Gidget Goes Hawaiian- Kauai & Aulani 8/2012 TR- 5/24 COMPLETE!!

[saintstickets]

Sorry I've not posted in a while. You might have seen it on the news but we had a bit of wind and rain here in Hattiesburg/Petal, MS on Sunday afternoon and I just got internet connection back. Over 2,000 homes damaged or destroyed and NO fatalities. God is good!! Enough about that, back to a great TR....

On Sunday, we were scheduled to be at Pearl Harbor for our boat to the Arizona at 10:30 am. I had reserved this ahead of time (thank you, Saintstickets!) on the National Park Service website, thus saving all the lines and waiting of doing it in person. Here is some info, you can book 3 months in advance

You're welcome kind lady. It sure helps because the lines are long and you might have to wait hours if you just walk up and try to get on the boat tour. Pearl Harbor was amazing. Walking the grounds, listening to the audio tour and then actually going to the memorial....well... you get mad, sad and proud all at the same time. It is definately a must-see sight if you're on Oahu.

Loving your TR and all the pictures. I don't want to see it come to an end.

 

[podsnel]

Love the Pearl update. It is such a moving experience and I'm glad your boys "got" it.

ME TOO!!!!

Oh boy, between you and Bill with the GPS I swear, we may not go anywhere we can't want to once we make it to Aualni.

I'm sure that won't be the case but UGH you both had major issues and I am the worst navigator on the planet. I foresee tense moments ahead.

I feel so bad scaring you- my best advice would be to print directions and show them to the valet before you get in the car to make SURE they are correct- Aulani has printed directions to many places, too, at the valet stand. We should have done that more often- don't worry, it will be worth the trip, you will be fine!

I'll be there May 4-12. I would love to run into you! Spiced rum Dole Whip anyone?

Jill in CO

DEFINITELY!!!! Haha- we were just all talking about that yesterday! I can pretty much promise you we will all be there in full force (at Epcot) on Cinco de Mayo- I will be with most of these women-

From left to right, Kara, Laura, Evie(not coming this year), A butterfly (no idea what her story is), me, Joan (who will be with us sporatically- she will be there to watch her kids in our HS band, with her DH), and Lonnie. So if you see us, PLEASE say hi!!

Pearl Harbor is one place I would really like to visit. It's so awesome seeing by way of your photos.

It was fascinating for all of us- and that is really saying something. I would love to go back with Pods to check out the Missouri- the tour they give on that one sounds excellent.

Our favorite restaurant in Williamsburg is The Sal's restaurant in the Williamsburg shopping center near the college. Really great Italian food, but it has to be that Sal's as there are two Sal's, both entirely independent. We haven't been in awhile so I hope their still good.

Good to know! Thank you!

I would love to see Pearl Harbor and its great that you can book it on line. It looks like such an amazing, yet somber place.

Yes, that's exactly right.

Totally worth the K-mart stop to get a dancing hula doll.

Thank you!! I don't know why Cecily's Mommy doesn't see it the same way?

Great update. Sorry to see your trip coming to a close.

Don't worry- I am like you- there's always more to come.....

Sorry I've not posted in a while. You might have seen it on the news but we had a bit of wind and rain here in Hattiesburg/Petal, MS on Sunday afternoon and I just got internet connection back. Over 2,000 homes damaged or destroyed and NO fatalities. God is good!! Enough about that, back to a great TR....

Oh Bill! I didn't even realize that was YOU!!!! Yes, God is good- so lucky on the fatalities with those other numbers. So was your home ok except for the internet?

You're welcome kind lady. It sure helps because the lines are long and you might have to wait hours if you just walk up and try to get on the boat tour. Pearl Harbor was amazing. Walking the grounds, listening to the audio tour and then actually going to the memorial....well... you get mad, sad and proud all at the same time. It is definately a must-see sight if you're on Oahu.

Loving your TR and all the pictures. I don't want to see it come to an end.

