Gidget Goes Hawaiian- Kauai & Aulani 8/2012 TR- 5/24 COMPLETE!!

[podsnel]

There's nothing wrong with Bakersfield other then it's Bakersfield. Did you ever watch Johnny Carson? Most people take I5 because you can go 75mph and there is no local traffic. Hwy 99 hits several cities along the way. It will be about 110 degrees when you're there, but as the locals tell you, "It's a 'dry' heat." As if that's supposed to make it OK.

There's a greasy spoon on the north end of town just off the highway calked Zingos. We like to stop there for a burger or sandwich and they have these awesome cinnamon rolls the size of your head!

Personally though unless you have another plan that requires you to go through the central valley, I would go back to the 101 (assuming that's how you got from SF to Yosemite) and drive to DL via the coast route. If we don't have to make the drive in one day (my parents live south of SF), we prefer the coast route over the valley. It's much more beautiful and substantially cooler (by about 20-30 degrees). I'm not sure if you stay on points at the Hampton, but I think they just built one in SLO. I know there is an Embassy Suites there. I've stayed at that one. Whatever you do, I'm looking forward to the TR from your trip in my backyard!

Hey girlfriend- you ROCK! Thanks for the travel tips- I am completely up for changing our plans to accomodate a faster drive with less heat! We will be leaving from the south park entrance when we go, though- will that make a difference? I think that may be why we were choosing to go that route. But I am certainly not married to it, so feel free to steer us in the right direction- We are not staying on points, but like to rack them up when we can, so that was the reason for the Hampton choice (not to mention that we think it's an excellent value), but truth be told, Embassy is our favorite- we get seperate beds AND seperate rooms!! Not to mention the great included brekkie-can't complain about any of that.

Any chance you will still be in DL when we arrive?

 

[ACDSNY]

Love the Pods story and I agree things happen for a reason. We might not always understand it at the time, but sooner or later we do.

We enjoyed sitting on the balcony in the evening listening to the music too last January. I guess it pays to go in the off season, we never ran into stop and go traffic.

 

[podsnel]

Beautiful!! I spent the day at the spa at Aulani about a year ago, but we were staying in Honolulu. One day I'd love to go back and stay at Aulani! I loved my day visit there!

I remember reading about your spa day- unless, i'm confusing it with someone else's spa day- and I agree, you need to go there and STAY!

I'm single digit dancing right there along with you!!

I can't believe there is so much traffic in Hawaii. CRAZY!

Less than a week now, BAY BEEE!!!!!! I can almost taste the cupcakes!

Aulani looks amazing! I so need to save up points and go.

Jill in CO

Hi Jill! Yea- you do. It's worth it, I have to say- I can't wait to go back!

What a cute story about the two of you!

The room looks great and a beautiful view! But just wait until you stay at the VGC those room are gorgeous!

Yay for making it to Aulani!

Cross your fingers and toes and everything ya got so we get to stay there! Even if we can't, we are all looking forward to DL- it's mecca for us, right?

Wow wow wow! The room is gorgeous!

Wow wow wow! Just so happy you are here, and YES! It WAS GORGEOUS!

This sounds VERY familiar! I'm glad (not really) that we weren't the only ones that had multiple directions to Aulani.

You did a GREAT job of explaining that in your TR- it reminded me of why WE were so confused- all the directions said something different, AND....it just plain out sucks. But I am SURE there is a better time to go and that we just hit it wrong- YEP! That's my story, and I'm stickin to it!

I love the pics of the room. I can't ever seem to get mine to turn out right. I did notice some differences from ours though. I guess it's the difference between an OV and a Std view?

Really? What were the differences? i think our villa was different because of where we were located. we had that double balcony, remember? It was a rectangle- not 2 triangles.

Glad to see your TR has made it to Aulani. I got to reminisce during your Kauai part about our trip 30 years ago and now I can reminisce during the Aulani part about our trip 7 weeks ago!

Yea- and I'm doing the same with yours! FUN, huh? We're so luck-eeeeeee!

