The highly anticipated opening of the first Disney resort in Hawaii drew a crowd of excited guests, both local and international.
Some came in well before dawn to get their first look.
Mickey and Minnie were on hand for the opening ceremony for Aulani Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina. Officials kept the speeches brief, much to the delight of guests who've been waiting anxiously to get in.
Guests were allowed to enter just after 6:30 in the morning, but there were some people who were here hours before that. Among them Michael Kuzma from Florida, who was the first one to check in.
"This is the first Disney Resort that's not associated with the theme park and I just thought that there's got to be something special here to combine the legends of Hawaii with the storytelling of Disney," Kuzma said.
Resort officials are banking on working the Disney magic by combining it with the culture and scenery of Hawaii. Diehard Disney fans from the mainland and Japan wanted to experience that magic from day one.
"I've never been here and I love Hawaiian style, so I just be here," said Eriko Watanabe, one of the guests from Japan. Watanabe says she's looking forward to swimming and snorkeling here in the islands.
"It's a lot more subtle than most Disney resorts. We're Disney fanatics we love Disney that's why we're here. We feel it's just a real safe place to bring the kids and just relax," says Harry McClain, who is visiting from Oregon.
And for the locals, part of the appeal is being able to get away without the hassles of getting away.
"In which we didn't have to take time off for travel and airlines and from work and we can just enjoy a nice weekend here at the Aulani," says Samson Mahi, one of the local guests.
Hotel room rates start at just under $400 per night.
