Following Dr. Seuss to BCV- a November 2011 TR Updates 6/11

You are so right the gift shop in the Yacht Club is awesome.
 
I've followed some of Cammies TR's. Lauren's gotten so grown up! And her braces are off! What a great smile! I work for two orthodontists so I couldn't miss that! :rotfl2:
 
I'll have to check out the YC gift shop this summer when I am staying over at the Boardwalk. :goodvibes

So nice that you got to see Cammie. Is she going on the girls cruise this May?

What the heck with the boats. :confused3
 
Nice that Sean got to have a little down time - we all need that from time to time:thumbsup2

Hmmm, I have seen the empty chairs at CG and thought it was some sort of meeting hall... I will have to check it out - the clam chowder looked really yummy!

So great you got to meet up with Cammie and Lauren! :cool1: I can't believe all of those people just bumped you off the boat - how rude!:headache:
 

Hmm, I fell WAY behind! :scared1: Sorry about that.

I am all caught up now and still loving your report.

HOWEVER, the mini-TR of the trip you and your DH took was AMAZING!!! I want to be there NOW. Those updates actually made me feel like maybe it is not so sad that my DD is growing up so quickly. I would love to do something like that with no kids, lots of lying around, lots of drinks, etc. :love: Okay, so my DD just turned 5, and I am old, so I will probably be a million years old before I can do it, but wow - what a GREAT trip!
 
You are so right the gift shop in the Yacht Club is awesome.

::yes:: I think the BC one loses alot of space to the Marketplace, so maybe that's part of it- or maybe they think conventioneers want to buy nicer stuff than the rest of us. :confused3 Either way, I will be shopping at the YC again in the future!

I've followed some of Cammies TR's. Lauren's gotten so grown up! And her braces are off! What a great smile! I work for two orthodontists so I couldn't miss that! :rotfl2:

Lauren is a beautiful girl, inside and out. Really. I miss Cammie on the DIS- we wouldn't be friends if I hadn't met her here- I enjoyed her TRs. too!

I'll have to check out the YC gift shop this summer when I am staying over at the Boardwalk. :goodvibes

So nice that you got to see Cammie. Is she going on the girls cruise this May?

What the heck with the boats. :confused3

She IS coming with us in May!! :yay::yay: She flies in on Saturday and she and Kara are sharing a studio at BWV, while Loni, Joan & I are coming down on Friday and staying at BCV. The cruise is Sunday to Thursday. What's kind of funny is that Pods will also be in Orlando while we are there, on his golf trip- he flies down on Saturday and goes home Tuesday. Clearly I got the better deal on THAT one! :rotfl2: They are staying at a golf resort they have sytayed at before (and loved) called Grand Cypress.

And I have no idea what the deal was with the boats. I can see where it could happen, because there is no real queue. But it has never been like that before for us, so it never occured that we should hang on to the rope for 20 minutes so we could have a ride.


Nice that Sean got to have a little down time - we all need that from time to time:thumbsup2

Hmmm, I have seen the empty chairs at CG and thought it was some sort of meeting hall... I will have to check it out - the clam chowder looked really yummy!

So great you got to meet up with Cammie and Lauren! :cool1: I can't believe all of those people just bumped you off the boat - how rude!:headache:

That's what I always thought- that it was some kind of meeting area for conventions. Nope! Tasty and reasonable food in there! :thumbsup2

Hmm, I fell WAY behind! :scared1: Sorry about that.

I am all caught up now and still loving your report.

HOWEVER, the mini-TR of the trip you and your DH took was AMAZING!!! I want to be there NOW. Those updates actually made me feel like maybe it is not so sad that my DD is growing up so quickly. I would love to do something like that with no kids, lots of lying around, lots of drinks, etc. :love: Okay, so my DD just turned 5, and I am old, so I will probably be a million years old before I can do it, but wow - what a GREAT trip!

PLEASE don't apologize!!! I still have to read yours, too!!

