Disney executives met with reporters last week to continue the full court press for Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.
Disney brought out the big guns as Parks & Resorts chairman Tom Staggs, Disney Vacation Club president Jim Lewis and Imagineer Joe Rohde were in Hawai'i to sing the praises of the Aulani resort hotel and timeshare. The Honolulu Star Advertiser provides some insight into design concepts for the resort:
"The physical layout of the hotel and time-share complex was designed to create an impression of an ahupuaa, or mountain-to-sea land division. The project's two towers represent mountain ridges on either side of a valley filled with water flowing from make-believe springs and rivers into fishponds and pools, and seemingly into the Pacific Ocean."
Disney presented a study showing that Aulani's construction is contributing more than $600 million and 3000 jobs to the local economy. Once operational the resort will continue to add $271 million worth of economic activity and 1,200 jobs annually.
DVC president Jim Lewis is quoted as saying that Aulani sales are off to a "very solid start."
An overview of resort amenities and dining outlets is also provided in the full story.
Local television stations KGMB and KHNL covered the event. Their report is available below courtesy of YouTube.
Disney Vacation Club is currently selling interests in Aulani for $114 per point with discounts up to $12 off per point. The resort is scheduled to open August 29, 2011.
Thanks to Mitchel for submitting information used in this report!
