Saturday, May 21, 2011

Cultural Events Add to the Experience at Aulani

Those of you looking to really experience Hawaiian culture will find it at Aulani. Walt Disney Imagineering worked with local architects and cultural experts to design the resort to honor the local culture of the Hawaiian Islands. The resulting design is a celebration of Hawaiian customs and traditions that offers up a harmony with the natural world.


Inside and out you will see simplicity, fine materials and attention-to-detail that reflect the layers of refined thinking that characterize Hawaiian art forms. The unique architecture evokes Hawaiian villages in a modern, awe-inspiring interpretation. A large lava rock passes from outside to inside the glass lobby wall. This reverence for nature is seen throughout, with volcanic stone columns that line the hallway, and the use of wood and water throughout.


Rooms are appointed with lustrous wood and Hawaiian elements, such as geometric patterns inspired by kapa cloth (textiles made from tree bark), outrigger canoe posts and beams in the design of bedroom headboards, and corridor wall-coverings that are artfully embedded with a whole host of native Hawaiian cultural references – from poi pounders to fish traps to sea urchins.


Aulani's restaurants are also designed to reflect aspects of Hawaiian culture – from fishing techniques to harvest rituals. The resort's 'Ōlelo Room will be a special place you will want to visit. Here you will become more "conversive" in Hawaiian – or have fun trying. The 'Ōlelo Room will feature a series of engaging shadow boxes that hang throughout the room, displaying wooden carvings of common, everyday objects labeled with their Hawaiian language names. Best of all, cast members are on hand to provide proper pronunciations for you.


From beautiful artwork by local Hawaiian artists to the playful Menehune – legendary mischievous characters from Hawaiian folklore – depicted in statue form throughout the resort, the design of Aulani celebrates the culture of the islands.

Book an idyllic Hawaiian vacation for you and your family at Aulani now for stays beginning Aug. 29, 2011.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Tuesday Tip

Ok last week I told you about comfortable shoes...this week - prepare yourself and your family.

Many of us are not as active as we should be and if that is you, then you need to prepare yourself for a Disney vacation.  You will be walking an awful lot.  Think miles everyday.  In fact it has been stated on several sites that the average Disney goer walks 5 - 7 miles PER DAY!!!

My suggestion, start a nightly walk with your family and increase the distance.  As the trip gets closer walk in the shoes that you plan to use while down there if possible.  This will show you how well you really enjoy walking in the shoes you think are best. 

Not only will you get fit for your trip and for yourself, but you will be ready for the Disney touring that is awaiting you!!  Funny with all that walking I never lose any weight while there....must be all the food!!  ;-)

Monday, May 16, 2011

Resort Review - Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Sit back and get ready to RELAX!  If camping is your style then this is the resort for you!  I grew up staying here and to this day it still holds incredible memories and will always be one of my favorite places to stay!

Welcome to....




Here are two videos from Disney Parks Media - one is the campsites, one is the cabins!  :-)


Some Facts:
  • Website: Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground Information
  • Category: Moderate (cabins)
  • Location: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
  • Pricing: 
    • Campsites from $46/night
    • Cabins from $275/night
  • Rooms Available:
    • Tent/Pop-Up Hookup
    • Full Hookup
    • Preferred Campsite
    • Premium Campsite
    • Cabins
Resort Map:


Have I personally stayed here?
Yes - more times than I can count!!  We camped here in our family RV when I was a kid growing up.  Once we got rid of the RV we started staying in the cabins.


What I like about it:
I think my opinion is slightly clouded since this particular resort is filled with childhood memories, but there is definitely something special and different about Fort Wilderness.  You won't get the feeling that you get here anywhere else you stay on property.  When you stay in the cabins you feel like you have your own little house - driveway and deck included!  Camping is as good as it gets as far as camping goes!  Amenities galore!  There is also the proximity to the Magic Kingdom!  It is just a boat ride away!  Not to mention that there is so much to do at the resort - lots of bike riding available and pony rides, the stables, great food - Trails End is one of our favorite meals! - and of course the campfire and movie nightly with Chip and Dale!!  Also a very important PLUS - the cabins sleep 6!!  What a great option for those bigger families!!  :-)


What I don't like:
The internal transportation!  UGH - I don't like it AT ALL!!  I hate to say this because when I was little the transportation was great.  I thought maybe I was just remembering wrong, but I asked my parents and they also agreed that it was better way back when.  They used to have trams that ran, now it is buses.  To get to the buses for the parks you have to take a bus (depending on your location), same with getting to the boat or the restaurant.  When we go we rent a golf cart, which is fun for sure, but it is also a bit pricey.  The only other downfall - no counter service.  :-(

Would I stay here again?
Of course!!  In fact I really want to camp for a couple nights here and then move from here and stay at a deluxe or something.  "Rough" it for a couple days you know!  :-)  I can also definitely seeing us stay in a cabin again.


