Lama pa'ipa'i on the Lanai – an Aulani TR -Aloha and Mahalo Aulani! Link to PTR 11/5

[Moira222]

Cynthia

I am finally caught up! Your intro was great -- I learn something new about your family with every TR. Never knew how musical your gang is. Must make for some fun nights by the campfire!

I was not alone I see in worrying that your paring knife would make it through security. Maybe because it was with other utensils? I agree about the paper products. Because we drove in April & will take the auto train in October, I packed our picnic backpack, which comes with plates, napkins, cutting board, knife, utensils & a cork screw. sweet

Alaska Airlines seems like a great customer focused airline. real food, thoughtful information about your destination & a free mai tai? yes! Even the free snack looked so much better than pretzels!

The view from your room. OMG. I literally gasped when I saw it. AMAZING! I could see hanging out on that lanai! Speaking of, seeing that your last TR was Coffee on the Verandah, I'm guessing that this one is drinks on the Lanai????

Sounds like a great first day, a calm character breakfast, lazy river, snacking, and sun. By the way you totally ROCKED that swim suit. Be proud!

The star gazing program did seem very $$$ -- maybe there were drinks included? (wishful thinking, right?)

Father's day looked great. Nice to see Jeff surrounded by his children and clearly enjoying himself. I swear though when I looked at the picture of the boys washing his car that it looked like the window was open

sigh crazy crazy NYE drama.

I think that you are right to make 2 sets of reservations. Does Jeff have a Disney account? I like that you can now link your account to those of your travel mates to help sync planning.

• I don't think you should plan huge family dinners for every day. Maybe consider "mix & match" kids & couples throughout the week so that people get to try different things & have different experiences. That may help with some of the picky eaters too.
• Big River & Yak & Yeti do not accept TIW. not sure if you are aware of that.
• Park Fare fun for the whole gang and because its a buffet is good for all of your picky eaters
• WCC or even Hoop de doo would be great fun for your whole big gang.
• Good luck with BOG I think you have to have the phone number in your phone with your finger on send at the open of business 6 months before you want to go. The kids menu at least at lunch was not that great. The grilled mahi mahi was dry as cardboard, and the turkey meatloaf tasted a lot like a swanson's frozen tv dinner from 1980.
• You might have better luck getting sit down lunch reservations for the whole gang instead of dinner at some of these places. if you aim for the last lunch seating, you can have a light CS or snack dinner. plus, lunch menus often cost less $$

Good luck Cynthia!! Looking forward to seeing more Aulani & how your dec trip pans out!

 

[eandesmom]

That's a good idea to have a plan with you. Hopefully they'll ask. What about Beaches and Cream or do they not take ADRs? How about Hoop de Doo? Or somewhere like that?

B&C does not take ressies, I would like to go there for lunch if it works out. HDDR is a blast and the E's would love to go back but it's pricey and given everyone's situation, I'm not going there.

Cynthia

I am finally caught up! Your intro was great -- I learn something new about your family with every TR. Never knew how musical your gang is. Must make for some fun nights by the campfire!

not so much. The brass stays in the house but there are jam sessions.

The view from your room. OMG. I literally gasped when I saw it. AMAZING!

You'll see a lot of those same pictures! I never got tired of it.

Sounds like a great first day, a calm character breakfast, lazy river, snacking, and sun. By the way you totally ROCKED that swim suit. Be proud!

The star gazing program did seem very $$$ -- maybe there were drinks included? (wishful thinking, right?)[

It was a great first day and it's not over yet!

Father's day looked great. Nice to see Jeff surrounded by his children and clearly enjoying himself. I swear though when I looked at the picture of the boys washing his car that it looked like the window was open

Nope, no open windows but there was a lot of spraying of each other1

sigh crazy crazy NYE drama.

I think that you are right to make 2 sets of reservations. Does Jeff have a Disney account? I like that you can now link your account to those of your travel mates to help sync planning.

I have very mixed feeling about that, theoretically a 13 year old could go in and change things if they are linked! He does have an account but it's only used to ensure we get PIN codes and that's about it if they email him. It is not active at all. I have him listed as a connection in the main ressie and will probably leave it that way.

