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

[KatMark]

I have NEVER heard that you couldn't have a burger (or steak) cooked a certain way because you are eating outside. We eat outside in Florida all the time with Todd and Nicki and I've often ordered a burger and never heard that.

Good for you and Jeff going elsewhere, even though costing more, and getting what you want.

Actually, Owen Wilson has put on a little weight so maybe it was him?

I can't see the picture either.

 

[jedijill]

That's a silly rule! Thank goodness Monkeypod could deliver. Too funny on the Owen Wilson doppleganger!

Jill in CO

 

[Flossbolna]

Ok, I guess you were just thrilled to have an excuse to go to Monkeypods again. However, I must admit I am already in love with that place just from your description and pictures!

Your burger looks really good - and huge! How nice that they have live music even for lunch.

And going directly for that lazy river afterwards seems to be a wise decision. After all you ought to make the most out of Aulani's offerings while you are there!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

those fries look really good, as does the burger but im not down with medium rare, i have tried it before on a burger and i need it cooked at least to medium for me...just seems too raw for me, but if you liked it

and awesome you could still keep your drinks with you, alot of places would not let you do that.

 

[Poolrat]

Monkeypod to the rescue again!!!!

I hear you on going somewhere else, I would have done the same thing.

I would have had to take so much off that burger to be able to eat it sure as heck would not have been worth $18 - cooked to temp or not.

Do you think some socks would help with the fins? I know no help now but may a barrier. We used to wear socks under our fins at swim practice to prevent blisters. Just the lo-cut ones.

 

[chattadisser]

What work to get a burger! At least you got some good drinks out of the hassle.

Ok, now I am going to crave a buger all day. My leftovers for lunch will pale in comparison.

Christine

 

[2xcited2sleep]

All caught up! Your updates are certainly fanning the flames of hope over here that I win the DIS giveaway of a trip to Aulani. SO gorgeous. Everything. From that view from your lanai that just does not seem to get old to just "random" pictures out the car window. Wow!

Seriously tempted to do a 10 mile hike on vacation? Good for you guys. I would be lounge lizarding it all week. Except I'd hate to miss that scenery.

How cool to see the seals!

A little creeped out with all the rodent traps. What's up with that?

Ahh, the food craving. Sometimes, one just NEEDS a burger. What a bummer they wouldn't do med rare outside although I guess on the bright side they are concerned with food safety? Monkeypod is sounding like a real winner!!

Sorry about your feet and the allergic reaction to the flippers. Hope it went away quickly.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Apparently Monkeypod needs to start paying you commission. Along with DVC, Alaska Air, Disney Cruise Lines,....

I would have been a lounge lizard most of that trip too. But then again, I'm not normally that active!

My little frozen dinner lunch did not cut it today. I see a burger in my dinner plans...

 

[eandesmom]

Okay that's just so strange that they won't cook it they way you want it ...guess I know where we'll be going if we ever make it out that way Your burger looks delicious!

I have never heard of such a thing but...guess they treat it as fast food and those places don't let you cook it to order either. Frankly that makes more sense than it having anything to do with it being outside, it's a bulk issue I bet.

No Owen picture?! I don't believe it then

Well...I didn't have my camera with me in the lazy river!

Yeah, Cynthia, all caught up here as well.

So they cannot serve a mid rare burger outside? Strange.

I think it's a bulk cooking issue. I mean if you get a burger on DCL at the counter service, or any counter service, you don't get to choose temp...we just expected more as it was a "sit down" order scenario.

But at least you got truffle fries and a lovely drink in the end.
And a dip in the lazy river.

Yes, all in all it worked out much better!

Score for ordering a burger your way in the end!! Who would have thought it would be so hard to get a med rare burger?

We were honestly flabbergasted by it but I do think it's probably the same kitchen as for the poolside...so basically counter service masquerading as a sit down lounge.

I completely GET the idea of not wanting to eat the same thing day after day even if it means more $ in my pocket. I have a plan and then... oh, look at the pretty sparkly thing... I'm easily side-tracked!

exactly! Squirrel!

Oh so sorry about the allergy flare up. Argh!

It was an interesting experience in that area for sure. A learning trip shall we say. I think prior to the trip I was in denial still about the depth...and got a bit of a rude awakening.

