It All Started with a Massive Price Glitch - Aulani Nov. 2014 PTR ~ Updated 12/6 - TR

[Dugette]

Given our late night full of toddler-transfers the night before , this morning will be have to be played by ear. So, these are the plans if we are up at a "normal" time. If not, we can do this another morning. No big deal.

We start off with a quick service breakfast, probably at Aulani's Ulu Cafe. Then we'll head over to Aunty's Beach House (the kids' club) for the Open House/Toddler Time - I believe around 8:30am. Just to clarify, Aunty's Beach House's childcare is included for free for children 3 and up, but they do not provide care at all for children under 3 (Izzy). However, they do Open Houses and Toddler Time things each day, I believe, but the toddlers need to be accompanied by their parents. So, this is our chance to play in the club, but I cannot leave Izzy there. This is one of those things (like character meets) that I'm having trouble planning in advance until I see the Daily Iwa (schedule). I think some of these toddler times have Minnie, but not sure. Once we get our schedule, I may play around with what days we go and when we stick around the resort for character meets, etc.

At any rate, once we've finished having fun there, we'll head out for our Target and/or Costco grocery run. I made a note to myself that I should put one of our empty suitcases in the trunk so I can easily bring our purchases back to the room. We'll need to pick up things for a few breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and drinks. Maybe some souvenirs. I hear Costco has the best macadamia nuts.

Target is right by Aloha Salads, which is a well-reviewed place for a nice lunch, so I'll plan on that after shopping. Maybe take it to go, depending on how Izzy's doing. I'd like to have Izzy (and maybe me!) nap in our room this day.

After our nap, it's lazy pool time. No real agenda, just giving Izzy some pool/beach/splash pad/Menehune Bridge (play structure) time - whichever she wants. Maybe some character meets, if they're out? (I believe meets are Mickey, Minnie, Chip 'N Dale, Goofy, Stitch, and sometimes Donald).

If we're ready for dinner during the 3-5:30pm period, I'd like to go next door to the highly recommended Monkeypod Kitchen. Maybe have a mai tai and an appetizer or two. I hear the Pumpkin Patch Ravioli is good.

We'll head back to Aulani and, if Izzy is still awake, try to see the Starlit Hui show that evening (if showing, I think it will be, but it's not every night). The pre-show is at 7:30 and it starts at 8pm. It's Aulani's version of a luau with Disney characters at the end.

Then it's bedtime! Another very low-key flexible day tomorrow!

 

[AprilRenee]

Sounds like a nice relaxing day but with enough fun stuff to enjoy yourself and not get bored! Perfect! I bet that toddler time will be fun!

 

[Dugette]

Sounds like a nice relaxing day but with enough fun stuff to enjoy yourself and not get bored! Perfect! I bet that toddler time will be fun!

Yes, I think it will probably be a good change of pace after the hectic days prior. And I expect it to be the first chance for me to actually get Izzy to the pool. About time, I guess!

 

[Dugette]

We start this Mommy & Izzy day with a 9am breakfast reservation at Aulani's nice sit-down restaurant Ama Ama. I actually wanted to do this when Dug was there, but I just could not find any way to fit it in. Poor Dug. Of course, if he REALLY wanted to, the last morning of the trip, while I'm at Diamond Head, he could go to Ama Ama with Izzy. So, I guess it's not out of the question. At any rate, I'm planning to have the "Chocolate Milk-dipped Haupia Bread French Toast stuffed with Bananas and Peanut Butter". Mmmmm. I guess Izzy can have some too. We'll probably get some fruit or pastries or something for her to munch on.

We have absolutely nothing planned for the majority of this day. I think this is good, though, as it gives us time to either:

1.) Enjoy the resort/pool/play areas/character meets/etc. more
2.) Do the shopping if we couldn't manage it the day before
3.) Go explore the island if we get bored

Planning for both lunch and nap in the room, unless we decide to venture out.

