If you are looking for a job in Hawaii, then why not apply to work at Disney’s Aulani Resort! The Aulani resort is located in O’ahu, Hawaii and hires employees from the lower 48 US states and around the world. There are lots of entry level hospitality jobs you can apply to at the resort that will allow you to live in Hawaii while making a paycheck. This post will explain how you can apply to work at Disney’s Aulani Resort, what it’s like as an employee, and more.
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Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa
About the Aulani Resort & Spa
Disney’s Aulani Resort was constructed in 2011 and has greatly expanded since. Aulani means “messenger of a chief” and was named to reflect Disney’s goals of sharing Hawaiian stories, traditions, and culture with their guests.
Location
The resort is located in Kapolei, along the Ko Olina beach on the leeward side of the island of O’ahu. It’s about a 30 minute drive from the Honolulu airport.
Amenities
The resort offers hotel rooms and villas that can host thousands of guest at a time. The property has two restaurants, three lounges, a spa, fitness center, kids club, a pool area complete with waterslides, and more.
The resort offers various entertainment options for guests. On property they have activities like ukulele lessons, lu’aus, character meet and greets, snorkeling, and much more. They also host and connect their guests with off property tours, shuttles, and other forms of entertainment.
The Disney Magic
The Aulani is a Disney Resort & Spa that offers its own form of Disney magic, but the theming is very light compared to other Disney properties. Their goal is to focus on authentic Hawaiian traditions, history, and culture. Thus, you will find that the resort theming heavily sways toward these topics.
Finding a Job at Disney’s Aulani Resort
How to Find a Job at Disney’s Aulani
You can search for current job openings and directly apply to work at Disney’s Aulani Resort on Disney’s Career Page.
Jobs at the Aulani
There are many different jobs at the Aulani resort and they range from entry level to experienced.
The majority of jobs you will see posted are hospitality roles such as;
- Front Office: Receptionist, Reservations, Guest Services, Bell Services, Valet, or Phone Operator.
- Food & Beverage: Server, Catering, Host, Busser, Bartender, Pastry Cook, or Chef.
- Housekeeping: Room Attendant, House Person, or General Custodial.
- Merchandise: Stock Associate or Merchandise Associate.
- Fitness & Spa: Fitness Instructor, Spa Attendant, or Massage Therapist.
- Recreation: Lifeguard, Pool Attendant, or Host.
- Entertainment: Youth Activities Counselor, Photopass Photographer, Events, or Character Performer.
- Other: Disney Vacation Club Associate, Maintenance, Engineer, or Security.
Requirements to Work at Disney’s Aulani Resort
To work at the resort you need to be legally authorized to work in the USA. Anyone is able to apply but preference is given to Hawaiian residence or those already living in the state. Many jobs require you to be over the age of 18 with some type of work experience that relates to the role. Other requirements will vary by job.
Work Commitment
The exact working days, shift times, and hours per day you work will vary by job. The resort is open 24/7 which means you could be working early mornings, late nights, or during the weekends.
Part-time staff need to be available 3-4 days per week with the possibility of working 0-40 hours per week. Usually you will only be working up to 40 hours during your training period. Weekly hours will fluctuate based on the time of year/season.
Full-time staff need to be available up to 40 hours, 7 days per week. You will not be scheduled every day of the week, you just need to have availability. Many entry level jobs, such as housekeeping or serving staff, receive their schedule on a weekly basis and it changes depending on how full the resort is and when/where staff are needed.
How to Apply for a Job at Disney’s Aulani Resort
When the Aulani Hires
Hiring happens when there is a need but there are usually jobs open year-round. The bulk of the hiring takes place before the peak seasons, when they have more guests and in turn need more staff. The peak seasons are during the summer, holidays, and school breaks.
How to Apply to be a Cast Member
To apply to be a cast member at the Aulani Resort, you need to first find a job on Disney’s Career Page. It will then prompt you to create an account where you will fill out all of your information, upload your resume, and answer questions about yourself and your work experience. Then, you submit your application.
