Disney News

The highly anticipated Disney destination resort currently under construction on the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu now has an official name. The resort’s name – Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i – reflects the company’s deep commitment to celebrating the islands’ rich history and traditions. Plans call for the first phase of the resort to open in fall 2011.

“We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it. The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep story-telling – and its roots are here in this land,” said Joe Rohde, senior vice president, Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’re so grateful to the local Hawaiians who led us to the discovery of this name, and our goal is to live up to its meaning.”

Rohde noted that Aulani translated from the Hawaiian language to English means “the place that speaks for the great ones” or “the place that speaks with deep messages.”  Nearby to historical sites on the western side of O‘ahu, Aulani will be located on 21 acres of oceanfront property in the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development. The resort is planned to have 360 hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas.

Design plans call for amenities to engage every member of the family, a hallmark of a Disney vacation. Among the recreational highlights planned for the resort are pools and sunset-facing hot tubs, a snorkeling lagoon, a variety of kids’ club and other play programs for children, and a river, suitable for tube floating, running through a specially created volcanic outcropping.

The resort will also include an 18,000-square-foot spa designed with families in mind. The resort, built adjacent to a crystal-blue lagoon and a white-sand beach, is planned to also have two restaurants, a 14,545-square-foot conference center and 48,685 square feet of outdoor venues. Located nearby are the existing Ko Olina Marina and a Ted Robinson-designed, 18-hole championship golf course.

Scheduled to Open Fall 2011
Reservations Begin Summer 2010

Check back here for updates.

Attend a royal ball in St. Petersburg, Russia, or embark on a treasure hunt in Sidi Bou Said, Tunis. Those are just two of the family-friendly Port Adventures awaiting you when you set sail on a Disney Cruise Line® vacation during the 2010 European season.

Each Mediterranean and Northern European itinerary will include at least one tour that features distinctly Disney touches, beloved characters and rich storytelling to help bring local culture and customs to life.

For example, the majestic Catherine Palace provides the setting for an elaborate Royal Ball in St. Petersburg. Arriving by horse-drawn carriages, Disney princesses and princes will entertain you in the gilded Grand Ballroom. Live musicians and royal courtiers resplendent in period costumes and powdered wigs add to the ambiance and lead the group in regal revelry.

Something for Everyone
At many ports of call, at least one Port Adventure will bring youth counselors from the Disney Magic® ashore to join the tour and direct special activities for children. While kids are enjoying “mini adventures” designed just for them, adults can continue on with a more in-depth exploration of the destination.

During a tour of Florence, Italy, families experience city highlights together then divide into separate groups for their own style of fun. Children create their own traditional Italian fresco painting. Parents are free to explore the rest of the impressive Palazzo Vecchio and take a deeper dive into the masterpieces of this city.

Family Adventures
Unique to Disney Cruise Line, one-of-kind family adventures will be offered at select ports of call. These immersive, interactive tours allow families to experience the sites and culture of the destination in a fun and entertaining way while spending quality time together.

In Sidi Bou Said, Tunis, families follow clues in a treasure hunt that brings to life the culture, sites, sounds and flavors of the city. Families also visit a traditional Tunisian house, listen to a local storyteller, receive a hand-painted henna tattoo, bargain with local merchants for a keepsake water vessel, sip freshly prepared mint tea and get their name written in Arabic as a souvenir.

Signature Collection
These exclusive tours are customized for Guests who are seeking a deluxe experience ashore in intimate, upscale settings.

In Florence, Italy, the Tuscan Cooking School and Wine Tasting takes you on a northern Italian culinary journey. An authentic Tuscan farmhouse is the venue where you can learn how to create delectable Tuscan cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. An Italian chef provides one-on-one instruction and guides the hands-on participation. A sampling of wines bottled onsite provides the perfect pairing to the regional feast.

Disney Service
All Port Adventures offer you impeccable Disney service. Added touches such as more scheduled breaks, complimentary snacks and beverages, and fun port journals for kids are provided on all Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures.

Check out more of these magical itineraries offered by Disney Cruise Line!

You can enjoy special savings with all the fun and excitement of the Disneyland® Resort with these special room-only rates.

Offer Details:
Save 30% with a 2-night minimum hotel stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort.

Booking Window:
This offer is no longer available.  Please click here for current Disneyland® Resort specials.

Travel Window:
This offer is available for arrivals:

• Jan. 5 – 14, 2010
• Jan. 18 – Feb. 11, 2010
• Feb. 15 – March 27, 2010
• April 11 – 29, 2010

Travel on this offer must be completed by May 4, 2010.
*30% savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel. Must stay two (2) consecutive nights or longer. Offer valid for arrivals January 5, 2010 through April 29, 2010 when booked between November 9, 2009 and April 1, 2010. Blockout dates of 1/15-1/17, 2/12-2/14, and 3/28-4/10 and other restrictions apply. Applies only to standard and concierge level rooms. Rates for other room types will vary. Excludes Resort fees and taxes. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is restricted. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other discounts or offers. Subject to change without notice.