I've gone back and forth on whether we do a catamaran ride at all and then when and where and who with, etc. I thought I had all that decided and then Dug's plans obviously changed. So, I am currently planning to go with the advice I got on here to take a sunset cruise on Hawaii Nautical out of the Ko Olina area. It sounds like a good company with good boats and good reviews. I'm leaning towards this because I don't have to drive across the island and it just seems like a better fit for me solo with Izzy, as I would imagine a lot of Aulani families will be on it.

The (morning) "booze cruise" I had previously planned was going to be $60 total ($30/each for me and Dug, Izzy free), so this one would have been a lot more expensive for us to do initially, at $82/each. However, with just me and Izzy, it's only $82 (free up to 4 years old). PLUS, there is an offer on Yelp to get a $50 gift card for $40 for this company, so $10 off. PLUS, we get food and some drinks. Appetizers ("pupus") and a couple bar drinks and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. So, when you factor that in, I think it's a reasonable deal.

I love being on a boat and I'm hoping that Izzy is in a cooperative mood (i.e. - not having to chase her all over and keep her from jumping off). I really hope we can see some dolphins or more too. At least we should see a sunset. I booked this a few minutes ago (doing these updates really pushes me to finish these tasks!). We can cancel up to 24 hours in advance (and the guy on the phone seemed to indicate they'd let me cancel anytime, because, hey - 2-year-olds! ) I don't pay until I get there, so I think I will wait to purchase the Yelp deal until that day so that I know if Izzy is going to be able to handle the evening on a boat (hope it's still available in a month!). I am thinking of bringing the Ergo, in case Izzy is ready for bed by then - I would be totally fine going on a catamaran ride while she sleeps on me.

The catamaran company does run a free shuttle from Aulani (and neighboring resorts) to the boat, but I think we will drive ourselves to and from their free parking. They have two different vehicles and my assumption, based on what he described, is that I'd need to put her carseat in one of them, but probably not in the other (more of a bus). Not sure, though, and not worth the worry or trouble or research when I have a car there all ready to go. I don't intend to drink a lot, so we'll be okay.

When we get back, it's flexible time again. It will probably be about 7:30pm. If we are still hungry, we'll grab something more to eat, either at the resort quick-service or from our room. My guess is that Izzy will be ready for bed. If not, though, I think a movie is showing on the beach around this time, so we could check that out for a bit. Otherwise, off to sleep - in preparation for the absolute least planned day ever! (which is probably what all days of most peoples' Hawaiian vacations look like).

 

[TheMaxRebo]

1 Month from Today - Sun. 11/9:

ok, so Izzy is either going to be super ready for the trip in a month ... or totally over it and no longer have any interest

Your plans do seem like a lot on paper but they all seem like relatively quick stops and if something doesn't seem interesting or if you are running behind I am sure you can skip a thing or two as well

I hope you both enjoy Pearl Harbor and don't feel like you have to "rush" at all. Either way I am sure it will be an experience

Good luck with the "scary" road - sounds very scenic though so, hope the scenic-to-scary factor is in your favor

Ooh, Kona Brewing coming - I am down with that stop! Be sure to get some shots of Izzy photobombing all the beer

I hope things work out timing wise and you get a bit of time to rest and relax and just kinda enjoy family time before Dug needs to leave

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1 Month from Today - Mon. 11/10:

I am sure once you see the daily list of activities there will be other things that peak your interest as well - but probably smart to keep this day as a bit of a "down day" ... and of course shopping

That's a little surprising there is no child care for those under 3 (in my head thinking it would be like a DCL where they have that nursery that you get some time that you can leave toddlers there - might be an extra cost though) ... I mean, not that you want to ditch Izzy for the whole day or anything but even an hour here or there for your rest or go to the spa or something would have been nice. Oh well, if that turns out to be the biggest issue with your trip I think it will be a pretty dang good one

The Starlit Hui sounds really fun - I bet Izzy would love it ... I mean, she is already dressing for it at home

 

[Dugette]

1 Month from Today - Sun. 11/9:

ok, so Izzy is either going to be super ready for the trip in a month ... or totally over it and no longer have any interest

Very true, you never know at this age. I just wonder what she thinks Hawaii is like - probably endless pool time with Minnie splashing at her side.