Loved your meet Pods story, it's funny how things like that happen. The wedding pictures brought back all those 80s weddings & the floral bride's maid dresses!

OMG- Laura Ashley was IT then- now? Not so much chintz!

Aulani looks gorgeous, I need to get there, fast!

YES YOU DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All signs point to YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

 

[podsnel]

Love the Pods story and I agree things happen for a reason. We might not always understand it at the time, but sooner or later we do.

Yep!

We enjoyed sitting on the balcony in the evening listening to the music too last January. I guess it pays to go in the off season, we never ran into stop and go traffic.

I remember reading that- about the music- I thought of you while we were there and felt so lucky to be experiencing the same thing- to me, that was the icing on the Aulani cake!

 

[Nora03]

Hi Ellen,
Lurker here. I don't often post, but realize that it's nice to have feedback on your TRs. I love reading yours. You are so enthusiastic in your love for Disney and so appreciative of all your blessings.

I've read all your reports and I'm looking forward to your Grand Villa TR also.

I read your reports, as well as MEK's and also BrookElizabeth, but she doesn't seem to be posting any more.

There are so many fun reports that it's hard to get anything else done sometimes. Anyway, keep up the good work and have fun on your next trip.

We skipped Disney this year to go to New York City in May! Loved it and want to go back. In two weeks we are going to Las Vegas for our first trip - Vegas Virgins! Back to Florida in March, but getting around Disney is getting a bit much for these old folks. Luckily I get to live it through all these great trip reports. Thanks again.

Nora

 

[parrotheadlois]

desperately waiting for the continuing report from Aulani!!! As you can see from my ticker-we're going to Aulani in March (and we're from NJ too, waiting for Sandy). Loving your TR!!

 

[podsnel]

I just want to get a quick update in, I'll be back to reply afterwards-

After a WONDERFUL night's rest in a VERY comfy king size bed, I was up and ready to go! First things first, I went down to Kalepa's to purchase 2 refillable mugs, and fill mine with some morning java- kona blend, of course- no Nescacrap in Hawaii! Back in the villa, I called the golf course across the street to book a late afternoon round of golf for the four of us, preceded by a golf clinic for the boys and myself. Actually, I had called earlier in the year to book this, and was told that they always had availability and I should just book it all the morning I wanted to go. EXCEPT...now the story was- OOPS! We're all booked! Well, that had me a little peeved, being that I had tried to book it earlier and was told to do it this way- being an OCD super planner, and all- so, the guy talked to the pro, and lo and behold, 3 spots in the clinic opened up! Moral of the story- book this clinic ahead, don't wait until the day you want to do it unless you are there at a really slow time.

Here is the daily Iwa for our first day-

Our boys were enjoying sleeping in for once, so we left them to it, and Pods and I went downstairs for our breakfast at AMA AMA. On the way there, we saw-

Off the Hook-

We had a nice seat, right next to the water-

I wanted to try Traditional Loco Moco Breakfast - Hamburger Patty on top of White Rice and Two Eggs served with Mushroom and Onion Gravy 17.00

Pods chose Buttermilk Pancakes served with Candied Macadamia Nuts or Blueberries 13.00 - he had blueberries-

While I thought my Loco Moco was very good, he did not really care for his pancakes all that much. Oh well! After breakfast, it was back to the villa to get the boys some breakfast, and put on our swim suits. We went down to the pool, and were able to find 2 seats in the back row near the cabanas-

Sorry, but I did not take a whole lot of pics that day- I think I was just in need of a photo break! We did enjoy a nice, relaxing day at the pool though- the boys all went on the waterslides, then we went to the beach and they played on the floating platform out there where some kid was busy pushing everyone off (this kid was kind of a nuisance- my kids did not like him, and wherever he was, they did NOT want to be.... very happy when he left a couple of days later). For lunch we all had hot dogs from Mama's-

