Stay Away from Aulani

[eMoneyBug]

I’m surprised the HI airport folks allowed them to leave the airport. Let’s wait for all the facts to come in on this situation. I have yet to read if it was Disney Aulani’s choice to disallow the guests to check in or if it was HI authority that tracked the guests down and escorted them back to airport?

 

[nono]

I wonder if the couple was unaware of the updated rule about having the negative test in hand before flying the last leg, esp. since stories abound on the 'net about quarantining for a day or two upon arrival that was previously ok. It is so important to keep going over everything about the Hawaii rules as they will continue to change.

OP, I can understand how upset you are on their behalf. I hope things turn out OK with their replacement plans.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

I wonder if the couple was unaware of the updated rule about having the negative test in hand before flying the last leg, esp. since stories abound on the 'net about quarantining for a day or two upon arrival that was previously ok. It is so important to keep going over everything about the Hawaii rules as they will continue to change.

OP, I can understand how upset you are on their behalf. I hope things turn out OK with their replacement plans.

Even if couple unaware of any updated rules, the responsibility is on them to know rules prior to travel. They should have checked daily as they can change. It is not a travel agent’s responsibility if they used one, it is not the airline’s responsibility, it is not Aluani or Disney’s responsibility or fault. Sadly the fault is on the traveling couple. Even if the got out of the airport Aluani could get in major trouble letting them stay. It is a sad hard lesson to learn especially on a honeymoon. But as adults it is our responsibility to learn travel requirements especially during Covid.
I do feel for the couple but for OP to blame Disney is unacceptable. The blame is on the newlyweds.

 

[herrmannpt]

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but reading all this makes me nervous. We are planning to go in early June. If we stop in San Diego for 2 nights on the way to Hawaii, do we then have to get our tests done while we are in California before the final leg of our trip? Or is it ok to get it done in our home state the day before we leave?

 

[Lilsia]

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but reading all this makes me nervous. We are planning to go in early June. If we stop in San Diego for 2 nights on the way to Hawaii, do we then have to get our tests done while we are in California before the final leg of our trip? Or is it ok to get it done in our home state the day before we leave?

Just as long as you test no more then 72 hours from the time your last leg of the flight leaves, you can test anywhere. And that 72 hours is from the time that the flight leaves, in your case, California time. So if you are in a different time zone, make sure you do the calculations on what time it will be in California. What is important, as the OP's son and DIL learned, is that you need to have your negative test results back and uploaded onto Hawaii's covid site. Do not get on the flight if everyone's negative test results are not back. It is much better to reschedule your flight for the next day then to spend your vacation in quarantine.

 

[jodybird511]

I’m surprised the HI airport folks allowed them to leave the airport. Let’s wait for all the facts to come in on this situation. I have yet to read if it was Disney Aulani’s choice to disallow the guests to check in or if it was HI authority that tracked the guests down and escorted them back to airport?

I wondered this too. I thought folks were not even allowed to leave the airport if they did not meet requirements.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I wondered this too. I thought folks were not even allowed to leave the airport if they did not meet requirements.

I believe they are if they go to a quarantine. However, no resort has to consent to being a quarantine site or becoming responsible for trying to keep people in their units. And who can blame them? People who have already disregarded rules and guidelines are a liability as "guests."

 

[eryn the pooh]

I am confused about how any of this is the fault of Aulani??

 

[DRussell83]

Wow - as others have stated I feel the OPs anger at Disney is completely misplaced. We flew on 11/24 the day the rule changed that you had to have negative results in hand - it was terribly stressful and we ended up testing twice however we were very versed in the rules and the consequences of us going. That’s just the situation in going right now - if you choose to travel during a pandemic you have to know the ins and outs and you can’t except Disney to have your back as they are tied to the government regulations just like us - coming on here and spewing your anger and telling other posters to avoid is completely irresponsible - everyone we met there from the airport workers to Aulani staff to brewery staff to the island market staff were wonderful. They want tourists there but they also want tourists to follow the rules and the rules are the rules for a reason. (Sorry I work in compliance so yea im a rule follower)

 

[Moshi737]

It is important to note that both tests were negative. We talked for a moment. My son said that it was impossible to follow the guidelines as given.

