For a Hawaiian retreat that's the perfect mix of kid-friendly, distinctly Hawaiian, and just plain gorgeous, it's tough to beat Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Overlooking Ko Olina's tranquil beachfront cove on the coast of Oahu, Aulani brings Disney's signature attention to detail to this stunning island escape, giving families an immersive and authentically "Hawaiian" experience with enough satisfying touches of Disney to keep Disneyphiles delighted while also keeping it subtle enough that those not interested in Mickey-shaped everything will hardly notice.

Here's why Aulani is a magical vacation destination for families-Mickey ears not required.

It's a well-known Hawaiian custom to present guests with a lei upon arrival as a symbol of aloha and welcome. At Aulani, women receive a lei of fresh orchid and tuberose blossoms; men get kukui nuts; and kiddos receive a necklace with a Menehune charm, a harbinger of fun to come (more on that later!).

No need to seek out a museum for a crash course in Hawaiian history and culture-it surrounds you from the moment you step into Aulani's jaw-dropping Maka'ala lobby, with its impressive central curved arch, based on a traditional Hawaiian canoe house. Hawaiian canoes can be spotted throughout Aulani-a purposeful choice, explains Joe Rohde, the Walt Disney Imagineer, native Hawaiian, and lead designer of Aulani. "Without these canoes, there would be no Hawaiians at all," Rohde told the Disney Parks Blog. "They express the highest form of artistry, engineering, symbolic meaning, purposefulness and social cooperation that Hawaiian culture stands for."

Step through the lobby and out on to the terrace to behold the fun that awaits. Between the resort's two towers stretches the Waikolohe Valley, an intricate network of pools, water slides, children's play and splash areas, and a private snorkeling lagoon, all surrounded by lush natural florals and foliage. Waikolohe means "mischievous water," and playfulness is the name of the game here, with sprays of water and mysterious sights and sounds delighting you when you least expect it.

Aulani is both a traditional hotel and a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property, so you'll have a huge range of room and view options from which to choose, from a standard hotel room sleeping four, all the way up to a three-bedroom grand villa, sleeping 12. DVC villas, which can be booked by DVC members using points, or rented direct from Disney for cash by non-members, include either a kitchenette or full kitchen with dishwasher, and even a washer and dryer for one-bedroom villas and larger. View choices range from standard to an ocean view so breathtaking, you may never want to leave your room.

Like other deluxe Disney resorts, the resort's theme takes precedence over anything overtly Disney. But, amongst the traditional Hawaiian details, hidden Mickeys still turn up in places like the upholstery, artwork, and carvings on the door. And, for those of us who love a little more obvious Mouse in our lives, this adorable Mickey lamp does the trick. (It's also for sale in the gift shop if you want to bring some Hawaiian Mickey style home with you!)

The Waikolohe pool is a family favorite, with a zero-entry area perfect for littles and the thrilling Volcanic Vertical water slide for adventurous big kids and grown-ups.

The whole family can team up for a fun slide and lazy river circuit. Grab a single or double tube and head up the steps to Tubestone Curl, a fast-paced, but not too scary, waterslide (even little ones can join their parents in a double tube). The slide lets you out straight into the Waikolohe Stream, a lazy river with a gentle current. Families will have fun spotting native Hawaiian animals carved into the surrounding rock formations, as well as avoiding (or going straight for!) waterfall and sprays of water as you float through the Waikolohe Valley.

Right in the middle of Aulani's expansive network of pools is Rainbow Reef, the only private snorkeling lagoon on Oahu. Thousands of tropical fish native to Hawaii call this man-made saltwater lagoon home. Purchase a day ($25) or length-of-stay pass (a bargain at $45), grab a life jacket and snorkel mask, and swim alongside angelfish, butterflyfish and tangs in the comfort and safety of these supervised waters (no sharks or dangerous currents here!).