Good for you that you didn't settle! Ya know, we'd have done exactly the same thing! If you want to "take the risk" for ordering the burger the way you like it, that's your business.

I'm gonna make a note about Monkepod - sounds like our kind of place!

For 14 bucks I want it cooked my way. For 6 bucks...okay but 14???? Love Monkeypod!!!

Smart move going across the street for a burger! What that craving like the one we had the day we ate at the Captain's Grille? I haven't craved a burger that bad in a LONG time.

It was EXACTLY that kind of craving! And I think the first one I'd had since that day.

Lunch looks like a ton of fun and interesting drinks certainly helps the cause.

Lunch was wonderful! I am glad it worked out the way it did.

Too bad about the snorkeling, but I'm sure the lazy river was awesome.

Latex allergy? You poor thing. Definitely make sure you list that if you are ever hospitalized. What am I saying - I am sure you have.

Did you ever get to snorkel?

So it's not a latex allergy. It's actually a mercapto mix allergy. Which is/are the synthesizing agents used to make things elastic. Latex is just one of those things. It covers elastic, neoprene, spandex, lycra, rubber, silicon...

It's a threshold allergy but a contact one. So the more I am exposed, the more I react or "ramp up" as my dermatologist calls it. It is virtually impossible for me to avoid totally, all I can do is minimize as best as possible. I've spent a lot of money lately trying to get more minimalist. Sigh. And know that when I can't, it's going to be a rough month or so till I get it back under control. Very annoying, uncomfortable (like my skin is on fire itchy) and ugly looking if untreated but not life threatening or anything like that. The flippers were especially bad as that was straight rubber and direct contact. The trip overall was pretty brutal in the allergy area...between swimwear, sundresses that are higher in lycra than ideal, snorkel gear...I had very unhappy skin for a month after returning. It was worth it but I don't think I really understood the "threshold" and ramp up aspect until this trip. I also, prior to this trip, thought lycra and spandex were ok and they definitely definitely are not.

Ok, TMI, sorry!

Owen Wilson look alike - too funny!

It was funny!

 

[kid-at-heart]

Weeks late to the party but here I am. "A blustery day" made me cry, good tears. What a wonderful mom you have! I am glad your dad found her for you and your siblings. Heck, if she could handle a west coast road trip with four little ones then she could handle anything. We also did a similar road trip in '75, down from Seattle to southern CA and back again, no kids though, just my soon to be spouse and I, camping and crashing with relatives all the way. I also went to DL for the first time on that trip. I guess '75 was a good year for first visits to DisneyLand.

Back to reading now. I am wayyyyyy behind.

Kate

 

[eandesmom]

There is nothing worse than a monstrous craving that's being denied! Glad you went across the street and got your burger the way you wanted it! The whole meal looks really good!

There really is nothing worse, nothing else will do! It totally hit the spot, it was perfect.

Ah too bad snorkelling didn't work out, but the lazy river is always a great backup!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

It didn't work out that day....the lazy river always worked out!

I have started to catch up on your wonderful trip report in Paradise! I'm at the end of your second day.

I thought even some of the views and that first room weren't terrible, if you looked in the right direction, but oh, the sounds you had to endure! Don't tell me I now have to think about that with room requests. "No hacking neighbors, please"

I felt so bad for her but oh, it was unpleasant! I wouldn't say the view was horrible, it definitely met my expectations of "standard" but there are far better in that category there. Worse too Were we not such lanai junkies it could have been fine, but, we are.

I love your arrival swag- the cute inconvenience pin and the leis.

I wish we always got arrival swag! It was lovely.

Nice last minute play-call on breakfast. The pictures of Jeff and Minnie are priceless! The food looked good- I love places that have fish on the breakfast buffet. Too bad about Goofy! Our one meal at Crystal Palace, we never saw my favorite Tigger.

It was a bummer about Goofy, but hysterical that Jeff ASKED about him! The food was lovely.

I can see why you are in love with those bamboo bathroom sinks. They are gorgeous!!!

Aren't they?

What a really pretty panorama from the lobby!

on the view in your second room. It didn't suck! Too bad about the blocked sunset. What time was sunset?

Around 7:30

The pool, cove and lazy river all sound and look spectacular. I love a great lazy river. What a fantastic lounger location in between the pool and the cove.

Also love to hear that the CMs are monitoring and dealing with chair hogs and the towel game.

I'll be back to read more later.

