There's no more free leis support thread

[buzlite]

Agreed. We never bring leis back to the room for the same reason. And, contrary to the sentiments expressed here, leis are not a guaranteed entitlement, and eliminating them is not a monumental injustice. It’s like being upset you’re not getting a free lollipop at the doctor’s office.

If anyone wants a lei, they can buy a beautiful one for a few dollars at the airport! Why do people expect the hotel to buy one for them, when the vast majority will get thrown out in 3-5 minutes?

Tbf I don’t think most people care about wanting a Lei. It’s the idea of arriving and having one put around your neck welcoming you to Hawaii.

 

[Paul Stupin]

Tbf I don’t think most people care about wanting a Lei. It’s the idea of arriving and having one put around your neck welcoming you to Hawaii.

Yes, agreed, it is a nice feeling. And it last about thirty seconds, at which point I want to take it off because I don’t want it rotting away in the room. Who knows, maybe there are parasites in it, or little creepy crawly things that I’d rather not have on my neck! But I think a paid service is actually a good idea for those who want it. And, guess what, it actually exists at the airport! Problem solved! Complaints over!

https://www.viator.com/tours/Oahu/T...MIsoPIp5fhiQMVNjNECB2LBwstEAAYASAAEgJD1PD_BwE

 

[shevys]

It is hilarious b/c they have it under the “Disney Difference” section and specifically mention entering the resort - something they WERE very proud of at one point. But yeah, no sane person thinks this would be the basis of a colorable claim.

I was told they have a shortage of flowers and therefore cannot give out leis. If they stopped putting (wasting) a plumeria in each cocktail maybe they could string some leis together instead. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Brian rhymes with dyin]

My friend told me a George Costanza-looking DVC member was having a full on meltdown at the check-in staff upon hearing this news. I've never been to Aulani but it did make me temporarily reevaluate my relationship with Disney.

 

[Paul Stupin]

My friend told me a George Costanza-looking DVC member was having a full on meltdown at the check-in staff upon hearing this news. I've never been to Aulani but it did make me temporarily reevaluate my relationship with Disney.

You wanted to reevaluate your Disney relationship because cheap leis were no longer being given at a Disney resort to which you’ve never been, over 5000 miles away from WDW?

 

[Brian rhymes with dyin]

You wanted to reevaluate your Disney relationship because cheap lies were no longer being given at a Disney resort to which you’ve never been, over 5000 miles away from WDW?

Correct, I had to ask myself if I took Disney that seriously and if I was also prone to a meltdown like that. Am I one of these types of Disney people?

Fortunately I passed the evaluation.

 

[Paul Stupin]

Correct, I had to ask myself if I took Disney that seriously and if I was also prone to a meltdown like that. Am I one of these types of Disney people?

Fortunately I passed the evaluation.

Congrats!

 

[Brian rhymes with dyin]

Congrats!

Thanks!

 

[buzlite]

Thanks!

NO LEI FOR YOU!

 

[kirstyfly]

Oh for crying out loud, you are telling me that if I go here I don't get a lei?

Even Rarotonga you get one on arrival from your resort when you book transport from the airport. Also got a shell necklace on the way back home.

It would be very disappointing to come all the way from New Zealand to Hawaii and not get a lei.

 

[scoobdoo]

It would be very disappointing to come all the way from New Zealand to Hawaii and not get a lei.

It’s called mindless, miserly penny pinching

 

[Cfabar1]

They should give them out.... Many Disney people travel thousands of miles to visit this place... It isn't about the lei, it is about the feeling of Ohana, such as it were....

I would point out that many hotels (used to) provide champagne upon arrival... The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, for example, still does.... Offering a gift to the guest upon arrival is a nice touch!

Frankly, I think for what Disney charges, they should offer a lei and a glass of champagne!

 

[dismsn]

I was just at Aulani and now they greet you with fruit flavored water instead of a lei.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Oh for crying out loud, you are telling me that if I go here I don't get a lei?

Even Rarotonga you get one on arrival from your resort when you book transport from the airport. Also got a shell necklace on the way back home.

It would be very disappointing to come all the way from New Zealand to Hawaii and not get a lei.

Well, then set your expectations accordingly and you won’t be disappointed.

You can buy a lei at the airport or at the ABC stores, but they Hollywood idea of every guest getting out of their car and getting a lei from a beautiful person of Polynesian descent is no longer reality at the vast majority of places people will stay on Oahu.

There are just too many tourists.

 

[AstroBlasters]

They should give them out.... Many Disney people travel thousands of miles to visit this place... It isn't about the lei, it is about the feeling of Ohana, such as it were....

I would point out that many hotels (used to) provide champagne upon arrival... The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, for example, still does.... Offering a gift to the guest upon arrival is a nice touch!

Frankly, I think for what Disney charges, they should offer a lei and a glass of champagne!

Aulani is at least 50% timeshares, so it’s not really fair to compare it to other luxury hotels. (Disney is NOT luxury…..it’s nice, family friendly, and a bit too crowded)

It is however, IMO, a great place to stay if using inexpensive resale DVC points.

 

[kirstyfly]

Well, then set your expectations accordingly and you won’t be disappointed.

You can buy a lei at the airport or at the ABC stores, but they Hollywood idea of every guest getting out of their car and getting a lei from a beautiful person of Polynesian descent is no longer reality at the vast majority of places people will stay on Oahu.

There are just too many tourists.

Yes, this is where research pays before a trip.

It helps to know what to expect or not expect. For example the finding of a chair to relax in by the pool or having to pay for seats or get up super early to grab one.

 

[petrola]

We went last year and received them at the Aulani luau. Prior to that we were at Grand Hyatt Kauai and received them at check in. Here are my thoughts on receiving leis at check in. While both my children were thrilled to receive them at check in (it was their first trip to Hawaii) we all felt bad watching them wither all week and finally laying them on a rock. (I know that sounds sappy - but I am also the one who is sad watching my Christmas tree turn brown after a few weeks). We even put them in the refrigerator trying to preserve them as long as possible - but you know, in the end....

I'm actually fine not receiving leis. It's less guilt for me and one less thing to take care of. If my daughter insists next year on one, then I am happy purchasing just one for her.

 

[buzlite]

Yes, agreed, it is a nice feeling. And it last about thirty seconds, at which point I want to take it off because I don’t want it rotting away in the room. Who knows, maybe there are parasites in it, or little creepy crawly things that I’d rather not have on my neck! But I think a paid service is actually a good idea for those who want it. And, guess what, it actually exists at the airport! Problem solved! Complaints over!

https://www.viator.com/tours/Oahu/T...MIsoPIp5fhiQMVNjNECB2LBwstEAAYASAAEgJD1PD_BwE

You’re 100% right. But before I went to Hawaii my first time the marketing put the idea in my head. That a “true Hawaiian Vacation” meant getting a lei.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Yes, this is where research pays before a trip.

It helps to know what to expect or not expect. For example the finding of a chair to relax in by the pool or having to pay for seats or get up super early to grab one.

Agreed. Someone told me once that the difference between misery and bliss is Expectations.

 

[Genie+]

They told me when I specifically asked (not long ago while making a room request for our upcoming stay) that it was an issue with their supplier. Kind of weak sauce if you ask me.

Issues with their supplier… for years? Weak sauce indeed.