If you're familiar with Disney Cruise Line's kid's clubs, or if you've heard me rave about them, you'll know that Disney's kids-only zones are a seriously awesome offering. Aunty's Beach House is no exception. A secure, supervised 5,200-square-foot space just for keiki (that's Hawaiian for "child") ages 3-12, Aunty's is a family beach house run by "Aunty and Uncle," who are a bit like Aulani's patriarch and matriarch, bringing the family fun in spots around the resort. Aunty and Uncle and their many helpers facilitate arts, crafts, and outdoor play in an enclosed, shaded play area. Extra-special Disney friends have also been known to stop by.

Parents can drop off keiki at Aunty's free of charge, from 9:30am-9pm daily. For $10, kids can even eat lunch or dinner there while parents sneak away from some grown-up time relaxing at the spa, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a romantic dinner at 'Ama'Ama.

In addition to the many complimentary offerings at Aunty's and around the resort, there are some premium experiences for a fee that are definitely worth checking out. Our kids loved "Fish are Friends," a three-hour program at Aunty's where they learned all about the different types of fish in Rainbow Reef and what goes into caring for them. They even got to make their own fish food and took a special trip to the reef to feed the fish. The program also includes lunch and keeps kiddos happy and busy long enough for parents to enjoy their own grown-up meal and a leisurely afternoon at the spa or in one of the adults-only pools.

Thank goodness for Aunty's because you won't want to miss your chance to relax in the adults-only infinity whirlpool spa at 'Alohi Point while gazing out at one of the best views on property.

If there's one dining experience you can't miss at Aulani, it's a sunset dinner at 'Ama'Ama, where the views are rivaled only by the incredible food. The beachfront restaurant serves up modern interpretations of classic Hawaiian cuisine, with plenty of kid-friendly options on the Keiki menu. Live music during dinner adds another layer of magic to this picture-perfect setting.

Highlights from 'Ama'Ama's dinner menu include the center-cut king crab legs and daily fresh fish grilled or saut¨¦ed and served with Mac-Nut Brown Butter. Be sure to add a few of the incredible sides (we love the Herb-Coconut Rice, the Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, and the Truffle Macaroni and Cheese). For dessert, try the Pineapple Cheesecake, a light, bright cheesecake atop coconut shortbread and surrounded by toasted meringue, finished with a roasted pineapple reduction and tropical fruit compote.

At a close second to watching the sun set at 'Ama'Ama is starting your day there with a stack of Buttermilk Pancakes with Macadamia Nut-Tahitian Vanilla Sauce. Even if you normally prefer savory breakfast items, you're going to want to order these for the table. Trust me.

It might seem intimidating, but even the most musically challenged will find it's possible to pick up one of Hawaii's most popular instruments, the 'ukulele, and learn to play a few notes in mere minutes. In the Pau Hana Room, Aulani's Community Hall, musical cast members will share a bit about the history of Hawaiian music and instruments, then teach you some simple chords to strum on the 'ukulele. After your lesson, you can borrow one to keep practicing throughout your stay, and even buy your own to take home. We loved hearing guests out on their balcony strumming their 'ukuleles-it doesn't take much to make this iconic instrument sound magical.

It's so easy to get so swept up in the fun at Aulani's pools and beach that before you know it, you'll find yourself famished and ready for lunch. There's a wealth of great options, including service straight to your pool chair from the pool bar. We couldn't get enough of Mama's Snack Shop, a walk-up stand right in the middle of the Waikolohe Valley serving up uber-craveable eats like the Local Style Fish and Chips, a Kona Longboard Lager-crusted ono with fries, and the Coconut-Breaded Shrimp.

Move over, Mickey pretzels and ice cream bars. We've found the ultimate Mickey-shaped treat. At Papalua Shave Ice, customize this refreshing frozen Hawaiian dessert by choosing three flavors from a huge list of choices including coconut, guava, pineapple, and lilikoi, then topping it with add-ons like sweetened condensed milk (a must!) and ice cream.

Aulani's main quick-service spot, Ulu Caf¨¦, is a great place to refill your resort mugs and grab a fast breakfast, lunch or dinner. Smart choices include the made-to-order Poke Bowls, prepared with fresh ahi, salmon or shrimp, and the lunchtime flatbreads like the Kalua Pork version (pictured) and pizzas at dinner.