I don't think you should plan huge family dinners for every day. Maybe consider "mix & match" kids & couples throughout the week so that people get to try different things & have different experiences. That may help with some of the picky eaters too.

It's funny, when we did this trip with the same group in 2004 it was such a different dynamic. All the cousins were 4-7 years old and we really did all split off into smaller groups much of the time and only ate together maybe 2-3 times for sit down, the rest was F&W kiosks in the evening, breakfast in the off site house and packed lunches. Fast forward to now and I can't imagine us not all doing bulk dinners.

My family is a big bulk dinner kind of group, we do it all the time, at least 1x a month. At this point it would actually be really really weird not to and would upset the kids (all of them) and my parents. My sister and BIL that do not have kids, if they end up going, should split off for sure a few times and Jeff and I would like a date night, but for the most part it will be group dinners and splitting will be in the day time. That expectation was already set/assumed and definitely isn't just my doing.

That said, the nice thing about DVC is that the villa is always an option and if I make the reservations as 2 tables, a whole group could drop out and do CS if they really wanted, and it would be fine as long as it wasn't a CC hold ressie.

Big River & Yak & Yeti do not accept TIW. not sure if you are aware of that.

Y&Y does give an AP and DVC discount though so there is that. I did know about BR and really at least 2 or maybe 3 of our days are blackouts anyway. Still it seems to pencil out better than the DDP but once the list is finalized I will look at. I just don't think all will eat enough to make it work...or want to sepnd the $$ upfront but we will see. Nice thing about DVC is I can add that up to 3 days before so I don't need to decide now.

Park Fare fun for the whole gang and because its a buffet is good for all of your picky eaters

Agreed, it would require a CC deposit though so...not sure. It is on the pricier side of what we are looking at but not awful and I would like to see the GF all decorated.

WCC or even Hoop de doo would be great fun for your whole big gang.

WCC is a definite maybe. HDDR would be perfect but it's pricey and I don't want to go there under the circumstances.

Good luck with BOG I think you have to have the phone number in your phone with your finger on send at the open of business 6 months before you want to go. The kids menu at least at lunch was not that great. The grilled mahi mahi was dry as cardboard, and the turkey meatloaf tasted a lot like a swanson's frozen tv dinner from 1980.

Oh wow, 2 bad reviews in a row, one for lunch and one for dinner. The boys REALLY want to try it so I plan to try getting a ressie. If we can't, we would try for lunch. Mine are beyond the kids menu but I don't like the sound of how things tasted.

You might have better luck getting sit down lunch reservations for the whole gang instead of dinner at some of these places. if you aim for the last lunch seating, you can have a light CS or snack dinner. plus, lunch menus often cost less $$

I know a ton of folks love the sit down lunch and CS dinner but it isn't us. We really like and look forward to our dinners and don't like stopping in the middle of the day for lunch, if we do stop, it's for the pool and if you want both the day is kind of shot. CS or snack dinner would not work with my crew at all. When they were very little it would have but not now and honestly, it doesn't work for Jeff or I. My sister and her 2 boys, it might, my parent's I'm not sure. I am looking at a couple of lunches but it won't be more than that at the most. The lunches we are looking at are more "lunch" type foods and theoretically somewhat faster dining experiences as a result.

Good luck Cynthia!! Looking forward to seeing more Aulani & how your Dec trip pans out!

I have a feeling I won't have a clue on Dec for some time...like as late as mid or end Sept. I hope otherwise but...

 

[eandesmom]

Ok...this is my current draft plan, including backups. I would really prefer to do WWOHP towards the end of the trip for crowd reasons. However if the sister who is trying to get PG comes, they will not come for the full length of the trip (probably 30th-3rd or something like that) so we will have to move that earlier in the trip (probably the 2nd) and that will impact ADR's.

Thoughts?

Saturday, December 28
red eye (for 4 at least)

Sunday, December 29 (BWV)
Breakfast: Kouzzina for 4, Grocery store shopping (snacks at villa), Dinner: Biergarten CP

Monday, December 30 (BWV)
Breakfast: Villa, Lunch: Villa, Dinner: Ohana with fireworks after?

