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Credit: DisneyAlthough the coronavirus pandemic has led Disney to close all of its North American retail stores and parks around the world, including both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in the United States, Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii remains open for the time being.
Aulani’s official statement indicates, “Aulani Resort remains open. We are carefully monitoring the situation related to COVID-19 and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance.”
It goes on to say, “We will continue to implement preventive measures in line with their recommendations and the input of our company’s medical teams. For example, we have increased the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing high-touch surfaces, and we are providing information about illness prevention to our Cast Members.”
The Oahu Disney resort has taken a variety of additional precautions, including:
- Regular safety training for Cast Members
- Clear schedules for cleaning and disinfecting throughout the property
- Frequent sanitation of high-touch surfaces, such as handrails, doorknobs, in-room telephones, and elevator buttons
- Specialized safety protocols in children’s areas, including supervised hand-washing before and after activities like snacktime
- End-of-day sanitation processes for restrooms, kitchens, and other spaces around the resort
- Wash downs of exterior walkways and queues throughout each day
The Walt Disney Travel Company has also implemented altered vacation change policies for trips booked directly through their services:
- Until further notice, Disney will waive its standard $50 change fee for Aulani packages.
- Guests may move their reservations to later dates in 2020.
- Changes are subject to availability and the guest is responsible for paying any increase in price resulting from vacation alterations. Some products or services may be non-refundable. If air transportation has been ticketed, the guest will be responsible for additional airline fees.
- Guests may modify their arrival dates and maintain vacation insurance under Disney’s updated protection policy, as long as they have not already filed a claim.
- Certain experiences and dining packages may not be offered on the new dates and may be non-refundable.
- This temporary change policy does not apply to groups, weddings, meetings, and other room block reservations
- If a vacation is canceled, all standard cancellation fees will still apply.
UPDATE: Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort has just announced its closure at 5:00 PM on March 20. It will no longer remain open with Aulani.
As we reported yesterday, Disney Vacation Club has, however, announced that all other DVC properties, including Florida’s Vero Beach Resort, will close temporarily.