They are, it is just a lovely lovely resort, they really got it right!

Sometimes you just need a cheeseburger. Same thing happened to us the other year we were doing cheap lunches in our villa in Cyprus but at the end of the holiday DH was like can't we go to the pool bar for lunch, I caved easily.

Sometimes you just need a cheeseburger is right.

Believe me, I know that feeling.

I'd NEVER have guessed that! You did a better job of research in that area than I did.

Whereas, that feeling I have just about every day.

And carrots? On a burger? I like to think I have an open mind, but...

Yeah, the pinapple and onion works but carrots? One does wonder if they were really ON the burger.

It also has something to do with the curvature of the earth, with the sun approaching the summer solstice.

Yes and...leap year. Or it not being leap year.

But it's the principle of the thing, darn it!

Exactly!

Take that, summer solstice guy!

Well, that stinks. We definitely noticed more wind in the afternoon/evenings.

It was a bummer at the time but the recovery option was quite nice.

Darn, I can't see the Owen Wilson pic. He's so ugly, he's cute.

Exactly!

That burger looks amazing. And raw. I use to be able to eat burger like that until M made a Gordon Ramsey burger that was rare, like steak rare. I hurled for hours. I can still do rare steak but not burger. They have to be mid.

I can't do a rare burger. Medium rare though, all day long. that sounds awful. M must have been beside himself!

Glad you found a great place though. Nice smuggling in your own drinks. Ordering new drinks threw them off the scent of we-brought-our-own.

Well it wasn't a planned smuggling! We'd brought them down to the pool/lounge at Aulani and didn't want to go back up to drop them off when we aborted and headed to Monkeypod. They were mostly gone by the time we got there anyway between waiting for the waitress, checking the menus, and the walk over.

Love your smile in that pic. Gorgeous.

Nice gums you mean crummy lighting.

 

[eandesmom]

Now you're talking my language!

And everyone else's too I think!

Not that I don't like carrots, but the only stick shaped food I want with a burger is fries.

Unless you are making your child take the "healthy" option

At a $4 premium, of course.

Which, coincidentally, is about the cost of a burger and fries at Burger King where they always tell you to have it your way.

BUT they won't cook it to order. I can vouch for that, used to work there.

I'm starting to think that if I ever get to Aulani, I'm definitely going to have to check this place out.

Are you sick of it yet?

But you got the burger you wanted!

I did, and oh was it GOOD!

That certainly would have been a FAIL.

Although nowhere near as bad a some type of veggie burger or something.

I like a good veggie burger, I love a good turkey burger. I actually have both on a fairly regular basis and the turkey option they had sounded really really good.

Next trip.

So what was more entertaining at this place? The live music or the people watching?

Actually the music was nice but it didn't last long since we got there at the very tail end of lunch. All of it was entertaining, the people, the servers, the music, people watching folks crossing the street or on the path...

Yep... Dis Rule. Pictures or it didn't happen.

Well...couldn't really take my phone or camera on the lazy river. So...there you go.

Oh my gosh, what is it with cheeseburgers? I can curb any other craving, but never the one for a cheeseburger! And no, a turkey sandwich would never do.

Especially not a turkey sandwich 2 days in a row!

That's so strange that they wouldn't cook to order outside. I wonder if the meat doesn't stay as cold outside or something? Who knows. But that burger your ended up with looks delicious.

I think it had nothing to do with "outside" but rather where it was coming from...fast food/counter service central. You don't get to choose at those kinds of places...this was just pretending it was something it really wasn't.

Sorry that your snorkeling adventure didn't work out, but stalking Owen Wilson's lookalike is a good activity, too.

They were stalking us, I'm sure of it.

Oh yeah, we've done that -- go somewhere else, just on the principle of the thing. Sometimes having principles costs more, but it makes you feel better!

It made us quite happy! And full.

I am with you. When you get a particular food craving, nothing but that item will do. And I LOVE a good cheeseburger every now and then. YUM. That is just a whole plate of YUM right there!

It was a whole plate of YUM!

Pair it with alcohol, and really what more is there to life? Besides that lazy river ride? I'm so with you! What a lovely trip you're having so far.

Pretty much nirvana.

I have NEVER heard that you couldn't have a burger (or steak) cooked a certain way because you are eating outside. We eat outside in Florida all the time with Todd and Nicki and I've often ordered a burger and never heard that.