Me neither- I don't want to see it end- it's like leaving HAwaii for the second time... But by the end, I really missed Sean, so I was glad to be going (not really, but maybe a little! ). This summer we will be gone even longer for Californina- makes me nervous about how that is going to be by the end....

So glad you are back- I have missed you!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hey Ellen! Love the update! You and Pods took a great pic. So sad your trip is almost over. Thanks for sharing your snow pics - makes me happy to be here for the Winter. Are you sharing your vacay pics?

I had to laugh at your wrong turn to Pearl Harbor. Our GPS wasn't really helpful there, either. We have a saying from the Karate Kid movie, because we were stationed there in Okinawa the time it came out: "You're on Kadena Air Base!" (spoken in your best good old boy Southern drawl) I told Jim you had a "you're on Kadena Air Base" moment at Pearl!

The USS Arizona is def. a must do. So moving. I'm glad your boys "got it" but I knew they would cuz you're that kind of mom.

 

[podsnel]

5 weeks from today I will be going to WDW with Timmy! We are staying at VWL for 2 nights before a 4 night Dream cruise- VERY excited!!!! I have become a cruise-a-holic, I REALLY can't get enough, and if $$$$ and time would allow, I think I would be cruising all the time. I say this EVEN in light of all the poor Carnival Triumph passengers who FINALLY have gotten off of their ship. I did just book our vacation for next summer (as in 2014)...we will be going on the NCL Breakaway for seven nights to Bermuda- she is a new ship, not even making her debut until the end of April 2013 when she sails out of Germany. I really, REALLY wanted to do DCL out of NYC, but they are going back to Europe, and the airfare (and extreme heat!) to Italy in August is too rich for us- to Venice it is like $1500 per person. Anyway.....we will be having an easy time of it driving less than an hour and parking our car instead- and I am REALLY looking forward to THAT, too! Plus, that means we will not be using Miles to fly to a far away destination (like this year to Cali), so we can save them up for....some undecided location that would be too much otherwise (probably for Europe, and then DCL will be sailing out of NYC- crap! ). Anywho....I am also looking forward to our 1st VWL stay- followed by VGC in August....which will mean I have stayed at them ALL!!! Every DVC...until they open up the ones they are building at GF. WOOHOO!!!!!

Ok- so back to Aulani.... Once we had parked our car, we all put our suits back on and headed down to the pool. I know we ate something, but I have NO recollection of what, so I am going to guess it was a hot dog/red hot/ chicken finger kind of meal. The boys went off to slide, then hang in Painted Sky, while Pods and I hit the infinity edge hot tub.

We really liked that hot tub!

It was soon time for our last sunset, so...here are too many pics of it!

We had walked over to the Marriott side to watch the sunset.

Just to prove I was there and badly in need of a shower or at LEAST a brush, LOL-

Everyone was gone, chairs were stacked, it was time to go back...

This was so pretty lit up at night- but then, all of Aulani was...

Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

So we were walking back to the villa, and I was very aware of the ticking of the vacay clock, so I was into hyper drive with taking photos (funny how that happens at the end of the vacation! Every time!!!).

I decided to get a headstart on packing up so I could enjoy the evening without that hanging over my head. I also made some mac & cheese (which I brought from home) for T&T because they were STARVING!!!!!!

Some pics from around the villa-

Hidden Mickeys in the upholstery-

I love this one-

In the shower, i think-

Everyone's favorite lamp-

More Mickeys on the bed-

The Imagineers did such an incredible job with Aulani. It HAS to be the most beautiful of all the DVC resorts. I am in LOVE with AKV, which is so similar in many ways, but at Aulani, they kept decorating and hanging art when they got to the individual villas- it is much more limited (the villa artwork- CERTAINLY not the resort's art!!) at AKV.

One more pic off the balcony-

Ok, maybe one more-

And a vid. Click to play-


I just love the sounds from our balcony.

Ok- time for a much needed shower, before...dinner at Makahiki and some stargazing for Timmy and I...