Your plans do seem like a lot on paper but they all seem like relatively quick stops and if something doesn't seem interesting or if you are running behind I am sure you can skip a thing or two as well

Exactly. They LOOK like a lot, but I think they are actually pretty reasonable. Hoping so, at least.

I hope you both enjoy Pearl Harbor and don't feel like you have to "rush" at all. Either way I am sure it will be an experience

Yeah, I think it will be good, as long as we get there on time and all.

Good luck with the "scary" road - sounds very scenic though so, hope the scenic-to-scary factor is in your favor

Yes, I'm sure we'll be fine. I like driving those types of roads (and have done quite a few over the years), so I'm not too worried. And I think this is just a mild one compared to some others you can find in Hawaii.

Ooh, Kona Brewing coming - I am down with that stop! Be sure to get some shots of Izzy photobombing all the beer

Ha, we will have to do that! I should have known you'd approve of this one.

I hope things work out timing wise and you get a bit of time to rest and relax and just kinda enjoy family time before Dug needs to leave

Yes, hoping it all goes okay. Not sure how we'll spend that evening time. Quite possibly taking a nap or something. We'll see.

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1 Month from Today - Mon. 11/10:

I am sure once you see the daily list of activities there will be other things that peak your interest as well - but probably smart to keep this day as a bit of a "down day" ... and of course shopping

Yes, I think there will be things we'll want to do each day that we can't really plan in advance. I'm semi-interested in the ukulele lessons, but not sure about doing that with Izzy in tow. And who knows what else there may be. I don't think we'll be bored, though.

That's a little surprising there is no child care for those under 3 (in my head thinking it would be like a DCL where they have that nursery that you get some time that you can leave toddlers there - might be an extra cost though) ... I mean, not that you want to ditch Izzy for the whole day or anything but even an hour here or there for your rest or go to the spa or something would have been nice. Oh well, if that turns out to be the biggest issue with your trip I think it will be a pretty dang good one

I wish it were like DCL and I could pay for a nursery for a short time. However, they don't have any option like that with Aunty's. The only option I have is to hire in-room babysitting for $30/hour with a minimum of 4 hours. Pretty steep. Though, I am keeping that in the back of my mind, just in case I find myself clamoring for some solo time or to do something that Izzy can't. I doubt I'll use it, though. Now, if Minnie came over to babysit, that would be totally different...

The Starlit Hui sounds really fun - I bet Izzy would love it ... I mean, she is already dressing for it at home

I think we'll enjoy it. As long as Izzy stays awake. If not, I believe we'll have a second chance later in the week (or can see it again).

 

[Dugette]

Well, this update is going to be easy. This is the entirety of the "plans" I currently have for this day:

Breakfast in room
Lunch in room
Nap in room
Undetermined dinner
Maybe go see Uncle's storytelling at the fire pit

Yep, that's it.

I think I will attempt to leave this day unscheduled. That way, it can be a "buffer" day of sorts - gives us a chance to shuffle things around and do things we didn't have a chance to, etc.

This is definitely the non-commando part of the touring plan for this trip.

We do have some plans the next day, though.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

well, this response will be easy ... sounds like a great day!

Actually, probably will be a great day to kinda catch your breath and see what you missed or want to to again and just what is working with having Izzy 1:1 and what maybe that isn't the best for, etc.

 

[Dugette]

well, this response will be easy ... sounds like a great day!

Actually, probably will be a great day to kinda catch your breath and see what you missed or want to to again and just what is working with having Izzy 1:1 and what maybe that isn't the best for, etc.