And you are NOT old- I am older than you!:snooty: I hope you do get to take an adult trip sometime, though- it's nice to have a break from doing everything for everyone BUT yourself! :thumbsup2
 
Ok, I am not usually one for PTRs, but this time I am just SO super excited with my planning that I have to share!! :banana: Last night I booked the final piece to our airfare puzzle- the flights between Oahu and Kauai. I am happy to say I used ALL miles to book everything, including First Class for the 4 of us on the way home to NJ. Which is great, because it's a red eye. So we actually might sleep on the plane. :thumbsup2 The miles saved us BIG bucks- just coach round trip on our flights would have cost us over $4000. :scared1: We fly direct to HNL on the way out, so that flight will be a challenge- 10 hrs 40 min! :scared1: I think we're all going to have some Benedryl and hopefully take a nap! We'll have dinner in the airport before hopping over to Kauai, arriving at 8pm. After we pick up our luggage and get our rental car, we'll head directly to the hotel (for just the first night)-Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue-

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It is close to the airport, and it gets good reviews on Trip Advisor- plus it's CHEAP! Less than $200 a night including the tax (and that's REALLY good for Kauai!). I remember from our last visit to Hawaii...when we were in our early 20's and had just gotten married, that we were completely thrown off by the time change- for us, it will be the middle of the night, so I'm anticipating we might be a little zombie-ish for a couple of days. Hopefully that means we will be up VERY early on our first full day, when we'll head over to Waimea Canyon (after having great big yummy Mac nut pancakes at Ono Family Restaurant)

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I hope to do some hiking there on one of the many trails- one that is rated family friendly and doesn't require camping equipment or put us on top of a trail with imminent death by falling down a cliff and rappeling. :scared: Afterwards, we may walk around Waimea town for a bit, or check out some of the South Shore beaches...but I have a feeling we may just be stopping somewhere for lunch and one of THESE-

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-our first shave-ice, before heading to our destination for the rest of our stay- the North Shore of Kauai. We have a studio rented at Hanalei Bay Resort, and THIS is our lanai view-

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We rented unit #4303 and the woman who owns it has been lovely to deal with! Originally, we were planning to rent a 1 bdrm condo from her, unit 4302, but we decided to save some cash because we are going to be so busy all over beautiful Kauai that I don't know how much we would use it. But let me just say, if we were staying longer, I would have rented that space hands down- it is GORGEOUS!! This rental also comes in well under $200 per day.

That night, we may choose to have dinner at Tahiti Nui-

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which has local entertainment and has been there forever. It was in the movie The Descendants- it's the bar where George Clooney finds his uncle.

On Sunday, we're going kayaking down the Hanalei River and into Hanalei Bay, with some snorkeling and a little morning beach time-

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OMG, can you even stand how incredibly beautiful that is??? After our kayak adventure, we'll spend the day in Hanalei- maybe we'll have a plate lunch here-

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at a lunch truck called Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. that overlooks the taro fields. I'm sure someone will try kahlua pork-

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or maybe one of their specials-

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Then we'll explore around Hanalei and hit some north shore beaches-

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That night, we might go next door to Makana Terrace (at the Ritz Carlton, which we share a beach with) for happy hour and the sunset- I hear they have reduced $ Mai Tais as well as a not too shabby view-

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On our next morning we are taking a cruise out of hanalei on the boat called UFO and checking out the Napali Coast-

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Afterwards, we will rent bikes from Coconut Coasters and go for a nice ride on the Coconut Coast, stopping occasionally to hang on the beach-

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I'm sure we'll make time for another one of THESE-

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That day will be busier than most, but I was so excited when I saw there was a bike path that is nice and flat AND runs along the beaches, I just can't pass it up! Still haven't figured out what we're doing for dinner that night, can you imagine? It's lass than 6 months away!!! :rotfl: The next day is our last on Kauai, but we are not leaving until an 8:30 pm flight, which means....we can do LOTS before we head on over to Oahu! Like.... go ziplining and hiking to a waterfall at Princeville Ranch-

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I am sure if you open your windows that day you will be able to hear my terror filled screams, wherever you are....

We will probably hang at a beach for the rest of that day before going back to Lihue, where we'll have our last dinner at Duke's- because I REALLY need to try some Hula Pie!

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We won't be arriving on Oahu until 9pm, but that's ok- I think we'll be a little more used to the time zone difference by then.

I'll be back in a minute with Aulani plans!

 
We are hoping to get to Aulani by 10 pm- and we may just crash, but I bet I won't be able to sleep before we take a little walk around!

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On Wednesday morning, we are going to take it easy and enjoy Aulani. We will probably have breakfast at Makahiki's buffet-

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before enjoying the resort-

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We will also probably go to the ABC store across the street to get a few things, too. I think it will help to have breakfast items and sandwich supplies on hand (as well as some bottles of wine!). We may golf at Ko Olina's course after 3, when I believe they have a great deal for families- 1 free kid for each paying adult.

