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

[englishrose47]

Great update Ellen !! Your boys have grown soooo much since I first started reading your TRs !!Funny how kids tend to do that!!

 

[Misskitty3]

Once again, your pictures are amazing!!

Those Lilikoi drinks look amazing!! I will definitely be trying something with Lilikoi in it on our next Hawaiian vacation (which will hopefully be Jan 2014)!!

 

[Anal Annie]

Just booked Aulani for a week in August and am joining in here for the ride with you to tide me over until it's our turn!! We haven't been to Hawaii since 2006 and have never spent a full week on any 1 island so it will be different for us. We are stopping at DL for 4 nights on the way and then after a week at Aulani are going to hop over to Maui (our fav. island) for 3 nights to finish up.

We usually spend only 2 or 3 nights on Oahu (always in Waikiki) and have never rented a car before on Oahu. Debating if we'll really need a car for the entire time or not? DH was thinking maybe play it by ear and rent 1 by the day from the desk there at Aulani if we decide we want to go somewhere?! I priced a mid-size one thru Costco and it was just under $300 for a week. Would hate to pay that much to have it and then it sits in lot most days. We definitely want to go up to the North Shore once or twice (we've never been). The surf school looks cool too. That would fun for a change. (I started snow skiing at age 45 so trying to surf at age 52 shouldn't be THAT far of a stretch, right? I never said I ever got past the "green" beginner slopes. My goal is to just keep all 4 limbs in working order when I get to the bottom.)

We have never done scuba...have snorkeled a LOT (always bring our own equip.). I would like to maybe try the Snuba thing tho (DH did it once & liked it). Did you see any place that offered Snuba? I think that would be my speed.

Have only just begun reading. Looking forward to catching up with the rest of your days...It's been a good read so far!!

 

[MEK]

It was light. It was refreshing. It was PERFECTION. Effen Vodka, oh where oh where hast thou been all my life??? Who knew? Cucumber Vodka is IT!

Yes Please!

That looks like the perfect poolside drink!

I'm glad Timmy danced with you at the Hiu! What a good kid! It looks like it was a lot of fun.

Cool that you got some insider information on the new changes at the resort.

That scenery at the pool - gorgeous. It's really hard to look at those pictures when the weather here is so rotten!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Good thing you made it back to the Hui in time! So nice that Timmy will dance with you. I love the way he hangs out with the girls at dances - he's got it goin' on!
I thought the horseback riding looked interesting, but like you I would have a hard time tearing myself away from Aulani when there is so much relaxation to be had!

 

[dizneeat]

And another amazing update! So much yummy food!

Perfectly spent time at the pool too .... and I would have ordered the same things you did.

 

[franandaj]

First off that meal at Roy's looked awesome! We have quite a few Roy's here and I have always wanted to try them, just never got the chance!

I will keep my fingers crossed for her. I have been catching up on your TR- I read it last night until my ipad ran out. Haven't posted because I don't want to lose my place. But can I just say, WOW! What a cabin!! And Holy Tanzanite, Batgirl! You did some jewelry shopping!

I just wrapped up that TR, and hope to wrap up the other one in time for our trip in just about two weeks. It's been long overdue and I can't even believe that we will be getting on a plane and going to WDW!!!!!

 

[podsnel]

I will do replies later this weekend (hope you don't mind ) but I HAD to come on here and because I am SOOOO CRAZY EXCITED!!!!! And I can't show it around the house-

Because I'm surprising Timmy in March when we are down in WDW before our cruise. On Saturday, I'm going to get a rental car- and take him to see the Yankees vs the Tigers during Spring Training AND....

I JUST GOT SECOND ROW BEHIND HOME PLATE!!!!!!!!!



He is going to be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy!!!!!

Ok- thanks for letting me do that- I called Pods about it, but he is with a client (he's a CPA- it's end of year stuff) and so that means I pretty much just scream into the phone all the details as fast as I can with limited squeeling before he says that's great- gotta go.

Thanks DISpeeps!

 

[ACDSNY]

On Saturday, I'm going to get a rental car- and take him to see the Yankees vs the Tigers during Spring Training AND....

I JUST GOT SECOND ROW BEHIND HOME PLATE!!!!!!!!!

Congrats on your score!!!

OMG my DD would be so jumping up and down for those tickets!!! Me on the other hand being an A's fan, not so much, I'd have to cheer on the Tigers.

 

[dizneeat]

Great score, Ellen!

No wonder Timmy likes to dance with you - you are his SUPER cool mom!

 

[Beth D]

OK, lets see if I can reply now...

I tried to reply a few minutes ago but my whole computer went bonkers! My caps locked, even though it wasn't lit, and your TR kept flashing back and forth between a couple of pages?

Love the food and pool pics. That's so awesome that Timmy still dances with you! He's going to be a lady killer when he gets older, isn't he?