 

[chasshan]

Hi Ellen,

I've just read your entire TR this morning, by using your links.
I've really enjoyed it! Thanks for all the great travel/tour/activity tips.

I noticed that any swimming your family does on-site is in the pools.
I'm guessing this question has been addressed at some point in time, but was wondering, did you ever swim at the beach right there at Aulani?
It looks calm in most pictures so I'm assuming it's not the place to boogie board, body surf or surf. But curious if it is a nice, safe, beach to swim at, particularly for little ones like my 5 and 6 year olds.

I think if we made this trip we would want to max out what we could do at the resort and only do 1 or 2 activities off-site. The teens could go off everyday, but the less "traveling" the better for the little ones. (one is on autism spectrum; the other delayed-with special needs etc.)
Thanks,
Shanna

 

[rndmr2]

Great updates! I went to see Pearl Harbor back in the late 90's (1998?) and I remember it well, so moving to be there. My DH is interested in going there so I might get him to agree to the long flight to Hawaii someday!

Beautiful Sunset Pics!

 

[MEK]

It was soon time for our last sunset, so...here are too many pics of it!

I love all the pictures in this update, but there two in particular. It must have been REALLY hard to say goodbye to that sunset. Just spectacular!

So VWL will be the last DVC resort on your list. Nice. I hope you love it. The rooms are definitely rustic. If you have never taken the lodge tour and have time to do so before you leave for the cruise, do so. You will really enjoy it.

BTW - 7 weeks and I am going back to HHI! So excited! I love it there and I will say 'hi' to Dottie for you!

 

[anewmac]

There r only a few things I remember about hawaii (this is what happens when u go as an 18yr old with a fake I'd lol) and true Pearl Harbor was one of them. I really want to take the boys there and I think it would mean even more to me now ya know. Btw u should have told the MPs u know me lmao and I'm married to a marine who's not so lean and not so mean but still a fighting machine lol.cant wait to see ur last dinner and night.

I'm counting down till May then after August yeah!

 

[rentayenta]

Great update.


The beach looks gorgeous.

 

[franandaj]

Everything sounds wonderful. I will make sure to get some good directions and a map from AAA before we go. We had a heck of a time on our last WDW trip trying to get to the outlets near WDW. Our stupid GPS kept trying to route us to the one near Universal. I got really cranky about the whole thing, so it was good we had one of those flyers from the tourist parts of the hotels. GPS can be so @#$%&* annoying!

I have never stayed on Oauhu so never been to the Arizona Memorial. Fran's Mother's First Husband died there, so it will be quite an ordeal to go there. I think from the way that she talks about her mother, she cares for the husband she never met more than her father so this could be awkward, but I"m sure it will be poignant.

I sorry to see this trip coming to a close, but you may change your mind about best DVC when you check into the VGC. I haven't been to Aulani, but it's definitely my favorite! The wood work is incredible and everything is laid out so perfectly, and two bathrooms in the 1 bedroom! Perfection!

 

[Beth D]

Can I just title the remainder of my posts computer gone wonky?

They blocked pics from our internet at work, so only reading at home now...

Sorry about your so-so dinner. If you ever come to Northern OH, my full blooded sicilian dad will make you a pot of his red sauce! Either that, or i'll tell you about a little local place with two sicilian brothers and the best bruscetta you ever had!

Your Pearl Harbor pics gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes! My grandpa was later stationed there, but not for the raid. one day I'll make it there!

Happy but sad to see your TR getting to an end. I can tell you're getting the blues!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Can I just title the remainder of my posts computer gone wonky?

They blocked pics from our internet at work, so only reading at home now...

Sorry about your so-so dinner. If you ever come to Northern OH, my full blooded sicilian dad will make you a pot of his red sauce! Either that, or i'll tell you about a little local place with two sicilian brothers and the best bruscetta you ever had!

Your Pearl Harbor pics gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes! My grandpa was later stationed there, but not for the raid. one day I'll make it there!

Happy but sad to see your TR getting to an end. I can tell you're getting the blues!