Very curious to know what specifically in the guidelines were “impossible” to follow?

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

I do have empathy, because life does suck and I am sorry to hear their honeymoon is spoiled.

Hawaii clearly has much stronger enforcement then any other state, it’s not enough to follow the spirit of the law or be covid free. The guest has a burden of proof and prove so on a specific timeline. It’s definitely understandable why Hawaii is doing so, but no question it has caught some people off guard. I am not sure I would understand how serious it is without these boards.

I don’t know why they are still letting people board planes to Hawaii without negative tests. It seems pointless for all parties involved.

Disney’s warning on their site is mixed in with a list of other corporate speak. I think the testing is the most significant and can easy spoil a trip if you don’t do so perfectly. A bolder, clearer message on their website wouldn’t hurt even if it’s not their responsibility to educate people.

I say that reflecting on my own understanding of the situation. Do I understand the very stringent requirements of Hawaii because of looking at Aulani’s website daydreaming or the Disboards? I know because of the Disboards.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

I do have empathy, because life does suck and I am sorry to hear their honeymoon is spoiled.

Hawaii clearly has much stronger enforcement then any other state, it’s not enough to follow the spirit of the law or be covid free. The guest has a burden of proof and prove so on a specific timeline. It’s definitely understandable why Hawaii is doing so, but no question it has caught some people off guard. I am not sure I would understand how serious it is without these boards.

I don’t know why they are still letting people board planes to Hawaii without negative tests. It seems pointless for all parties involved.

Disney’s warning on their site is mixed in with a list of other corporate speak. I think the testing is the most significant and can easy spoil a trip if you don’t do so perfectly. A bolder, clearer message on their website wouldn’t hurt even if it’s not their responsibility to educate people.

I say that reflecting on my own understanding of the situation. Do I understand the very stringent requirements of Hawaii because of looking at Aulani’s website daydreaming or the Disboards? I know because of the Disboards.

Disney Aluani clearly links on their website the Hawaii Tourism website. That site details exactly what needs to be done. This is a sad case of what happens when people don’t educate themselves during Covid.

I have a work trip to the Caribbean- the island I am doing to clearly spells out Covid travel requirements. I had to find the correct type of lab to get my Covid test done, allowing enough time to get results within a specific number of days prior to travel. My name has to be exactly like on passport which I am glad I saw. There is also a form I need to fill out 5 days prior.

No it’s not fun trying to stay current on Covid travel rules but it is up to the visitors to find what is required for traveling to their destination.

 

[OKW Lover]

So they made it from the airport to Aulani and then left because of the quarantine requirement?

Good question. Wouldn't they have been turned away at the airport?

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

Disney Aluani clearly links on their website the Hawaii Tourism website. That site details exactly what needs to be done. This is a sad case of what happens when people don’t educate themselves during Covid.

I have a work trip to the Caribbean- the island I am doing to clearly spells out Covid travel requirements. I had to find the correct type of lab to get my Covid test done, allowing enough time to get results within a specific number of days prior to travel. My name has to be exactly like on passport which I am glad I saw. There is also a form I need to fill out 5 days prior.

No it’s not fun trying to stay current on Covid travel rules but it is up to the visitors to find what is required for traveling to their destination.View attachment 548118View attachment 548118

I don’t disagree, and I would never attempt international travel without expecting red tape. But I think it is a new thing for people to experience that domestically.

I also don’t disagree it’s not their responsibility and they do have the links. I was just reflecting that my knowledge really has been thanked to Disboards and I didn’t even notice it on Aulani’s site until I went to look after seeing this thread. (Despite having looked and daydreamed for more time then I care to admit.)

It’s listed fourth and how many people are gazed over, it seems “less important” then what is listed above. I am suggesting they could make it first and bolder. It’s a small suggestion, not saying Disney is bad or failed, just noting it. If I worked for Disney and we still had guests not navigating the rules correctly, it’s a suggestion I would make to move it up and make it bolder since guests succeeding is a win-win for all.

 

[DRussell83]

I don’t disagree, and I would never attempt international travel without expecting red tape. But I think it is a new thing for people to experience that domestically.