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If you look closely in the pic, you can see Aulani in the distance. That night we might try Roy's for dinner, since we will already be there-

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On Thursday, our hope is to explore the North Shore, and our first stop will be Lanaikea Beach, where the honu hang out-

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We'll also check out other beaches and Haleiwa and eat some shrimp and more of THIS-

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I sure do hope we like this shave ice stuff, because it looks like it's a BIG part of our vacation! Hopefully the line won't be too long at Matsumoto's that day.

Since Thursday will be the only Starlit Hui of our vacation (although I know the schedule keeps changing) we'll be sure to be back in plenty of time for it. Maybe we'll pick up some take-out from Thai Lao or Pho & Co.

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Friday will be Hanauma Bay for snorkeling-

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And if I don't lose my nerve, all of us will take surfing lessons from Hawaiian Fire that afternoon.

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To reward myself for all that bravery, I may have to try malasadas-

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Friday night might be a good one to order a pizza for the kids and go have a nice dinner alone with Pods- maybe at Ama Ama, if reviews continue to improve-

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Saturday is going to be a Spa day. We are also planning to horseback ride at Kuoloa Ranch- not sure which will come first, but maybe a Lomi Lomi massage would be REALLY nice AFTER 2 hours of riding.

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I still need to decide what to do for dinner on these nights, but I am sure to use Spleen's awesome advice for that! We also might go next door to the Marriot for Happy Hour Mai Tais-

Sunday, we will visit Pearl Harbor. I thinkl we will get the audio tour for this.

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Following PH, we will either go back to Aulani or go to Byodo In Temple-

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Which brings us to Monday, check-out day, and flying home to reality day. Also when we stop hemmorraghing cash day. :rotfl: We will most likely spend it at Aulani, our flight leaves at 7:30pm. That morning, if we haven't been already, we'll make sure we go to KOA Pancake house. We'll have either or first or last Loco Moco of the trip-

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We'll also hit whatever we have missed at Aulani- including snorkeling in their fish tank.

Thanks for letting me blabber on and on- it's kind of nice to see it all written out like this, and will also make it easier to show Pods- when I just talk about Hawaii, he can't absorb ANY of it, because he is ensconced in tax season and his brain is all numbers and tax laws lately!

 
It looks like you have planned an amazing trip Ellen! I hope you do a trip report.
 
Ellen - your plans look so wonderful and its great that you had points for flights! :goodvibes I did the red eye thing from LA to Auckland New Zealand once and I was totally messed up, but after a few hours of sleep I was good again. It really wasn't horrible once you know you are going to be on a plan for 11 hours you just deal with it!

I can't wait to read all about your trip because I hope that one of these days I will stay at Aulani! :thumbsup2
 
I am excited for you! Friends of ours just bought a house in Hawaii. He is the district manager for Walgreens in Hawaii. I keep trying to convince my DH to get a transfer there lol

Your plans sound great so far. We looked at Aulani but it's a long way off for us. But at least I get to live through your trip reports.:cool1:
 
Can't wait to read the trip report from this trip!
 
OMG! Amazing pics and plans!!!! Now how am I supposed to sleep - ONE WEEK for me!!!!! :dance3: I think they have a Duke's on Ohau too? Jim was saying he was told that's a must do. He hadn't heard about the hula pie, though. He leaves this Tuesday - he managed to say it about 30 times at his awards banquet on Saturday! :rotfl2:

Your resort in Kuai looks so beautiful - that scenery looks like it's right out of the movie South Pacific or something - hard to even describe! Keep 'em coming! :cool1::cool1:
 
Ellen, your Hawaii plans look completely awesome! :goodvibes I can't wait to read all about the end results.
 
OK, first up, YES to gift shop in YC, definitely the best one out there - but walking from YC/BC to DHS? That seems a lot further than from the back door of the BW.... But it's a pretty walk.....

As for Hawaii, I would absolutely DIE on a plane that long!!! But good call on first class coming home. Especially when the return trip is sad enough as it is.....

I swear we stayed at the same resort when we were in Kawai, and did the same tours there, including Waimea Canyon......... It is so pretty but I'll take the Caribbean - it's closer! :rotfl2:

You do not have shave ice in NJ? If that's why you're going to Hawaii, you could save some money and come see me - we have it all over the place!;)
 
It looks like you have planned an amazing trip Ellen! I hope you do a trip report.

Of course I will!! Glad you'd like to read it!:goodvibes

Ellen - your plans look so wonderful and its great that you had points for flights! :goodvibes I did the red eye thing from LA to Auckland New Zealand once and I was totally messed up, but after a few hours of sleep I was good again. It really wasn't horrible once you know you are going to be on a plan for 11 hours you just deal with it!