Except Tim had chicken-

The hot dogs were yummy, I have to say- we had them a few times for lunch, I think! The boys went over to the teen spa, Painted Sky, to see what was going on. They were looking forward to checking it out, because they LOVE the Edge on DCL and we were all hoping this would be similar (since the area for kids 12 and under, Aunty's Beach House, was so incredible). Unfortunately, that was not the case. I guess their "friend" was in there when they went, so they didn't stay long. They played a video game, I think, before coming back out. They said there was just not a whole lot to do in there. I kind of got the impression that Disney was so busy focusing on the 12 and unders, they forgot the 12 and unders grow up to be 13 to seventeens...maybe that's wrong, but there did not ever seem to be alot going on in there when we stopped in. They went back daily while we were there, and maybe our timing was off, but it was always just video games. They had no interest in joining in the work out groups that were offered, but, to be honest, I looked and it seems no one else wanted to do it, either! And when there WAS something the boys would have enjoyed- well, of COURSE that was when we were eating dinner, or off somewhere else. Oh well...

Anyway....after a restful day, it was time for some action- over on the golf course....up next!

 

[podsnel]

Hi Ellen,
Lurker here. I don't often post, but realize that it's nice to have feedback on your TRs. I love reading yours. You are so enthusiastic in your love for Disney and so appreciative of all your blessings.

thank you SO MUCH! That is so kind of you to say, and i am grateful to you for coming out of lurkerdom to do it!

I've read all your reports and I'm looking forward to your Grand Villa TR also.

Me too! 6 Days!

I read your reports, as well as MEK's and also BrookElizabeth, but she doesn't seem to be posting any more.

She doesn't? Hmmm...she just went AGAIN (she makes me look like I don't go anywhere! ), so maybe she'll write something soon!

There are so many fun reports that it's hard to get anything else done sometimes. Anyway, keep up the good work and have fun on your next trip.

Yes- I know how that is! I've got quite the pile of unfolded laundry!!

We skipped Disney this year to go to New York City in May! Loved it and want to go back. In two weeks we are going to Las Vegas for our first trip - Vegas Virgins! Back to Florida in March, but getting around Disney is getting a bit much for these old folks. Luckily I get to live it through all these great trip reports. Thanks again.

Nora

I'm a Vegas Virgin, too- never have been. Of course, NYC, well that's the opposite! We love going into the city- there is always so much to do- I am glad you enjoyed it. And thanks again for saying hello, Nora-

desperately waiting for the continuing report from Aulani!!! As you can see from my ticker-we're going to Aulani in March (and we're from NJ too, waiting for Sandy). Loving your TR!!

Thanks! Aulani was wonderful- we really enjoyed that resort and would LOVE to go back! I'll post the Iwa everyday, so hopefully that will help you, too-

Good luck with Sandy- all of our friends with beach houses are down there today packing it all up- the forecasts are pretty scary, aren't they?

 

[podsnel]

I finished scanning everything in the first Iwa (there's all this given to you when you check in) so I thought I would post them now- It is a weekly overview of what is available during your stay-

 

[franandaj]

Hey girlfriend- you ROCK! Thanks for the travel tips- I am completely up for changing our plans to accomodate a faster drive with less heat! We will be leaving from the south park entrance when we go, though- will that make a difference? I think that may be why we were choosing to go that route. But I am certainly not married to it, so feel free to steer us in the right direction- We are not staying on points, but like to rack them up when we can, so that was the reason for the Hampton choice (not to mention that we think it's an excellent value), but truth be told, Embassy is our favorite- we get seperate beds AND seperate rooms!! Not to mention the great included brekkie-can't complain about any of that.

Any chance you will still be in DL when we arrive?

OK, my bad I just looked on a map. I was thinking of Pinnacles not Yosemite! No the 99 is the only way that makes sense. I don't know what time of day you're leaving, but you could also stay in Tulare or Visalia. They're smaller towns than Bakersfield and have a little more charm. I can tell you all the hot spots in Tulare, I've visited there more times than I cared to!

