In other words you’re telling me I’m taking it too personal. I think his obvious take was uncalled for towards those who like WDW. Agree prices are too high but one person‘s likes is their prerogative . The accusation of being too girlie and that most won’t go back is completely uneducated. It is perhaps one of the most multi time vacation destinations ever. This was about the choice made by plenty of posters who go there yearly …sometimes several times per yearI take the entire family. We all have fun especially the grandchildren. Most here understand my take on their politics . This is about bringing happiness and joy to my grand daughter… that is all that matters to us. Hawaii is for us is always great … Having been to all the major islands in the chain multiple times has given me a good perspective of the culture , politics, food choices etc. The sad destruction of Lahaina town was a terrible thing . It will never be able to restablish.We love Maui Kuaui, Big Island and still Oahu. For us the best beaches are on Oahu. Some say Maui . Never have had a bad day in Hawaii.
OT: Disney World
- Thread starter tom1944
- Start date
I wish I was wrong, as I’m going this summer. Last flight is April 14.
United Airlines Cancels Longest Hawaii Route In Shakeup
While one United Hawaii route will operate 6x daily, another is axed..Airlines' attempt to adjust Hawaii routes, flights and frequencies to customer demand.
beatofhawaii.com
I know this is a Disney thread, but wanted to follow up on our Hawaii talk. Got back a few days ago from an 8-night trip to Oahu (no island hopping). It was spectacular. We stayed in Ko Olina at the Four Seasons (right next to the Disney Aulani). We were all over the island, but had plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beaches. Highlights outside of the resort:
Ka'ena Point Beach Park
Waimea Bay (didn't have time to check out the Valley)
Pipeline (watched a few pro surfers in action)
Shark cove and the food trucks
UTVs in Kauloa Valley
Lanikai Beach
Pearl Harbor tour
Private charter and snorkeling
Tantalus Overlook
Did a bunch of other wonderful things and can easily fill-up another week without duplicating activities. We will go back in a few years. Loved the island, it had everything.
I don’t believe he has kids or any other young relatives. It sounds like you have been on several trips with your grandkids which is a great experience, it’s the best.
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I want to book a trip to Aulani sometime in the next few years. I assume you went with your daughter. Was she a good age? My granddaughter is 5 so I want to go when she is a good age for the trip
We did Aulani. Tremendous resort with young kids. In fact I'd say 7-10 is the sweet spot. Be prepared to pay a small fortune.
I worked over 40 years and started a business when I retired to be able to spend money on vacations. I am as prepared as I can be.
Thank you for supplying that age range. I will shoot for 8 or9.
Are the months of July or August okay to go?
Hoping to get back in May -June 2025 to Oahu. Contrary to many opinions that Maui is the best of the Islands for some strange reason Oahu gives us still a sense of adventure as well as many outstanding beaches… by far. It is somewhat more dangerous today then when we started going to Oahu back in 2004. You mentioned my wife’s favorite beach Lanikai ( Heavenly Sky) much busier than ever but beautiful water and peaceful tranquility. I want to mention another great beach ( known by the locals) but it has already been overrun the past 20 years. Haleiwa and the Shrimp Trucks world renowned. Up to trip # 18 and each island offers something unique . It is a long trip and that is what people dislike the most. That and the cost . Waiting for the state of Hawaii to institute no short term rentals which will stop many from going for 10-14-21 days. It will be 30 days or more.At now 74 not sure how many more are possible… 😜
Our daughter is in 6th grade and just turned 12. It was the perfect age for her/us. However, our trip was much more of an "adventure" and active with days trips and experiences throughout the island. If you want to do the Disney Aulani and spend plenty of time at the resort, I agree with Salvi that 7-10 would be fine.....as long as a child is okay with the flight. It was 10.5 hours direct from EWR to HNL and that's no joke.
As I mentioned before, we stayed next to the Disney resort but dined and shopped there a few times. Makahiki is a wonderful restaurant. We had dinner and the character breakfast there. The pool area is amazing for young kids and it shares a lagoon (man-made but still open to the Pacific ocean) with the Four Seasons. The lagoon is great for younger kids and those that want to try paddleboarding or snorkeling.
