The words "Disney Resort" typically bring to mind the many resorts at Disney World or at the various Disneylands; however, the Mouse also has properties that aren't in range of any theme parks. Disney's Vero Beach Resort, for instance, is in southeast Florida on the "Treasure Coast", and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort is in a popular vacation spot in South Carolina.
And on the horizon: a Disney resort on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
Disney's Hawaii Resort
Location is at Ko Olina, Oahu, a resort area and marina about 20 miles west of Waikiki. The Ko Olina area has four man-made lagoons, golf course and several resorts. The lagoons have sandy beaches and good swimming. The site of the new Disney resort is next to the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina.
At time of writing, here are key features about Disney's new resort on Oahu.* The resort is scheduled to open in 2011.
- estimated cost is $800M
- 21 oceanfront acres on the four lagoons
- will combine 359 hotel units and 480 Disney Vacation Club timeshare villas in two 15-story towers
- signature Disney kids' club with custom-planned activities and adventure
- lazy river at the pool: guests can tube through volcanic rockwork and a caldera; water slides, too
- saltwater snorkeling lagoon
- 18,000-square-foot spa
- conference center
- Vacation Club units will range from studios with kitchenettes to multiroom villas with full kitchens, washers and dryers, luxury tubs
Disney's Imagineers pride themselves on creativity and attention to details; guests can expect superb theming that will reflect Hawaiian culture. For example, the open-air lobby is shaped like a Hawaiian canoe. Disney also emphasizes multi-generational vacations (grandparents, parents, grandkids).
Background about Oahu
Oahu is the most-visited Hawaiian Island, best known for Waikiki Beach. Oahu is a mere 597 sq. miles, but has plenty of activities for families: learning to surf (kids as young as eight can try), to soaring in a glider, going to a luau, and lots more -- see Top Things to Do on Oahu.
*Always check for updates!