I don't know about Ellen, but I would the name of that restaurant!

 

[jenseib]

Pearl Harbor is so fascinating.
My parents visited it a few years ago (while staying the Marriott next to Aulani being built.)
Your sunset pictures are just gorgeous. I would love to see something like that today!

That must have made your visit even more meaningful than most, and that is really saying a lot.

By the way- VERY sad jenseib met you in the hallway at AKV and I didn't!! Next time I hope I'm the one who runs into you in the hallway!

I know! I'm sad I missed you too! I recognized Jen's hair! I was hoping she didnt' think I was a stalker.

Jill in CO

That's funny- she told me that. I think we overlap in May- I will be at OKW May2-3, then AKV CL May 3-6. We will be spending a LOT of time in Epcot, so maybe you'll recognize MY hair this time- although it's not nearly as colorful as Jen's!

I guess i should've dragged her along with us.


I can help you both if you want colorful hair. I am a licensed cosmetologist!

 

[eandesmom]

I know you've posted this before but what villa number were you in? I keep going back and forth on my room request. We have an OV studio and I really want a great sunset view and can't figure out the best spot to get lots of sunset but less of the non aulani resorts due to the angled balconies.

Gorgeous shots (and now I want mac and cheese)

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Ok, somehow I lost track of your TR when you left for Mexico and missed a lot of updates!

Amazing how both you and Bill had such GPS issues on the island! I'm starting to wonder if I need to leave mine at home altogether!

Pearl Harbor looked like it was totally worth the effort to get there, though.

Your pictures of Aulani are beautiful! The sunset looked pretty amazing.

It's especially exciting to me now since...our wait list for Aulani came through! So we will get to experience it after all. I can't announce it on my own TR yet because my wife will see it. She doesn't know yet, but I'm going to surprise her with it next month for her birthday.

 

[ACDSNY]

I sorry to see this trip coming to a close, but you may change your mind about best DVC when you check into the VGC. I haven't been to Aulani, but it's definitely my favorite! The wood work is incredible and everything is laid out so perfectly, and two bathrooms in the 1 bedroom! Perfection!

I hate to say it, but Aulani is becoming my favorite even though I love VGC. AKV comes in third.

The sunsets are amazing!

 

[podsnel]

Hey Ellen! Love the update! You and Pods took a great pic. So sad your trip is almost over. Thanks for sharing your snow pics - makes me happy to be here for the Winter. Are you sharing your vacay pics?

Hi Tammie! Yes, I will eventually share them- I just kind of need closure with finishing Hawaii and DISmoms before I take on anything else. I am headed to WDW with Timmy 4 weeks from Friday, and then DISmoms not long after that....so, hang in there, eventually I'll talk about Mexico. It was very nice though!

I had to laugh at your wrong turn to Pearl Harbor. Our GPS wasn't really helpful there, either. We have a saying from the Karate Kid movie, because we were stationed there in Okinawa the time it came out: "You're on Kadena Air Base!" (spoken in your best good old boy Southern drawl) I told Jim you had a "you're on Kadena Air Base" moment at Pearl!

Yes! We did!

The USS Arizona is def. a must do. So moving. I'm glad your boys "got it" but I knew they would cuz you're that kind of mom.

Awww... thanks so much...

Hi Ellen,

I've just read your entire TR this morning, by using your links.
I've really enjoyed it! Thanks for all the great travel/tour/activity tips.

I noticed that any swimming your family does on-site is in the pools.
I'm guessing this question has been addressed at some point in time, but was wondering, did you ever swim at the beach right there at Aulani?
It looks calm in most pictures so I'm assuming it's not the place to boogie board, body surf or surf. But curious if it is a nice, safe, beach to swim at, particularly for little ones like my 5 and 6 year olds.

Hi there avid reader! We DID swim in the ocean- it is VERY safe and calm. I have a slew of pics from our last day, because we went paddle boarding in the last minutes at Aulani. You are correct in assuming there are no waves for boogie boarding etc- and I think it is PERFECT for little ones to swim- no worries there.

