April 29, 2012 ~ Aloha! ~ Inagural Wonder to Hawaii-Part 4

[SanDiegoSteph]

Okay, so now that everyone mostly has their cabin assignment, I wanted to see if I could *lure* anymore folks into offering their stateroom up for the Official DIS Stateroom Tour!!

I still need the following categories if you'd be willing to partcipate as a stateroom host:

4B
4E
5B
9A
10B
10C
11A

I've got the stateroom host gifts already and they are AWESOME - I know you want one, so sign up today!!!

Thanks
Stephanie

...yes, I AM the same person running the Alternate Luau and the Poker Tourney and YES, I know I am crazy to be trying to coordinate 3 different activities!!

 

[gdaneowner]

Four adults here that would still be interested. From reading about all the troubles others are having organizing different groups, I personally wouldn't look into too many other luaus. Since you are doing all the work, I think you should choose one you would enjoy, put the information out there, and let everyone decide by a certain date if they want to attend. This is still a lot less than Disney. Thank you very much for all the effort you are putting into this for us.

Judy

I completely agree!.. Make a choice and a deadline and roll with it!.. I would recmmend making the deadline pretty soon, so in case there isn't enough interest in the alternate luau, that we are able to find and alternate, to the alternates alternate!.. I myself have the Disney one booked just a precaution, in case we aren't able to get an alternate. I booked it after the first alternate fell through. I am going to Hawaii, I MUST see a Luau. I will cancel the Disney one if or when this one gets set up!

Thanks again Steph for all your research and phone calls and negotiating (sp?) to get us the best possible luau for the best possible price!

 

[SanDiegoSteph]

Since I'm on a roll, I figure I'll put a shout out regarding this activity too!!

We currently have 13 folks signed up for the at poker tournament and that is just darn right UNLUCKY!!

So, are there any other folks out there interested in participating?!? Buy-in is $20 for $100 in chips. If you'd like to join, you can sign up on the Roll Call google doc under the tab marked "Poker Tourney."

Currently it is scheduled for the same time as Champagne Girls so as to give the hubbies/significant others something to do while we sip and gulp away!!

My hubby (Marty) will be hosting and bringing the poker chips, cards etc (along with John Gar hopefully). Should be fun!!

Stephanie

 

[MrsMork]

Thanks to all of you for your kind wishes and prayers. So far things look good, will need to have the 'Big Squeeze' more often and change some medication. Waiting to hear from the DR. on the ultrasound.

But to more important news - The shirts are here!!! The count is not what she told me it would be ##xx00xx##. So I am working on it and will make a few phone calls. I'll post some photos of us modeling the shirts out on our decks, since the weather is sooo beautiful. Also, what looks like a DCL bomb went off in my dining room. Will let you know when they are in the mails - anticipate Saturday morning. Corinna, I will try to get yours off to the UK tomorrow morning.

My heartfelt sympathy for those of you who are struggling with your projects. I felt really blessed. Everyone who said they were ordering shirts did or let me know to cancel their order. On the PC cruise I took on the responsibility for a multiple number of things; Champagne Girls, 2 tasting, room tour, postcard exchange, two private tours, book exchange .... and Bob made me promise I would never never take on that many again. I felt personally responsible if everyone didn't have a good time - my failing not theirs. 99.9% of the people are more then helpful, grateful and kind. It is the .01% that makes you think you were very bad in a former life.

Oh my goodness!!! I am so excited. I just read this and said to Dennis, "THE SHIRTS ARE HERE!!!" The dog ran to the door. Guess he is excited too!

Okay, so now that everyone mostly has their cabin assignment, I wanted to see if I could *lure* anymore folks into offering their stateroom up for the Official DIS Stateroom Tour!!

I still need the following categories if you'd be willing to partcipate as a stateroom host:

4B
4E
5B
9A
10B
10C
11A

I've got the stateroom host gifts already and they are AWESOME - I know you want one, so sign up today!!!

Thanks
Stephanie

...yes, I AM the same person running the Alternate Luau and the Poker Tourney and YES, I know I am crazy to be trying to coordinate 3 different activities!!

Have you set a day/time for this?

 

[Lexa]

Since this luau starts at 5pm. We will leave the port at 4pm.

We will, however, be done earlier (8pm), so I expect to be back betwee 9-9:30pm. Lots more breathing room on the return which gets me from having an anyuerism thinking about the boat leaving without all of us!!

Stephanie, we are still IN....price/menu and VIP treatment sounds great to me!

 

[BoosGram]

Wondering what movies will be playing onboard.

I'm going to bet John Carter is among them.

So I will raise my glass to you and the other generous people here who have volunteered and taken the time to give enjoyment to the DIS members who are traveling with them. You are all the best!

I agree with all my heart! We are so blessed to have such wonderful and generous folks onboard.

Thanks to all of you for your kind wishes and prayers. So far things look good, will need to have the 'Big Squeeze' more often and change some medication. Waiting to hear from the DR. on the ultrasound.

That's good news! I will continue to send prayers and pixie dust your way!

