Looks like Mickey and the gang will start vacationing in Hawaii starting in 2011. Disney finally announced the name of its new O'ahu resort, "Aulani". The folks at Disney say the name 'Aulani' translates to "the place that speaks for great ones," and "expresses a connection to tradition and deep story-telling," and we have no reason not to believe them... Disney is, after all, where story-land dreams come true.

The Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii, is scheduled to open in fall 2011 and sits on 21 acres of oceanfront property near historical sites on the western side of O'ahu. The resort plans show 360 hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom suites, comparable to the Disney Vacation Club villas.

On the resort guests will enjoy pools and sunset facing hot tubs, a snorkeling lagoon, a variety of kids' club and other play programs for children, and a lazy river, and an 18,000-square-foot spa that caters to adults and kids. There are two restaurants planned, a 14,545-square-foot conference center and 48,685 square feet of outdoor venues. If you need a break from all the make-believe, there's a nearby 18-hole golf course designed by Ted Robinson, who helped create over 170 golf courses worldwide.

You can check out the new Disney digs at the resort's new Web site, www.DisneyAulani.com.

[Photo credit/Disney, artist rendering]

Filed under: United States, Hotels and Accommodations