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Disney launches Hawaiian resort Aulani
Disney’s first ever resort not to feature a theme park has opened in Ko Olina, Hawaii. The 21-acre Aulani resort and spa provides an activity-packed family vacation experience on a beautiful lagoon along the coast of O’ahu. “We are thrilled to open our doors and invite guests from around the world to experience Aulani,” says Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “This resort is a unique and exciting project that combines the magic and storytelling of Disney with the rich culture and beautiful scenery of Hawaii.” Guests at the complex, where rooms start at $399 per night, can play in the pools, enjoy waterpark attractions including a lazy river, relax on the beach, or take an excursion. Hidden throughout the resort are statues of Menehune, the legendary island little people. “We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it,” says Hawaiian born Joe Rohde, senior vice-president and creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering. “The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep storytelling – and its roots are in this land right here.” When all phases are complete, Aulani will include 359 traditional hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas in two towers, each featuring rooms that offer views of the ocean, mountains and the magnificent, lush surroundings. Ko Olina is 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and approximately 30 minutes from Waikiki.
Ugandan kids enjoy all the fun of the fair
Two years ago, Ferdi van den Bergh pitched his idea for a “social profit fun park” as part of a TV talent show style presentation at Euro Attractions Show in Amsterdam. The name of the project was Tjeko Fun Village, a rudimentary (by Western standards) park where Ugandan kids could make the most of their childhood.
This summer Ferdi and his wife Tatiana got to test the concept for real with a series of taster events in Uganda called Tjeko Fun Fair. Designed to have the look and feel of a mini leisure park, each fair was
divided into four different worlds. A total of 19 events were held over a three-week period, entertaining almost 10,000 children in the cities of Jinja and Iganga.
A team of 40 volunteers was enlisted to help at each event, and put through 10 days of training at the Tjeko Academy, where many got their first insight into the amusement industry. “Out of these 40 people, only four had ever been on a trampoline,” reports Ferdi. “Explaining the Tjeko Fun Fair and its attractions was at times very challenging. Things like mini golf and go-karts were completely unknown!” School children were given the opportunity to return at the weekend with their parents for a day of play, sports, creativity and leisure, plus a chance to meet the Tjeko mascot. For the price of a pineapple (UGX2,000/$0.70/€0.50) the children were provided with memories that should last a lifetime. The “Fun Fair” events have been made possible in large part to contributions from small donors and a handful of IAAPA members.
Tjeko comes from the Swahili word Cheko, meaning laughter, hilarity and amusement. Originally from the Netherlands, Ferdi and Tatiana Van den Bergh settled in Uganda as developers of children’s education programmes. The couple is now looking for partners to take the Tjeko concept to the next stage – building a small park. Visit the website to find out more.
www.tjeko.info
12
SEPTEMBER 2011
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