I can't wait to read all about your trip because I hope that one of these days I will stay at Aulani! :thumbsup2

Yea- 11 hours is still a looooong time to be on a plane- I'm worried about the kids more than myself, KWIM? It IS worth the trip, though- so very,very, very different from the Caribbean!

The trip looks like it will be AMAZING!!! Can't wait to see it unfold!

Me too!!!:yay:

I am excited for you! Friends of ours just bought a house in Hawaii. He is the district manager for Walgreens in Hawaii. I keep trying to convince my DH to get a transfer there lol

Your plans sound great so far. We looked at Aulani but it's a long way off for us. But at least I get to live through your trip reports.:cool1:

Well, you DEFINITELY need to at least visit them!! :goodvibes I'm glad we are going on this adventure when our kids are older because of the length of the flight and the extreme activities we can do- but I am sad they are waaaaay past hangin out at Aunty's- that sounds incredibly fun for the smaller mouseketeers!!

Can't wait to read the trip report from this trip!

I can guarantee it will have loads of pics- I am going to need alot more photo cards for Hawaii, that's for sure!

OMG! Amazing pics and plans!!!! Now how am I supposed to sleep - ONE WEEK for me!!!!! :dance3: I think they have a Duke's on Ohau too? Jim was saying he was told that's a must do. He hadn't heard about the hula pie, though. He leaves this Tuesday - he managed to say it about 30 times at his awards banquet on Saturday! :rotfl2:

Yes- Duke's is all over the Hawaiian islands- I know there is one in Honolulu. I sent you a pic of the pie before- it's a must-do! Also Lilikoi pie- but that's not a Duke's thing- it's a Hawaiian thing.:goodvibes

Your resort in Kuai looks so beautiful - that scenery looks like it's right out of the movie South Pacific or something - hard to even describe! Keep 'em coming! :cool1::cool1:

That's because it IS right out of South Pacific- that movie was filmed on Kauai, and the big scene in the beginning with all the sailors and Bloody Mary was filmed on Hanalei Bay- they actually call the mountain in the backround Bali Hai. :cloud9: http://www.summitpacificinc.com/Kauai/bali-hai.html
 
OK, first up, YES to gift shop in YC, definitely the best one out there - but walking from YC/BC to DHS? That seems a lot further than from the back door of the BW.... But it's a pretty walk.....

It sure is further!! But we didn't have much choice- we were already nixed off of two boats! Not willing to waste time waiting for a third!

As for Hawaii, I would absolutely DIE on a plane that long!!! But good call on first class coming home. Especially when the return trip is sad enough as it is.....

I swear we stayed at the same resort when we were in Kawai, and did the same tours there, including Waimea Canyon......... It is so pretty but I'll take the Caribbean - it's closer! :rotfl2:

The Caribbean is nice, but I think the Hawaiian culture and the beauty of the islands is unparalleled. Not looking forward to the plane, but it will be worth it!

You do not have shave ice in NJ? If that's why you're going to Hawaii, you could save some money and come see me - we have it all over the place!;)

No, we don't- we have Italian Ice, which is like a rock or slush, or snow cones which are hard and very crunchy. Isn't Shave Ice lighter and can have mac nut ice cream in the bottom, condensed milk on top, or adzuki beans? And you have that in South Carolina? I never knew! :rolleyes:
 
I am back and all caught up!!!!!!!! :cool1:

I am so glad you liked your lunch at the Captain's Grill. We ate there a few times and apart from one really crappy server we always had good food .... and that's what counts. :thumbsup2
Your visit to the beach with Sean is really neat. I loved the video.

Walking to DHS? You rock, girl! We did that twice too and one time in the blazing August sun ..... :rotfl2:
The other time was a relaxing midnight stroll which we enjoyed much more (back to YC from DHS). ;)

Okay and I am now officially JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your Hawaii plans sound just awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! I need to show it to Tom tomorrow. I cannot wait to read the report for this trip - you ARE doing one, aren't you? :love:

Now going back to look at the photos again ..... wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
No, we don't- we have Italian Ice, which is like a rock or slush, or snow cones which are hard and very crunchy. Isn't Shave Ice lighter and can have mac nut ice cream in the bottom, condensed milk on top, or adzuki beans? And you have that in South Carolina? I never knew! :rolleyes:

We have both... we have Italian ice AND shave ice..... We are cool like that.... :rotfl2:
 












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