I don't actually think it has anything to do with it being outside. I think it's a central fast food kitchen for the pool, Off the Hook and maybe the other counter service place that does burgers and so it's just made in bulk. Which for 6 bucks or maybe even 8 I might deal with but $14??? Nope.

Good for you and Jeff going elsewhere, even though costing more, and getting what you want.

Very glad we did

Actually, Owen Wilson has put on a little weight so maybe it was him?

I can't see the picture either.

I did google to see if there were reports of him there but didn't see any, plus this guy seemed younger and the girl as well. certainly no one else seemed to stalk him and ask although I suppose it's a little hard while you are floating in an inner tube!

 

[eandesmom]

That's a silly rule! Thank goodness Monkeypod could deliver. Too funny on the Owen Wilson doppleganger!

Jill in CO

Monkeypod to the rescue! I actually think there was no such "rule" it was just mass produced but who really knows. If you want that kind of a rule it should be "no mayo out in the sun"

Which would kill their tuna sandwich option

Ok, I guess you were just thrilled to have an excuse to go to Monkeypods again. However, I must admit I am already in love with that place just from your description and pictures!

It was so not planned, it was pretty funny. But we can say we truly sampled a lot of what it had to offer!

Your burger looks really good - and huge! How nice that they have live music even for lunch.

I believe it's live music 3x a day. Lunch, Happy Hour and Dinner.

And going directly for that lazy river afterwards seems to be a wise decision. After all you ought to make the most out of Aulani's offerings while you are there!

We should have skipped the snorkeling attempt and gone straight to the river but I think both of us were feeling guilty we hadn't been in the ocean more yet. Me at all. Plus we had rented the darn equipment.

those fries look really good, as does the burger but im not down with medium rare, i have tried it before on a burger and i need it cooked at least to medium for me...just seems too raw for me, but if you liked it

Loved it!

and awesome you could still keep your drinks with you, alot of places would not let you do that.

They were in a travel tumbler so it's not like they could see what was in there anyway. I've never had a place make me remove my travel tumbler or water bottle. I mean what could they do? make us put them under the table? Besides, we did order a drink there so they made out just fine

Monkeypod to the rescue again!!!!

Yeah, told you you'd be seeing it again

I hear you on going somewhere else, I would have done the same thing.

Principle of the thing

I would have had to take so much off that burger to be able to eat it sure as heck would not have been worth $18 - cooked to temp or not.

Ugh, that is just no fun at all.

Do you think some socks would help with the fins? I know no help now but may a barrier. We used to wear socks under our fins at swim practice to prevent blisters. Just the lo-cut ones.

It would help, as probably would vaseline in the future as that provides a barrier as well.

However you can't put a sock on your face where the mask goes....

just sayin

Thankfully it was short contact on the feet so while it was a dramatic reaction the exposure what short enough it calmed down pretty fast and didn't linger.

 

[rentayenta]

If I give you one more compliment and you downplay it, I'm going to kick your bony butt when I see you. I say abs, you say sweat. I say smile, you say gums.

 

[eandesmom]

What work to get a burger! At least you got some good drinks out of the hassle.

We did! And I think a better burger, certainly better fries!

Ok, now I am going to crave a buger all day. My leftovers for lunch will pale in comparison.

Christine

A burger still sounds good! Even though I actually remembered to bring leftovers to work and they were good ones (musroom risotto and salmon) Not the same as a good burger and fries though.

All caught up! Your updates are certainly fanning the flames of hope over here that I win the DIS giveaway of a trip to Aulani. SO gorgeous. Everything. From that view from your lanai that just does not seem to get old to just "random" pictures out the car window. Wow!

I hope you win it too! That would be so cool.

Seriously tempted to do a 10 mile hike on vacation? Good for you guys. I would be lounge lizarding it all week. Except I'd hate to miss that scenery.

Oh I don't know, it's entirely possible to walk 10 miles doing the parks! Seriously, it was a walk and a leisurely one plus so pretty! And I'm serious about the parks. If you stay at Boardwalk, walk to DHS, walk all around DHS, walk back to Boardwalk and walk aroudn WS and a bit around Future World...it's about 8 miles!

How cool to see the seals!

A little creeped out with all the rodent traps. What's up with that?

Big rats after the birds? I have no idea. It was a bit icky but the seals made up for it.

