<P> Initially announced in October 2007, Disney unveiled the resort's name in January 2010 . The project was estimated to cost $800 million and eventually generate about 1,000 jobs at the resort . The project was managed by Disney Vice-President Djuan Rivers . </P> <P> The resort began timeshare sales on July 15, 2010, and began taking room reservations in August 2010 . On August 12, 2011, Disney suspended Aulani timeshare sales indefinitely and fired three executives, including Disney Vacation Club president Jim Lewis, after senior management realized the annual dues had been set too low to cover maintenance costs . </P> <P> Walt Disney Imagineers collaborated with WATG and Architects Hawaii Ltd. and cultural experts to design and construct what will celebrate the customs and tradition of Hawaii . Disney characters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse are seen at the resort, however, unlike at other theme parks (where they act as hosts), at Aulani they are presented as fellow guests . </P>

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