Who is counting down to Aulani?

[slowly]

Thank you so much! Have you been to the Member Mingle on Monday Mornings, did you enjoy it? Debating on going or not. We've been to O'ahu before but the last time was 1996, so it has been awhile. I'm sure a lot has changed! Really looking forward to our trip and visiting Aulani for the first time. We will be there when you are, we will be there October 4-11. Sorry to hear the resort will be packed, I had hoped it would be a slower time. We chose this week because my husband and I both have birthdays on Oct. 10, oh well. It still will be wonderful.

To tell you the truth we haven't been to any of the mingles because they do it around 8:30 am which is bfast time or we are slowly getting up from our soft comfy beds! I haven't heard any positive things about it unlike DCL where they have drawings and prizes for those who attend. We always say we will and after being there more than 10 separate times not sure it will ever happen. I heard its more of a DVC pitch than anything else not that the one's on DCL aren't either but they are less obvious.

Happy early Birthdays! You will still love it even though it will be crowded. Taking a nice stroll along the lagoons is very nice and make sure you bring your camera during the walk because its worth it. The count down is down to single digits for you so I am sure you are excited!

 

[slowly]

Hi, we are going Jan 29-Feb 6th ( 8 nights/9days). Anyone have any info on those timeframes as far as weather and how it is there that time of year?

Any info would be greatly appreciated !

It is considered our "winter" period but still warm in the high 70's. What winter means here is that you may get more rain than the other months but be assured Aulani is located on the side of the island where it doesn't rain that much at all. If it does rain it will not last longer than 30 mins. Unless there is an unusual storm you will enjoy your time here!

The only thing that may be a little busy at that time is that the NFL Pro Bowl will be played and normally the hotel next to Aulani, Ihilani ,used to host the players and their families. However, the hotel is scheduled to closed for renovations so I am not sure where they will be housed during that period. This is good news for Aulani visitors because the surrounding business' will be clamoring for your business.

 

[AZMermaid]

The Pro Bowl is actually in Arizona this year. What a bummer for the players- but we have tickets!

 

[slowly]

The Pro Bowl is actually in Arizona this year. What a bummer for the players- but we have tickets!

That's right! I think strategically that is why they will be doing the renovations next yr to prepare for it's return in 2016. I think it would be good for fans to experience it in AZ. It will wake up the City here to step it up to spend some money on the stadium to have it stay here in HI. I see both sides where it's great for the economy here but it gives people who can't afford to come to HI to experience the Pro-Bowl. Have fun!

 

[carissa1970]

To tell you the truth we haven't been to any of the mingles because they do it around 8:30 am which is bfast time or we are slowly getting up from our soft comfy beds! I haven't heard any positive things about it unlike DCL where they have drawings and prizes for those who attend. We always say we will and after being there more than 10 separate times not sure it will ever happen. I heard its more of a DVC pitch than anything else not that the one's on DCL aren't either but they are less obvious. Happy early Birthdays! You will still love it even though it will be crowded. Taking a nice stroll along the lagoons is very nice and make sure you bring your camera during the walk because its worth it. The count down is down to single digits for you so I am sure you are excited!

We have won something every time we've gone to the mingle. Last time, a lithograph, a gift card, and we all got very cool DVC hats for A'ulani. I'd say it has been worth it for us!

 

[Cloei_13]

sorry duplicate posting

 

[Cloei_13]

My family and I will be at Aulani in only 8 days!!!! Oct 8-15 We have a studio pool view room booked and just completed online check-in

Can't wait! First time to Hawaii for me, DH, DD9, DD10.

 

[slowly]

We have won something every time we've gone to the mingle. Last time, a lithograph, a gift card, and we all got very cool DVC hats for A'ulani. I'd say it has been worth it for us!

Good to hear! It wasn't like that in the beginning. Might be worth going now.

 

[E&Cmom]

When we went almost a month ago, the mingle we were going to go to was in the evening (6-7pm) but it was pouring rain so it was cancelled.

 

[dolphingirl47]

We are heading to Aulani for 10 days next month. We have a snorkeling excursion booked, have tickets reserved for the Arizona memorial and are also planning a trip to the North Shore. We are all good with those days, but thought if we come all this way, we should have a look at Honolulu. Therein lies the problem. I have no clear idea what kind of thing we should visit in Honolulu. I have been struggling to find information. We are both very much interested in history and architecture. There are two things that I know I want to see and do. I want to visit the Honolulu Museum of Art. I have read that they have some works by Dale Chihuly there and I am a huge fan. I also want to do some shopping and have dinner at the Ala Moana Centre. Other than that, I am at a loss of what to do during our day in Honolulu. Those of you who have been to Honolulu before or are local, but are the must sees?

Corinna

 

[AZMermaid]

7.5 months- but caught a $536 fare today on Hawaiian Airlines from Phoenix! So I hopped on that and our airfare is booked! I am pretty stoked as I have heard their planes are really nice and it seats 2-3-2. My family usually seats 2 and 2 with the kids on the windows with my kicker behind his sister. That means hubby and I are stuck in the middles..... but now we have aisle seats- woot! We are hoping we can earn US Airways soon to be American miles, but it is a little unsure with the merger and stuff- so we will look at that like a bonus if we can.

