In September, work began on some enhancements to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. According to sources at Aulani, October will see the start of even more construction projects at Aulani.
Most of the projects starting in early to mid October will occur in the area near the Wailana Leisure Pool and Wailana Pool Bar (designated "H" on the map below.) Both the Wailana Pool and Bar will close temporarily during the construction.
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Aulani resort map (click to enlarge)
Plans call for additional deck space, chairs, chaises, and cabanas to be added to the area around the Wailana Leisure Pool. By early October, some of the landscaping between the Wailana Pool and the Laniwai Spa (1 on the map) will be removed to make room for these enhancements.
A new kids' splash zone, designed to resemble a tidal pool, will be constructed where the Makai Preserve and Stingray Experience now sits. The Makai Preserve will permanently close in early October.
Also in October Disney will begin construction of a new themed family pool featuring an infinity edge and a misty grotto. The new pool will be built on the lawn between the Wailana Pool and the beach. The Starlit Hui was performed on this lawn until it went into a short term hiatus in early September.
Future site of new family pool
The splash zone will replace the Makai Preserve, currently located in the lower left of the above photo. The new themed family pool will replace the main lawn. The Wailana Pool Bar, with its umbrella tables, is visible to the lower right.
October will also see construction begin on a new poolside cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cafe will take over the space currently occupied by Grand Villa #101. Grand Villa #101 is on the ground floor of the end cap of the Waianae Building. The new cafe will face the kids' splash zone and family pool.
Current Wailana Pool with Wailana Pool Bar on the right and Grand Villa #101 in the background
To help reduce the impact these construction projects may have on guests, sources at Aulani indicated that some of the Phase 3 villas may open ahead of the January 2013 target date. The Phase 3 villas are located on the opposite side of Aulani away from the construction. Aulani Cast Members reported that the villas in the short wing of Phase 3 with room numbers ending in 60 to 69 are being tested for guest occupancy. Barricades are still in place on the hallways to the villas in the long wing of Phase 3, but they have been removed from the hallways leading to rooms in the short wing.
Long wing
Short wing
October should also see the return of the Starlit Hui evening show at Aulani. Plans call for the show to move to the larger lawn on the left side of the resort. Upon completion of the move, guests staying in villas overlooking this lawn should have a good view of the Starlit Hui from their balconies.
