One of the most popular features at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is certainly Aunty’s Beach House, a special hangout for kids featuring music, games, arts and crafts, laughter and fun!
Aunty and Uncle are once again welcoming guests and DVC Members to their warm and cozy home in a special corner of Aulani Resort, spreading aloha through their many stories, songs, and activities.
For those close cast member friends of Aunty and Uncle, affectionately known as “YACs” or youth activities counselors, the reopening of their favorite hangout in late May has been a cause for celebration!
Val Bigornia has been a YAC at Aunty’s Beach House for eight years. His career has revolved around kids, as he also worked as a teacher with the Hawaii public school system.
“The children keep me young,” Val laughed. “When I got hired here at Disney, they looked at my background and asked if I’d like to work at Aunty’s Beach House, and I just really loved it!”
Val said bringing magic to young guests reminds him of his own family and what it means to see them light up with curiosity and joy.
“I have two children of my own who are now young adults, and this just helps keep me healthy and jovial,” he said.
The reopening of Aunty’s Beach House is especially joyful for Kanoa Kawai, Youth Activities Manager and Ambassador of Aulani Resort. Kanoa has worked diligently with the YACs to ensure that the activities at Aunty’s Beach House exceed expectations and that fun and discovery are the hallmarks of the experience.
“It’s exciting to be able to do what we have always loved to do, which is make magic for our young guests,” Kanoa said. “To now have a spot for them to come and hang out, enjoy themselves, is awesome. If you enjoyed Aunty’s Beach House before, you know the type of magic that’s in there.”
Kanoa said he’s also thrilled to see awareness of the reopening throughout the resort. “On social media you see the buzz about Aunty’s Beach House being open, you see guests talking about it, and even among cast members – so many are sharing their excitement about having us back.”
Reservations are now required at Auntyʻs Beach House and can be made up to two weeks in advance. Parents can reserve space for their keiki ages 5 to 12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for activities such as interactive games, arts and crafts. Premium activities include dance parties and character interactions.
Go to the Auntyʻs Beach House webpage at DisneyAulani.com or call (808) 674-6943 from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. seven days a week.