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JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Daisy Duck, right, clutches onto Donald as the media take photos during a press conference to unveil new Disney characters today at Disney Aulani Resort and Spa in Ko Olina.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Duffy, left, and ShellieMay pose during a press conference to unveil new Disney characters today at Disney Aulani Resort and Spa in Ko Olina.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Disney character Pluto the dog, middle, waves at the camera while accompanied by Mickey and Minnie during a press conference to unveil new Disney characters today at Disney Aulani Resort and Spa in Ko Olina.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
All 11 Disney characters at Aulani, from top row left, Stitch, Donald and Daisy Duck, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, ShellieMay and Duffy, and bottom row, from left, Chip and Dale, and Pluto pose for photos during a press conference to unveil new Disney characters today at Disney Aulani Resort and Spa in Ko Olina.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa will be marking its fifth anniversary in Hawaii with the introduction of a new luau dining experience, Ka Wa‘a, to be launched in November.
Through Disney storytelling, music and dance, guests will experience Hawaii’s navigational heritage while enjoying a buffet meal, resort officials announced today.
In conjunction with the production, a one-sixth model of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokule‘a will be on view in the Maka‘ala Lobby. Aulani recently made a $25,000 donation to Friends of Hokule‘a and Hawai‘iloa, a nonprofit dedicated to perpetuating the art of canoe building.
Today’s announcement also featured the arrival of three Disney characters at Aulani, Daisy Duck, Pluto and a bear popular in Japan, ShellieMay.
With the Nov. 26 release of Disney’s “Moana,” an animated feature film about a teen who sets out to prove herself as a master wayfinder with the help of Maui the demigod, plans are also in the works for a local event to take place in advance of the national release but no details were provided.
In related news, Disney Parks Talent Casting is holding auditions Friday and Sunday for performers at Aulani. Characters include “Uncle,” a wise elder-type storyteller who can improvise, sing and play the ukulele, and “Aunty,” a singer who plays the ukulele and embodies the aloha spirit.
Also sought: “youthful, energetic” emcees who can learn choreography — hula experience a plus — and Disney character look-alikes for “Pocahontas” and “Aladdin” performances, meet-and-greets, and activities across the resort, as well as mascots
Auditions will take place at Aloha Dancesport Center, 350 Ward Ave., Suite 200. For more information visit DisneyAuditions.com.
WOW…………