How the Application & Interview Process Works
Once you apply for a job, your application will be sent to the Walt Disney Company for review. If your application is accepted you will get an email confirming the next steps.
Generally, the next step will be an online questionnaire (if not prompted to complete this during the initial application process). The questionnaire has a lot to do with how you would act as an employee. Keep in mind, they are looking for your answers to match how they expect a Disney cast member to respond.
Next, you will have a phone interview with someone from the hiring team. This will be someone from the Disney company, not the Aulani resort. They will ask you questions about your previous job experience and what you would do in certain situations as an employee. If you pass this interview you will move onto the final step.
Finally, you will have an in-person interview with a hiring manager from the Aulani Resort. During this time they are looking to get a feel of your personality, see if you are a good fit for the job, and if you would be a good representation of the Disney brand.
If all goes well you will receive an email or phone call with a job offer. If you are not accepted at any point in the application/interview process, they will notify you via email. You can also check where you are in the hiring process by logging into you account and viewing your application status on your dashboard.
Hiring Timeline
The average time it takes to complete the full application and interview process is roughly one month. This could be a shorter or longer time frame depending on when you apply, what job you apply for, and how many other applicants are interviewing.
A Competitive Process
Many perspective employees state that the interview process is very competitive. Tons of people are applying for these jobs and Disney is very selective with who they hire. It’s common not to make it past the initial application submission. The phone interview questions are said to be tricky and difficult to pass.
It makes it easier to get a job at the resort if you already live in Hawaii, have worked for the Disney company, or have connections with someone who works for the Disney company.
If You Don’t Get the Job
If you don’t get the job, you can apply for another job with Disney or apply for the same job again in 6 months.
You can also apply for the nearby Marriott or Four Seasons. This way, you can still work in Hawaii while getting experience, then try and apply to the Aulani later down the line.
Working as a Cast Member at Disney’s Aulani Resort
Housing
The resort does not offer employee housing (unless you are an international cast member). That means you will need to find your own accommodation on the island of O’ahu. Cast members rent apartments and find other housing options by searching for open listings on google.
Employee Meals
As a cast member you get a free meal during your shift which you will receive in the employee cafeteria. You will also receive a 10-20% discount at restaurants on the resort property. When not at work you will need to buy your own groceries and cook your own meals.
Transportation
If you drive, the resort offers free parking for employees. However, cast members say that the commute can be frustrating and the parking lot is pretty far from the hotel.
Employee Benefits
There are various perks of working as a Cast Member with Disney’s Aulani Resort. Below are a few of the big ones;
- Free Park Passes to the Disney Parks
- Tuition Assistance
- Discounts on Hotel Stays and Merchandise
- A Wellness Program
- Meals During Shifts
- Childcare Assistance
- Paid Time Off
- Health & Dental Insurance
Pros of Working at Aulani
According to cast members who have worked at the resort, the biggest pros are;
- Free Lunch During Work Shifts
- Great Employee Benefits
- Free Park Passes and Discount Resort Stays
- The Co-Workers and Community
- Getting to be Part of the Disney Magic
- Living in Hawaii
- Great Guest Interaction with People from Around the World
- Connections with the Disney Company for Future Employment Opportunities
Cons of Working at Aulani
According to cast members who have worked at the resort, the biggest cons are;
- Work Schedule and Days Off are Assigned based on Seniority
- It’s Exhausting Work with High Expectations
- It’s not as Magical as Working at Other Disney World Resorts
- High Cost of Living in Hawaii
- Cast Parking is Far Away
- Clopen Shifts (aka: closing late at night and opening early the next day)
- Management
- Frustrating Guest Experiences
Conclusion
If you love Disney and want to live in Hawaii then Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa could be a good work opportunity for you. While it’s a competitive job, the benefits and experience you get are worth the time you put into the application process. Have you worked at the Aulani Resort? Please share your experience in the comments below