Tuesday, December 31(BWV)
Breakfast: Villa, Lunch: Villa, Dinner: Rose & Crown

Wednesday, January 01(BWV)
Breakfast: Villa, Lunch: Villa, Dinner: Big River

Thursday, January 02(BWV)
Breakfast: Villa, Lunch: Villa, Dinner: BoG, (Park Fare back up, with BoG for lunch one day instead)

Friday, January 03(BWV)
Breakfast: Villa, Lunch: Trails End and check out Fort Decorations, Dinner: Villa for kids, date night at FF for Jeff and I. Back up group ressie at PTC

Saturday, January 04(THV)
WWOHP Day although this could move…most likely to the 2nd
Breakfast: Three Broomsticks, Lunch: TBD: Villa, Dinner: Margaritaville with WCC Back up ressie

Sunday, January 05, 2014 (THV)
Breakfast: Raglan Road, Lunch: Villa, Dinner: Villa with PTC Backup ressie

Monday, January 06, 2014 (THV)
Breakfast: Villa, Lunch: Villa, Dinner: Olivia’s

Tuesday, January 07, 2014 (THV)
WDW, 6:25 fly home
Breakfast: Villa, Lunch: Via Napoli

Booking Order
1. BoG
2. Ohana
3. Rose and Crown
4. then everything else

I may (probably) need a back up plan for Ohana if we can't get it and need to figure out timing for fireworks viewing from there so input in that area is welcome. Kona could be a backup and I guess Park Fare could as well? I hope R&C won't be an issue but wonder if I need a backup there as well as many folks will have their window for NYE open before ours does. Maybe I should change my booking order?? NYE first, 30th second and then the BoG?

For now Y&Y didn't make the cut as in many ways Ohana sort of fills that bill but I may revisit that. Everyone would like it and it is nice to eat in each park, there are just never enough days!

Thoughts? Input?

 

[podsnel]

I am missing you by 1 day. ONE DAY!!!!! We are at BWV on 12/26 and BCV 12/27 (I know, crazy, right?) before the Fantasy. ARGHHHHH!!!!!

 

[Nora03]

Hi Cynthia
I didn't understand your "contact" allergy. I thought you meant contact lens allergy. This is a big issue for you to deal with. Certainly not easy. Good luck.

Love your view that you finally got. You must have been sooo happy with it.. We love sitting on the balcony too.

I think your idea of booking 6 + 8 table reservations is a great idea. You are so brave to plan a group vacation. It is so difficult. I did it once and will never do it again. We were a group of 11 - ourselves, our daughters and their families, and we were paying for all the grandkids - airfare, park tickets, and paying for accommodation for all. I had booked our airfare and bought the park tickets and paid $5,000 for a vacation rental home for two weeks, when our new SIL cancelled! I was very sad, but got over it. What else could I do? We ended up with 7 people in a six bedroom house. We had a great time in the end, but I vowed to never plan a group vacation again.

I'm sure you will have much better luck with your group and that the cousins will have a blast together. I certainly hope it all works out for you, much better than mine. Planning is half the fun, isn't it? I hope you get all the ADRs you want.

Nora

 

[afwdwfan]

I would definitely prioritize BoG first. If you can't get R&C for NYE when your window opens, I just don't feel like a minute or 2 is going to make the difference. With BoG a few minutes almost certainly would. You might want to make R&C your second priority though.

Your backup plans for Ohana look good. You could also use WCC as a backup and take the boat over to the contemporary for the fireworks show if Ohana or Kona wouldn't work out.

 

[eandesmom]

I am missing you by 1 day. ONE DAY!!!!! We are at BWV on 12/26 and BCV 12/27 (I know, crazy, right?) before the Fantasy. ARGHHHHH!!!!!

WAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't suppose you are going to swing by WDW after the cruise????

Hi Cynthia
I didn't understand your "contact" allergy. I thought you meant contact lens allergy. This is a big issue for you to deal with. Certainly not easy. Good luck.

I feel like a bit of an idiot. I keep realizing more and more things that it impacts and that even the little exposure I can't avoid is really adding up and I need to be far more viglant than I've been. I will acclimate but it's an adjustment and I'm not quite there with the right tools or systems yet.

Love your view that you finally got. You must have been sooo happy with it.. We love sitting on the balcony too.

