Oh No! - Another thread on Aulani construction

[Dizny Dad]

For those interested in seeing updated photos of Aulani. These were taken between June 24th and July 3rd. Ko Olina is certainly a great place and DW and I can see why Disney chose this site - WOW!

We stayed at the Marriott Beach Club. It was really wonderful but just lacked the details Disney brings to a vacation experience. I would definately stay at the Beach Club again, but with Disney right next door, the sirens calling me would be too great.

My appologies to those still with Dial Up internet services (like my DW), as this thread will be next to impossible to bring in.

 

[dianeschlicht]

It's beautiful BUT..... One of the things I love about going to Hawaii is getting away from tall buildings and the like. I think that's why I am so disappointed that they chose the high rise "Hiltonesque" vibe over the outer island 3-4 story buildings that fit into the landscape and scenery and location. I think one of the reasons I prefer the Big Island and Kauai is that they have ordinances there preventing those big high rise things from ruining the beauty of the place. I would prefer it fit into a become a part of the landscape rather than look like someone dropped something foreign in on a beach. If given the choice between spending my Island time in a beach hut or a high rise, I'd choose the beach hut every time.

 

[Crystal_27]

Awesome!! What I find hysterical about your pictures with people in them, is that they are ALL looking at the construction progress.

 

['ohanaof5]

WOW! These are great photos. The only place I would rather be other than WDW is Hawaii. We enjoy Ko Olina and although when going to HI we will visit other islands a stop in Ohua is a must for us. We are looking forward to doing Hawaii Disney style. Being new to DVC it has been exciting watching the resort being built from the ground up.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Thanks for the update!!!!

And splurge a little and get your DW some faster internets!

 

[dianeschlicht]

WOW! These are great photos. The only place I would rather be other than WDW is Hawaii. We enjoy Ko Olina and although when going to HI we will visit other islands a stop in Ohua is a must for us. We are looking forward to doing Hawaii Disney style. Being new to DVC it has been exciting watching the resort being built from the ground up.

Oh, I too will definitely use Aulani for the Oahu portion of our Hawaii trips, but it wont be my main focus.

 

[DiznyDi]

Thanks for the update!!!!

And splurge a little and get your DW some faster internets!

This is the DW. Unfortunately we have cows as neighbors. Maybe someday highspeed will be available to us. Our only option is satellite. I got an iPhone instead which allows me to view threads (and sites) that are graphic intensive. Your post made me laugh though!

 

[rentayenta]

It is going to be gorgeous! for the photos!

 

[Chuck S]

Are those train tracks in the 3rd photo in use? They kind of look like a narrow gauge track, like those used for pineapple/sugar plantations.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

I was wondering about the train tracks too....

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

This is the DW. Unfortunately we have cows as neighbors. Maybe someday highspeed will be available to us. Our only option is satellite. I got an iPhone instead which allows me to view threads (and sites) that are graphic intensive. Your post made me laugh though!

Congrats on the iPhone. I'll hopefully have my first one in two weeks time.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Are those train tracks in the 3rd photo in use? They kind of look like a narrow gauge track, like those used for pineapple/sugar plantations.

The narrow gauge tracks are indeed used. A small train with small viewing cars rolled by one day while we were there, but that was it. We were always away from the resort during the days so if it has a daily schedule I missed it. That particular picture was taken from across the main Ko Oline main roadway with my back to the small store complex. It will definitely get a big economic boost from Disney traffic, especially the ABC grocery that is there.

 

[Granny]

DiznyDad...thanks for the great on-site reporting and photographs!

I think it looks like it will be an outstanding property. Hope to go there sometime if you can book it at the 7 month window!

 

[Anal Annie]

I really like the shots with the lagoon in the foreground...I think the "island view" will be a nice alternative to just standard view for not a whole lot more point. I can close my eyes and feel the warm breeze now! I can't wait to get lei'd again!!

 

[Chuck S]

The narrow gauge tracks are indeed used. A small train with small viewing cars rolled by one day while we were there, but that was it. We were always away from the resort during the days so if it has a daily schedule I missed it. That particular picture was taken from across the main Ko Oline main roadway with my back to the small store complex. It will definitely get a big economic boost from Disney traffic, especially the ABC grocery that is there.

That train sounds like a fun thing to do, I hope the front desk will have info about it, if I ever get to Hawaii. I really wasn't too excited about Aulani at first, but now I think I might try to get a reservation at 7 months. I have friends that live on Maui, so we could visit them, and extend the stay at Aulani.

 

[wildernessDad]

It's looking darn nice if you ask me! I do agree with the tall building comment, though. But given that it's Oahu, and real estate is at a premium, it is understandable why they did it this way.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . I really wasn't too excited about Aulani at first, but now I think I might try to get a reservation at 7 months. I have friends that live on Maui, so we could visit them, and extend the stay at Aulani.

We were not excited about Aulani either, maybe trying to get in someday at the 7mo. window, but now that we have experienced Ko Olina and seen the property, we have been going through the gyrations of how to swing finances, what travel costs would add up to, etc for a buy in.

I love reality, though; it sets in, makes itself at home, courts you politely, then smacks you upside the head and stays put like the brother-in-law in an old bath robe that won't move out.

It is nice to dream. . . . . .

 

[nickspace]

Very Nice!

 

[Dizny Dad]

Very Nice!

Hey nick, I just left you in your office with your necktie on. It is still raining. Loosen your tie.

 

[donmil723]

This is the DW. Unfortunately we have cows as neighbors. Maybe someday highspeed will be available to us. Our only option is satellite. I got an iPhone instead which allows me to view threads (and sites) that are graphic intensive. Your post made me laugh though!

Don't give up! We too have cows for neighbors in Central Missouri and finally got DSL 1 1/2 years ago. Admittedly, it is the slowest DSL speed but it is SO much faster than dial-up. I feel your pain though!