Score for 2nd row tix! Go Tigers! Sorry EL - being an Indians DIE HARD fan, we root for whomever is playing the evil empire...

 

[jenseib]

Because I'm surprising Timmy in March when we are down in WDW before our cruise. On Saturday, I'm going to get a rental car- and take him to see the Yankees vs the Tigers during Spring Training AND....

I JUST GOT SECOND ROW BEHIND HOME PLATE!!!!!!!!!



He is going to be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy!!!!!

Ok- thanks for letting me do that- I called Pods about it, but he is with a client (he's a CPA- it's end of year stuff) and so that means I pretty much just scream into the phone all the details as fast as I can with limited squeeling before he says that's great- gotta go.

Thanks DISpeeps!

 

[CRdisMom]

Happy dance!!!!!

 

[JKSWonder]

I tried cucumber vodka for the first time at the martini tasting on the Fantasy. It was delish!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

So would you say the Starlit Hui show is a must-do, or just a nice thing to do if you're around? Glad you got some dancing time in with your son. I'd have been hanging out at the table.

Can't blame you for wanting to enjoy the resort, either? Even if I can't get a room there, I might drive over anyway just to check it out. I'm sure Disney will be happy to take my money in the gift shop.

 

[podsnel]

I forgot to tell you that in that Christmas Aulani video, my friends daughter was in it too. She is in the 2nd to last scene. How awesome to "know" 2 people in it now.

The paninni looks darn good.

How do you think I knew to look at the Video? It was from YOU! How awesome you know someone who works there- what a beautiful place to live!

I hope you make it back before 2015.

I will! I really want to take a cruise to Bermuda, so that is kind of in the way first, and this bid California expedition. Plus Pods wants to go to Europe again- but that would just be the two of us.

The thought of waiting until June 2014 to go back to Aulani was too long. We were going to go to Victoria BC, but the flights were too expensive so we switched to the Big Island and we had enough points for 5 free nights so we're only paying for 2. It's my after budget season reward.

That is AWESOME!!!! It does really help in going there if you have some points or miles or something to help lessen the blow-

Great update Ellen !! Your boys have grown soooo much since I first started reading your TRs !!Funny how kids tend to do that!!

Mornin Rosie! You are right- I was just thinking that, looking at my sig- only one of those pics is who they are right now. A bunch of men.

Once again, your pictures are amazing!!

Those Lilikoi drinks look amazing!! I will definitely be trying something with Lilikoi in it on our next Hawaiian vacation (which will hopefully be Jan 2014)!!

It won't be hard to find Lilikoi (which is passion fruit) - it seems everything out there is either coconut or lilikoi! YUMMM!!

And that drink was EXCELLENT!

 

[podsnel]

Just booked Aulani for a week in August and am joining in here for the ride with you to tide me over until it's our turn!! We haven't been to Hawaii since 2006 and have never spent a full week on any 1 island so it will be different for us. We are stopping at DL for 4 nights on the way and then after a week at Aulani are going to hop over to Maui (our fav. island) for 3 nights to finish up.

Hi Annie! I remember when you were talking about going in August- I thought you meant last August, though. It sounds like you have a great plan!

We usually spend only 2 or 3 nights on Oahu (always in Waikiki) and have never rented a car before on Oahu. Debating if we'll really need a car for the entire time or not? DH was thinking maybe play it by ear and rent 1 by the day from the desk there at Aulani if we decide we want to go somewhere?! I priced a mid-size one thru Costco and it was just under $300 for a week. Would hate to pay that much to have it and then it sits in lot most days. We definitely want to go up to the North Shore once or twice (we've never been). The surf school looks cool too. That would fun for a change. (I started snow skiing at age 45 so trying to surf at age 52 shouldn't be THAT far of a stretch, right? I never said I ever got past the "green" beginner slopes. My goal is to just keep all 4 limbs in working order when I get to the bottom.)

We used our car everyday, I think- but some of that was just driving across the street, so I guess you could get by without it. I think, though, when you figure the cost to and from the airport, then renting for a couple of days to go surf/North Shore etc, it's kind of a wash. And DEFINITELY surf with those firemen! Most empowering thing ever! And good for you skiing- lots more potential to get hurt doing that than surfing, I think.

We have never done scuba...have snorkeled a LOT (always bring our own equip.). I would like to maybe try the Snuba thing tho (DH did it once & liked it). Did you see any place that offered Snuba? I think that would be my speed.

Bill (Saintstickets) did a snuba/scooter tour that he got a GREAT deal on with Groupon. Here's a link to his FANTASTIC TR- http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2977540&page=5

Have only just begun reading. Looking forward to catching up with the rest of your days...It's been a good read so far!!

Thanks Annie! I'm glad you are here!

