Character Dining Returns to Aulani!

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Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Disney Aulani

Credit: Disney

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa located in Ko Olina, Hawaii announced today that character dining would return to its Makahiki restaurant beginning on May 7!  Reservations can be made for the character breakfast at Makahiki starting April 26.

A group of people sitting at a table and Minnie Mouse
Credit: Disney

According to Disney Parks Blog, the Aulani character dining experience will take place three days a week:

A bountiful breakfast will be available seven days a week at Makahiki Restaurant, with characters appearing on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

There, you will choose from entrees including fluffy macadamia nut pancakes with a Tahitian vanilla sauce or Hawaiian-style Loco Moco with hamburger steak, all accompanied by pastries and seasonal fresh fruit. Keiki – or kids – may choose the Mickey and Minnie waffle, which includes a Belgian Mickey waffle and red velvet Minnie waffle. Is your mouth watering yet?

Mickey Waffles
Credit: Disney

The official Aulani website describes the beautiful atmosphere of Makahiki:

This casual, family-friendly restaurant is named for the Makahiki season, the traditional Hawaiian celebration of the harvest. Here, the spirit of Makahiki is celebrated through delectable cuisine and local artwork.

Throughout the restaurant, you’ll find elegant glass designs and jewel-toned murals that depict the story of the Makahiki season. And as day turns to night, the restaurant’s lighting gradually turns from rose to indigo with the setting of the sun.

At Makahiki, songs are also sung throughout the meal by an Aulani Cast Member known as “Aunty” or “Uncle”.  In Hawaii, everyone is considered family, so instead of saying ma’am or sir, the more laid-back islanders will traditionally call their elders “Aunty” or “Uncle”.

aulani 2
Credit: Disney

It is important to note that these Cast Members may not be available at this time due to the ongoing pandemic. Like all Disney properties around the world, Aulani currently has a number of health and safety measures in place.

Aulani reopened to Guests on November 4 after its COVID-19 closure.  Since reopening, the Resort has taken many preventative measures and instituted new guidelines and procedures to keep Guests and Cast Members safe.

Some of these measures include social distancing, physical barriers, face mask requirements for Guests age 2 and over, and reduced contact between Guests and Aulani Cast Members. Per the official website:

While these plans may evolve, we will continue to evaluate the constantly changing health environment and its impact on the state of Hawaii.

It may be different from the last time you visited. But together, we can find new ways to create magical moments—and memories to treasure.

aulani family in water
Credit: Disney

To make things even easier for Guests, Aulani launched an app in October.  The app allows Guests to access large amounts of information they will need about the resort before they even get there.  On the app, Guests can manage reservation details, access online check-in service, explore activities on the “Daily ‘Iwa” section, find places of interest on the interactive Aulani Resort map.

aulani app 3
Credit: Disney

Aulani Resort Guests who would like to make reservations for Makahiki character dining by calling the resort at (808) 674-6200 or visiting the website beginning April 26.

It is important to note that at this time, the character dining experience at Makahiki is only available for Guests staying at the Aulani Resort.

Do you love dining at Makahiki? Have you planned a 2021 Aulani vacation yet? Let us know in the comments below!

Click here to let our friends at Academy Travel help you plan your Disney Resort getaway! 

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