Yes, I'm really working to keep this day open so that we'll have some breathing room on all of our other plans. And to make sure that we do take time to enjoy all that the resort has to offer. But you know what it's like - so hard to NOT plan something!

And thanks for sticking with me through all these posts, Phil!

 

[Dugette]

Okay, here's a more exciting plan for ya!

We start off with breakfast in the room. A side note on that, by the way. The other day, I got a little $3 microwave egg sandwich maker at Target. I have to try it still, but Dug has used it a few times and said that it works. Thinking I can get some English muffins or bagels, some sliced cheese, maybe some ham or sausage, and make egg sandwiches for breakfasts at Aulani. Yum!

Around 8am or so, we'll head to the car and drive up to the North Shore. We're going to Waimea Valley to walk through the botanical gardens and see the waterfall. I believe they open at 9am and I hope to get there right around opening time. The "hike" through the gardens and to the waterfall is all paved and easy, so stroller will be fine. Or Izzy can walk, if she really wants to. Not going to swim in the waterfall, just look. I know some people say this place is expensive, at $15/person, but with just me and Izzy (she's free), it seems reasonable for a nice walk with good things to look at. I like getting out and walking and seeing new things, so I'll take any chance I can get to do that.

Okay, scratch the timing on that! This is what happens when you make your reservations while writing your PTR! Our next "planned" item is actually going to be earlier than I intended, so I will be switching things around. What's that thing, you ask?

Izzy's pony ride! I was hoping for 10:45 or so, but they only could do 9:45am or Noon. I don't want her to sleep through it, so 9:45 it is! The awesome thing - I just called Gunstock Ranch to reserve this and the lady on the phone was certain that I was "kama'aina" (a local!) to be booking so early. Even when I told her I wasn't, she gave me the kama'aina rate anyway! I guess I am officially Hawaiian now! So, instead of $39+tax, the ride is $34.92 total. Sweet! She also said that the pony rides are 1-on-1, so they will do whatever Izzy is comfortable with. If she wants to pet the pony and brush it for a while before she's okay riding, that's fine. I think it will be a fun experience for her. She loves animals and has been riding her little Disney rocking horse lately. And I actually am kind-of glad we are doing this earlier now, since I want to make sure Izzy's awake and in a good mood. Hope she will be.

So, we will need to be there around 9:30am and it takes about an hour from Aulani. We can leave the room a bit later than the original plan now. I think I will just need to make sure that there are not any surf competitions going on that day at the North Shore (clogging up traffic).

After the pony ride, we will backtrack about 15 minutes to Waimea Valley. If Izzy's already wiped out, this can be a stroller nap. If not, she can nap in the car afterwards. The plans get a little fuzzy and circumstance-dependent at this point. I will want to eat (and Izzy will too, if she's awake), but don't have a plan as to where. Somewhere on the North Shore. This could be a chance to swing by the McDonald's for a deep fried pie (thanks, Captain Oblivious!). Or maybe back to Ted's Bakery. Or maybe a PB&J in the car, who knows.

Unless Izzy has already napped in the stroller, I figured I'd just drive around and enjoy the island while she napped. North Shore, East Shore, wherever. If we didn't do the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail hike when Dug was with us, I might make the (somewhat long) drive down that way and do that when Izzy wakes up. So, we'll play this part by ear.

If we missed out on the Dole Plantation earlier in the trip, we could swing by there on the way back to Aulani.

Depending on what time we get back, I might want to hit up the Monkeypod Happy Hour again (3-5:30pm). If we want another showing of the Starlit Hui, it will likely be going on this night too.

Then we rest up, because Dug is coming back tomorrow! And that means...we've got PLANS!

 

[AKL_Megs]

Yum! Did you purchase the egg cooker thing at Target by chance? This sounds right up our alley! I'm curious!

 

[Dugette]

Yum! Did you purchase the egg cooker thing at Target by chance? This sounds right up our alley! I'm curious!