But to more important news - The shirts are here!!! The count is not what she told me it would be ##xx00xx##. So I am working on it and will make a few phone calls. I'll post some photos of us modeling the shirts out on our decks, since the weather is sooo beautiful. Also, what looks like a DCL bomb went off in my dining room. Will let you know when they are in the mails - anticipate Saturday morning. Corinna, I will try to get yours off to the UK tomorrow morning.

Really, Val, your first news was the best...but it's way cool that the shirts are in!

My heartfelt sympathy for those of you who are struggling with your projects. I felt really blessed. Everyone who said they were ordering shirts did or let me know to cancel their order. On the PC cruise I took on the responsibility for a multiple number of things; Champagne Girls, 2 tasting, room tour, postcard exchange, two private tours, book exchange .... and Bob made me promise I would never never take on that many again. I felt personally responsible if everyone didn't have a good time - my failing not theirs. 99.9% of the people are more then helpful, grateful and kind. It is the .01% that makes you think you were very bad in a former life.

You are one brave woman!

 

[scubadiver]

Okay, so I have gotten some info back from the Hyatt regarding their Drums of the Pacific Luau (http://www.hyattregencymaui.com/drums-pacific-luau.html)

This event would be from 5pm-8pm with pick up at the port at 4pm and return by 9:30pm

For our group, they could provide the following:

VIP Seating

• Tables of 16-18 people in the very front of the venue closest to the stage (this is important because this is a much larger venue than Feast at Lele with 500-600 participants)
• Early entry to the venue; Queue in the shade (VIPs enter about 40 minutes prior to General Admission)
• First in line at the buffet which means warmer food (General Admission eats about 25 minutes after VIPs)
• Open Bar featuring beer, wine, mixed cocktails, mai tais, and fruit punch (VIPs have waiter service for drinks vice having to go to the bar)

Pricing

• Adults (13 and over) - $85 plus ~$25 for transportation = $110
• Children (6-12) - $50 plus ~$25 for transportation = $75
• Lil' Children (5 and under) - $30 plus ~$25 for transportation (unless lap child) = $55

This is much more than the TravelZoo offer (basically $50/adult with free kids under 6), but you are paying for the VIP component which all the reviews I've read say will "make or break" your enjoyment as to this luau. But, it is also a significant discount over their posted VIP rates of $130/$75/$30

Here is the menu:

Salads & Sides
garden salad with papaya seed dressing & la scala vinaigrette
lomi-lomi relish
pancit noodle salad
ahi poke
maui onion & cucumber namasu
fresh pounded poi
Tropical Fruits
hawaiian papaya
maui gold pineapple
fresh seedless watermelon
Local Grinds
huli-huli chicken
kalua pork
cilantro crusted mahi-mahi with lemon-ginger beurre blanc
fried rice
asian stir-fried vegetable
teriyaki sauce & pineapple salsa
house baked poi rolls & butter
Desserts
chocolate & macadamia nut mousse pie
coconut haupia
fresh baked pineapple upside down cake
warm bread pudding with vanilla sauce
freshly brewed starbuck coffee & tazo tea

I am happy to make arrangements for those who want to still participate. I am also happy to look at other places if folks have some alternate ideas.

Just let me know your thoughts - either here or via PM

We would also be interested in this alternate luau. We are a party of 4, 2 adults and 2 under 13. Thanks for your time and effort to set up another altenate.

 

[dcannon101]

Stephanie -

We are still interested in the second alternate luau, There are 2 adults here. Let me know when and how you want the money.

 

[calypso726]

Hi Terrie! Wish we were on the Maiden Voyage with you. Couldn't do both though. Say "hi" to Wally too from John and I!

Hi Carol! We wish you guys were coming on with us too. We'd love to be on THIS cruise with everyone but we couldn't do both either. Wally says Hi! Say "hi" to John from both of us

 

[chip&dale&fun]

Totally agree. I sent PM's to everyone on scrapbooking. Out of 60 people, 20 have given no response. The other 40 were awesome. It is just really hard to plan when I am spending time putting together packets based on how many scrapbookers signed up. If the 20 that haven't responded have changed their mind, all they need to do is contact me. I am sure there are more that would want to participate. The other thing is, I am hauling all this stuff to the ship, and I only want to take what is being used. Don't want to bring back extra stuff. Paper and books are just so heavy.

Okay.....I have vented. Back to normal......

Note to self, note to self, note to self...Must pay paypal...So so so sorry. Card got scammed and I have not loaded the new card.

Thank you for putting this together and so sorry to take advantage.

 

[chip&dale&fun]

Thanks to all of you for your kind wishes and prayers. So far things look good, will need to have the 'Big Squeeze' more often and change some medication. Waiting to hear from the DR. on the ultrasound.

But to more important news - The shirts are here!!! The count is not what she told me it would be ##xx00xx##. So I am working on it and will make a few phone calls. I'll post some photos of us modeling the shirts out on our decks, since the weather is sooo beautiful. Also, what looks like a DCL bomb went off in my dining room. Will let you know when they are in the mails - anticipate Saturday morning. Corinna, I will try to get yours off to the UK tomorrow morning.

