Disney announced that all Disney owned property around the world would be closed by weeks end. We have now just received information that Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa will remain open! They put the following information on their website:

Aulani Resort remains open. We are carefully monitoring the situation related to COVID-19 and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance. We will continue to implement preventive measures in line with their recommendations and the input of our company’s medical teams. For example, we have increased the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing high-touch surfaces, and we are providing information about illness prevention to our Cast Members.

Aulani Resort has high standards of cleaning and sanitation and has health and safety protocols in place, such as:

• Training for Cast Members with ongoing reinforcement on a regular basis
• Defined cycles for frequent cleaning and disinfection of targeted areas
• Easy access to handwashing facilities
• Cleaning and sanitation of high-touch surface-areas, including handrails, doorknobs, Guest telephones and elevator buttons
• Cleaning and sanitation processes for its secured children’s programing, including oversight of children’s hand-washing before and after meals and at snack time
• End-of-day sanitation procedures for restrooms, kitchens and other facilities
• Frequent cleaning and “wash down” of outdoor locations, including walkways and queues
• Quick response to spills, trash and other situations

The CDC recommends everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, such as staying home when sick, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, following proper respiratory cough etiquette, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. We continue to communicate these recommendations to our cast.

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Adjusts Change Fees
Walt Disney Travel Company is making a temporary adjustment to its policy on change fees for vacations at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. The following applies only to leisure package bookings made through Walt Disney Travel Company.

• Until further notice, Disney will waive the Disney-imposed $50 change fee for Aulani packages.
• Guests may move their reservation to a future date in 2020.
• Changes are subject to availability, and the guest is responsible for paying any increase in price resulting from the change. In addition, any change fees assessed by other suppliers must be paid, and some products or services may be non-refundable. If air transportation has been ticketed, the guest will be responsible for any increase in airfare as well as any change fee assessed by the airline.
• For guests who purchased travel insurance, there is an updated policy in effect until further notice. Up to 24 hours prior to arrival, Guests may modify their arrival dates and maintain coverage under the protection policy as long as there is not a claim on the original travel dates.
• Some events and dining experiences may not be offered on the new dates and may be non-refundable.
• This temporary policy does not apply to changes made for groups, meetings, and other room block bookings.
• If a vacation is cancelled, all applicable cancellation fees continue to apply.
• For reservations made through Disney Reservation Center or Aulani.com, please call (866) 443-4763 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM (PT).

Photo Credit: Leah Ferguson, KTTW Travel

Professor Heather

Heather is the proud owner of Theme Park Professor and Winds in the East Travel. For over 10 years, she has been covering everything from the latest merchandise to breaking news for her readers. As a New York native, Heather makes sure to visit the Orlando parks a few times a month, especially during the colder months. After all, what’s the point of having a Walt Disney World Annual Pass if you don’t use it?

Heather is a self-proclaimed Potterhead and also visits the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort multiple times a month. So, “Wands up!” for all the fellow Potterheads out there!