By Caroline | Travel Advisor at Embrace The Magic Travel
As a travel advisor, I get to help families plan unforgettable vacations—but this past year, I had the joy of planning one for my own family. Our daughter was turning four on the fourth—her golden birthday—and we knew we wanted to do something really special. At the time, she was completely obsessed with Lilo & Stitch and Moana, so the idea of taking her to Hawaii felt like a dream waiting to come true.
We packed up and headed to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‘i, with our almost two-year-old son in tow. I thought I knew what to expect—but I was completely blown away by the experience of traveling there as both a mom and a guest.
A Family Vacation That Felt Easy and Magical
What stood out to me the most? The ease of everything.
With two little ones, convenience is everything. At Aulani, we didn’t need to hop in a car or coordinate complicated logistics. Everything—from beach to pool to dining to magical moments—was right there. I could truly be present with my family. No schedules to manage, no rushing around, just a beautiful balance of relaxation and fun.
One of my favorite memories is watching our daughter meet Stitch for the first time. Her face lit up like I’ve never seen before. Those are the kinds of moments you can’t plan—you can only make space for them.
We also loved the private lagoon at the resort. It made the whole trip feel peaceful and safe, like we were in our own little Hawaiian paradise. The cast members were phenomenal—every interaction felt thoughtful and genuine, exactly what Disney is known for.
How Aulani Stands Apart
I’ve experienced other beach resorts, but none quite compare to Aulani. It offers that perfect combination of fun and sophistication. You get all the Disney magic you want—but it’s subtle and balanced. If your family isn’t super “into” characters, you won’t feel overwhelmed. And if you are? Well, there are plenty of magical interactions waiting for you.
As a travel advisor, I often hear the same questions from clients considering Aulani:
- Is there enough to do?
- Will my kids be entertained?
- What’s the right length of stay?
I help families answer those questions every day. Sometimes we plan a full week at Aulani. Other times, we do a split stay with a few days off-property to explore more of the island. That flexibility makes it easy to customize the experience for each family’s needs.
One of my recent client families did just that—and afterward, they told me that the amenities and service at Aulani were by far their favorite part of the trip.
My Top Tips for First-Time Aulani Visitors
If Aulani is on your radar, here are a few of my best tips:
- Book the Character Breakfast. It’s a perfect mix of great food and sweet character interactions—plus it’s set in a gorgeous location.
- Leave space to just be. Don’t over-schedule. The lagoon is perfect for laid-back fun.
- Use the Aulani app. It’s a great way to keep track of daily activities, shows, and meet-and-greets.
And don’t miss those unique character opportunities—especially Duffy and Friends, Moana, and of course, Stitch!
The Embrace The Magic Difference
Planning a trip like this can get overwhelming—especially with time zones, dining reservations, and figuring out what’s worth booking in advance. That’s where working with Embrace The Magic Travel makes all the difference.
As Penny, our agency owner, always says: “We exist to help families make space for what matters most—being together. When the planning feels seamless, the magic can truly unfold.”
That philosophy is why I love being part of this team. We believe in planning extraordinary vacations that feel effortless for our clients. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a milestone, or simply craving time together, we’re here to help you make it magical.
I’d love to help your family discover the joy of Aulani the way mine did. Let’s make your next vacation one you’ll treasure forever.
