If you’ve ever thought about taking your baby to Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, let me tell you—yes, it’s absolutely possible, and yes, it can be wonderful. Before our trip, I scoured the internet for advice about vacationing at Aulani with an infant and came up short. Once we arrived, though, I was surprised to see just how many families had babies in tow. That reassurance alone made me want to share everything I learned so that other parents can feel more prepared and less anxious about planning their own trip.
Getting There with Baby in Tow
Our journey started with a six-hour flight from Seattle. I won’t sugarcoat it—it was a challenge with a teething six-month-old and a restless five-year-old. But here’s the thing: the flight is just a blip in the bigger picture. The moment we landed in Hawaii and stepped foot into Aulani, all the stress of travel melted away. The warm breeze, the ocean views, and the resort’s Disney magic had us instantly grateful that we made the effort.
Room Choices: Standard vs. Villa
We split our stay between a standard ocean-view room and a one-bedroom villa, which gave us the chance to really compare. Both are lovely, but if you’re traveling with little ones, my advice is simple: book the villa if you can swing it.
Here’s why:
- A kitchen is a game changer. Preparing bottles, storing baby food, or even whipping up a quick snack is so much easier when you’re not limited to hotel mini-fridges.
- Room to breathe. With a baby’s gear (pack and play, stroller, diaper bag, etc.), clutter adds up fast. The extra square footage of the villa made life feel less cramped.
- A dedicated diaper-changing spot. Not glamorous, but oh-so-practical.
- Separate spaces. Being able to put the baby down in the bedroom while the rest of the family relaxed in the living room felt like such a luxury.
- The bathtub. The villa’s oversized tub made bath time for both kids easy and fun after sandy beach days.
- Dining at home. Villas come with a high chair, so grabbing food to-go from the resort and eating in comfort was no problem.
- Washer and dryer. This one might have been the biggest win. Between blowouts, spit-ups, and poolside accidents, having laundry in-room was a sanity saver.
Of course, the standard rooms are still great—bright, comfortable, and very “Disney.” But if you’re traveling as a family with babies, the villa setup makes the experience smoother.
Why Aulani Works for Families with Babies
Before going, I worried if the resort would really be baby-friendly. Once we arrived, those fears disappeared. Aulani is designed with families in mind, and that includes even the youngest guests. Pack-and-plays and high chairs are available upon request, and everywhere you look, you’ll see strollers and families moving through the resort with ease.
The vibe is relaxed, which makes parents feel less self-conscious if their little one cries or melts down (and let’s be honest, it happens). And with so many pools, beach access, and family dining options, you’re never far from something enjoyable to do—whether you’re traveling with a preschooler, a baby, or both.
A Few Baby Travel Tips for Aulani
- Pack light but smart. Don’t stress about lugging every piece of baby gear. The resort provides essentials like cribs, high chairs, and even bottle warmers upon request.
- Time naps strategically. If possible, build in downtime to head back to your room. Having a villa makes it easy for the baby to nap while the rest of the family enjoys a movie or a snack.
- Bring swim gear for baby. The resort’s pools and splash areas are a highlight—you’ll want rash guards, swim diapers, and plenty of sunscreen.
- Take advantage of laundry. If you book a villa, use that washer and dryer often. It’ll save suitcase space and keep everyone more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Disney’s Aulani with a baby may sound intimidating, but with the right mindset (and a few practical tips), it’s more than doable—it’s magical. Yes, the plane ride might test your patience, and yes, you’ll have moments of chaos. But once you’re there, the memories you’ll make as a family more than outweigh the challenges.
For us, the sight of our kids splashing in the pool, exploring the beach, and snuggling up in the villa after a full day in the sun made every bit of effort worthwhile. If you’ve been dreaming of a Hawaiian escape with Disney flair, don’t let having a baby hold you back. Aulani is ready for you—and your little one, too.