 

[Minniesgal]

I sort of am. We plan on going Easter 2016 if I can get booked. The room I want is still available Easter 2015 so giving me hope.

 

[fitnessmouse]

Yes! Got roundtrip airfare from Amsterdam to Honolulu for €810pp. Got NCL Pride of America with Kids sail Free. And got 6 nights at Aulani with dvc. Happy! Counting down to April 2015

 

[jerseygal]

I sort of am. We plan on going Easter 2016 if I can get booked. The room I want is still available Easter 2015 so giving me hope.

Good luck booking! You will have to be prepared for CROWDS though and "juggling" for beach/pool chairs!

 

[drmrchk]

We've got 85 days left, we'll be there 12/29-1/5 (redeye flight out at 10 so we have all day there). There's a whole big 10 of us going, and our first family trip as DVC, my dad signed up as his gift to my mom for their 40th anniversary!!

Anyone know if the NYE parties they have done in the past are annual? I can't seem to find any info on it and mom hasn't called yet. We do know there is a fireworks show but hoping there's more like the buffet and beach dance party. We're definitely doing a waterfall hike on the north shore, do some snorkeling, and hit the Arizona.

Is there is a forum or thread for tips for Aulani newbies somewhere?

 

[moonlightgraham]

We are heading to Aulani for 10 days next month. We have a snorkeling excursion booked, have tickets reserved for the Arizona memorial and are also planning a trip to the North Shore. We are all good with those days, but thought if we come all this way, we should have a look at Honolulu. Therein lies the problem. I have no clear idea what kind of thing we should visit in Honolulu. I have been struggling to find information. We are both very much interested in history and architecture. There are two things that I know I want to see and do. I want to visit the Honolulu Museum of Art. I have read that they have some works by Dale Chihuly there and I am a huge fan. I also want to do some shopping and have dinner at the Ala Moana Centre. Other than that, I am at a loss of what to do during our day in Honolulu. Those of you who have been to Honolulu before or are local, but are the must sees?

Corinna

There is the Bishop Museum which houses a lot of Hawaiian history, art and culture and artifacts from the Hawaiian Monarchy before it was forced from power by US business interests.

Also, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a beautiful but poignant stop. It is the final resting place for thousands of US military men who died in the Pacific Theater during WWII. It's in an extinct crater called Punchbowl and it offers stunning views of downtown Honolulu and the ocean. It's without a doubt the prettiest national cemetery I have visited.

I would also try to visit at least a couple of the historic hotels in Waikiki. The Royal Hawaiian (the pink one) and Moana Surfrider are two of the most beautiful, original hotels and are in the heart of Waikiki. The original buildings definitely give you a flavor of the bygone era of Hawaii. Then, stop for a drink at the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian. You can't beat its beachfront location and enjoy the late afternoon at the world's most famous beach!

 

[Girimama33]

We've got 85 days left, we'll be there 12/29-1/5 (redeye flight out at 10 so we have all day there). There's a whole big 10 of us going, and our first family trip as DVC, my dad signed up as his gift to my mom for their 40th anniversary!!

Anyone know if the NYE parties they have done in the past are annual? I can't seem to find any info on it and mom hasn't called yet. We do know there is a fireworks show but hoping there's more like the buffet and beach dance party. We're definitely doing a waterfall hike on the north shore, do some snorkeling, and hit the Arizona.

Is there is a forum or thread for tips for Aulani newbies somewhere?

Here are a couple of handy threads...Going to Aulani-Let's list places to eat:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2858912

Aulani - what is the one thing you wish you knew: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3180904

 

[dolphingirl47]

There is the Bishop Museum which houses a lot of Hawaiian history, art and culture and artifacts from the Hawaiian Monarchy before it was forced from power by US business interests.

Also, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a beautiful but poignant stop. It is the final resting place for thousands of US military men who died in the Pacific Theater during WWII. It's in an extinct crater called Punchbowl and it offers stunning views of downtown Honolulu and the ocean. It's without a doubt the prettiest national cemetery I have visited.

I would also try to visit at least a couple of the historic hotels in Waikiki. The Royal Hawaiian (the pink one) and Moana Surfrider are two of the most beautiful, original hotels and are in the heart of Waikiki. The original buildings definitely give you a flavor of the bygone era of Hawaii. Then, stop for a drink at the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian. You can't beat its beachfront location and enjoy the late afternoon at the world's most famous beach!

Thanks for this. I really appreciate it. This gives me something to research.

Corinna

 

[moonlightgraham]

I sort of am. We plan on going Easter 2016 if I can get booked. The room I want is still available Easter 2015 so giving me hope.

We're going Easter 2015 so I'll be able to offer any tips about crowds, etc., after the trip!

 

[sumlee]

We just arrived at Aulani today! This place is amazing! Everything is just beautiful. Tonight we watched the outdoor family movie, "Hocus Pocus," and then enjoyed the fireside storytelling with Uncle. Winded the evening down on a beach chair in the moonlight listening to the ocean. Such fun! Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings! Aloha!