I think if we made this trip we would want to max out what we could do at the resort and only do 1 or 2 activities off-site. The teens could go off everyday, but the less "traveling" the better for the little ones. (one is on autism spectrum; the other delayed-with special needs etc.)
Thanks,
Shanna

I think Aulani will be AMAZING for your little ones- I was envious of families with younger kids who could partake in Aunty's beach house- ALWAYS fun stuff going on in there. I bet both of your younger ones would not ever want to leave....

Great updates! I went to see Pearl Harbor back in the late 90's (1998?) and I remember it well, so moving to be there. My DH is interested in going there so I might get him to agree to the long flight to Hawaii someday!

Beautiful Sunset Pics!

EXCELLENT!!!! I'm glad you have found something to get him on the plane!

I love all the pictures in this update, but there two in particular. It must have been REALLY hard to say goodbye to that sunset. Just spectacular!

So VWL will be the last DVC resort on your list. Nice. I hope you love it. The rooms are definitely rustic. If you have never taken the lodge tour and have time to do so before you leave for the cruise, do so. You will really enjoy it.

Yes, it's the last at WDW- honestly, our house looks at acres of woods, so that is why- we look at woods all the time, want something a little different on vacation. I do hope to do the Lodge tour, I had read about that and forgot, so thank you for reminding me. I am still not sure what we will do for the parks- although I think alot will depend on how long that Yankee game is. I keep wishing they would release that new FP system, because then at least we could reserve a bunch of rides in case the parks are crazy crowded.

BTW - 7 weeks and I am going back to HHI! So excited! I love it there and I will say 'hi' to Dottie for you!

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO envious!!! I want to go back- I have 3 visits under my belt, but I would love some more. I think it would make for an incredible couples getaway- golf and all those restaurants, not to mention how incredibly beautiful it is. I would love an early Oct trip there. I just wish there were cheaper flights to Savannah from NJ- the prices are CRAZEEEEEE!!!!! You are going with Denny this time, right? I hope he loves it- Yes, please say hi to Dottie- I haven't spoken to her in a long while- please tell her I miss her!

There r only a few things I remember about hawaii (this is what happens when u go as an 18yr old with a fake I'd lol) and true Pearl Harbor was one of them. I really want to take the boys there and I think it would mean even more to me now ya know. Btw u should have told the MPs u know me lmao and I'm married to a marine who's not so lean and not so mean but still a fighting machine lol.cant wait to see ur last dinner and night.

Yea- would have thrown us in the clink for SURE then!

I'm counting down till May then after August yeah!

Me too! VERY, very excited to hang with you!

Great update.


The beach looks gorgeous.

Thanks! Really wish I was there right now!

 

[podsnel]

Everything sounds wonderful. I will make sure to get some good directions and a map from AAA before we go. We had a heck of a time on our last WDW trip trying to get to the outlets near WDW. Our stupid GPS kept trying to route us to the one near Universal. I got really cranky about the whole thing, so it was good we had one of those flyers from the tourist parts of the hotels. GPS can be so @#$%&* annoying!

Very smart to get the AAA map- don't forget to stop at the Valet, they are helpful, too and have directions already printed to many places.

I have never stayed on Oauhu so never been to the Arizona Memorial. Fran's Mother's First Husband died there, so it will be quite an ordeal to go there. I think from the way that she talks about her mother, she cares for the husband she never met more than her father so this could be awkward, but I"m sure it will be poignant.

It will be very moving for you both, I am sure- especially when you find his name.

I sorry to see this trip coming to a close, but you may change your mind about best DVC when you check into the VGC. I haven't been to Aulani, but it's definitely my favorite! The wood work is incredible and everything is laid out so perfectly, and two bathrooms in the 1 bedroom! Perfection!