We were over the moon happy with it, spent at least 2 hours a day on it!

I think your idea of booking 6 + 8 table reservations is a great idea. You are so brave to plan a group vacation. It is so difficult. I did it once and will never do it again. We were a group of 11 - ourselves, our daughters and their families, and we were paying for all the grandkids - airfare, park tickets, and paying for accommodation for all. I had booked our airfare and bought the park tickets and paid $5,000 for a vacation rental home for two weeks, when our new SIL cancelled! I was very sad, but got over it. What else could I do? We ended up with 7 people in a six bedroom house. We had a great time in the end, but I vowed to never plan a group vacation again.

Oh how frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!! We've done the group thing 2 times with the larger group, 2001 in Dinseyland (a disaster for us thanks to my ex but was pretty good for everyone else. 2004 in WDW. My folks paid for rental cars, houses (2) and tickets for everyone. 20 people! It was BLAST. there have been smaller subsets that have done WDW or DLR since then and we've done a few girl only trips with my mom and sisters. Upshot is we are pretty used to traveling together and that helps a TON.

If it turns out that my sister and her 2 boys can go but my brother or his ex can't...we will take the other nephew if they can buy his park ticket and plane ticket. We will feed him. Not as many adults as we'd like (Jeff in particular) to help with the kids but we would live. Jeff will be bummed if my BIL or Brother do not go, but he is looking forward to hanging with my dad.

I'm sure you will have much better luck with your group and that the cousins will have a blast together. I certainly hope it all works out for you, much better than mine. Planning is half the fun, isn't it? I hope you get all the ADRs you want.

Nora

Planning is half the fun though it's more fun when you feel more sure that the trip will actually happen.

I would definitely prioritize BoG first. If you can't get R&C for NYE when your window opens, I just don't feel like a minute or 2 is going to make the difference. With BoG a few minutes almost certainly would. You might want to make R&C your second priority though. .

That's a very good point!

Your backup plans for Ohana look good. You could also use WCC as a backup and take the boat over to the contemporary for the fireworks show if Ohana or Kona wouldn't work out.

Also a good point!

I'm going to review my plan with the boys and Jeff on Sunday and see if they have any tweaks unless the group actually talks about it on Sat.

 

[Flossbolna]

What about the GF Cafe as a backup? I have often read good things about it, never was able to check it out myself though. It would get you to see the decorations at the GF and could be a backup if you don't want the CC guarantee for Park Fare.

This allergy sounds really bad!!! If you weren't halfway around the world from me and a much smaller size, I would offer to take some of those clothes. I guess you need to get all natural materials now? I used to sometimes get stuff from a German mailorder catalogue that focussed on "organic clothing" and I once got underwear from then which I then did not like because without any lycra in it, it did not keep its form very well... I guess it would be very impractical to get something from them, but maybe you want to have a look: www.hessnatur.de

 

[eandesmom]

What about the GF Cafe as a backup? I have often read good things about it, never was able to check it out myself though. It would get you to see the decorations at the GF and could be a backup if you don't want the CC guarantee for Park Fare.

I've heard good things about it as well. Decor wise I can't see the 5 teen boys appreciating it and the menu is similar but a bit more $$ to several already on the list. Of course they are also less interested in checking out the decorations but both E's and Jeff suggested PF and as it's only what, a 24 or 48 hour notice on the CC hold we will certainly know long before that. In a way I kind of want it (even though I prefer the food at Ohana) as really, if 3 guys ask to eat with the stepsisters....should I really let that pass? Probably not!

This allergy sounds really bad!!! If you weren't halfway around the world from me and a much smaller size, I would offer to take some of those clothes. I guess you need to get all natural materials now? I used to sometimes get stuff from a German mailorder catalogue that focussed on "organic clothing" and I once got underwear from then which I then did not like because without any lycra in it, it did not keep its form very well... I guess it would be very impractical to get something from them, but maybe you want to have a look: www.hessnatur.de

Sports bras/tops, yoga pants/capris, running shorts or underwear without lycra, spandex, elastic,latex, neoprene or rubber..while it wouldn't keep any form and might look like something a grandma would wear...would be a godsend to me. Sadly it doesn't look like that company sells in the US any more, I get a screen saying they've closed their US online shop. Interestingly enough many of the "organic" clothing lines uses pleny of lycra or spandex...which are not remotely organic. Nor is elastic or neoprene so unless they use rubber which still has a inorganic process to it to make it usable...much of that stuff isn't truly organic. Sure, a tee shirt can be but general rule if it has anything stretchy in it...I'm allergic. Even if I find sports tops that are fine...I still have to wear something underneath it as the reason they are fine is that they have no support built into them lol.

