Every night at dinner I ask my family members, “Where would you like to be right now?” Although the answers differ from my family, mine is always consistent: Disney’s Aulani!

Aulani is a Disney resort and spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, on the island of O’ahu! It has all of the magic of Walt Disney World, but condensed into one picture-perfect resort, overlooking a dreamy ocean cove.

The best days I have ever had were all spent at Aulani, and if you’ve visited this dreamy resort, you understand why. The lazy river allows you to drift into a Hawaiian dream, and the seafood has a freshly caught taste!

The scenery and landscaping of the resort make you feel like you dove feet first into the paradise of Neverland—topped off with its own mermaid lagoon!

And, of course, Disney’s unmatched service in the tourism industry, which allows you to have the seamless vacation you deserve.

From the spa services to the exciting recreational activities, there are so many reasons why I want to be at Disney’s Aulani right now!

But I’ve been able to narrow down the reasons for my absolute favorite features of the resort.

Here are 5 reasons why I wish I was there right now!

1. The Views

Every morning I would aim to wake up between 7:00-7:30 at Aulani.

I would wake up to the faint sound of the themed Hawaiian music playing outside of our room.

I would go out on the balcony and enjoy the quiet resort before the rest of the guests woke up.

This was a beautiful scene to wake up to every morning at Aulani! Photo by Alessandra Sferlazza

At this time of the day, the only people who are out-and-about the resort are Cast Members and early morning yogis.

On select days, the recreation Cast Members offer a sunrise yoga class, that allows you to stretch and wake up your body with the sun.

The sunrise, the sunset, and the view from my room were all picture-perfect scenes that I could not get enough of and miss dearly.

2. The Spa

I can’t remember a time when I was more relaxed than when I was lounging in Aulani’s spa area.

I booked a massage at Laniwai, which granted me access to the Outdoor Hydrotherapy Garden.

I wish I could take a nap here RIGHT NOW! Photo by Alessandra Sferlazza

This is an exclusive, adult-only area of the resort that is only available to guests on the day that they have a spa service scheduled.

This area is quiet and serene. There are cabanas available for your comfort, as well as 6 rain-style showers, a relaxing hot tub, and two soaking pools.

When you leave you are also gifted with a sample size amount of spa salts for you to use when you return home!

The spa attendants even mix it for you right in front of your eyes.

Everything was themed beautifully at Aulani’s spa! Photo by Alessandra Sferlazza

This was a great souvenir because I was able to use the salts at home and be transported back to the peace and tranquility of Laniwai!

Check out a walkthrough of the spa here:

3. The Characters

When you stay at Aulani, you’ll be greeted by some familiar faces! Mickey and friends have scheduled meet-and-greets at all hours of the day.

Nothing quite says “welcome home” the way a hug from Mickey does!

And just look at his vacation wear? How cute is his Hawaiian shirt? He’s definitely ready to go surfing!

Mickey looks so cute in his vacation wear! Photo by Alessandra Sferlazza

One of the staples of Disney dining is Character Dining!

Character dining is available for breakfast and lunch. You have the chance to meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Chip and Dale, Donald, and Stitch!

Of course, they are all in their cute themed outfits, which really fits with the tropical theming!

I love a good character breakfast! Photo by Alessandra Sferlazza

4. The Food

When I am on vacation I always love trying new foods. At Aulani, they served the most exquisite meals—specializing in seafood.

As I mentioned, they have buffet-style character dining available where they serve plenty of seafood and tropical fruits.

The Quick-Service is above average for Disney dining as they offered entrees such as poke bowls and build-your-own flatbread pizzas.

As an added bonus, you can also buy Mickey ice cream bars and Mickey ice cream sandwiches!

Fresh seafood every day, available at Disney’s Aulani! Photo by Alessandra Sferlazza

Aulani has a signature restaurant called ‘Ama’Ama,  which offers dining only a few steps away from the ocean!

We booked our dinner reservation at ‘Ama’Ama 30 minutes before sunset. We requested a seat overlooking the ocean so we would be able to have a perfect view of the sunset.

It was the perfect dining experience.

5. The Sunset

I love watching the sunset when I am home, and it was even more spectacular on the beach at Aulani.

Every night, guests gather on the beach to watch as the sunset—and it is the most beautiful time of the day.

Everyone gathered is quiet and focused on the sun disappearing into the ocean.

I have made fond memories with my family while waiting together to see the Hawaiian sunset.

I have never seen a more beautiful sunset than the one photographed here.

I miss seeing this Hawaiian sunset every single night! Photo by Alessandra Sferlazza

Although I do not have a trip to Disney’s Aulani booked for anytime soon, I know that I will be back to experience the magic and tranquility of the resort again!

If you’d like to experience this dreamy spot in Hawaii first hand, contact Destinations To Travel, for free assistance from an official Disney travel agent!