Yep, Target. It's the Nordicware brand. I was actually there to get one of their microwave popcorn makers as a gift for Dug (and he loves it!), but that caught my eye too - and for $3, why not? Plus, it's small, so easy to bring with us. It's called the Egg Muffin Maker or something like that.

 

[AprilRenee]

Yay!! Dug comes back!!
And that pony ride should be fun! Caden just rode one for the first time a few weeks ago. He was excited for it while standing in line (quiet and subdued but said he was excited) and then he was very serious while on the horse. But he said he liked it and didn't freak out at all. It was kinda funny how calm he was and how serious he took it.

 

[Imagineer5]

I jjust browsed through your plans, and I think they look fantastic! Great use of nap time in the car visiting the sights after the Pearl Harbor visits, and great down time planned when it is just you and Izzy as well, though I think it is fun you do have some things planned like the boat ride. Having lots of beach time & pool time is going to be SO nice especially at her age.

We made time for the pool nearly every day on our most recent trip - relaxing AND fun for everyone. Plus aria is swimming solo with a life jacket or pool noodle now, so that is even more fun for me.

I Can't believe you leave in less than a month. I'll say it again- JEALOUS!!!

 

[schmass]

That is so cute that Izzy is SO READY to go to Hawaii!

Your plans so far look awesome. I hope Izzy loves her pony ride!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

So excited for Izzy's pony ride. We did horse rides on our honeymoon in Saint Lucia and going horseback riding in exotic locations is really cool! That is great that it is 1:1 (considering that - and your local discount ) the fee seems totally reasonable.

The waterfall hike sounds fun and I am sure will be quite scenic. In some ways it will be nice if Izzy naps for at least part of it so you can kinda take your time and just take in the scene and not have to worry about here as much

Cool that you have the rest of the day to kinda pick up anything you missed in the past or re-do things. And Dug is already back ... barely got a chance to miss him!


Side note, we recently had a circus come to town and Peter got to ride a pony ... and Olivia got to ride a camel!

 

[Dugette]

Yay!! Dug comes back!!

Yay! It's like he was barely gone.

And that pony ride should be fun! Caden just rode one for the first time a few weeks ago. He was excited for it while standing in line (quiet and subdued but said he was excited) and then he was very serious while on the horse. But he said he liked it and didn't freak out at all. It was kinda funny how calm he was and how serious he took it.

Aw, so cute! Maybe that's good that he took it seriously - he knows it's not an everyday experience. And the horse probably appreciated the calm rider. I hope Izzy enjoys it too. She's such an animal lover and "horsey" is part of her vocabulary.

I jjust browsed through your plans, and I think they look fantastic! Great use of nap time in the car visiting the sights after the Pearl Harbor visits, and great down time planned when it is just you and Izzy as well, though I think it is fun you do have some things planned like the boat ride. Having lots of beach time & pool time is going to be SO nice especially at her age.

Welcome back! And thanks! Yeah, with Dug missing part of the trip, I couldn't see spending that nap at the resort when there were sights he could see, given his later-than-anticipated flight out. It almost feels like this is two different trips - one action-packed sight-seeing adventure and one mellow beach and pool vacation. I think she will really enjoy the pool and all the play areas and such, but I just can't see us doing that all day every day (though I know plenty people do just that), so I figured throwing in some outings would be a nice change of pace.

We made time for the pool nearly every day on our most recent trip - relaxing AND fun for everyone. Plus aria is swimming solo with a life jacket or pool noodle now, so that is even more fun for me.

That's impressive that you got so much pool time! Of course, you did have some great pools to use. That's awesome that Aria is swimming so well! I wish we'd had time to get Izzy through another swim lesson beforehand, but sadly that will have to wait. Hoping my pool outings with her this summer were enough to make her comfortable and have fun in the water.

I Can't believe you leave in less than a month. I'll say it again- JEALOUS!!!

I can't believe it's this soon either. Dug was just amazed when I told him it's 3 weeks and 3 days - he's not ready yet! Well, hey, if you're THAT jealous, come on out during the week - we've got a half-full room and an unused pull-out couch!

