Disney or Hawaii

[SumWhrOvrThRanBo]

I've been in the early stages of planing a family vacation to Disney for next Fall. It will be the first big get away for our blended family of 5 kiddos- 4 from precious marriages & our sweet baby girl who will be 16 months old at the time of our trip. I haven't been to Disney since I was a little girl (I've only been once), my boys (7 & 9) have never been- my husband loves Disney & has been 6 times, most recently in 2009 with his kids (now 14 & 16).
Well... My husband comes to me last night & asks, "Can we all go to Hawaii instead of Disney?" Gosh I don't know!!? When I think Hawaii I don't think family vacation!? But he really wants to go- none of us have ever been. We would find an all inclusive package at a resort somewhere- spend about what we would spend going to Disney. I don't know what to do- decisions decisions!! What would you do!??

[momof3ds]

Hawaii has lots of activities for families.

I would do Hawaii and make Disney the next family trip.

If you go to oahu, you can hike up Diamond Head. Someone would need to carry the 16 month old (at certain points) or stay behind with her. The polynesian cultural center is a great family spot as well.

[mdsoccermom]

Keep in mind that there are no true all inclusives in Hawaii. You may be able to book a package with a meal plan, but it won't be truly all inclusive.

[mm1971]

Originally Posted by SumWhrOvrThRanBo

I've been in the early stages of planing a family vacation to Disney for next Fall. It will be the first big get away for our blended family of 5 kiddos- 4 from precious marriages & our sweet baby girl who will be 16 months old at the time of our trip. I haven't been to Disney since I was a little girl (I've only been once), my boys (7 & 9) have never been- my husband loves Disney & has been 6 times, most recently in 2009 with his kids (now 14 & 16).
Well... My husband comes to me last night & asks, "Can we all go to Hawaii instead of Disney?" Gosh I don't know!!? When I think Hawaii I don't think family vacation!? But he really wants to go- none of us have ever been. We would find an all inclusive package at a resort somewhere- spend about what we would spend going to Disney. I don't know what to do- decisions decisions!! What would you do!??

I seem to remember Disney having a new hotel in Hawaii.....Hmmmm....What was it now.....Aulani.....that's it. Problem solved. Do both!

[Leajess99]

I would go to Hawaii. The kids would probably get a lot more out of a trip to Hawaii than a trip to disney. I would make Disney a trip in 2014 or later since then Fantasyland should be complete.

[npealer]

My kids are 11 and 8 and they have been to Hawaii a few times, it's a great family vaction destination. Our family loves the outdoor stuff, hiking, snorkeling etc. The last trip May 2012 we took them to Kauai. Beautiful island. I would suggest staying away from Waikiki area unless you are intersted in basically seeing San Francisco on a tropical isle It's very commerical and busy, Not what you picture when you think of Hawaii. Needless to say there are other places on Oahu that are gorgeous. The Ko Olina area where the Aulani is is a BEUTIFUL AREA and PERFECT for kids.

Maui many familes like to stay in the Kaanapali area
Kauai- Poipu Beach area or Kapaa Area (Princeville is pricey and geared towards golf)


FYI Disney and Hawaii are my two favorite places on the planet!

[theworldneedscolor]

Tough decision! I love both

If you did Hawaii, I would not try to do something all inclusive. Take the time to find restaurants, sights, and other activities. I personally am really interested in all the historic/culture things. There is so much Hawaii has to offer! I am part Hawaiian though, so I may be a bit biased

[chris31997]

I would go to HI and do Disney next time.

Disney's new resort is on the west side on Oahu, kinda away from everything.

Windward side of the island has some of the best beaches, go east on the H3. If it is raining, it will also have some of the best waterfalls.

There is the Pali Lookout, where a hang gliding record was set. Also an epic battle hundred's of years ago. Very windy

Diamond Head, and many other hikes

Pearl Harbor, the Arizona

Luaus, we liked Paradise Cove, although Polynesian Cultural Center has one and Germain's

Don't forget the snorkeling and surfing. There is a big one that starts with a H that is suppose to be really good to go to. We were not able to go when were there.

Dole Pineapple Farm and the North Shore

You could also check out Kuai:small garden island very peaceful, Maui:romantic island, Big Island: the volcanoes(but don't expect to go and see the lava. they keep you pretty far away) There are things to do on these islands also.

[Missy13d69]

I do not envy you this decision. That's a tough one. Good luck!

[crisi]

Price Hawaii.

There likely won't be an all inclusive and you'll probably discover its a lot more expensive than Disney. Just room tax in Hawaii adds a lot. Airfare to Hawaii is usually a killer.

The other downside for Hawaii is from the middle of the country, you are looking at probably eleven hours of travel - with a toddler and a six year old. A lap baby for twelve hours of travel would send me over the edge.

That said, Hawaii is a great vacation - really lovely and worthwhile once you get there. Its beautiful and relaxing and there is a ton of stuff to do. But Hawaii was way more expensive for us - on the cheap - than our luxury Disney vacations.

[GusGus77]

Compromise- the new Disney resort in Hawaii!

[ElenaRN]

Originally Posted by npealer

FYI Disney and Hawaii are my two favorite places on the planet!

I second that!!

[theworldneedscolor]

Originally Posted by crisi

Price Hawaii.

There likely won't be an all inclusive and you'll probably discover its a lot more expensive than Disney. Just room tax in Hawaii adds a lot. Airfare to Hawaii is usually a killer.

The other downside for Hawaii is from the middle of the country, you are looking at probably eleven hours of travel - with a toddler and a six year old. A lap baby for twelve hours of travel would send me over the edge.

That said, Hawaii is a great vacation - really lovely and worthwhile once you get there. Its beautiful and relaxing and there is a ton of stuff to do. But Hawaii was way more expensive for us - on the cheap - than our luxury Disney vacations.

I think it depends. It would be cheaper for us to go to HI than Disney. But we stay in cottages, not resorts, and explore all sorts of food and activities. I agree though that the airfare is killer!

[CrAzY4DL]

Oooh please explain about cottages! That sounds wonderful!

[lurkernj]

We've been to Hawaii with our kids as well. Our favorite is an ocean front condo on Maui (Napili point resort). We will food shop or get takeout and eat most meals outside on our lanai watching the turtles feed in the cove, best table on Maui (imho). It's still an expensive vacation since we try to add in a nice excursion or two and those are expensive x 4 ppl (ziplining, helicopter ride, luau).

We stayed at a hilton on Big Island, and the hotel experience was nice, but very expensive since we had to eat all meals out and pay for parking, hotel fees, etc (and didn't have a great view). Condo was definitely more convenient and cheaper.

The airfare is the killer though. From NJ it's about $900-1000 pp. We save airline miles and haven't paid yet, but if we had to pay it, we wouldn't be going. Orlando airfare for us is usually around $200 pp.

I would price out both and see if Hawaii is in your budget. If you can swing Hawaii, definitely go, it's beautiful and relaxing.