Talkin' Hawaii

[WeLoveABD]

With the new Disney resort open it seems like a real possibility that ABD will be back in Hawaii--maybe with a couple of nights at the resort...BUT...does anyone out there know why the first go around in Hawaii (during ABD's test year--2005? 2006?) failed? (And does the new resort change the mix enough to now succeed as an ABD destination?)

 

[Tozzie]

With the new Disney resort open it seems like a real possibility that ABD will be back in Hawaii--maybe with a couple of nights at the resort...BUT...does anyone out there know why the first go around in Hawaii (during ABD's test year--2005? 2006?) failed? (And does the new resort change the mix enough to now succeed as an ABD destination?)

I seem to remember something about the itinerary and how many of the activities were hotel based.

I did find a few reviews on the internet here are the links


http://thoughtpresslife.com/2006/02/25/adventures-by-disney/

http://www.themouseforless.com/blog_ms_news/2006/10/09/adventures-by-disney-accounts-of-italy-londonparis-and-hawaii/

 

[sayhello]

I have the brochure from what I believe was the last year they did Hawaii (2006) and I agree, the reason I didn't sign up for either of the trips is that the vast majority of the trip took place at the hotel. It was honestly not anything that couldn't be arranged through the resorts, and you just didn't get to see much of Hawaii beyond the resort. Personally, just because you *can* do everything without leaving your resort does not necessarily mean you should never leave the resort...

The survey they sent out (was it last year?) asking opinions about a variety of new Hawaii itineraries, seemed aimed at more than one island, and more than just resort activities.

When I get a chance, I'll transcribe some of the descriptions of the old trips here.

Sayhello

 

[WeLoveABD]

Thanks Tozzie and SayHello--glad someone responded to my thread! Tozzie--those reviews from 2006 were something else, night and day re the Hawaii trip. Shows how personal travel is, I guess--and how far
ABD has come since then. SayHello--I'm looking forward to what you dig up and post, as always! If I were to design a Hawaii trip I'd try for three islands, including a two or three night stay at the new Disney resort--and then sail or fly to Maui and the Big Island for a two or three night stay on each. I've only been to Oahu (one time on a whirlwind 8 hours of shore leave from a carrier), so I would love to see more--and have the kids see Hawaii (for the first time) Disney-style.

 

[Bobo912]

Thanks Tozzie and SayHello--glad someone responded to my thread! Tozzie--those reviews from 2006 were something else, night and day re the Hawaii trip. Shows how personal travel is, I guess--and how far
ABD has come since then. SayHello--I'm looking forward to what you dig up and post, as always! If I were to design a Hawaii trip I'd try for three islands, including a two or three night stay at the new Disney resort--and then sail or fly to Maui and the Big Island for a two or three night stay on each. I've only been to Oahu (one time on a whirlwind 8 hours of shore leave from a carrier), so I would love to see more--and have the kids see Hawaii (for the first time) Disney-style.

I know Kathy Greenwell from the Alaska ABD in 2009. I trust her opinion. The problem could have been the itinerary, but it could have been something financial - like not being able to negotiate the hotel rates they needed to make the trip sufficiently profitable. Whatever the problem, I'm sure they'll have it all straigthened out before they offer Hawaii again. With the past survey and the new resort, surely a Hawaii trip is in the works for the future.

 

[Turtlemom]

we actually did the Hawaii ABD trip in November of 2006 (Oahu and the Big Island). While it is true that a lot of activities were at the resort, we had a fantastic time and thought that the ABD guides really made our group feel special. On Oahu, we did climb Diamond Head and go to Pearl Harbor, but I thought the welcome dinner with the young hawaiian dancers was beautiful and I appreciated not having to be constantly on the run. Having a little time to actually enjoy the resort was a good thing, and our guides (Mike and Tina) spent time with all of us, especially the kids, playing in the water. Also, the surfing lessons were fun and even though I am not a surfer, I managed to get a massage on shore. As for the big Island, we had our own vulcanologist with us when we toured volcanoes national park, and at the resort, we had an outrigger canoeing club row over from Maui to show us how it was done and to help us race in our own canoes. I'm kind of surprised at how negative the first posted review was. I guess it is all in your expectations, but ours were met and then some.

If they offer another ABD in Hawaii, it will be interesting to see what activites they include and how much would be done at the Aulani resort.

 

[WeLoveABD]

we actually did the Hawaii ABD trip in November of 2006 (Oahu and the Big Island). While it is true that a lot of activities were at the resort, we had a fantastic time and thought that the ABD guides really made our group feel special. On Oahu, we did climb Diamond Head and go to Pearl Harbor, but I thought the welcome dinner with the young hawaiian dancers was beautiful and I appreciated not having to be constantly on the run. Having a little time to actually enjoy the resort was a good thing, and our guides (Mike and Tina) spent time with all of us, especially the kids, playing in the water. Also, the surfing lessons were fun and even though I am not a surfer, I managed to get a massage on shore. As for the big Island, we had our own vulcanologist with us when we toured volcanoes national park, and at the resort, we had an outrigger canoeing club row over from Maui to show us how it was done and to help us race in our own canoes. I'm kind of surprised at how negative the first posted review was. I guess it is all in your expectations, but ours were met and then some.

If they offer another ABD in Hawaii, it will be interesting to see what activites they include and how much would be done at the Aulani resort.

Thanks for the info--gives me great hope that if they go back, it will be a fantastic experience!

 

[happymomof1]

We just came back from the ABD backstage magic, and were WOW'd! We'd love a Hawaii itinerary with Disneys attention to details and the aBD's guides to help make it special. I am so looking forward to what they come up with for next year and am keeping my fingers crossed that it includes Hawaii!

