VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.5) updated 2 February 2025

[jimmytammy]

Character breakfast was awesome!! I ate enough fruit to last me a lifetime. Papaya was tops! And the POG juice was to die for. It was so good, will def. go back

 

[Flossbolna]

Floss, thats too funny!! Not at that moment, Im sure, but funny nonetheless

Yes, it is a gOod story to tell! I am just glad we realised our mistake before heading to the bus stop and waiting in vain for a bus to take us to a theme park!

 

[Granny]

Jimmy...so glad to hear that you guys are settled in. What a view! I have to think that the tropical fruit is a highlight of that location. Papaya is awesome, and if they have any mango you might want to give that a try as well. Thanks for taking the time to share your trip so far, and the pictures. We'll look forward to more of them! Those time zone alarm stories from you and Flossy are a hoot...definitely something I prefer vicariously versus actually experiencing it myself!

 

[Granny]

Okay, here's another video from youtube ostensibly taken on 9/3/16...though it shows our Mickey topiary back in place?

Okay Groupies...am I the only one excited to see the return of the Mickey topiary?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Okay Groupies...am I the only one excited to see the return of the Mickey topiary?

Woo Hooo!!! When were they replanted?

 

[jimmytammy]

Okay Groupies...am I the only one excited to see the return of the Mickey topiary?

Glad to see him back in place and welcoming us home!

 

[Lakegirl]

Okay Groupies...am I the only one excited to see the return of the Mickey topiary?

Super excited!!!!!! I had to double check to make sure it just wasn't an older picture reposted.

 

[sleepydog25]

Okay Groupies...am I the only one excited to see the return of the Mickey topiary?

Nope, I'm very excited and pleased, though he's been moved from his original spot. He seems real (as opposed to the artificial topiary, say, at HHI), too. I wonder if the bison have/will return (ditto for geese at entrance)? I sure would love to see them all return! At least DVC Mickey is back in some form.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Just after sunrise this AM.
Crazy thing this AM, T set her alarm on IPad for 9am, only problem, I Pad still on Eastern time, so at 3am, we are awake, but able to go back asleep, so all is good

Aulani is beautiful!!! We are having a bit of trouble navigating our way around but gradually learning. We are headed down to a character breakfast in a few mins. KAT, we were not able to secure a room in suggested locale, but I think we were all so tired by the time we got here, anything would do. As all can see from our view, no complaints. We see about half the lagoon, and we are just above where the Starlit Hui show takes place, saw it from balcony last night in fact. The lagoon is where Lipoa who is the entertainer at Ohana told us she used to go when she was a little girl with her family.

That's a great view Jimmy! Glad the trip went ok and that you're enjoying Hawaii!!!! I always thought that would be kind of fun to look down on the Starlit Hui and to enjoy the music even if you didn't actually go down to the show.

Have some papaya for me too - mmmmmmmm!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

We are headed over to Pearl Harbor in a bit. Its 5:30 am here now. We are on the 1st boat out to the Arizona. I have always wanted to go, as I am as some of you know, a history buff(nut to others ). My folks always, in 20 straight yrs in a row, always visited Pearl Harbor, even if they did nothing else but relax.
We ate at Monkey Pod last night and really enjoyed it. Went to Dole pineapple plantation too. It was good to see, got a Dole Whip(got to say though, having one in WDW is a little more tasty). I think what I enjoyed most about it was seeing the Mts. across the road.
I have to say, Aulani, and Hawaii are breathtaking. We are already talking the next trip!
Will try to post some pics soon. Today and tomorrow will be busy days, so will do my best to get them up soon.

 

[Granny]

Jimmy...thanks for the update. I know for sure that you will find the Arizona Memorial to be a stirring visit. Being a history buff makes it even more memorable. Great to hear that you are enjoying the island so much!

 

[Dean Marino]

Super excited!!!!!! I had to double check to make sure it just wasn't an older picture reposted.

Folks? Being a bit old & slow.... I missed this one .

Could someone point out the new WL Mickey Topiary? I saw a SIGN..... looking for the TOPIARY.

 

[jimmytammy]

I knew the Arizona would be a somber experience, but to see it up close, to know those whole waters got us into WWII, makes it all the more somber. So many lives changed that day, all for the want of more power. Anytime I experience something like that, humbles me.
A tad of info where Aulani is related, the Mt range just beyond Aulanis front door is where the bombers in the 1st wave flew over. Most of the 1st Wave came in over the North Shore area, but the bombers flew west and back around over this area.

We felt honored to meet a vet of Pearl Harbor. He was stationed at Schofield Barracks and is a native of Oahu

The oil still comes to the surface of the Arizona

The UsS Missouri watches over the Arizona

Aboard the Missouri

 

[jimmytammy]

The Punchbowl cemetery


Diamond Head and Waikiki off in the distance
Shot from last night at room

 

[Granny]

Beautiful photos Jimmy...and I was sure that the Arizona Memorial would be an emotional place for you as it is for anyone with an appreciation of what went on that day. And I love the view from your room. We keep saying that we'll never visit Aulani but your pictures and description make it very alluring! Thanks for taking the time to post your pictures and impressions.

 

[Granny]

Folks? Being a bit old & slow.... I missed this one .

Could someone point out the new WL Mickey Topiary? I saw a SIGN..... looking for the TOPIARY.

Hi Dean! You do have to look quick...they only show it for a second at the 16 second mark of the video!

 

[sleepydog25]

Hi Dean! You do have to look quick...they only show it for a second at the 16 second mark of the video!

View attachment 193766

And the location is new based on that quick look--off the main walkway confluence and down the sidewalk running between the north end of Classic VWL and the new suites wing of the Copper Creek project. I guess they figured that was a more central location for the entire VWL complex?

 

[jimmytammy]

Granny do not hesitate to visit Aulani! It is a great place, lots to do to keep you busy or do nothing at all. I know the flight is daunting to think of but once here...WOW

 

[DiznyDi]

WELCOME new Groupies yaksack, Starwind and DisneyDad61. So nice to have you here!

Our Mickey's back! Yea! I've really missed him! Thanks Granny for posting the video showing current construction progress.

JT, Tammy and Casey, you've made it! Ahh to be at Aulani...... Enjoy your trip! So glad you went to Pearl Harbor and the Punchbowl Cemetery. Wonderful, beautiful, emotional, inspiring - so many emotions are evoked. If they still have the Starlite Hui at Aulani make sure you go. We sat on the ground as no chairs were available. Go a little early so you can sit up close.

Have a good week!

 

[Granny]

Granny do not hesitate to visit Aulani! It is a great place, lots to do to keep you busy or do nothing at all. I know the flight is daunting to think of but once here...WOW

I have been to Hawaii two times in my life but DW has not been yet. We have talked about doing that trip but DW doesn't seem to be very enthusiastic about it. And since I've already visited a couple of times, it isn't on my bucket list either. If we did it, we would certainly want to combine it with a trip to DL which we haven't visited in twenty years. But as we talk about our various trip options, it seems that we're at a point where long flights are a big drawback. Orlando is a two hour flight which seems to be about our limit!

Keep those reports coming Jimmy. Love to hear your impressions of Aulani's amenities.