Advice needed, Disney to Hawaii

[tachyonbb]

Next year we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary and we are considering taking the Disney cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii, then staying at Aulani for a few days. We have taken one Alaska cruise a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Looking for advice from people who have taken this cruise. Is it worth the time? How to get home (we live in flyover country)? Rough seas? Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance to everyone who replies.

 

[OKW Lover]

Sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate 50 years!

Be aware that the cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii has a lot of sea days. We enjoy those days but realize that other's don't. Factor that into your decision.

Can't comment on sea conditions as I've never done that cruise. Even if I had that doesn't mean one persons experience is reflective of what you might encounter.

Hope you can see your way clear to spend more than a "few" days at Aulani. The resort itself is absolutely beautiful. But the attraction of Oahu is really the whole island. Plan on spending several days driving around to see the sights.

 

[MillauFr]

I think sea days on a Disney cruise would be fine. On Disney the biggest draw is the ship itself. Not the port stops.

 

[Youneek1]

Just chiming in to add, while we have not cruised this itinerary before, we are booked on the 2025 cruise with a short stay after at Aulani. On another social media site, we have heard from fellow cruisers, who have done this sailing, that the seas are not too rough. The first 2-3 days after leaving Vancouver are cold and then the weather becomes much more mild. There are quite a few repeat cruisers to this specific sailing. Hoping you'll get to join us and celebrate such an amazing milestone.

 

[enzy65]

My DH coworker and her mom just went on this cruise, I believe it was their 1st Disney cruise. They enjoyed all the sea days, used the pools a lot, didn’t do a lot of activities, watched all the shows and enjoyed all the dining rooms.
Afterwards they added on a couple days to visit Pearl Harbor.
I’m sure there is more but my DH tends to forget things when I ask.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

We did the Vancouver to Hawaii cruise on the Womder with an Aulani post-cruise stay in spring of 2022. Five sea day, followed by five days sailing around the islands, and ending with a five night stay at Aulani. Weather and seas were smooth all the way for the cruise and the Aulani weather could not have been better. We flew into Vancouver two days prior to the cruise, so we had a little time to tour. We had done a longer stay prior to an Alaska cruise previously, so two nights pre-cruise was fine for us. We used DCL bus transportation from the port to Aulani and the paid resort shuttle from the resort ro the airport, so we did not have a rental car. We did do a USS Arizona Memorial tour booked through the resort, but otherwise just enjoyed the resort amenities during our stay, including eating most of our meals in various on-site venues. There is also a nearby shopping center with a couple of restaurants and shops where you can get snacks and beverages for the room.

We’re in flyover country also, flying out of Chicago O’Hare. We took a non-stop flight back home, rather than one of the many flights through a west coast gateway. That made the homebound travel very similar to flights from Chicago to Europe that we’ve done, since the time difference between Honolulu and Chicago is five hours compared to a six hour difference between Chicago and London. In either case, flying east, it’s an overnight flight for us and we usually try for a business class upgrade using a combination of miles and some cash.

Congratulations on the 50th. Travel is a great way to celebrate, so much so that we’ve continued to celebrate each year since ours, now at 56 years and counting.

 

[NAB]

We did this cruise last October for our 29th anniversary. Was suppose to be for our 25 th but Covid hit .

Like someone else said it is cool the first couple of days but warmed up nicely. I love sea days . The characters are in different outfits, they had people doing talks about Hawaiian culture, ukulele lessons etc. The gift shop has Hawaiian stuff out including Aulani shirts and dresses.

We stayed in Waikiki for a few days took a bus tour to Pearl Habour. Then rented a car and went to Aulani one night . It was just too expensive for us since we wanted to see more of the island. Glad I got to see though maybe someday I will be back .

 

[auntlynne]

50th state for 50th anniversary.

I have cruised Disney a bunch of times, but have spent even more time in Hawaii. Anything I can do to maximize time in the islands - or even just to see a lot if Oahu goes into my planning.

I also limit my time at Aulani, especially for price. But that’s me. I want to see the entire island - which is very doable in a few days. And you just don’t do everything. No need to cram everything in.

Note: if you want to visit Pearl Harbor (especially the boat to USS Arizona Memorial), look at getting your reservations ahead of time.

I have visited Pearl Harbor several times. For those who appreciate historical places, it can be a worthwhile use of your limited vacation time.

Note that the current window is 8 weeks in advance. There are tickets for this month (low season), but may be booked up during busy months.

Here’s the basics (from the National Park Service):

How to Make a Reservation for the USS Arizona Memorial​

Reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial Program are free and can only be made online through Recreation.gov. The first-come, first-served ticket distribution program has been discontinued. Limited standby seating may be available, but it cannot be guaranteed, especially during peak visitation times (Spring Break, Summer, Thanksgiving, and Winter Break).

Reservation Details:​

• Reservations are released daily at 3 p.m. HST in two windows: 24 hours and 8 weeks in advance.
• Tickets are non-transferable and cannot be resold.
• A $1 non-refundable fee per ticket is charged by Recreation.gov.

