KO OLINA, Hawaii. (January 21, 2010) – Walt Disney Parks & Resorts has announced the name of its new Hawaii Resort.  Reflecting discovery, understanding and a belonging of the Hawaiian culture, the resort will be called Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii.  It is scheduled to open in 2011. 

Aulani (pronounced aw-LAH-nee) means "the place that speaks for the great ones" or "the place that speaks with deep messages." 

"Our Disney Imagineers are working to create a resort that's as authentic as the vibrant culture that surrounds it," said George Aguel, senior vice president for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.  "Experts tell us that 'Aulani' expresses a connection to tradition, authenticity, and deep story-telling.  We're grateful to the local Hawaiians who led us to the discovery of this name, and our goal is to live up to its meaning."

Adjacent to historical sites on the western side of Oahu, Aulani will be located on 21-acres of oceanfront property in the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development.  It will feature 359 hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom-equivalent villas, a full-service spa and extensive recreation amenities.  Aulani will also offer convenient access to the adjacent Ko Olina golf course and marina. 

The resort is designed with meetings and incentives in mind.  Meeting professionals will discover more than 50,000 square feet of ballroom/meeting space and event lawns, including a 14,000-square foot conference center. 

"Aulani will celebrate the unique culture and diverse people of Hawaii," Aguel said. "When it opens next year, the resort will offer entirely new Disney meeting and incentive experiences that will be unlike anything else in Hawaii."

To learn more about bringing a meeting or event to Aulani, visit disneymeetings.com or call the Resort Sales team at (321) 939-7129. 

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NOTE TO EDITOR

For more information, please contact:

Terry Brinkoetter
Worldwide Group & Convention PR Director
(404) 685-8438 (Atlanta, Ga.)
terry.brinkoetter@disney.com