Ahh, the food craving. Sometimes, one just NEEDS a burger. What a bummer they wouldn't do med rare outside although I guess on the bright side they are concerned with food safety? Monkeypod is sounding like a real winner!!

I really don't think it had a thing to do with food safety, in far more danger from mayo in the sun...

Monkeypod rocks.

Sorry about your feet and the allergic reaction to the flippers. Hope it went away quickly.

that was a short exposure so yes, pretty quick clear up!

Apparently Monkeypod needs to start paying you commission. Along with DVC, Alaska Air, Disney Cruise Lines,....

wouldn't that be cool! I take payment in the form of gift cards...LOL!

I would have been a lounge lizard most of that trip too. But then again, I'm not normally that active!

We are so go go go at home all the time just with life, it's hard to slow down totally for too long, I was ready to move. And then do nothing again for the second half of the day.

My little frozen dinner lunch did not cut it today. I see a burger in my dinner plans...

Weeks late to the party but here I am. "A blustery day" made me cry, good tears. What a wonderful mom you have! I am glad your dad found her for you and your siblings. Heck, if she could handle a west coast road trip with four little ones then she could handle anything. We also did a similar road trip in '75, down from Seattle to southern CA and back again, no kids though, just my soon to be spouse and I, camping and crashing with relatives all the way. I also went to DL for the first time on that trip. I guess '75 was a good year for first visits to DisneyLand.

Back to reading now. I am wayyyyyy behind.

Kate

Aloha and ! We are not even halfway through so not late at all. very happy to have you hear and yes, my mom is very very special.

If I give you one more compliment and you downplay it, I'm going to kick your bony butt when I see you. I say abs, you say sweat. I say smile, you say gums.

Umm

Ok.

And thank you

And...all that sweat makes it look like I have abs?

And it's not that bony

Seriously though, thank you You are sweet. I was really bummed the lighting wasn't better for that picture, I love the shirt and hat that I had on and you can't really see them lol! Photoshop didn't help...

 

[englishrose47]

All this burger talk is making me drool!!!

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Glad you made the choice that worked for you and headed back to Monkeypod! That burger looks really good, but I've just never been a fan of eating raw hamburger meat, so I might have made the decision to stick it out at the resort............or at least gotten them to actually cook my burger. Those fries look great!

And after a huge meal like that, of course the lazy river would be the appropriate choice! Sorta like us guys watching the football game after the big Thanksgiving meal, or at least for the time that the eyes remain open!

 

[franandaj]

OK, just got caught up on the burger. I've been to places like that. It's annoying. I have to remember that I like mine medium rare too. We got one last weekend and ordered it medium, not nearly as good. I think it's a Disney thing not serving meat undercooked. None of their restaurants serve raw oysters either.

That burger looked awesome. I will have to remember Monkey Pod when we go there.

 

[eandesmom]

All this burger talk is making me drool!!!

Me too! LOL

Glad you made the choice that worked for you and headed back to Monkeypod! That burger looks really good, but I've just never been a fan of eating raw hamburger meat, so I might have made the decision to stick it out at the resort............or at least gotten them to actually cook my burger. Those fries look great!

Now now, medium rare isn't raw. But I know it's not for everyone. We loved it!

And after a huge meal like that, of course the lazy river would be the appropriate choice! Sorta like us guys watching the football game after the big Thanksgiving meal, or at least for the time that the eyes remain open!

Well we did snorkel first, it just wasn't good snorkeling so we could pretend we burned off a little of the burger...and then went straight to the lazy river

OK, just got caught up on the burger. I've been to places like that. It's annoying. I have to remember that I like mine medium rare too. We got one last weekend and ordered it medium, not nearly as good. I think it's a Disney thing not serving meat undercooked. None of their restaurants serve raw oysters either.

Medium isn't as good, it can get dry so fast! I think it's a counter service (mass produced) thing, I was able to get my burger cooked to order at Captain's Grille, it was wonderful!

That burger looked awesome. I will have to remember Monkey Pod when we go there.

LOVE Monkeypod! I wish I could have lunch there today, and one of those burgers! Instead I think I'll end up with bad theme park food, we are off to Elitch Gardens here in Denver today.

 

[franandaj]

Oooooh I didn't realize you're in Denver right now! Enjoy your bad theme park food!