Steps to Reserve:​

1. Log in or create a Recreation.gov account.
2. Select your preferred date and time.
3. Reserve up to 10 tickets per day (including infants and small children).
4. Arrive at least 1 hour before your scheduled program time to check in at the Ticket Validation Desk at the Pearl Harbor Theater. Late arrivals may forfeit their reservation to those in the standby line.

Important - Your QR Code for Check-in:​

Your QR code will be emailed in a PDF attachment—bring this for check-in. Park Rangers cannot modify or rebook reservations. For changes, contact Recreation.gov directly.

 

[auntlynne]

Try to get to the Windward side. It’s more green and lush than the dry Leeward area of Aulani. The Windward side is often seen in movies and TV shows.

 

[OKW Lover]

Try to get to the Windward side. It’s more green and lush than the dry Leeward area of Aulani. The Windward side is often seen in movies and TV shows.

I'm always amused at how the landscape suddenly becomes so lush green as you approach Ko Olina. Amazing what some irrigation can do to the view.

 

[auntlynne]

I'm always amused at how the landscape suddenly becomes so lush green as you approach Ko Olina. Amazing what some irrigation can do to the view.

Golfers love their greens (and use theirs to make it so).

 

[Hubie]

In 2023 we sailed on Disney's Trans-Pacific cruise from Oahu to Sidney. We enjoyed all of the sea days and, especially, the five days and nights we spent in Sydney. As far as Oahu, unlike our previous two visits to the Big Island of Hawaii back in 2009 and 2011 which we loved, we were very disappointed and vowed never to return! We’re, however, glad we did get to experience Pearl Harbor. It was a very emotional experience for us.

The big Island of Hawaii is so much more peaceful and has much more to see. The Island of Kaui is small but gorgeous. And a local told me it's a much nicer place to visit since there's only about 30,000 people living there. It also only has a few accommodations for tourists unlike Oahu which is just so over-developed. If you plan to do any driving on Oahu there is no rush hour on the main highway leading into and out of the city of Honolulu. It's rush hour all day long! You'd think you were driving in LA. And I took pictures of some of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu but left out all the tents/shacks put up by the homeless located between the beaches and the roadside.

We did stay at Aulani for five days and both days we drove up to the North Shore it too was a zoo. We could hardly find a place to park. My DW said at one point, “Get me outa here!” We liked Aulani. It's a very beautiful resort but it was also extremely overcrowded and expensive. A simple breakfast with coffee and tip for two -- at the least expensive restaurant at the resort cost $70. Based on others advice we ate across the street at the wonderful bar/restaurant called Monkeypod during their Happy Hour (3:30 - 5:00) and a couple of times at a bar up on the North Shore. My advice, if you want to visit Hawaii, fly to the Big Island or if you're looking for a really enjoyable and long Disney cruise worthy of your 50th Anniversary take the Panama Canal cruise.

 

[auntlynne]

@Hubie - I wanted to say take an Alaska cruise. But that’s my other love. Even that is suffering from the “discovery” of fabulous travel destinations.

The North Shore has been a parking challenge since I started going in 2000.

And Monkeypod near Aulani is from Chef Peter Merriman, who helped to bring decent wages to the farmers of Hawaii and decrease the reliance on food shipped in from the mainland. Plus he does know how to create tasty food. (My favorite is his namesake restaurant in Waimea on the Big Island).

At Aulani, the Island Country Markets (an ABC store - local, large chain of souvenir/ convenience stores) is a great place to buy drinks and snacks. The location next to Monkeypod - across the road from Aulani - has a hot food section. Very possibly breakfast. I imagine something with Spam, at least.

I haven’t been since 2020, so I don’t know how bad the current problems are, but I also may just not go to certain places. The homeless lived in the Queens Park near the zoo for years. True downtown Honolulu is dingy and a homeless area, but I did not go there in the many months I have spent over the years. Most tourists don’t, as it has nothing geared toward them.

 

[auntlynne]

Just an outing a day, with the rest of the time spent at the resort, can give you a feel for Oahu. The port stops at the other islands will let you get an idea of the variety of each island; they are not 4 cookie cutter duplicates of each other.

Some of my favorites on Oahu are

Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in the US. Guided tour. Not tiring.




A circle drive. There are ways to miss the heavy traffic around Waikiki/ Punchbowl/ Business District.

I like walking along Waikiki Beach, with Diamondhead in view. I used to call home when I was working in Honolulu, so it may be the memories that make it dear to me. But there’s lots of dining choices, too. I love to see the Grand Lady - the Moana Surfrider Hotel. The lobby and back porch have a beautiful old Hawaii look and feel.





…This was a nice remembrance for me. I started looking at the many trips I have taken in the last 15 years (they are in the iPad memory).

I hope you have photos of your 50 years together that bring you joy.

 

[Evil Queen 2]

Regarding reservations for Pearl Harbor tours ~ if you book the shore excursion through your DCL cruise do they take care of the reservations? Hubby and I are doing the Vancouver to Honolulu cruise next fall.