Excellent shopping complex right across the street includes an ABC grocery market, so everything you need is easy to get. Loved the area and will return in a few years.
One more thing, we are big Disney fans but choose to stay next door. The Aulani is awesome, but as with everything Disney, it's crowded and loud due to the number of younger children. For our trip, we wanted a more relaxed vibe and the Four Seasons was perfect. Regardless, we were impressed with the Aulani. Both resorts are open and welcoming, so you can enjoy shopping and dining at either. The Aulani also has a traditional luau on property a few days a week.
Remember this old Hawaiian saying” once you come to Hawaii and experience its beauty you will always return.” I can honestly say it is eerily true.
We got to Lanikai late in the day after the UTV tour thru Kauloa Valley and a stop at the Poi Factory for their famous dessert (which was awesome - kulolo and ice cream). So, most people left or were leaving. Perfect time to be there and relax!
This is my RU gift to you and your family.You may already be aware of them? There really are 2 beaches which for years were used basically by only the locals . One is Bellows Air Force … it is only open to the public from Friday 12:00 noon until 8:00 AM Monday…Family camping is big on Oahu ... Bellows is the extension of Waimanalo Beach 5 miles of soft white powder sand . You can actually walk out most days several hundred yards and only be up to your shoulders. Usually trade winds keep it cooler even on the hottest of days. Water temps range from 72-74 to mid - upper 80’s August and September … It is 20 minutes south of Lanikai…Kailua Beach …Stop in and say hello to Obama on your way to another quiet beach called what else Secret Beach … take Kailua Road from the Market Deli… 1 1/4 miles north … one thing parking lot closes at 5 or 6 pm SHARP…When you go again and you will. If you need any tips on sightseeing on any of the Hawaiian Islands we have a pretty good grasp of what each offers. There are as you say many many adventures outside of Honolulu. I will say this about Honolulu food choices are too many to count. Every ethnic culture is well repped and we have many favorites. From pricey to reasonable.
One thing more… ALWAYS respect the ocean and its changeable moods… I was for years a better than average swimmer. Now much less as age even in water sports declines. Rogue type waves though rare do occur and rip tides are severe at times. That is something with kids to keep in mind…May - June-July -August -September our favorites. Caribbean waters are nice but I’ll still take Hawaii anytime.
@RUBOB72I wish I was wrong, as I’m going this summer. Last flight is April 14.
United Airlines Cancels Longest Hawaii Route In Shakeup
While one United Hawaii route will operate 6x daily, another is axed..Airlines' attempt to adjust Hawaii routes, flights and frequencies to customer demand.
FYI to both of you. Looks like United is back with direct HNL flights from EWR. I just checked for next March and the daily direct flight was an option to book. Great news! Likely heading back to Oahu in March 2026.
Flights cancelled tomorrow on United… still having issues. Seems only to MCO and MCO to Denver. Very strange and is sadly acceptable by not only to airlines but Mayor Pete. 1100 flights cancelled today about 1/3 of what occurred yesterday. The entire cyber community is a joke.
Hawai’i we have not checked since April. Was already looking to take Hawaiian from JFK direct as I hate Chicago’s O Hare and San Fran. Wife already was accepting LA ( stop) and then switch. Disconcerting that one of the most wanted directs was taken off because of scheduling and the upgrades being done in Bejing last year. If it’s back I ‘ll book it out of EWR. Looking at next October 2026. Are you positive about that? Don’t see direct… Ex. UA March 4 th shows a stop at ORD ( ( Chicago) . Same March March 20… leaves ORD after a 45 minute layover and arrives in Oahu /Hono at 1:15 pm their time. April 8 th EWR to LAX 2 hour layover. They say it is a risky connection for the simple fact of times and connections. Good Luck … just want WDW for now. Nice and HOT.😎
Perhaps it is only certain days or times of the year? March 8 or 9th, 2025 (Sat or Sun):
United.com
RECOMMENDED FLIGHT
NONSTOP
8:20 AM Departing at 8:20 AM
1:18 PM Arriving at 1:18 PM
EWR Origin New York/Newark, NJ, US (EWR)
10H, 58M Duration 10 hours and 58 minutes
HNL Destination Honolulu, HI, US (HNL)
UA 363 (Boeing 767-400ER)Flight Number UA 363. Aircraft Boeing 767-400ER
BTW, I am seeing a non-stop EWR to HNL on March 4, 2025 using United.com. Double check that.
