Lama pa'ipa'i on the Lanai – an Aulani TR -Aloha and Mahalo Aulani! Link to PTR 11/5

[eandesmom]

Your BFP looks good! I should hire you to plan for me! Or to teach me how to use spreadsheets!

I do like my spreadsheets...

I like that you have tea and some mom time planned in there too!

The girls tea was a must for all and I'm excited that CP is just my mom and I, it will be really special for a variety of reasons. I do hope we can all actually eat together, that's my only worry.

I hope you can get some answers on the DL trip.

I did. Or at least a timeline of sorts. Should know more by the end of the month but have no idea yet when, if this thing actually happens, they will know which day is performance and which is workshop. Which is ok, there is lots of time on the flights.

I've said it before and I'll say it again... I'm in awe of your ability to plan and coordinate that many people. It is driving me nuts just trying to find out if one other person will be tagging along with us next time!

Oh I know! One is just as frustrating as 6 or whatever, believe me.

I hope that your nephew will be able to go along. I think that what you're offering to cover for him is more than adequate and very generous on your part. Hopefully his dad can at least get him a plane ticket so he can join you!

I do too. I found him a KILLER rate this morning that would have him flying out with Sister/BIL and back with us. Or at least killer for that time of year ($350) so hopefully my brother jumps on it. As Jeff said, if he doesn't at that rate, we let it go.

Wow! I can't believe you were able to get everything nailed down like you have! I'm very impressed.

BTW, there used to be a DVC discount at the Mandera so you might want to check on it.

Why yes, there is! I had looked at both SSR and the Mandara discounts, and base prices, and Mandara will be a better deal so that's my tentative plan. Haven't done it yet but probably will.

Cynthia, I am so glad things are coming together for this trip and you've got a lot of it firmed up.

Thank you Kathy, I've been thinking of you this week, I know it's been a hard one. Looking forward to seeing you next week.

 

[Chilly]

On the 30th if its the same as the year we went MK has 2 sets of fireworks, Wishes at 8.30pm, then the NYE fireworks at midnight, so if you want to see those you've got quite a wait after your Ohana meal.

 

[KatMark]

Thank you Kathy, I've been thinking of you this week, I know it's been a hard one. Looking forward to seeing you next week.

Thank you; I'm looking forward to seeing you next week too. Let me know if there is somewhere you are interested in going to for lunch.

 

[franandaj]

Your NYE plans are just making my head spin, but it sounds like you have everything under control there. Just need to wrap up the few variables that are still out there. Where is the Mandara at WDW? Or are they all Mandara spas? I know there is one at Universal.

Marching on Disneyland Trip

Brenda, Jenny, Allison...am I missing anything here? Enough buffer depending on performance times?

My guess/gut though is 2 things.

1. They will not have performance times yet
2. They may well be targeting the marching part for Easter Sunday. While I want to see both performances, that one is more important.

Sigh.

I can hope that some parents bring this up though as I can't imagine I am the only one with the concern.

I'm not sure what to tell you on this. I imagine that they are doing Magic Music Days. Our band plays in the Community Arts Showcase (which is only open to bands in counties that border Orange County). With our group, we submit our show plan on month before we play (I sure hope that the guy I left in charge to do that while I'm in Atlanta did it!) and then three weeks before your show, they call up the director and go over the day and that's when they tell you your performance time. I know with the CAS, they literally do not schedule the musical events until three weeks out. I'm not sure if MMD is different and more structured.

It makes it a real pain for our band because we can't tell them the time until 3 weeks before and some of them have other commitments in the afternoon and have to drop out if we play too late. On the application it says "your group may be scheduled to perform at any time on the day of your performance. Please be available." I'm not sure if you said they were scheduled on Monday or Sunday, but if they're playing Sunday, I would take that first flight just in case they are scheduled to play at 9 or 10AM.

 

[eandesmom]

On the 30th if its the same as the year we went MK has 2 sets of fireworks, Wishes at 8.30pm, then the NYE fireworks at midnight, so if you want to see those you've got quite a wait after your Ohana meal.

