John and Kevin's California / Hawaiian (working) Vacation News

[WebmasterJohn]

Hey Gang

I posted alot of pictures last night - http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/resorts/aulani/index.htm - we have more to do today.

Keep checking that site for updates.

Thanks
John

 

[Cherinva]

Can't wait to hear all about it...have a wonderful time.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Thanks for posting these pics, John! The rooms are absolutely beautiful, and I was glad to see that they had the hidden bed armoire like in the Grand Californian villas. I can only wish to get there one day!!

 

[WebmasterJohn]

Can't wait for the next show! Did you get to meet Joe Rohde?!?

Unfortunately no - I was hoping to see him but was told he wasn't there. We also missed Iger by a few days.

We did get a chance to meet and interview the Imagineer who works for Joe as his Sr. Show Producer, Jeanette Lomboy. We taped the interview and once we get it to Scott and he has a chance to clean it up he will post it.

I think you will find her fascinating and she reveals a surprise that I think will make many of you freak out!!!

As a point of interest Jeanette was the lead Imagineer in charge of the Kim Possible interactive experience at Epcot.

 

[starwood]

I love the pool.

 

[papamouse1]

Hey guys, thanks so much for all the info. Still crossing fingers I can still get a 7-month DVC ressie for summer 2013!!

One quick question, the DU site mentioned a parking fee in the hotel rooms section but not in the DVC section. Will they be charging for parking for DVC members staying on points?

Thanks!!

 

[mikelan6]

We did get a chance to meet and interview the Imagineer who works for Joe as his Sr. Show Producer, Jeanette Lomboy. We taped the interview and once we get it to Scott and he has a chance to clean it up he will post it.

Was Kevin using foul language again?

 

[WebmasterJohn]

Hey guys, thanks so much for all the info. Still crossing fingers I can still get a 7-month DVC ressie for summer 2013!!

One quick question, the DU site mentioned a parking fee in the hotel rooms section but not in the DVC section. Will they be charging for parking for DVC members staying on points?

Thanks!!

Self parking for DVC members staying on points is free. It is $25 per night for hotel guests. Valet parking will be available at an additional charge but they did not know how much yet.

A parking fee is common in Hawaii, pretty much all hotels charge it. We are paying $30 per night where we are staying now. If there is no parking fee the per night rate is usually higher so they are just rolling it into the rate.

We told the sales and marketing folks that most Disney resorts do not charge for parking (unless it's valet) and this feels like they are nickel and diming people. They said they would consider doing away with it...we'll see.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Drove to the east side of the island today to Kailua.

It's much more low key than Honolulu and about 30 minutes from Aulani.

Had some lunch, visited a couple of art galleries, then spent the afternoon in the warm, turquoise Pacific.

What an incredible day.

I'm fascinated by the variation in atmosphere, style and things to do in the different towns.

Honolulu / Waikiki is the "Times Square" of beaches / shopping.

Ko'olina is very laid back with a decidedly "upscale" feel.

Kailua is friendly and laid back and beautiful.

Tomorrow, we are visiting the North Shore to see what that's like.

Hawaiians love their islands and all that goes with them.

When I first arrived and saw the "South Beach" type atmosphere of Waikiki, I wasn't very impressed. As I get to explore a little bit, I understand their love.

I have had but the slightest taste and I can't wait to come back.

Tomorrow is our last day and aside from missing my dogs something fierce.....I could stay a month.

I'm going to miss Hawaii.

 

[WebmasterJohn]

I'm going to miss Hawaii.

If you play your cards right maybe we'll come back soon

And maybe we can get some of our DIS Friends to join us

 

[starwood]

After our first trip or 2 to Hawaii we eventually stopped going to Oahu and started going to Maui. If you like Oahu wait until you see Maui.

John - just tell us when and where and I'm willing to be there. We haven't been to Hawaii in 20 years (since before Matt was born). The last time we were there when I got off the plane I had this funny feeling I was home. I just wish it wasn't so far away.

 

[apurplebrat]

If you play your cards right maybe we'll come back soon

And maybe we can get some of our DIS Friends to join us

 

[Cherinva]

If you play your cards right maybe we'll come back soon

And maybe we can get some of our DIS Friends to join us

 

[wdwscout]

If you play your cards right maybe we'll come back soon

And maybe we can get some of our DIS Friends to join us

Name the date!!

 

[NitroStitch]

Hey Gang

I posted alot of pictures last night - http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/resorts/aulani/index.htm - we have more to do today.

Keep checking that site for updates.

Thanks
John

Oh WOW! Those are gorgeous photos! I want to go!

Anyone want to spend megabucks on a kidney - I have two. Guess I'll just need to get a few more jobs or play the lottery more often instead. I like my kidneys where they are...

 

[corky441]

If you play your cards right maybe we'll come back soon

And maybe we can get some of our DIS Friends to join us

Good thing Chase just upped my Disney Visa credit limit...
Do I see a Podcast Hawaiian adventure on the horizon ?

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Unfortunately no - I was hoping to see him but was told he wasn't there. We also missed Iger by a few days.

We did get a chance to meet and interview the Imagineer who works for Joe as his Sr. Show Producer, Jeanette Lomboy. We taped the interview and once we get it to Scott and he has a chance to clean it up he will post it.

I think you will find her fascinating and she reveals a surprise that I think will make many of you freak out!!!

As a point of interest Jeanette was the lead Imagineer in charge of the Kim Possible interactive experience at Epcot.

Oooh, interesting... I can't wait to listen.

 

[stenogoddess]

If you play your cards right maybe we'll come back soon

And maybe we can get some of our DIS Friends to join us

Don't even ask, just sign us up!

 

[JERME81]

I know the feeling.....its been about two months since I was in Maui and I miss it every day. I miss the sound of the ocean, the sunsets, the friendly people, and the Mai Tai's!! Hawaii changes people.

 

[DVC Kathy]

We've been lucky enough to get to Hawaii twice, both in connection with DH's conferences.

The first trip we planned 4 nights on Maui before heading to the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu for the conference. That was 1991, and I still remember the feeling I had as we drove away from the airport at dusk. It was as though the island itself was alive. I could really believe in the Hawaiian gods.

In 2005 we rented a car for a day and drove around Oahu, which is beautiful as well.

I really want to go back.

If you want a taste of the music, try the Makaha Sons. You can get their music through Amazon.

DisMeet at Aulaini?