Fodor's Expert Review Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Disney's first property in Hawaii melds the Disney magic with breathtaking vistas, white sandy beaches, and sunsets that even Mickey stops to watch. The enchanting resort complex delivers with Disney characters and local cultural experiences that include everything from ukulele lessons to nature walks to storytelling around the firepit. The full-service, 21-acre resort offers both guest rooms and a large contingent of time-share units that are more apartmentlike. You won't be staying in your room: Aulani has four restaurants, two lounges, a man-made snorkeling lagoon, a luxury spa, a full-service fitness center, a large beach, and the Waikolohe Pool—complete with a lazy river for tubing, the Volcanic Vertical (a tunnel waterslide), and the heart-pounding Tubestone Curl that sends you twisting and turning before eventually launching you into the stream. For those seeking a little more relaxation, the adults-only Wailana Pool is just the spot.