearby Aulani or preparing simple meals in your room if you have access to a kitchenette.

For those wanting to cook in their villa, consider getting groceries from some of the stores nearby. Here is a good article of where to get groceries near Disney Aulani.

For an affordable snack, get the Aulani popcorn bucket which comes with popcorn refills for just $1. We also suggest buying the reusable mug which gets you free soda, coffee, and lemonade refills.

Example Grocery List for a Family of Four

Breakfast:

• Eggs
• Bread or bagels
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Cereal or granola
• Milk or plant-based milk
• Fresh fruits (e.g., bananas, oranges, berries)
• Yogurt

Lunch and/or Dinner:

• Deli meat (turkey, ham, or chicken)
• Cheese slices
• Lettuce and tomatoes for sandwiches or wraps
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Rice or quinoa
• Chicken or beef for grilling or stir-fry
• Fresh vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• Salad greens and dressing
• Pizza ingredients (e.g., pre-made pizza dough, pizza sauce, cheese, toppings)

Snacks:

• Assorted nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews)
• Trail mix
• Pretzels or chips
• Crackers
• Hummus
• Baby carrots and cucumber slices
• Popcorn
• Fresh fruit (e.g., apples, grapes)
• Hawaiian tropical fruit (e.g., pineapple, papaya, mango)

Beverages:

• Bottled water or reusable water bottles
• Juice or juice boxes
• Soft drinks (if desired)

Other Essentials:

• Cooking oil
• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
• Coffee or tea (if you’re coffee/tea drinkers)
• Sweeteners (sugar, honey, etc.)
• Reusable grocery bags

Take Advantage of the Free Disney Activities

Disney Aulani offers numerous free activities, such as pool and lawn games, storytelling sessions, Disney pin trading, live music and character meet-and-greets. Participating in these activities can be a fun way to enjoy the resort without additional costs.

During the Halloween season Disney Aulani offers free trick-or-treating and Halloween dance parties.

Skip the Disney Extras

Dining, spa services, and excursions booked through Disney are pricey. To save money at Disney Aulani, we recommend enjoying meals off-site and booking activities separately.

Disney Aulani’s Laniwai Spa is a luxurious and serene experience, but its prices reflect that ambiance. If you’re looking to save money, consider exploring spa options outside the resort. Many independent spas and wellness centers on the island offer a range of services at more competitive rates. This way, you can still indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation without the premium cost.

Our favorite independent spas are Magnolia Day Spa and Massage Envy in the Kapolei area.

While Disney Aulani offers a variety of exciting excursions and activities, they might come with a premium price tag due to the convenience and Disney-themed experiences they provide. Research and compare prices for similar activities from local tour operators.

Oahu offers a wealth of activities like snorkeling, hiking, surfing lessons, and sightseeing tours that you can book directly with other companies. These alternatives can be more budget-friendly while still offering fantastic experiences.

Limit Souvenir Spending

Souvenirs can be expensive, so set a budget for them before your trip. Consider buying Disney-themed items outside the resort, online at places like Amazon or at local shops for more affordable options.

If you do want to buy some cheap souvenirs, consider buying Aulani pins or magnets. They are the cheaper items in the gift shop Kalepa’s.

Rent DVC points

To save money, agencies like David’s Vacation Club Rentals let you rent points from Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members at discounted costs.

DVC is a timeshare program operated by Disney, allowing members to own points that can be used to book stays at Disney Vacation Club resorts, including Disney Aulani in Hawaii. However, non-members can also take advantage of this system through companies like David’s Vacation Club Rentals. Here’s how it works for resorts like Disney Aulani:

First-time renters interested in staying at Disney Aulani through David’s Vacation Club Rentals can follow a simple process. They browse the available listings on the company’s website, which typically show a range of room types and dates at various DVC resorts.

Once they find a suitable offer, they can contact David’s team to request a reservation. The team will work to secure the reservation using a confirmed booking from a DVC member’s points.

It’s essential for first-time renters to understand that booking through David’s Vacation Club Rentals is different from a traditional hotel reservation. Instead of booking directly through Disney or the resort, the reservation is secured through a DVC member’s points.

As a result, guests will receive a Disney Vacation Club rental confirmation rather than a regular resort confirmation. However, you rest assured that these bookings are legitimate and offer substantial savings compared to booking directly through Disney.

In summary, David’s Vacation Club Rentals provides a reliable service for first-time renters who wish to stay at Disney Aulani and other Disney Vacation Club resorts. Renters can browse available listings on the website, request a reservation from the team, and enjoy the savings of staying at a deluxe Disney resort through DVC points.

Just keep in mind that this process involves booking through DVC points rather than traditional hotel reservations, but it’s a fantastic way to experience the magic of Disney Aulani at a more affordable price.

Buy Discounted Gift Cards

Consider buying Disney gift cards from Target. If you pay with Redcard, you can get 5% off. Make sure to charge everything to the room. The night before you check out pay with the gift cards. This is a quick and convenient way to save money at Disney Aulani.

Guests can use gift cards on meals, spa treatments, and gift shops.

Avoid Renting a Car

Shuttle services, Uber, Lyft are abundant on the island. Utilizing these services save on parking and rental fees!

You may also consider taking The Bus. This is Oahu’s public bus system. It covers most parts of the island and fares are around $3 for adults per ride. Day passes are $5.50. It’s one of the most affordable ways to explore Oahu.

Keep in mind that the Bus stop is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel plus it takes a long time to get from Honolulu to Ko Olina For this reason alone we suggest ride sharing.

If you have to rent a car, consider using TURO which tends to be cheaper than the independent car rental companies.