 

[knewton64]

I have the brochure from what I believe was the last year they did Hawaii (2006) and I agree, the reason I didn't sign up for either of the trips is that the vast majority of the trip took place at the hotel. It was honestly not anything that couldn't be arranged through the resorts, and you just didn't get to see much of Hawaii beyond the resort. Personally, just because you *can* do everything without leaving your resort does not necessarily mean you should never leave the resort...

The survey they sent out (was it last year?) asking opinions about a variety of new Hawaii itineraries, seemed aimed at more than one island, and more than just resort activities.

When I get a chance, I'll transcribe some of the descriptions of the old trips here.

Sayhello

I received the same email survey a few months ago as well & agree with your pov about are you there for the resort or are u there for the activites.
Now thats not to say that Hotel Alani isnt a wonderful hotel, its much more of an issue (like u said) that ABD would get more traffic in Hawaii if they had a mixture of the two.

Me? I am once again hitting the ground running once I arrive in Hawaii - 120 more days.



T.T.F.N.

 

[abdmom]

Now thats not to say that Hotel Alani isnt a wonderful hotel, its much more of an issue (like u said) that ABD would get more traffic in Hawaii if they had a mixture of the two.

Wish no more. Here's a link to the ABD excursions at Aulani. Note that they have a 3 day ABD trip as one of them. Scroll down to see the ABD excursions and 3 day trip.

 

[Bobo912]

abdmom, you forgot the link.

 

[abdmom]

Oops sorry I have a habit of doing that with attachments on email too.

Aulani excursions

 

[Bobo912]

Thanks, abdmom! I've been complaining about ABD not offering any trips during Fall/Spring Break timeframes (except the occasional adult only trip). It looks like the Aulani/ABD combo would be a good option, since it offers ABD excursions plus the freedom to travel whenever you want, or at least whenever they aren't completely booked.

 

[disneymath]

FWIW, we just came back from the Alaskan Wonders cruise-add-on (awseome expereince) ... I mentioned an ABD in Hawaii to our guides and they did not seem to think that they would be returning (other than the ones linked to the Aulani resort) any time soon. They were also quick to add that they are no more in the loop about new itineraries than the rest of us.

 

[emilymad]

We are going to Aulani in 2 weeks and have been looking into the ABD excursions. We haven't traveled with ABD yet so we thought this would be a good way to try it out. Looking at what they are offering I am less than impressed. Am I missing something? We were looking at the Manoa Valley Rainforest & Bamboo Forest Hike. A quick Google search leads you to the information that this particular hike is easy to do yourself for free. $119 a person is a lot just for transportion it seems.

 

[abdmom]

We are going to Aulani in 2 weeks and have been looking into the ABD excursions. We haven't traveled with ABD yet so we thought this would be a good way to try it out. Looking at what they are offering I am less than impressed. Am I missing something? We were looking at the Manoa Valley Rainforest & Bamboo Forest Hike. A quick Google search leads you to the information that this particular hike is easy to do yourself for free. $119 a person is a lot just for transportion it seems.

You're also paying for the guide(s). They will likely provide water and snacks as well.

 

[emilymad]

You're also paying for the guide(s). They will likely provide water and snacks as well.

I guess I was just hoping for things that are special and more exclusive. All of their excursions are all things that can easily be done yourself.

 

[Diskidatheart]

I think some tours in Hawaii are definitely worthwhile such as the lava tour I did on The Big Island, but Hawaii is one place that I think is well worth (and easy) doing on your own. I'm guessing that ABD is probably in agreement since they got rid of their Hawaii trip and haven't brought it back. To me Hawaii is expensive enough to do on your own and then to add the cost of tour guides makes it a bit over the top.

My guess is that the hotel offers these ABD excursions for those that absolutely don't want to do any planning on their trip. I've been to Hawaii 3 times and will be there next year for my 4th trip. Haven't been to Oahu yet, but will get there next time. There is so much information out there to do a fantastic trip on your own for half the cost. I think planning for Hawaii is half the fun of actually taking the trip and in addition, you definitely want some relaxation time on the beach while you are there (so why pay for a guides time while you are sitting on the beach?)... Just my $.02 about paradise!

 

[knewton64]

I think some tours in Hawaii are definitely worthwhile such as the lava tour I did on The Big Island, but Hawaii is one place that I think is well worth (and easy) doing on your own. I'm guessing that ABD is probably in agreement since they got rid of their Hawaii trip and haven't brought it back. To me Hawaii is expensive enough to do on your own and then to add the cost of tour guides makes it a bit over the top.

My guess is that the hotel offers these ABD excursions for those that absolutely don't want to do any planning on their trip. I've been to Hawaii 3 times and will be there next year for my 4th trip. Haven't been to Oahu yet, but will get there next time. There is so much information out there to do a fantastic trip on your own for half the cost. I think planning for Hawaii is half the fun of actually taking the trip and in addition, you definitely want some relaxation time on the beach while you are there (so why pay for a guides time while you are sitting on the beach?)... Just my $.02 about paradise!

3 TIMES?? WOW!! ok - I am jealous.

In October, this will be my very first trip into the Aloha state..

I guess I was just hoping for things that are special and more exclusive. All of their excursions are all things that can easily be done yourself.

As I often explain to Guests as they are making their ressies:


Q: Are you there for the hotel or are you there for the attractions??

This question helps a lot of them in making up their mind in relation to their vacation planning. Now about Hawaii -


Go - have fun and enjoy.



T.T.F.N.

 

[Diskidatheart]

3 TIMES?? WOW!! ok - I am jealous.

In October, this will be my very first trip into the Aloha state..

You will absolutely love Hawaii. It is PARADISE. Which island(s) are you going to visit?