Thanks

 

[Rambler5678]

Does Disney provide transport to Aulani from the ship post cruise?

 

[auntlynne]

… We used DCL bus transportation from the port to Aulani and the paid resort shuttle from the resort ro the airport, so we did not have a rental car. …

Does Disney provide transport to Aulani from the ship post cruise?

 

[Hubie]

@Hubie - I wanted to say take an Alaska cruise. But that’s my other love. Even that is suffering from the “discovery” of fabulous travel destinations.

The North Shore has been a parking challenge since I started going in 2000.

And Monkeypod near Aulani is from Chef Peter Merriman, who helped to bring decent wages to the farmers of Hawaii and decrease the reliance on food shipped in from the mainland. Plus he does know how to create tasty food. (My favorite is his namesake restaurant in Waimea on the Big Island).

At Aulani, the Island Country Markets (an ABC store - local, large chain of souvenir/ convenience stores) is a great place to buy drinks and snacks. The location next to Monkeypod - across the road from Aulani - has a hot food section. Very possibly breakfast. I imagine something with Spam, at least.

I haven’t been since 2020, so I don’t know how bad the current problems are, but I also may just not go to certain places. The homeless lived in the Queens Park near the zoo for years. True downtown Honolulu is dingy and a homeless area, but I did not go there in the many months I have spent over the years. Most tourists don’t, as it has nothing geared toward them.

Hello auntlynne,

I agree an Alaska cruise would also be a nice for their 50th Anniversary. We were fortunate to fly into Juneau back in 2000 and stayed in the smallest Best Western for five days. It only has four rooms located above its restaurant where you sleep in a large 4-Poster bed. Very romantic stay and it includes a full breakfast where you can order anything off of the menu you want. Besides enjoying a hike at the Mendenhall Glacier and hiking on the trails above the city where the tram takes you, we were able to go on a boat that only held 24 passengers to visit the calving, Sawyer glaciers. Our only bad memory from the trip was when we flew from Juneau to Skagway. Once there we stayed in a beautiful B & B but were put off every time the cruise ships arrived. The small historic town instantly grew then by about 10,000 tourists. Fortunately, by staying there we were able to experience the train ride when a ship or ships weren't in port. We also took the ferry over to the lovely community of Haines and stayed there for four days, which at that time wasn't accepting cruise ships. Now the whole world seems to be overrun and many cities in Europe are asking people to stay home.

 

[auntlynne]

Hello auntlynne,

I agree an Alaska cruise would also be a nice for their 50th Anniversary. We were fortunate to fly into Juneau back in 2000 and stayed in the smallest Best Western for five days. It only has four rooms located above its restaurant where you sleep in a large 4-Poster bed. Very romantic stay and it includes a full breakfast where you can order anything off of the menu you want. Besides enjoying a hike at the Mendenhall Glacier and hiking on the trails above the city where the tram takes you, we were able to go on a boat that only held 24 passengers to visit the calving, Sawyer glaciers. Our only bad memory from the trip was when we flew from Juneau to Skagway. Once there we stayed in a beautiful B & B but were put off every time the cruise ships arrived. The small historic town instantly grew then by about 10,000 tourists. Fortunately, by staying there we were able to experience the train ride when a ship or ships weren't in port. We also took the ferry over to the lovely community of Haines and stayed there for four days, which at that time wasn't accepting cruise ships. Now the whole world seems to be overrun and many cities in Europe are asking people to stay home.

You do have interesting adventures!

Have you heard yourself say “tourists” or “cruisers” when the crowd arrives? I do, despite being one myself.

Keep sharing your gems of travel; you never know when it’s going to be useful to someone.

 

[mousefan73]

We have done this sailing twice in April 2022 and Oct 2023. Cannot say the season made a difference.. Weather was the same for both trips.. Vancouver can be anything and a bit cooler the first few days.. the sea days went by super fast... I loved them. Between the two trips we did mostly car rental DIY at the ports. Kauai is a bit of a challenge as transportation to the airport is not so easy... Maybe things have since picked back up, but or sailings had infrastructure post covid still building up. in 2022 we had an overnight there so less stress, more stress in 2023 one day early departure.. Stops like this make a DCL excursion possibley worth it..

if you do rent a car plan in tons of time for traffic, you can underestmate this, especially if there is construction!!!!

We are not Aulani fans ( dont see the value in the price ) and stayed in the Waikiki area.. IF you have a car it is impossilbe to find street parking anywhere and hotel parking is limited and super expensive like 50-60 for an overnight. keep this costs in mind...

The vibe on these sailings we loved... miss the Wonder in that way... Dream in summer on the MED different vibe, not so nice.. I think maybe a big factor is you do have less kids on these sailings. which for us was good.

Pearl harbor is so easy to do on your own. From the city not bad Uber rate, not sure about Aulani... but pearl harbor/ USS Arizona is like 1 dollar if you book on own. super easy at posted above... Dont get how people pay crazy amounts for this.. plan ahead and do own transportation.