Do you have a Hilton rewards card? We have an Amex that we rack up points for free stays.

I live 25 minutes from DL, so I can be out there almost any time. We would meet up for some drinks! I know a great spot!

 

[papertraveller]

Hi,

Thanks so much for the wonderful and touching story of how you two met! The photos are fantastic, too. I was in a friend's wedding party wearing a dress very similar to the one your bridesmaids wore -- our DD used it for dress-up!

The kindergarten photo is an absolute riot. Love it!

I'm thrilled the TR is now at Aulani. We also have been excited about going, but are waiting to see how school choices work out for DD next year. At one point we were thinking about doing one week at Aulani and the other at the Marriott next door, but after your shots of that Marriott on Kauai I'm thinking that might be the better choice. It would probably be more restful, given your account of the traffic out of Honolulu!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[JKSWonder]

I am editing one more time to include one more photo...it is of me, age 5, Kindergarten Graduation, circa 1968. My school, St Paul's in Perth Amboy, NJ, had a show at graduation every year- we all sang songs. One song was "Milk comes in a carton". I know...it's very exciting....hang in there...so it was milk comes in a carton, cereal comes in a box, peas come in a POD....

Guess which part I got?

Man, God has been smackin me silly since I was 5! Good thing I listened and married the right guy!

Definitely fate.

When I was a toddler, I carried around a music box that played a song called "My name is Michael". It was the first song I learned how to sing. The music box eventually disappeared, was lost or given away, but I never forgot it. And I always loved the name Michael because of it.

Mike and I met when we were 16 and have been together ever since. I knew the moment we met that we would be married.

On my first day home from the hospital after having Allison, also my 29th birthday, my Mom gave me a gift. It was the "My Name is Michael" music box. My sister had scoured all over and finally found one on EBay for me. I opened the box, saw what it was and promptly burst into tears.

And now I have a son named Michael too.

 

[podsnel]

OK, my bad I just looked on a map. I was thinking of Pinnacles not Yosemite! No the 99 is the only way that makes sense. I don't know what time of day you're leaving, but you could also stay in Tulare or Visalia. They're smaller towns than Bakersfield and have a little more charm. I can tell you all the hot spots in Tulare, I've visited there more times than I cared to!

Actually, that makes me feel better- I thought I had completely lost my ability to read a map! The reason we wanted to stop in Bakersfield was because we want to get closer to DL- so we wouldn't have very far to go in the morning. But I really played around with it today on mapquest, and now I think we'll overnight in Valencia- and it has an Embassy Suites, so even better! After we check out of the Ahwahnee on Tuesday, I want to hike in the south part of the park, especially the Mariposa Grove. If we plan on leaving there around 4, we could drive the 4 hours to Valencia (although we'll stop somewhere for dinner on the way). Any ideas?

Do you have a Hilton rewards card? We have an Amex that we rack up points for free stays.

We used to use that- now we split our purchases between the Disney Premier card (double points on restaurants, gas, food & Disney) and United Airlines (flights are just too expensive without gettin free flights every once in a while!).

I live 25 minutes from DL, so I can be out there almost any time. We would meet up for some drinks! I know a great spot!

Hi,

Thanks so much for the wonderful and touching story of how you two met! The photos are fantastic, too. I was in a friend's wedding party wearing a dress very similar to the one your bridesmaids wore -- our DD used it for dress-up!

Well- thanks for asking!

The kindergarten photo is an absolute riot. Love it!

Crazy, huh?

I'm thrilled the TR is now at Aulani. We also have been excited about going, but are waiting to see how school choices work out for DD next year. At one point we were thinking about doing one week at Aulani and the other at the Marriott next door, but after your shots of that Marriott on Kauai I'm thinking that might be the better choice. It would probably be more restful, given your account of the traffic out of Honolulu!

Can't wait to read more!

I would DEFINITELY do that if I were you- the Marriott on Kauai was really nice, and it is in a very good location- in the middle. So it's not too far to go north or south, which makes it great for sightseeing!