We will see! I am just so glad I was able to get it for 5 nights- funny, how they are all the same architect. He designed some beautiful hotels. LOVE 2 bathrooms in a 1bdrm- very helpful. I find it odd they didn't do it at Aulani when they have at Kidani, BLT & GCV...I guess they needed to cut back somewhere.

Can I just title the remainder of my posts computer gone wonky?

You have my deepest sympathies.

They blocked pics from our internet at work, so only reading at home now...

Sorry about your so-so dinner. If you ever come to Northern OH, my full blooded sicilian dad will make you a pot of his red sauce! Either that, or i'll tell you about a little local place with two sicilian brothers and the best bruscetta you ever had!

Sounds AMAZING!!! I AM IN!

Your Pearl Harbor pics gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes! My grandpa was later stationed there, but not for the raid. one day I'll make it there!

Happy but sad to see your TR getting to an end. I can tell you're getting the blues!

Yea- I don't like the end ever.

I don't know about Ellen, but I would the name of that restaurant!

Yea- we have family in Ohio! What is it?

Pearl Harbor is so fascinating.
My parents visited it a few years ago (while staying the Marriott next to Aulani being built.)
Your sunset pictures are just gorgeous. I would love to see something like that today!

Me too- it has been super windy and cold the past couple of days- better today, though.





I guess i should've dragged her along with us.


Yes you should have! It was Jedi freakin Jill!

I can help you both if you want colorful hair. I am a licensed cosmetologist!

I didn't know that! You do a wonderful job!

I know you've posted this before but what villa number were you in? I keep going back and forth on my room request. We have an OV studio and I really want a great sunset view and can't figure out the best spot to get lots of sunset but less of the non aulani resorts due to the angled balconies.

Gorgeous shots (and now I want mac and cheese)

We were in 1058- it was in one of the buildings closest to the lobby that are slanted, before the wing goes out further. BIG balcony because of that, too. No non Aulani resorts.

HAHA on the mac and cheese.

Ok, somehow I lost track of your TR when you left for Mexico and missed a lot of updates!

Well that's just fine!

Amazing how both you and Bill had such GPS issues on the island! I'm starting to wonder if I need to leave mine at home altogether!

Oh no- I would bring it, but smack it around once in a while for misbehaving (which it will). I think the GPS is pissed it has to work on vacation in Hawaii, so it's GIVIN IT to ya! Seriously, just back it up with directions from the valet and a map- maybe mapquest some places before you go. And if there's a tie breaker, do NOT believe a WORD that GPS says!

Pearl Harbor looked like it was totally worth the effort to get there, though.

Most definitely.

Your pictures of Aulani are beautiful! The sunset looked pretty amazing.

Thank you- Hawaii is great for both rainbows and sunsets!

It's especially exciting to me now since...our wait list for Aulani came through! So we will get to experience it after all. I can't announce it on my own TR yet because my wife will see it. She doesn't know yet, but I'm going to surprise her with it next month for her birthday.

You are a FABULOUS husband!! She is a lucky girl!! When are you going?

I hate to say it, but Aulani is becoming my favorite even though I love VGC. AKV comes in third.

The sunsets are amazing!

They are some beautiful and grand resorts, aren't they? Lucky us we get to experience them.

 

[Beth D]

OK, for all you Italian lovers out there who ever make it to Sandusky to come to Cedar Point to ride the best roller coasters in the ENTIRE world...

Sortino's Italian Restaurant. We were there a couple weeks ago and my dad was raving about the anchovies on his antipasta (they added them - yuck), which were imported direct from Ih-taly.

It's tough to find, as the building is behind another building, and not on the main strip in town. But they come up on mapquest and all the search engines and smart phone direction finders. They also now have a website. It used to be called 800 Club, and was a "key card" club. This dates to back in the Prohibition days when many "clubs" existed in Sandusky to get around the booze laws. Just ring the buzzer at the door, and you're in. They're closed Sun & Mon though, so don't try it then.

Huge beer selection, and they're starting their own house wine soon, as well as another place with wood fired pizza.

Of course just PM me before you head up here, and I'll meet you there for a good time!