How much planning is required

[dianeschlicht]

do you need to bring your own tubes for the lazy river?

No, in fact, I don't think they allow you to use your own pool toys in the lazy river. They have very nice double tubes that will hold even the largest adult.

 

[Anal Annie]

do you need to bring your own tubes for the lazy river?

I am about 7 months away from going and I cannot wait! I think I am more excited about this trip than my Italy trip in May! Don't tell my husband though

We had 3 ports in Italy when we did our DCL Med cruise and it was fabulous - I hope we can get back to Europe one day - didn't get enough of it on that trip that's for sure!! You will have a great time!!

Meanwhile, as dead set as I am against paying almost $300 for a cabana at Aulani I went ahead & called today to reserve one for 1 day of our trip. Last year we were going to spring for one for 2 days but then they raised the price and I am having a hard time accepting it. But I asked DH last night about it and he seemed disappointed that I hadn't planned on it this time so I thought OK, maybe for 1 day. When I called earlier she said there were already 3 people on the list ahead of us for that day and it's first come, first served so although she noted I wanted one in the Ka Maka Landing area she couldn't guarantee it but she did say none of the others had requested any specific location yet. Crossing my fingers we can get either #3 or #5. I reserved it for our last full day at Aulani so we'll have time to check out the other locations before the day comes. If they can't get us in that area then we'll likely not keep the reservation. DS can't go into the adult-only area as he'll only be 17 and I am pretty sure we won't want to be in the little kids area. Now I wish I'd called earlier but am glad I called when I did so we weren't last on the list.

I am planning to get a gazebo at the Sheraton on Maui too which is similar to these cabanas but they're only $75 and they don't take reservations until 30 days out. Another date to mark on my calendar...

 

[shortypots]

Tubes are provided for the slide and lazy river.
If you have a room larger than a studio there is a washer and dryer in your room.
Laundry is free dvc members staying on points in a studio. For reference a washing machine and dryer cost $3 each for a load. Though you might need to dry twice if it is a large wash.

How do they do free for DVC and charge hotel guests? Do they have a separate laundry facility for DVC'ers?

We had 3 ports in Italy when we did our DCL Med cruise and it was fabulous - I hope we can get back to Europe one day - didn't get enough of it on that trip that's for sure!! You will have a great time!!

Meanwhile, as dead set as I am against paying almost $300 for a cabana at Aulani I went ahead & called today to reserve one for 1 day of our trip. Last year we were going to spring for one for 2 days but then they raised the price and I am having a hard time accepting it. But I asked DH last night about it and he seemed disappointed that I hadn't planned on it this time so I thought OK, maybe for 1 day. When I called earlier she said there were already 3 people on the list ahead of us for that day and it's first come, first served so although she noted I wanted one in the Ka Maka Landing area she couldn't guarantee it but she did say none of the others had requested any specific location yet. Crossing my fingers we can get either #3 or #5. I reserved it for our last full day at Aulani so we'll have time to check out the other locations before the day comes. If they can't get us in that area then we'll likely not keep the reservation. DS can't go into the adult-only area as he'll only be 17 and I am pretty sure we won't want to be in the little kids area. Now I wish I'd called earlier but am glad I called when I did so we weren't last on the list.

I am planning to get a gazebo at the Sheraton on Maui too which is similar to these cabanas but they're only $75 and they don't take reservations until 30 days out. Another date to mark on my calendar...

My DH and I are doing a 14 day land tour with Collette starting in Rome. It is my bucket list trip and we are going for our 15th wedding anniversary, but I am very excited about being able to travel with my mom. I have never been able to travel with my mom without my dad or DH present. My dad is handicapped from a stroke 20 yrs ago and she has been caring for him ever since. So it really is a blessing that we are able to go.

As for the cabana, not sure I can justify $300 or $375 for just the two of us. I could justify it if there were more of us.

 

[shortypots]

Very disappointed to hear of the bad food reviews... Not much in walking distance, so that doesn't leave much.

Any suggestions for places in walking distance? Are the Marriott restaurants worth it?

 

[Anal Annie]

How do they do free for DVC and charge hotel guests? Do they have a separate laundry facility for DVC'ers?



My DH and I are doing a 14 day land tour with Collette starting in Rome. It is my bucket list trip and we are going for our 15th wedding anniversary, but I am very excited about being able to travel with my mom. I have never been able to travel with my mom without my dad or DH present. My dad is handicapped from a stroke 20 yrs ago and she has been caring for him ever since. So it really is a blessing that we are able to go.

As for the cabana, not sure I can justify $300 or $375 for just the two of us. I could justify it if there were more of us.

Not 100% that we will go thru with the cabana but wanted to get our name on the list. They sent me an email to confirm it. It IS a lot of $$$....I mostly wanted it bcuz our DS (will be 17) isn't a beach person and won't want to lay around all day in the sun... I thought he would like having the fan, shade and tv available...otherwise he will be chomping at the bit to return to the room. I wanted to try to keep us together as a family as this may be one of our last vacations as a family.