For a next-level spa experience, drop your kiddos at Aunty's and head straight to Laniwai Spa. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time beyond your booked service (we love the Lomilomi massage) to enjoy the Kula Wai: Outdoor Hydrotherapy Garden, where you can-and should-try all of the different therapies, including various rain showers, soaking pools, heated whirlpool spas, and an ice-cold plunge pool (a must try!). Spend as much time here as you'd like both before and after your treatment, as well as in the luxurious relaxation rooms. You can even order lunch and make a day or it.

If you're a sucker for collectible Disney merchandise, let's just say you might be in trouble. Aulani's merchandise locations are packed with unique items you won't find anywhere else, many starring Duffy's adorable friend 'Olu, a 'ukulele-playing turtle, who features on pins, bags and as a range of plushes. A word of warning: Aulani-exclusive merchandise comes and goes quickly, so if you see something you like, it's best to buy it on the spot!

If you've spent any time following Disney-related Instagram accounts in recent years, you'll know that spirit jerseys are A THING. At Aulani, you can hit the pool in an Aulani-branded spirit jersey-style rashguard, made from SPF 50, quick-dry material, and let's just say we want all of them. Find the rashguards, along with a range of swimwear, hats, sunglasses, snacks and other pool and beach essentials at the Lava Shack down by the pools.

There's nothing more "Disney" than a character breakfast, and there are plenty of spots across Disney properties that do it very well. But, try beating breakfast al fresco, surrounded by stunning tropical foliage and a gorgeous koi pond, with visits from Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy in their Hawaiian garb, as you dig into a mountain of Mickey waffles topped with coconut syrup and a side of fresh island fruits¡­ Don't bother, you can't! The Makahiki Character Buffet Breakfast is a must-do at Aulani-great food, breathtaking setting, and even live entertainment courtesy of Aunty and her 'ukulele.

Another must-do at Aulani is KA W'AA, a traditional luau celebrating Hawaiian history and culture. Before feasting on roasted pig, local seafood, and authentic island favorites, plus a foolproof spread for picky kiddos, the whole family will enjoy visiting various stations where you can learn to play the 'ukulele, get traditional "tattoos," and string your own floral bracelets. End the night with an impressive show featuring traditional music and dance (with a side of Mickey and Minnie, of course).

Aulani's version of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Painted Sky: HI Style Studio gives boys and girls ages 3-12 adorable island-themed makeovers and offers all sorts of packages to choose from. Swim packages include swimwear and a towel plus hairstyling, makeup or tattoos, jewelry, and more. Luau Bound packages will get your kids dressed and ready for a night at the luau with Hawaiian shirts or dresses, jewelry, hair styling, tattoos, and more-perfect for special family photos at the luau. There's a package for every kid and budget, and kids feel extra special when they walk out the door all dolled up.

Just like at Disney parks, Aulani has Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed throughout the resort, at the ready to take professional photos of your family. You'll find them everywhere-in the lobby, at Aunty's Beach House, by the pool, in the pool, and on the beach, where you can get a waterfront family portrait session at sunset. The best part? Get hi-res digital downloads of a week's worth of photos for just $78. Holiday cards: check.

Before or after dinner, be sure to head to the beachfront fire pit for Uncle's Mo'olelo Fire Pit Storytelling. A gifted raconteur, Uncle will wow you with Hawaiian legends and folklore. Sometimes Moana even makes and appearance!

Disney Imagineers came up with a slam-dunk way to help families explore the resort while keeping kids engaged. Stop by the Pau Hana room to pick up a tablet and embark on a high-tech scavenger hunt during which you'll learn about the Menehune, Hawaii's mischievous, magical "little people" who are always up to something. You'll get interactive clues via the tablet and when you find what you're looking for, the Menehune will delight you with unexpected surprises.

With so much to see and do at Aulani, you'll hardly feel the need to leave, but Oahu has so much to offer that you really should check out the excursions you can take during your stay. Sightsee by helicopter, spot dolphins by catamaran on your way to a prime snorkeling spot, or pay your respects at Pearl Harbor. The shore excursions desk at the resort will organize everything for you-all you have to do is show up in the lobby!