Definitely fate.

When I was a toddler, I carried around a music box that played a song called "My name is Michael". It was the first song I learned how to sing. The music box eventually disappeared, was lost or given away, but I never forgot it. And I always loved the name Michael because of it.

Mike and I met when we were 16 and have been together ever since. I knew the moment we met that we would be married.

On my first day home from the hospital after having Allison, also my 29th birthday, my Mom gave me a gift. It was the "My Name is Michael" music box. My sister had scoured all over and finally found one on EBay for me. I opened the box, saw what it was and promptly burst into tears.

And now I have a son named Michael too.

I LOVE your story! The music box made me cry, too! Thank you very, very much for sharing- I believe everything happens for a reason, and you sharing your story just reaffirms that belief for me. Thanks!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I think we're going to try to go to the one in Bakersfield- http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...eld_North_Airport-Bakersfield_California.html
I guess that means we're coming down 99? Is that bad? We picked Groveland because we want to do a white water rafting day and after that head closer to Yosemite- the Charlotte had good reviews on TA. Plus, it's across the street from CA's oldest bar, so I figure that's a MUST do!

And i will update about Aulani a few times before I go, I hope!

Okay, what did I miss I knew you were going to DL next Aug, but you are in single digits for a DL trip??? We will be at DTD next Friday night - heading to LA - staying in San Pedro (where the DCL ships sail out of) - Jim and DBIL are going to the Ducks/USC game on Saturday, and DSIL and I will be shopping.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Okay, all caught up! Nice ending to your Kauai day, and then Welcome to Oahu! The traffic is bad, but you would think it wouldn't be at 10 pm. I think the roads wash away regularly, or water mains break alot.

Ahhhlani - so heavenly. Nice to see you get Kona coffee there. Your villa looks so comfy and tropical! I am looking forward to more of your beautiful pics - don't feel bad for choosing to relax and forgetting about us the first day.

I've messaged you about the eye cream - not sure where you're checking in -and I know how busy you are! Had a "facial night" with DSIL tonight - love my skin!

 

[podsnel]

Okay, what did I miss I knew you were going to DL next Aug, but you are in single digits for a DL trip??? We will be at DTD next Friday night - heading to LA - staying in San Pedro (where the DCL ships sail out of) - Jim and DBIL are going to the Ducks/USC game on Saturday, and DSIL and I will be shopping.

We are going to WDW on Friday for 10 days- going to DL next summer in August, silly girl!

Okay, all caught up! Nice ending to your Kauai day, and then Welcome to Oahu! The traffic is bad, but you would think it wouldn't be at 10 pm. I think the roads wash away regularly, or water mains break alot.

Ahhhlani - so heavenly. Nice to see you get Kona coffee there. Your villa looks so comfy and tropical! I am looking forward to more of your beautiful pics - don't feel bad for choosing to relax and forgetting about us the first day.

I've messaged you about the eye cream - not sure where you're checking in -and I know how busy you are! Had a "facial night" with DSIL tonight - love my skin!

I saw your message- I just haven't looked at the stuff yet! I'll try to get to it in the next couple of days- if we don't lose power, that is....

 

[rentayenta]

Disneyland next August you say? Hmmm.....we may see you there.

 

[podsnel]

Disneyland next August you say? Hmmm.....we may see you there.

REALLY?????? That would be AWESOME!!!!! When are you going?

 

[saintstickets]

Hope you, pods and the kids are ready for Hurricane Sandy. Sending a prayer your way. Stay safe and sound. I hope your power doesn't go out...I need my Aulani fix from your fantastic TR!

 

[podsnel]

Hope you, pods and the kids are ready for Hurricane Sandy. Sending a prayer your way. Stay safe and sound. I hope your power doesn't go out...I need my Aulani fix from your fantastic TR!

Thanks, Bill- we have put away all the lawn furniture and are hoping for the best- we lost power for 3 days in one of the storms last year- hoping not to have another round of that or worse....

School was just cancelled for tomorrow-