Details announced for Disney’s Aulani expansion

A new pool and more dining options are part of the new details coming out for the expansion to take place at Aulani, Disney’s resort in Hawaii.

Celebrating its first anniversary, Disney plans to start expansion in September and finish in mid-2013, according to a company press release. The 21-acre resort is located in Ko Olina, which is 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and 30 minutes from Waikiki.

Disney publicity photo

Part of the expansion will be a new family pool and kids’ splash zone. The pool will be a misty grotto where swimmers can view the sunset and after dark the grotto ceiling and pool floor will turn into a starscape with glimmering light, Disney said.

The kids’ splash zone will be designed to resemble tidal pools and have rainbow water jets, images of tidal pool creatures on the pool floors, “and hidden Menehune, the legendary little people of the islands, who may be spotted through chinks in the rocks.” according to the news release.

The pool and splash zone will use the idea of coral and lava, sea and earth, in the surrounding rockwork.

There will be more to eat at the resort as two new food locations will open. One will be adjacent to the new water play are. The existing Wailana Pool,will serve continental breakfast and offer a lunch and dinner menu with a selection of sandwiches, salads and snacks. A second quick-service eatery will be located beachside, offering grab-and-go snacks.