My post from DVC Fan FB page:
An update on Aulani after a weekend stay: Business as usual, with minor exceptions.
2 nights spent for a staycation (military stationed on island) and engaged with as many CM as possible. These are observations based on normally visiting 1-2x a month just to pin trade and snack. Here are the takeaways.
-Character meet/greets for Moana limited/removed as the only face character, a prevention of risk. All others seem normal as they can be cleaned.
-Luau interactive events/crafts are now demonstrations only with no hands on portion. No word on further luau reductions.
-Presence of gloves across CMs, but not so much you would notice.
-Sanitizer stations added at a few locations, hard to notice.
-Many CM call outs over the weekend across all departments. Staff was short and supervisors were seen manning lower positions.
-CM stated a Monday meeting on protocol would be covering potential impacts of any future decisions.
-Guests were NOT acting in any way to imply a global pandemic had affected their decision making. Felt like a normal weekend day, especially building towards Sunday check-ins for spring break this weekend, mostly island locals.
-No changes to buffet, table service, or quick service dining execution.
Opinion/prediction:
-With Hawaii spring break extended (as of Sunday) and now ~7 cases across the islands combined with latest CDC recommendation for 50+ person events to be avoided, Aulani is a prime target to be limited/closed. Other Hawaii mainstream locations (PCC, Ala Moana mall, Symphony) are scaling down quickly.
-Aulani without the pools open could survive the occupancy hit, but the luau and Auntie's beach house could be at risk to make it more than just a hotel.
-I would manage expectations and have your plan B ready.
Let me know if you have any specific questions!