I have emailed more manufacturers in the past 2 weeks than..in my lifetime! It's been crazy. Underwear without something at the waist, or leg band that I'm allergic too...simply doesn't exist. Same issue for bras. Best I can do is go for a very low percentage (5 is as low as I've found) and try to focus on things that the bad element is "wrapped" in something I'm not allergic too. And then just expect that my new normal is certain spots are always going to be irritated and itchy despite the various RX creams and medications I have for it because they don't get much of a break from exposure

I did find a couple of bras but really...drawstring or velcro closures????? I just can't go there.

It has been a fascinating exercise in customer service though, seeing what kind of responses I get and the level of detail provided. Overall I have been very pleasantly surprised by the level of service and information, even if it is bad news. One company even contacted their supplier of the raw fabric to confirm its compositon. Impressive!

I have to admit I broke all the workout stuff into 2 piles, stuff I can let go now and stuff that I really shouldn't wear but am not quite ready to give away. Literally all of my favorite workout tops are a problem and it's expensive to build a new stash that is less of an issue. Lots of favorite PJ bottoms too

If I were to really go hard core on it, I'd have to get rid of most of those cute sundresses (and all my swimsuits for that matter), many of which have more of the bad stuff in than I should be in contact. But as those aren't something I wear everyday or on the same part of the skin it is much less of an issue. Even with all that waistbands on many things have lycra, cuffs, wristbands, necklines...is pervasive. Unfortunately all the swimsuit wear in Hawaii, compounded by the rubber in snorkel gear was a pretty high level of exposure for a week and my skin is just now calming down. The immediate reaction to the snorkel gear was a bit startling! I will never be a scuba diver now that is for sure. But in a way it forced the issue I guess and made me re-look at the spandex composition so I should be grateful but....

I'm not. At the moment I'm cranky that I have no evening lounge wear as hours spent in yoga pants in the evenings are no longer a very good idea. Trying some work around with layers using cotton cami's tucked in as barriers but..it's not ideal. I need to replace them and have found some that are "better" but ugh, the $$.

I guess the only silver lining is that other that swimsuits for Hawaii...none of the items were new and many probably overdue for replacement. Still...that pile I'm not ready to give up I'd rather just give to someone who would enjoy and use them, than just donating it somewhere even if it is used. I feel weird selling used stuff on ebay though so would just donate if first.

I have a feeling that.....

I will be allergic to the magic band.

 

[Poolrat]

I know you do! I think I'm just uber crabby about it as when I first found out about it I really thought I did all the research to understand what was ok and not. I am supremely annoyed that lycra and spandex were not called out specifically given how prevalent the use is of it in clothing. I thought they were ok and a good substitute. I had to go to the fabric manufacturers site, via a latex allergy site to learn that nope, in fact, the chemicals I am allergic to are in fact in those items. Try to find undergarments or workout wear or heck, jeans for that matter that don't include some lycra or spandex. Doesn't exist. We won't talk about swimsuits. Sigh.

UGH What a pain. I really just try to limit since many food items I cannot totally avoid. Only advice I have is part with what you can, get a few "allergy free" pieces to use to "detox" sort of and let your body calm down and drugs... I have been told Pepcid works on skin issues and I use it when I can't take more Claritin or Benadryl since I have no side effects from it.
Pepcid blocks the protein that causes the reaction.

This is a solo trip, right? Heck we will probably have room at our table(s)

Probably not....

 

[englishrose47]

I didn't know Raglan had breakfast ????Not that Icould convince Carol to go for anything but dessert serving time !!!

 

[natebenma]

Well, I have made it through your arrival. Your departure day went pretty smoothly, relatively speaking. Aside from a broken toilet and lip gloss shortage. But any pre-vacation day that does not involve herding cats is a win in my book!