Yes Please!

That looks like the perfect poolside drink!

It didn't suck.

I'm glad Timmy danced with you at the Hiu! What a good kid! It looks like it was a lot of fun.

He was fabulous that night! Swept me right off my feet!

Cool that you got some insider information on the new changes at the resort.

That is always nice, isn't it?

That scenery at the pool - gorgeous. It's really hard to look at those pictures when the weather here is so rotten!

I know- we are on day I don't even no what of no sun- I think most of the country is. YUCK! I hope the sun is shining in Mexico!

Good thing you made it back to the Hui in time! So nice that Timmy will dance with you. I love the way he hangs out with the girls at dances - he's got it goin' on!

Well, I think so, but I am unashamedly biased.
I thought the horseback riding looked interesting, but like you I would have a hard time tearing myself away from Aulani when there is so much relaxation to be had!

Relaxing on vacay should not be underrated- it's part of why we were there!

And another amazing update! So much yummy food!

Perfectly spent time at the pool too .... and I would have ordered the same things you did.

Thanks- and I know you would have- you have porned up a LOT of Caesar salads with chicken, haven't you?

 

[podsnel]

First off that meal at Roy's looked awesome! We have quite a few Roy's here and I have always wanted to try them, just never got the chance!

Go!!!! It was very good-

I just wrapped up that TR, and hope to wrap up the other one in time for our trip in just about two weeks. It's been long overdue and I can't even believe that we will be getting on a plane and going to WDW!!!!!

YAY!!! Have a great time! But I think I lost the other TR- where is it?

Congrats on your score!!!

OMG my DD would be so jumping up and down for those tickets!!! Me on the other hand being an A's fan, not so much, I'd have to cheer on the Tigers.

I am BUSTING I am so excited! I would be much, MUCH more excited if Swisher was still there, however. I am going to have a BIG adjustment to that this season....

Great score, Ellen!

No wonder Timmy likes to dance with you - you are his SUPER cool mom!

Yes! You are RIGHT!!! I think I AM!!!

OK, lets see if I can reply now...

I tried to reply a few minutes ago but my whole computer went bonkers! My caps locked, even though it wasn't lit, and your TR kept flashing back and forth between a couple of pages?

CRAZY!!!

Love the food and pool pics. That's so awesome that Timmy still dances with you! He's going to be a lady killer when he gets older, isn't he?

I hope so!

Score for 2nd row tix! Go Tigers! Sorry EL - being an Indians DIE HARD fan, we root for whomever is playing the evil empire...

Evil Empire??? Baaahhhh...everyone's just jealous.

 

[podsnel]

Thank you!

Happy dance!!!!!

Woohoo!!!

I tried cucumber vodka for the first time at the martini tasting on the Fantasy. It was delish!

I am SO excited to hear they were mixing martinis with it on the Fantasy! Maybe Alex will make them on the Dream for me in March!

So would you say the Starlit Hui show is a must-do, or just a nice thing to do if you're around? Glad you got some dancing time in with your son. I'd have been hanging out at the table.

It would be a must do for me personally- I love even just WATCHING the dancing. And the music was great. AND it was FREE. All good things in my book! Plus- we weren't doing a luau- so this was how we got to enjoy the hula while we were there-

Can't blame you for wanting to enjoy the resort, either? Even if I can't get a room there, I might drive over anyway just to check it out. I'm sure Disney will be happy to take my money in the gift shop.

You know they will be!

 

[lisaviolet]

I will do replies later this weekend (hope you don't mind ) but I HAD to come on here and because I am SOOOO CRAZY EXCITED!!!!! And I can't show it around the house-

Because I'm surprising Timmy in March when we are down in WDW before our cruise. On Saturday, I'm going to get a rental car- and take him to see the Yankees vs the Tigers during Spring Training AND....

I JUST GOT SECOND ROW BEHIND HOME PLATE!!!!!!!!!



He is going to be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy!!!!!

Ok- thanks for letting me do that- I called Pods about it, but he is with a client (he's a CPA- it's end of year stuff) and so that means I pretty much just scream into the phone all the details as fast as I can with limited squeeling before he says that's great- gotta go.

Thanks DISpeeps!

Aren't you fabulous??????

Why yes you are!

Ellen, I have finally caught up. What a joy to read. Like I said to you - loved the surfer girl - LOVING the drinks - laughed at the boys with the shaved ice - and honestly I can't believe how grown up the boys are looking.

But I guess that's what happens, eh? And we all still go "how did THAT happen?".

Hawaii looks sublime - especially in your pictures - in your family fun and smiles. So peaceful and joy inducing to read all about it. Thank you.

Must have been wonderful to go there on your honeymoon and then return for this extravaganza, eh? Nice.

One day I will get there! It's nice to dream through your TR.