And this is exactly why I posted the BFP! You are totally right and I'm a dope. I've been thinking they were at 9. So...either we have a gap, we head to MK and head back, try to see them while in MK or...eat somewhere else in the area with a later ressie...or even eat somewhere totally different as we have lots of time to head over now.

Posting it out to the group to weigh in on what they want. 6:20 is very early for us to eat and there are aspects to it I don't like. I do like Ohana as a family option but as it's fixed price....there could be cheaper options that might be better. There is availability at a number of places I'd be ok with (it's funny, I was really set on having to be at Ohana but at the moment I'm not married to it at all) so we will see what everyone thinks. I did check availability for our size and we do have options. Specifically we could still do

MK area resorts
Kona, The Wave, Chef Mickeys (shockingly), WCC, Grand Floridian Cafe

And if we just want to eat somewhere totally different we could do that and then head over. I'm surprisingly flexible on this one but did want to give the group a heads up about the gap, I'll go with whatever the majority wants.

Thank you; I'm looking forward to seeing you next week too. Let me know if there is somewhere you are interested in going to for lunch.

I will! I need to look into that for some client meetings (lunch and dinner and haven't had time yet. Hopefully later today.

Your NYE plans are just making my head spin, but it sounds like you have everything under control there. Just need to wrap up the few variables that are still out there. Where is the Mandara at WDW? Or are they all Mandara spas? I know there is one at Universal.

Mandara is at the Dolphin.

I'm not sure what to tell you on this. I imagine that they are doing Magic Music Days. Our band plays in the Community Arts Showcase (which is only open to bands in counties that border Orange County). With our group, we submit our show plan on month before we play (I sure hope that the guy I left in charge to do that while I'm in Atlanta did it!) and then three weeks before your show, they call up the director and go over the day and that's when they tell you your performance time. I know with the CAS, they literally do not schedule the musical events until three weeks out. I'm not sure if MMD is different and more structured.

It makes it a real pain for our band because we can't tell them the time until 3 weeks before and some of them have other commitments in the afternoon and have to drop out if we play too late. On the application it says "your group may be scheduled to perform at any time on the day of your performance. Please be available." I'm not sure if you said they were scheduled on Monday or Sunday, but if they're playing Sunday, I would take that first flight just in case they are scheduled to play at 9 or 10AM.

Allison, that is INCREDIBLY helpful! Yes, they are doing Magic Music Days. I may check on SW flights down for Eric and I as those I could change if it worked out whereas with Alaska I could not. UGH on the 3 weeks but I can't say I'm surprised and just knowing that is incredibly helpful. Although...that puts me under 30 days so I'd have points in holding. Arrgh. That part kind of sucks! Ok not even kind of. They could end up laying either Sunday or Monday. I guess if I did SW down and by some magic reason we found out prior to our 30 day window, so earlier than the 3 weeks, at least I'd have options assuming flight prices were semi stable/equal. Rats.

What I am a bit unclear on is whether I will be able to add days to Evan's Magic Music flex pass (they are getting the 3 day) or whether I will have to buy him a separate ticket. The TA sent me info but I don't recall.

 

[englishrose47]

Just checking in after a good but busy day!!4 days till Disney for me !!!

 

[eandesmom]

Just checking in after a good but busy day!!4 days till Disney for me !!!

3 now!!!!!!!!!!!!!! how exciting

 

[eandesmom]

At 2:59 (yes, I noted this on my phone) we were loading and driving out of Haunama Bay. We were, as mentioned, starving. A banana and some trail mix does not a meal make though they can sustain you for a fairly long time. We were tortured by the knowledge that Kona Brewing company was right next door. Literally. It is in the Hawaii Kai shopping center, at the base of Koko Head, pretty much around the corner from the turn up to Haunama Bay. Weve been to Kona before, though never on Oahu. On the Big Island, we liked it so much we went there a total of 3 times! However, wed already been bad on our lunches and between the spontaneous Monkeypod Burger from 2 days ago, our fabulous Northshore Mexican lunch we had a ton of unused food at the villa that was going to go bad.

So, we were good. We drove home! Thankfully traffic wasnt horrible. We stopped at the store for some reason (cannot recall why) and were in our room at 3:53. Lunchtime! On the Lanai of course.

I went for a salad.

Tokyo Spice Rubbed Mahi Mahi, Baby Spinach, Grape Tomatoes, English Cucumber with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette.



I don't know if it was because I was SO hungry, or if it was just the combination but it was so delicious! Certainly as good or better than anything Id have gotten at Kona and infinitely more cost effective.

We both had some of these





And Jeff went for a Turkey Sandwich. Which apparently was so boring I took a picture of the JW Marriott instead



During lunch I placed a call to Roys. We were scheduled to dine there for dinner. With a 4 pm "lunch" , 7:30 seemed a bit early to us. They didn't show us as having a reservation at all! They were able to take us at 8:45, the latest available. Done!

The edge taken off, without overdoing it so we would have room for dinner it was of course pool time. Amazingly it was already 5pm. After a trip or 2 around the lazy river, we headed over by the fire pit to hang out in front of AMA AMA and found&a wedding. The fire pit it would be, the rest was taken up by the wedding. Though wed seen weddings daily, next door, pictures on the beach etc, this was the first one ON property that we'd seen. So of course I took pictures!



The guests had mickey head shaped sun shades!



The wedding party came down right behind us (and now that it had started we were NOT going anywhere).





I loved the flower girls dresses





And the brides



Yellow roses are my FAVORITE





Though a bit stranded it was a nice view



Except&music is piped in to that area (hidden rock speakers) and we wondered if the wedding party could hear it, that might be a bit distracting.

I enjoyed doing&nothing





At some point I think Jeff went and made us a drink, or maybe we'd brought it down? No clue but I do know my notes say "taste the rum in this one". LOL! It must have been strong? I was also texting with Cara, they were to have arrived either that day or the night before and we had hoped to meet up. Poor thing, she was in the room sick!!!! On the beach we spotted what surely looked like Jeff Spicoli. Cracked us up. We hung out and did more nothing, other than guessing the airlines as they flew over. Jeff is pretty good at this game, me, not so much.

We decided, finally, that we should head over to the hot tub. We had yet to go in it and figured it was likely to be a little less crowded than usual as it was moving into dinner time. On the way there, we spotted a PP photographer and decided to do a little shoot.







One bummer about photopass in Hawaii is this. If you buy the CD there, it costs quite a bit less. But if you buy it after you get back you can add some really cute borders to it. I am not sure the borders are worth the price difference but if you were only buying a couple of shots it might well be. We bought it there, saw the borders later and I was a little bummed. The other bummer is that the photographers are not out nearly as much as I thought they might be. Well, they probably are during the day when floating around the river and definitely during the character times but not once could we find one at night when we were actually dressed up for dinner. Which bummed me out! I guess because we eat late? I had hopes of a nice picture of the two of us (non swimsuit or character lol) and it just didn't happen.

Photos taken we headed for our soak. I did not take any pictures of the infinity hot tub the entire trip, I have no idea why but...it really is fabulous. I borrowed a few off the internet. It was also crowded and a fair amount of kids. I do hope with the additional features that this gets a bit better. There is another one by the pool that we rarely saw folks in though, so that could be a backup. Hard to compete with the view at the infinity tub though. That said, the time of day we went in it was a TON better than we saw most of the trip and I do think evenings in general especially during dinner would be ideal, you get a little sunset with it. We were both a bit bummed we hadn't tried it at night before (the lanai had been winning as you might recall) as we knew tonight was the only night we could. Oh well, next time!

This one is a bit more what it is really like, a line of people on the front infinity edge and another one on the back side. There are two levels and the lower one was a little less crowded so we hung there for a bit.

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

After a good soak, which felt GREAT after those stairs we headed up, got ready, had a lovely drink on our lanai and headed to dinner at Roy's.
It is a short walk though we elected to drive as well, we felt like it. We weren't positive how far back it was in the golf course so had decided to play it safe but then felt a bit silly after.

This is what it looks like during the day

The whole lovely patio area, which is easily 50% of the restaurant, outside looked just perfect, we were really looking forward to dining alfresco. Walking in we were struck by...how casual it was. There used to be a Roy’s in Seattle and it definitely had a more upscale feel to it, I'd assumed it would be the same and the menu (and prices) seemed to validate that. This well, it was more like a nicer bar, at a golf course.

Unfortunately due to the lateness of our arrival, they had stopped seating outside. I do think that would have made a HUGE difference in our experience. Instead, we were inside, in what felt like, the bar. Which might have been ok but for the hour, it was a bit bright in there and just not the ambiance we’d been hoping for or expecting. At all. Oh well, on to the food!

First, a little wine and edamame



And then honestly, I think we both may have had specials, or the menu has changed as I don't see either item on their menu online! For Jeff

Tenderloin?



For me, some Ahi



With a side of Nicoise



Cooked to perfection!



The food was OUTSTANDING!

The service...ok. Nothing bad but nothing exceptional either. I would try it again, earlier in the evening (and heck, it was Saturday night at 9, not exactly THAT late!) and sit outside. Shockingly to us, the place was pretty darn deserted. While our table was technically in the dining room, it was right below the bar and that really detracted from the experience for us. From a food perspective it certainly tied with AMA AMA, perhaps even a slight edge ahead. Everything else? AMA AMA blew it away. Cost is pretty equal. Honestly with both, we didn't need reservations but I suppose it could be different depending on the season and hour.

Back in the lobby we looked in vain for a PP photog…we were spiffed up! But no. Instead you get very bad selfies



And the kind person to tried to take a shot with my phone, fighting with the Aulani lobby lighting







After a lovely, busy, activity filled followed by pure laziness and gluttony we....

Had a nightcap on the lanai



Decent prices at the Aulani store ($18 for this I think)



Up next, our last full day and night on Oahu including a visit with my Hawaii Ohana!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I gotta say, you guys know how to vacation!! Enjoying the fabulous island, the resort, the hot tub, the lanai, the FOOD and drink! Awesome!

See, now I am going back and forth, reading your TR and Pat's DL TR and I don't know what to do for spring break!! Of course, my checkbook might decide it for me! Maybe Aulani will have to wait...At least I know where to come for my research...

 

[saintstickets]

BTW, there used to be a DVC discount at the Mandera so you might want to check on it.

Jill in CO

Why yes, there is! I had looked at both SSR and the Mandara discounts, and base prices, and Mandara will be a better deal so that's my tentative plan. Haven't done it yet but probably will.

DW has a scheduled massage at Mandara during our upcoming trip on 10/21. I believe the DVC discount is only offered from Monday thru Thursday. However, there is a limited time offer right now of $99 for a 50 minute Swedish massage. Get on their email list and you will receive the offer.

I'm glad you liked Roy's. The food, to us, was better than Ama Ama but the service, although not bad at all at Roy's, was better at Ama Ama. One never knows when the chef or the service personnel have an off night but I would not hesitate to go to either again.

Great TR!!

When I grow up, I wanna be an uber-planner like eandesmom!!

 

[Poolrat]

What a relaxing afternoon and night. I am so ready for a vacation I can just taste it.

A wedding,pool time, a nice easy change for dinner time and more time on the lanai. Ahhhhh

 

[jwwi]

Now that sounds like a great afternoon and evening. The pool at Aulani looks amazing. And your dinners look delicious.

 

[englishrose47]

Nice Body Cynthia , there is no way I would expose the anyone to me in a bikini, But you look great!!! Jeff's stak looked great , not sure what Ahi is which means I ain't touching it I am guessing fish, but while I love a lot of seafood , some I don't care for especially oysters , love clams and shrimp, crab legs are too much work Very leery about salmon and tuna and did not like Mahi Mahi!!. But I will eat Blood pudding

 

[jedijill]

Roy's and a hot tub. Looks like a perfect day! BTW, you are rockin' that yellow bikini!

Jill in CO

 

[Pinkocto]

WOWZA! You look AMAZING in that bikini!!!

I'm glad you managed to get some lunch, bonus that you thought to use up food in the room but I'm surprised you lasted an hour getting back with how hungry you were.

A little awkward with the wedding right behind you.

The hot tub looks lovely, that's definitely going on the list.

I've heard fabulous things about Roy's, glad the food didn't disappoint. Very strange they closed the outside so early.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I have to say you really can wear that bikini, especially one that eye catching!

I love the look of endless pools, that one was great!

Nothing better than sitting on one's balcony sipping wine with a loved one.

 

[KatMark]

Well, I may not want to stand next to you for a pic at our DIS meet this week after seeing those pictures of you in your bathing suit. I'm going to feel like a very, very fat cow.

You look spectacular.

Love how your afternoon/evening was. Sorry about the restaurant service and not being able to sit outside. Dinner does look yummy though.

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Cynthia! You look amazing in yellow - both in your bikini and your cute dress at dinner.

The Roy's by our house is definitely a bit more upscale in the dining attire - we've dressed nice when we eat there.

What a great way to spend the remainder of your night with a glass of wine on the lanai. If you did anything else I would be shocked and disappointed!! Seriously, it sounds so lovely.

 

[eandesmom]

I gotta say, you guys know how to vacation!! Enjoying the fabulous island, the resort, the hot tub, the lanai, the FOOD and drink! Awesome!

There was a LOT of gluttony and relaxing on this trip, truly an amazing adult getaway.

See, now I am going back and forth, reading your TR and Pat's DL TR and I don't know what to do for spring break!! Of course, my checkbook might decide it for me! Maybe Aulani will have to wait...At least I know where to come for my research...

Tough call, you'd have park tickets for Cali, which could offset the higher flight costs...

I'd probably go for Aulani but I might see what the girls thought too if both were really an option.

DW has a scheduled massage at Mandara during our upcoming trip on 10/21. I believe the DVC discount is only offered from Monday thru Thursday. However, there is a limited time offer right now of $99 for a 50 minute Swedish massage. Get on their email list and you will receive the offer.

Good point on the Mon-Thurs. I need to check, now that things are more final, on what day would be best and compare the options again and book something.

I'm glad you liked Roy's. The food, to us, was better than Ama Ama but the service, although not bad at all at Roy's, was better at Ama Ama. One never knows when the chef or the service personnel have an off night but I would not hesitate to go to either again.

Great TR!!

I would put the food equal, and possibly better but agree, AMA AMA beat Roy's hands down in service and ambiance making the overall experience much better. I do think had we eaten outside...it would have been a more equal overall experience and would go there again.

When I grow up, I wanna be an uber-planner like eandesmom!!

No, you don't, your family will make fun of you!

What a relaxing afternoon and night. I am so ready for a vacation I can just taste it.

Me too! Work trips do NOT count as vacation.

A wedding,pool time, a nice easy change for dinner time and more time on the lanai. Ahhhhh

It was! Much as I am looking forward to the NYE trip, it will NOT have this kind of zen quality to it.

Now that sounds like a great afternoon and evening. The pool at Aulani looks amazing. And your dinners look delicious.

Dinner was fabulous and the infinity hot tub is lovely. There is a new infinity pool there as well, I am looking forward to seeing it, they really needed another feature pool and it will be nice to see it all really opened back up and how that spreads out the crowds. We were rarely in the pool itself, just the river.

Nice Body Cynthia , there is no way I would expose the anyone to me in a bikini, But you look great!!! Jeff's stak looked great , not sure what Ahi is which means I ain't touching it I am guessing fish, but while I love a lot of seafood , some I don't care for especially oysters , love clams and shrimp, crab legs are too much work Very leery about salmon and tuna and did not like Mahi Mahi!!. But I will eat Blood pudding

Ahi is tuna I'm a huge fan.

Most crab legs are too much work but a good Dungeness...YUM! Or snow crabs...anything with big fat legs can work..King...forget it!