Disney Me Senseless!

I love to travel.  One of the major factors that keeps me with my current employer is the extremely generous amount of vacation time I am allotted.  Since my husband and I now have two small children, our vacation destinations have changed a bit. 

Recently, we escaped the Montana cold for a tropical respite that had all of our interests at heart....Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii! 




My interests

Their interests

After reviewing the Sensory Marketing section of chapter 2, I gained a whole new level of respect for Disney.  They have you experiencing the whole gamut from the moment you pull your rental car up! When we first exited our vehicle we were surrounded by Disney "cast members" that warmly welcomed us to the resort. 

TASTE:  We were handed tropical infused water to sip while they unloaded our luggage.  It was perfectly cold and very refreshing.

TOUCH:  Our children were presented with miniature necklaces that were adorned with a Menehune figurine (basically the Hawaiian version of a leprechaun).  My husband was given a lei of smooth, polished kukui nuts.  The lobby is completely open to encourage a tropical breeze to pass through. It felt wonderful.

SMELL:  I was presented a stunningly beautiful lei of orchids and tuberose blossoms.  Tuberose is quite possibly the most amazing scent I have ever encountered.  I remember them from my wedding so they definitely evoke the emotion of pure bliss for me.  This particular lei perfumed our room for an entire week. 

SOUND:  As we entered the lobby, there was a beautiful Koi pond with a softly flowing waterfall.  The sound reminds me of relaxing by a creek.  It also reminds me of the water feature usually heard during a luxurious spa treatment.

SIGHT:  Explaining will never do it justice.  There was an abundance of tropical flowers, ponds, and beautiful artwork.  Once we entered the lobby completely, a remarkable and expansive view of the ocean and lagoon filled our vision.  It took our breathe away.

All of this sensory overload occurred within the first 5 minutes and continued throughout other aspects of our stay.  I have had the pleasure of visiting Hawaii on several occasions.  This resort utilized my sensory system to create a competitive advantage over other resorts.  I will never stay anywhere else.  Mission accomplished Disney! 

Unfortunately while I was there I forgot about one of my senses altogether.  My sense of BUDGET.  Oh well.  Money well spent I suppose.

My son is never as impressed as we are!