Review of 'Menehune Mischief' at Makahiki at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Disney Aulani Character Dinner Review: Is Menehune Mischief at Makahiki Worth the Cost?

Discover a family paradise with a touch of magic at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii.  Even if you're not staying at this amazing resort, you can still partake in character dining with your favorite Disney characters!


There are two character dining meals available at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, with both at Makahiki:
  • Aunty's Breakfast Celebration at Makahiki
  • Menehune Mischief Character Dinner 
Both dining experiences are at 'Makahiki - The Bounty of the Islands' and feature buffet style dining for both breakfast and dinner.


Makahiki is located on the first floor of the main resort building, adjacent to The Olelo Room.


The casual, family-friendly restaurant is named for the Makahiki season, the traditional Hawaiian celebration of the harvest. Here, the spirit of Makahiki is celebrated through delectable cuisine and local artwork.  Throughout the restaurant, you'll find elegant glass designs and jewel-toned murals that depict the story of the Makahiki season.  For your meal here, you'll either be seated inside or on the patio and enjoy a nice resort view.


Menehune Mischief Character Dinner
At the Menhune Mischief character dinner, you will join Aulani resort's beloved "Uncle" and some of your favorite Disney Characters for a musical, story-filled Character Dining experience that is perfect for the whole family!

Not only will you enjoy amazing Disney entertainment, but you will celebrate the Menehune, magical little people of Hawaiian legend, as Uncle and his friends tell delightful tales that come to life through enchanting music and interactive adventures.


The casual family-friendly buffet dinner features fresh local ingredients and chef-inspired dishes that includes:
  • Healthful salads and starters
  • Sustainable seafood and sushi
  • A choice of carving station items
  • A world-wide variety of enticing entrees
  • Seasonal vegetable selections
  • Fresh island fruits
  • A special menu for keiki ages 9 and under
  • House-made desserts
  • Hawaiian inspired beverages




What to Expect During Dinner
If you are considering having dinner here, I highly recommend making a reservation for this experience now, as it is very popular and has always been full whenever we've gone.


Character appearance times and dinner seating times occur throughout the evening, with the current schedule shown below:
  • Character Appearance #1 – 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM
    • 1st Seating – 4:30 PM, 4:45 PM, 5:00 PM - No seating from 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM
  • Character Appearance #2 – 7:15 PM - 8:00 PM
    • 2nd Seating – 6:30 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:00 PM – No seating from 7:15 PM to 8:15 PM
After checking in and before being seated, you'll line up to take a photopass picture with Donald Duck, with the photos being available for purchase.  Photopass photographers will make their way to you during the course of your meal to discuss purchasing options.  For a complete keepsake photo package (prints and digital), the price is around $35.


After being seated and as you enjoy dinner, you'll experience island-inspired touches, with storytelling from uncle, singing/dancing, and will be visited by Stitch, Chip and Dale throughout the course of your meal.





Note that characters appearances can vary, but you will be guaranteed a visit by each character.  And, if for some reason you miss out on seeing a character, the cast members are pretty good about ensuring they stop by before you leave.

Is it Worth the Cost?
Character Dinner is offered on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; with two scheduled  appearances/seatings each day.  Pricing, as of February 2020, is $55 for Adults and $29 for kids, ages 3 to 9.

If you are staying at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, I highly recommend planning at least one character meal, as it's a great way to meet Disney characters without waiting in line or worrying about the character locations and schedule for a given day during your vacation.  In addition to being able to meet your favorite Disney characters, the food selection is amazing!


We have stayed at Aulani twice and each time we have been in Ko Olina, we have experienced the character dinner.  It is a very consistent buffet experience that offers an amazing selection of buffet items for adults and kids alike!  The character interaction and performance by Uncle is always fun for little ones - it will be an experience they won't soon forget!


We last enjoyed a character dinner at Aulani in April 2019 and when checking current pricing - the price has gone up since we first came here in 2018 and again in 2019.  Given the quality and selection of food here, as well as the overall show and character interaction, I feel the price is fair, when compared to other dinner buffet offerings across the island - and those other buffets don't include the Disney characters or an interactive show!


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Disney Aulani Character Breakfast Review: Is Aunty's Breakfast Celebration at Makahiki Worth the Cost?