Set in a luxurious setting on west side of Oahu, Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa is wonderful Hawaiian getaway that’s unlike any other Disney destination. But packing for Aulani is very different than packing for Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Here's what you need to know.

Disney Aulani: Not a Disney Parks Vacation

Aulani offers a Hawaiian Disney vibe, with no theme parks or attractions to distract from the magic of this Polynesian destination.

The first thing to know is that what you pack and what you wear at Aulani is very different from what you would pack and wear for a Disney theme park resort vacation.

Aulani is a Disney resort yes, but it’s not a Disney Parks resort, so your packing considerations will be quite different. Plus, you’ll likely do some island exploring around Oahu while you’re there, so consideration for the various micro-climates on the island is another important point to remember.

Located in the town of Ko Olina on the southwest or leeward side of Oahu, Disney Aulani is located in a very upscale area, surrounded by other luxury resort destinations along with the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Aulani has much to offer on the resort property, but the nearby area and the island of Oahu are also must-dos when visiting.

If you plan to visit Aulani from May to September, it’s an ideal time to visit. Planning your wardrobe means considering a few factors. These include humidity, micro climates, upscale clothing or resort wear, your beach and swim attire and your casual wear.

We like to visit Aulani for two weeks when we go, so we stay in a Disney Vacation Club Villa and take advantage of laundry facility. That makes packing a lot easier and a lot lighter, as you can do a little laundry halfway through your stay. No big deal.

Three Packing Categories for Disney Aulani Resort and Spa

When planning for what to pack and what to wear to Disney Aulani, consider putting your clothes into three categories:

Resort Wear or Casual Chic

For dining out, relaxing around the resort and visiting neighboring hotels you’ll want to pack something that’s a little more upscale than your everyday casual wear.

Swimwear or Beach Wear

Packing for Aulani takes a little more thought than packing for the pools at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Beaches and pools can be your theme park, so you’re going to need more than just a single swimsuit. For time at the Aulani pools or beach, bring multiple options. Consider water slides, the cold water of the Aulani Rainbow Reef and offsite beaches – including surfing if you plan to do that.

Casual Wear

Casual wear will still play a big role in what you pack for Disney Aulani. This is your everyday attire to wear around the resort and on day trips exploring the island of Oahu. But remember, you don’t have to go as heavy on the Disney-themed attire here, although Lilo and Stitch or Moana themed items (and that Hawaiian shirt of yours) will all be good choices.

Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Style Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, we that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel Style Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com.

Shop unique and original Disney-inspired clothing, including t-shirts, sweatshirt, hoodies, yoga leggings, dresses, swimwear and more at 1923 Main Street.

Please be sure to follow along on X, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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Media provided by Jamendo

Spending time at your Disney resort hotel pool is a must-do on your Walt Disney World (and Disneyland) vacation. Here's what to consider when packing your swim style for Walt Disney World resort hotel pools.

How to Style Your Swimwear for Disney Resort Hotel Pools

Not only are Disney hotel pools great guest amenities, they also help to provide a well-earned relaxing break from the energy and activity of the parks. Whether it’s to let your kids unwind and release some energy, or to allow yourself a little lounging time by the pool (perhaps with a snack and a cold drink), making time to visit Disney pools is something to make time for in your daily Disney vacation schedule.

Disney Pool Style and Disney Pool Dress Codes

Every onsite resort hotel at Walt Disney World has unique pools. Depending on the Disney resort, the theming is different and so is the vibe of the pool area. Most resorts have multiple pools, generally separating the louder pool-games-and-music pool from the quieter pool.

What you plan to wear to the pool depends on your own personal style and possibly the particular resort.

There are no specific pool dress codes for Disney pools, other than the catch-all of “proper attire” for the resort (which gives Cast Members some room in the event that someone pushes things a little too far). Most guests dress with common sense. One-piece swimsuits and bikinis are common, as are board shorts. It is rare that we have seen anything bordering on what may be offensive to some.

What you wear to the pool also depends on what you plan to do at the pool. Not everyone who goes to a Disney pool is there to swim.

For many Disney hotel guests, relaxing in the warm weather on a lounger with a drink in hand and a good book will do just fine (with maybe a quick walk in the zero-entry area to cool off). For others, it’s multiple trips to the water slide or taking part in pool games for the younger guests. So plan your swim attire accordingly.

A swimsuit cover up is also another piece of fashion attire that is often seen at Disney pools. So if you plan to go in style to the Courtyard Pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, have some fun and consider your complete outfit.

Speaking of specific pools, it’s also worth considering that many pool decks (such as slide pools at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Wilderness Lodge) tend to be very overcrowded during busy times of year. Pools like these are undersized for the resort, so it may be hard to find seating and it may not be very relaxing if your intention is to, well, relax and not swim.

Subtle Disney Swimwear and Disney-Themed Swimsuits

As you would expect, Disney hotel pools are the perfect place to wear your Disney-themed swimsuit, or subtle Disney swimwear. Little ones in particular are often seen wearing their favorite Disney character swimsuits, which helps to add to the magic.

Flip flops or other poolside footwear is also a good idea because some of the surfaces can get very hot in the Florida sun.

Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Style Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, we that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel Style Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com.

Shop unique and original Disney-inspired clothing, including t-shirts, sweatshirt, hoodies, yoga leggings, dresses, swimwear and more at 1923 Main Street.

Please be sure to follow along on X, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo