The Dreams Unlimited Travel Podcast Discusses Aulani . . .

[WebmasterKathy]

Okay, I will offer one criticism of Aulani- I wish they had more options on the poolside dining menu!

(Was that too harsh? LOL!)

 

[NeuroCindy]

It's the same with Royal Caribbean no one wants to talk about anything bad about them and it's the best cruise experince in the world.

On the shows they've talked good and bad about Royal Caribbean, so I'm not sure what you're basing that on.

 

[Cousin Orville]

I was on Maui at a luau a couple of weeks ago, and oversaw a couple with an Aulani iPhone case. We talked about Maui and how much we enjoyed it, but ultimately there was part of us that wished we were back at Aulani. We had a laugh about how that seems to be universally true. I'm sure there's someone out there who doesn't like Aulani. I'm sure there's someone out there who doesn't like Hawaii in general, but they're hard to find.

 

[samsteele]

On the shows they've talked good and bad about Royal Caribbean

That's been my experience with watching their RC coverage as well. Generally, quite balanced. Candid to the point of sometimes being critical esp in comparison with Disney cruises. I remember Pete having one particularly bad experience with an Alaskan cruise some time ago (staff issues?) and he def wasn't afraid to voice his concerns. I have cruised with Royal Caribbean so thoroughly enjoyed their discussions.

Fingers crossed someone from the team will have time to sail on Oasis from Cape Canaveral and give us a detailed review. Fingers double crossed the group includes Craig plus T, or Kathy or Jackie because any of those ladies would provide incredible insights and some giggles as well.

 

[Cousin Orville]

I'm here to tell you, I would not classify Aulani as a nickel and diming resort. The Westin Maui - now that's a nickel and diming resort that minimizes service and maximizes profit. We were there for a reunion, and we had a wonderful time. However, there were annoyances at the Westin that you take for granted at Aulani. Towels - they give you 5 towel cards at check in to exchange for pool towels. At the end of the trip, it's $25 per card if they're not turned in. Housekeeping service was understaffed. (One of the first nights I was impressed we had evening turn down service at the Westin, when my wife burst my bubble and informed me no, it was our very, very late regular service.) Valet was understaffed. The pools were extensive but not at the level of Aulani. The beach was all natural, but with that came heavy winds and heavy surf - DW unfortunately lost her hat and glasses with one big wave. We prefer the more protected cove at Aulani. Kids clubs cost a lot extra at the Westin, they're free (with the exception of some special activities) at Aulani. We absolutely enjoyed our trip and Maui is a wonderful island, but it also reinforced our preference for Aulani.

I've had the opportunity to visit a number of resorts on Hawaii, including the Four Seasons Maui - one of the top US resorts. There's plusses and minuses to all of them including Aulani, but the one resort I would go back to again and again is Aulani.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

It seems that you will continue to be disappointed in our Aulani shows.

Other than whats been discussed, there are no negative reviews.

You can trust us, or not. Or.you can go and decide for yourself.

As Tracey has mentioned, we are not going to search for someone that did not have a good time at Aulani.

You have a good point but most of the time when I look at something new I like to see someone who didn't enjoy something as much even if it completely contradicts what every other review is. To me a one star review of something is just as important in as a five star one if not more. Yes maybe if I go there and will enjoy it.

But to each their own for example in WDW people swear thath Wishes is the best show on earth and if you don't like it there is something wrong with you and that you have five heads if you don't.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm not sold on something just because everyone likes it. But I do like hearing about it still don't get me wrong on that at all.

 

[WebmasterJohn]

Fingers double crossed the group includes Craig plus T, or Kathy or Jackie because any of those ladies would provide incredible insights and some giggles as well.

Craig is now considered one of the "Ladies"

 

[Cousin Orville]

You have a good point but most of the time when I look at something new I like to see someone who didn't enjoy something as much even if it completely contradicts what every other review is. To me a one star review of something is just as important in as a five star one if not more. Yes maybe if I go there and will enjoy it.

If everyone on the podcast liked Aulani, that's the cumulative review. I don't think they should artificially sway their review by searching out until they find someone who didn't like it. To me, that would make for a manipulated (and possibly unfair) review.

 

[OKW Lover]

Okay, I will offer one criticism of Aulani- I wish they had more options on the poolside dining menu!

(Was that too harsh? LOL!)

Such a harsh woman.

Actually, I'll add another - the cost. Overall the cost for a vacation at Aulani can be pretty high, especially when you consider the flights. There really isn't a low cost alternative for accommodations at Aulani and dining at just about anyplace on the island will be more expensive than on the mainland.

 

[DisneyKevin]

To me a one star review of something is just as important in as a five star one if not more.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm not sold on something just because everyone likes it.

Doesn't seem that anyone has a one star review.

And once again.....we talked about our thoughts and experiences.

If you are not sold on sold on something based on positive feedback....why would you believe negative reviews?

 

[samsteele]

Craig is now considered one of the "Ladies"

LOL. All the ladies are happy to have Craig in the gang

 

[DisneyKevin]

LOL. All the ladies are happy to have Craig in the gang

All the ladies are quite happy to go as long as your paying.

 

[samsteele]

as long as your paying.

Uh-oh. Busted. I'll have to raid the Cdn piggy bank for this one.

 

[DSNYDREAMER]

Uh-oh. Busted. I'll have to raid the Cdn piggy bank for this one.

That's a lot of loonies and toonies!

 

[samsteele]

That's a lot of loonies and toonies!

And Canadian Tire money!

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Craig is now considered one of the "Ladies"

But NOT the Lady Julep - do NOT get it twisted!!!

 

[samsteele]

I just watched the Aulani part #1 podcast and thought it was wonderfully well done. I hadn't realized just how beautiful the resort was until I watched their videos & was very impressed with the complex including the lazy river area as well as the protected cove.

I particularly appreciated Kevin's Aunty's Beach House video b/c a video like that doesn't just materialize out of thin air. It takes planning, permission and time out of their personal vacation. So, very, very well done & thank-you!

For me, Aulani looks like a destination resort that I would likely pair with a short cruise as well as 2 days in Honolulu to see the Arizona Memorial and Waikiki Beach. A rental car for at least a day or two would also be a necessity (for me) so I could take in some additional beaches. Aulani & Hawaii is def a bucket list future vacation.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Craig is now considered one of the "Ladies"

Craig looks like a lady you would describe as having a nice personality

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Craig looks like a lady you would describe as having a nice personality

 

[scrappydew]

I liked seeing the spa facilities; our must-do when we go back!