The snack mix sounds really good- sesame, pineapple and macadamia nights. Yum! Your meal lookeds like it hit the spot.

Nice of the airline to get you in the tropical spirit by piping warm air into the cabin!

You had a nice, mellow, late evening arrival. Yay for drinks and a romantic late night stroll around the resort.

Can't wait to see things in the light of day!

 

[Flossbolna]

That's annoying that they don't even show you the German version of the website... I am thinking that here in Germany there must be truly organic stuff available. The green movement here has been really strong for a long time and there are people who do take this very serious. I will try to see what I can find out, maybe I can get a few paper catalogues to send to you! Of course for panties you kind of need something elastic to prevent them falling down... Maybe you need to get things custom made for you from material that you know is safe. But how expensive that would be!!!

 

[TarzansKat]

I agree in regard to BoG being top priority. If you really want to eat there, try to book that first. I'm still unsuccessful in securing that reservation for my October trip, and I tried the first day it was available to me. I think I'll be eating lunch there.

I totally get what you mean about valid reasons. I've got some issues coming up with our October trip...mostly because DH and I are considering DVC...and it's turning into a bit of a logistical nightmare. Here's hoping there's some for both of us!

 

[KatMark]

Thankfully, I wasn't too far behind after being gone for almost two weeks. I love the updates, and I love the photo of you and Jeff in your tubes floating. You can just see how relaxed you are and enjoying the moment.

Can't wait to read more.

 

[eandesmom]

UGH What a pain. I really just try to limit since many food items I cannot totally avoid. Only advice I have is part with what you can, get a few "allergy free" pieces to use to "detox" sort of and let your body calm down and drugs... I have been told Pepcid works on skin issues and I use it when I can't take more Claritin or Benadryl since I have no side effects from it.
Pepcid blocks the protein that causes the reaction.

Probably not....

Unfortunately it's pretty impossible to fully detox unless well....I become a nudist. Pepcid will not work as it is a contact allergy versus from something you ingest. Topical creams are it, I'm on a 2 week on/off steroid cream regimen with the alternating weeks on a different rx cream.

 

[eandesmom]

I didn't know Raglan had breakfast ????Not that Icould convince Carol to go for anything but dessert serving time !!!

They have a new Sunday brunch

Well, I have made it through your arrival. Your departure day went pretty smoothly, relatively speaking. Aside from a broken toilet and lip gloss shortage. But any pre-vacation day that does not involve herding cats is a win in my book!

The snack mix sounds really good- sesame, pineapple and macadamia nights. Yum! Your meal lookeds like it hit the spot.

Nice of the airline to get you in the tropical spirit by piping warm air into the cabin!

You had a nice, mellow, late evening arrival. Yay for drinks and a romantic late night stroll around the resort.

Can't wait to see things in the light of day!

It was a very smooth departure day all things considered. Amazing how much easier things are when it is just the 2 adults huh!

 

[eandesmom]

That's annoying that they don't even show you the German version of the website... I am thinking that here in Germany there must be truly organic stuff available. The green movement here has been really strong for a long time and there are people who do take this very serious. I will try to see what I can find out, maybe I can get a few paper catalogues to send to you! Of course for panties you kind of need something elastic to prevent them falling down... Maybe you need to get things custom made for you from material that you know is safe. But how expensive that would be!!!

Yes, the whole falling down thing is kind of a problem! I could make my own but it doesn't solve that issue. LOL

 

[Flossbolna]

Unfortunately it's pretty impossible to fully detox unless well....I become a nudist.

I tell you: Germany has all the answers for you!!! We do have nudist family vacation resorts in this country where you are required to be cloth-free even in the supermarket!

 

[eandesmom]

I agree in regard to BoG being top priority. If you really want to eat there, try to book that first. I'm still unsuccessful in securing that reservation for my October trip, and I tried the first day it was available to me. I think I'll be eating lunch there.

I totally get what you mean about valid reasons. I've got some issues coming up with our October trip...mostly because DH and I are considering DVC...and it's turning into a bit of a logistical nightmare. Here's hoping there's some for both of us!

Those are exciting reasons for possible complications!

BoG Lunch is a back up for sure and a probable outcome.