I also don’t disagree it’s not their responsibility and they do have the links. I was just reflecting that my knowledge really has been thanked to Disboards and I didn’t even notice it on Aulani’s site until I went to look after seeing this thread. (Despite having looked and daydreamed for more time then I care to admit.)

It’s listed fourth and how many people are gazed over, it seems “less important” then what is listed above. I am suggesting they could make it first and bolder. It’s a small suggestion, not saying Disney is bad or failed, just noting it. If I worked for Disney and we still had guests not navigating the rules correctly, it’s a suggestion I would make to move it up and make it bolder since guests succeeding is a win-win for all.

I understand to a point but come on we have been here now for almost 10 months - it’s irresponsible on the traveler to not do their own research - if you aren’t into Disney that’s fine I was on the trip advisor boards a lot before we traveled - while not as positive as this board there was still a wealth of knowledge over there too.

 

[Iceman93]

The part that caught my attention was about Aulani not even offering them a bottle of water. While I agree with the sentiment of most here that it's on the travelers themselves to know and follow the rules, I also feel that Disney (and Aulani in particular) is known for hospitality and guest service. If two people showed up who had to be turned away due to government pandemic regulations, it seems that a little sympathy and care from the Aulani staff would be in order.

Of course, like everything on the internet, we're only hearing one side of this story (and secondhand at that). If the honeymooning couple showed up with a chip on their shoulder, were abusive to the Disney staff, or anything like that then of course they should be sent off without so much as a bottle of water. Unfortunately, we'll probably never know.

 

[DRussell83]

The part that caught my attention was about Aulani not even offering them a bottle of water. While I agree with the sentiment of most here that it's on the travelers themselves to know and follow the rules, I also feel that Disney (and Aulani in particular) is known for hospitality and guest service. If two people showed up who had to be turned away due to government pandemic regulations, it seems that a little sympathy and care from the Aulani staff would be in order.

Of course, like everything on the internet, we're only hearing one side of this story (and secondhand at that). If the honeymooning couple showed up with a chip on their shoulder, were abusive to the Disney staff, or anything like that then of course they should be sent off without so much as a bottle of water. Unfortunately, we'll probably never know.

Second paragraph. Exactly, we are hearing one side of the story - I do hate to think that Aulani wouldn’t even give over a bottle of water which is why I find it hard to believe especially given the way the OPs started this thread and has replied to several posters makes me go “hmmm”

 

[Lilsia]

Second paragraph. Exactly, we are hearing one side of the story - I do hate to think that Aulani wouldn’t even give over a bottle of water which is why I find it hard to believe especially given the way the OPs started this thread and has replied to several posters makes me go “hmmm”

But why should they? So a couple of grown adults do not follow the rules and show up to the resort and now the resort is supposed to just give them free stuff because of it? Give the free stuff to those who took the time to actually do the right thing. We need to stop rewarding those who don't want to follow the rules just to keep them happy. They were not a couple of kids who made a mistake. Grown ups take responsibility for their actions. If they were thirsty, they could order something to their room when in quarantine. They also could have bought something at the airport. The tap water in Hawaii is also very good. It would never even cross my mind to think to get something for free. The hubris of that is astounding. Americans really are spoiled.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Drinking water equals taking off the masks, and if someone should be quarantined, where would they do that? Sounds like a risk for the resort to permit that.

yes, yes, I know they had a late negative test, but that test was not compliant with Hawaii rule so it's still a risk for the resort to permit public unmasked consumption by persons subject to state quarantine rule.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

It’s listed fourth and how many people are gazed over, it seems “less important” then what is listed above. I am suggesting they could make it first and bolder. It’s a small suggestion, not saying Disney is bad or failed, just noting it. If I worked for Disney and we still had guests not navigating the rules correctly, it’s a suggestion I would make to move it up and make it bolder since guests succeeding is a win-win for all.

Point is the information is at the top of the Aluani website under the title IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ALUANI RESORT. It doesn’t matter that it isn’t the first point. It is clearly there and it appears the OPs ADULT child didn’t read it or completely understand. That is their fault. The information is clearly there and if someone doesn’t take the time to read it that is their fault and nobody else’s.