The excuse was they’re bringing in an upgraded and refurbished fleet. Then it was we don’t have enough crews for the turn around. Then it was three months and it’ll all be fixed. Now it’s 2-3 stops take it or leave it. So Hawaiian Air will probably get our business. Costs me a service car over/ back but it’s part of game the airlines play with customers.
I was scheduled to fly out July 19, EWR to Denver and Denver to Kona, the day of the Microsoft debacle, so unfortunately lost the first day. Thankfully acted quickly and grabbed a flight for July 20 as they filled up quickly. When I arrived at terminal C on Friday 7/19 is was an absolute s*** show. We only lost 1 day in the end on a 15 day trip so worked out ok in the end, but pretty deflating gearing up for Hawaii and having your flight cancelled!!
Damn, that was unlucky timing! As you mentioned, thankfully it was a long trip so you didn't miss out on too much.
At Disney now. There was an issue at our 1 bedroom standard room at BLT with the AC so they moved us to a Club level villa at South Garden wing of the Contemporary. To say the room is amazing is an understatement.
The patio alone took me 25 large steps to walk across.
The Club level comes with free drinks, appetizers and other stuff on the 14th floor of the Contemporary. We watched the fireworks from there on Monday night.
The patio alone took me 25 large steps to walk across.
The Club level comes with free drinks, appetizers and other stuff on the 14th floor of the Contemporary. We watched the fireworks from there on Monday night.
Awesome upgrade! Nice to see Disney take care of the problem so well. BLT is scheduled for a significant room rehab starting in the fall. We have BLT booked for next March and hope to get lucky with a fresh new villa. If we don't, I will demand a Club level villa at the South Garden wing. :)
I once took the family to Atlantis and it was for 2 adjoining rooms- one with 2 doubles and the other a king- Ocean side/view. The kids were 11/13/14
We get there and they screwed up the adjoining- and did not have that available in the type of rooms ordered. We ended upgraded to 2 club level/Concierge suites. This gave us access to the Club up next to the arch where they had happy hour and pretty much food and snacks all day, plus they gave us their "meal" plan which is usually $70 per day per person.
I sometimes love when they screw up
You should see how charming I am when there is a problem. I do not get angry or pushy. I am one who understands stuff happens. Taking that attitude has always served me well in how I get treated in return.
My wife and I have both already reached out to various Disney customer service and executive management to let them know how pleased we are with a list of CM names. They all deserve it.
One minor regret is we move to a 2bedroom Boardwalk View on Friday over at the Boardwalk Villas.
It's funny- I am always the calm one in these situations because I know I will only stay calm until it gets resolved in my favor...I can get nasty as F- if they are dismissive.
My wife, on the other hand- she gives them one shot and 5 minutes to fix it. We were in Vegas one time with a mixup and while I was trying to be professional- the clerk kept going behind the closed door and coming back with what his manager was telling him to tell us- My wife actually told him to leave as he was "insignificant" and asked if the manager was real or just a pussy. lol
Intelligent adults always find out what works for them.
What amazes me is people who continue doing something that never works in their favor.
The Boardwalk resort is okay, nothing wrong with it. However, outstanding location if you like Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
We love getting drinks at the Belle Vue bar. One of my favorite Disney hotel lounges. I do miss the old look but it's still fine.
Anyone see the crazy fight there on YouTube? I was shocked to see people getting in a fight and having the cops there on property. Just insane stuff to happen at the Boardwalk Resort but things are just so crazy these days.
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Though, from what I understand, never at a Philadelphia game lol
Well, one guy in the video
Is clearly wearing a Flyers hat.
That is why we picked it. We have 3 days of HS and Epcot while there.
