For those concerned that Aulani isn't Disney enough, let me go on record in saying that for parents and kids alike, it was the perfect amount. Like other Disney destinations, the Hawaii resort still offers character breakfasts at the Makahiki buffet restaurant along with designated photo opps featuring the usual suspects. The only difference is that Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy, and the gang are "on holiday," too! You'll occasionally see one roaming the resort in a floral t-shirt, but a quick wave is all that's expected.
That theme – Hawaiian culture with a hint of Disney pixie dust – is carried out throughout the resort. Traditional foods, like shave ice and musubi, are topped with Mickey ears. The lifts play popular Disney songs, but exclusively with a Hawaiian instrumental treatment. Along the stone walking paths, certain rocks light up to reveal, say, the imprint of Maui's famous hook. And although your kids can scout the property for "hidden Mickeys," the real fun is in searching for one of 300 hidden Menehune, little monkey-like mischief makers, or spotting the real-life Moana in search of Hei Hei.
This way of experiencing classic Disney moments through a more culturally-rooted lens meant that our kids would still squeal with delight at nearly every turn while my husband and I still had some stake in this holiday being about us, too – we weren't plastering on fake smiles at our 14th character sighting of the morning.
Another surprising benefit of a more muted Disney experience is that although the resort certainly isn't cheap, you didn't feel as though you were being challenged to spend money around every corner. There were designated gift shops, sure, but no splashy merchandise kiosks to distract your kids when you are just trying to get some dry beach towels.