My heartfelt sympathy for those of you who are struggling with your projects. I felt really blessed. Everyone who said they were ordering shirts did or let me know to cancel their order. On the PC cruise I took on the responsibility for a multiple number of things; Champagne Girls, 2 tasting, room tour, postcard exchange, two private tours, book exchange .... and Bob made me promise I would never never take on that many again. I felt personally responsible if everyone didn't have a good time - my failing not theirs. 99.9% of the people are more then helpful, grateful and kind. It is the .01% that makes you think you were very bad in a former life.

Val - glad that you checked in and all is as well as it can be.....

As for the shirts, I can't wait to see your modeling pictures......

Thanks again for everything!!!!!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Great news for you Val!! And, can't wait to see you model your shirts.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Thanks!

There are people from every group that I know so everyone will be getting something from us. It just doesn't seem like a FE if you only give to 25 people.

My feelings exactly.

And, since I not hindered by luggage this time, I wafted back and forth about doing all the FE's but now that they are broken down Into groups, it just might work for me. I was feeling bad about not having the same gift for everyone but I might just have enough if no one gets hurt they didn't get what someone else got. I'm excited just didn't expect to have so many and I can probably accommodate the ladies Sharing can I get woo hoo?

Ok, NOW... I'm finally getting excited ..and this will be my first champagne girls EVER!!!

 

[padalyn]

Sorry for forgetting you Linda. It's got to be the hardest on you.....I'll only have champagne left over, but you will have scrapbooks to take back home with you. That is so wrong. Especially when someone else may have wanted to do it.

Maybe we should all take a page out of Cayla's book and do it the way she does. It's a little "tough love" but it's effective and necessary to just make the rules up front and don't take any nonsense.

wow - never thought of myself as tough love. I just set the rules, that being said - I have taken gty rooms - and am looking for cabins for two people registered on the Bahamas 8 day cruise. Otherwise I find most folks are pretty good. I so feel the pain that all you folks are having. I also am guilty of not following up on a list - I had withdrawn from the CG and somehow didn't follow up on that - so got a PM...sorry Deb!

Except for those sharing a cabin and doing seperate FE. Also we don't have our Dis names on FE just first names.

That is no issue for me at all - the bigger thing is someone like Michael who isn't on the Dis at all! We travel together - many on the boards know him, so he often receives FE gifts. He doesn't expect them - but loves it when they show up! I do the FE gift and add his name

Since this luau starts at 5pm. We will leave the port at 4pm.

We will, however, be done earlier (8pm), so I expect to be back betwee 9-9:30pm. Lots more breathing room on the return which gets me from having an anyuerism thinking about the boat leaving without all of us!!

I am in - will ask Michael again.

Cayla

 

[chip&dale&fun]

Okay, so now that everyone mostly has their cabin assignment, I wanted to see if I could *lure* anymore folks into offering their stateroom up for the Official DIS Stateroom Tour!!

I still need the following categories if you'd be willing to partcipate as a stateroom host:

4B
4E
5B
9A
10B
10C
11A

I've got the stateroom host gifts already and they are AWESOME - I know you want one, so sign up today!!!

Thanks
Stephanie

...yes, I AM the same person running the Alternate Luau and the Poker Tourney and YES, I know I am crazy to be trying to coordinate 3 different activities!!

Can't help but it sounds like a fun tour.....

 

[chip&dale&fun]

We would also be interested in this alternate luau. We are a party of 4, 2 adults and 2 under 13. Thanks for your time and effort to set up another altenate.

Scubadiver --- on a different topic are you diving on the islands? We are set up for Maui and Kauai but still need to firm up for Hilo....then I decide if we are sleping or renting gear. Very spoiled with normally not having to fly.

 

[dwcsk8]

For those of you going to Aulani, there is a mention in the last D23 newsletter about a 10% discount on two scoops of ice cream at Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor in Ko Olina which is walking distance from Aulani, when you present your valid D23 Membership card. Also listed are discounts at certain DL restaurants, etc.

Look in the area that talks about membership privileges.

I will be away from Disboards for a few days to be with DH who is having more medical tests. Cross your fingers.

Val, great news on your outcome!

Diane

 

[disneygal0614]

What is a stateroom tour???

 

[BoosGram]

I will be away from Disboards for a few days to be with DH who is having more medical tests. Cross your fingers.

Diane

Prayers and pixie dust for you and your DH, Diane.

What is a stateroom tour???

A stateroom tour is an organized peek at the different cabin categories and is done when folks volunteer their cabin to represent a specific level. We took one tour and got very lucky since one of the DISers was in the Roy suite. Wow! That was amazing!

 

[scubadiver]

Scubadiver --- on a different topic are you diving on the islands? We are set up for Maui and Kauai but still need to firm up for Hilo....then I decide if we are sleping or renting gear. Very spoiled with normally not having to fly.

I lug my gear to Mexico every year, but it is a men only trip, absolutely no frills. I do not want to hear how all my dive gear is taking up room in our spacious cabin. Where would I run and hide? So the diving will be hold for this trip.

Just trying to keep peace in the family!