That is so cute that Izzy is SO READY to go to Hawaii!

It's pretty adorable when she grabs her bag and marches out of the room, declaring that she is going to Hawaii.

Your plans so far look awesome. I hope Izzy loves her pony ride!

Thanks, I feel like the plans are finally coming together. I hope she loves the pony ride too! It wasn't something I had originally been looking for, but I think it will be a great activity to have on our agenda while we're waiting for Dug to return.

So excited for Izzy's pony ride. We did horse rides on our honeymoon in Saint Lucia and going horseback riding in exotic locations is really cool! That is great that it is 1:1 (considering that - and your local discount ) the fee seems totally reasonable.

Ha, I still love that she insisted on giving me the local discount. It's been a long time since I've ridden a horse. I kinda wish I could do one of the scenic rides on the island, but I'd have to hire the expensive babysitter for Izzy if I did that (still an option in the back of my mind, though). I think this will be fun for both of us, though.

The waterfall hike sounds fun and I am sure will be quite scenic. In some ways it will be nice if Izzy naps for at least part of it so you can kinda take your time and just take in the scene and not have to worry about here as much

I agree. Or else, if I end up doing the lighthouse hike that afternoon, her sleeping in the stroller would be nice. Great views, plus it seems like, if she wants to walk some of it, the botanical gardens would be better for that than the Makapu'u Point hike.

Cool that you have the rest of the day to kinda pick up anything you missed in the past or re-do things. And Dug is already back ... barely got a chance to miss him!

Yep!

Side note, we recently had a circus come to town and Peter got to ride a pony ... and Olivia got to ride a camel!

Aw, cute! Looks like they had fun! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Dugette]

It's the day that Dug returns! Not until 12:15pm, though, so it's just Izzy and I for the morning. We'll start with another breakfast in the room.

The morning is technically "open", but I have a couple ideas of things I'd like to do if we want to get out for a bit.

The first idea is going back to Nu'uanu Pali to let Izzy play on the playground there. And we can get some more scenic driving in on the way.

The other thought is taking a stroller walk along the path between Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island. I was thinking this might be good if Izzy is able to nap a bit early in her stroller, just prior to the airport pick-up. Both activities together might be good, as she can wear herself out at the playground, then sleep in the stroller.

When Dug gets in, we'll swing over to the airport and pick him up. Then lunch. I was thinking maybe the Rainbow Drive-In, famous for it's "plate lunches". I'm not 100% set on this one, though, so we can play it be ear.

After lunch, we'll do a bit of sight-seeing near that part of town. We'll visit Pu'u Ualakaa State Park via the scenic route on Tantalus/Round Top Road. It's a pretty drive and a great scenic view at the top. Next up is another scenic view at the Punchbowl Cemetery, which is in a giant crater. If we have extra time and inclination, we could see more things, but I left it at that, even with Dug getting back earlier than previously anticipated.

We'll head back to Aulani after sightseeing. I really want to try to get some Photopass pictures on the beach around sunset, so we'll aim to get back and do that this day. Afterwards, we have a dinner reservation at the Makahiki buffet. No characters at dinner, but it has a lot of good food options and gives us an easy dinner to look forward to for Dug's homecoming.

After dinner, we'll get Izzy to bed and trade off using the pool and hot tubs. Then off to bed to rest up for another day at the North Shore!

 

[AKL_Megs]

Yep, Target. It's the Nordicware brand. I was actually there to get one of their microwave popcorn makers as a gift for Dug (and he loves it!), but that caught my eye too - and for $3, why not? Plus, it's small, so easy to bring with us. It's called the Egg Muffin Maker or something like that.

Ah, perfect! I will look for it (or something similar) today when I head there today! Thanks!

 

[schmass]

I'm really impressed with all of the local attractions you have found to visit! The trip to Aulani I had planned in my head didn't get much further than the lazy river at the resort.