Next up....Disney's Polynesian Resort - with TWO special fan reviews!!  :-)

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Disney's Aulani Resort - Idyllic Location

Aulani, which opens in Hawai'i on Aug. 29, is located in the picturesque Ko Olina Resort & Marina on the island of O'ahu. For your Clients who are unfamiliar with this area, Ko Olina is located on the western (or leeward) side of the island, which is typically warmer and drier than the eastern (windward) side of O'ahu.

The Ko Olina Resort Community & Marina is a master-planned, active family resort community with sweeping ocean and mountain views and 1.5 miles of white sandy beaches.

Sheltered by mountains to the north, Ko Olina is a secluded paradise in a beautiful island setting yet close enough to Waikiki and Honolulu. Aulani will provide you with a number of options to get to Waikiki including shuttles, rental cars and excursions. You can enjoy a variety of activities within Ko Olina including an 18-hole Ted Robinson designed golf course, water activities, marina, shopping and dining options.

Ko Olina is legendary as a source of inspiration to travelers. A place of breathtaking natural beauty where it's said that the goddess Pele visited to re-energize after traveling. Known for its beaches, majestic seascapes and snorkeling, Ko Olina is home to many islanders who make their living from the rich agricultural tradition and fishing in the area.

Aulani's location within Ko Olina makes it the perfect setting for those who are looking for a truly peaceful, relaxing and cultural Hawaiian experience.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Favorite Rides - Soarin'


This next ride has to be one of the best rides (in my opinion) in all of the Walt Disney World Resort!!  Get ready to "soar" over California.....


Some Info:


  • Park:  Epcot
  • Land/Area:  The Land
  • Height Requirements:  Yes - must be 40 inches
  • Best Suited For:  Great ride for the whole family!
  • Warnings:  This is a flight simulated ride.  If you get motion sickness this could bother you.  Those with vertigo or a extreme free of heights may not want to ride. 
  • Fastpass:  Yes.  Also you can utilize the rider switch program with this ride.
What I like about it:
What's not to like!!!  The first time you ride this will be the best because the initial thrill you feel "soaring" over the San Franciso Bay will never quite be the same!  I love all the little extras - the feeling of the wind blowing through you hair, the swinging sensation one can only assume you would feel if you were hang gliding, the scents of the evergreens and oranges!  All of it is just amazing!  I don't want to give too much away, but be ready to SOAR over California and see all there is to see.  It is truly an amazing experience!


Random Facts:
  • Original ride opened in 2001 in Disney's California Adventure.  It opened in Epcot in May of 2005. 
  • Lasts for almost 5 minutes.
  • Best seat - middle section (B) top row (1).  No feet hanging down and you are in the center or the theater!
  • Screen measures 80 feet!  
  • Ride was originally designed using an erector set!  :-)
Next ride.....Dumbo!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Magical Moment at Aulani Resort

The major structural work on Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is now complete. Recently, the construction crew officially "handed over the keys" to Disney cast members, marking the latest milestone in the countdown to the resort's opening on Aug. 29, 2011. Throughout the summer, the Disney team will be hard at work "adding the magic" to the resort in preparation of your arrival. Crews are doing everything from honing the world-class guest service you expect from Disney, to installing the décor, landscape and furnishings that will make Aulani a memorable island vacation experience with distinctive Disney touches.
To celebrate this latest milestone in the construction process, Disney cast members and construction crew members, along with Mickey Mouse, Minnie and their pals, gathered together on the beach in front of Aulani to commemorate this "magical moment."

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Keep the Magic Alive!!!

So you are at home...wherever that may be.  For me it is Pennsylvania.  But you are missing Disney World.  Well we have covered lots of great ways to keep the Magic alive at home and here is another way...

Disney movie night!  We usually have a movie night once a week in our house.  Usually on the first non school night when we don't have anything special going on first thing in the morning. After dinner the kids run upstairs, get on their pjs and come down ready for movie night.  Popcorn gets popped, drinks get poured, and several times a Disney movie is selected.  (No we don't do a Disney movie EVERY week.  Not my choice...haha!!) 

Watching on of the movies from our Disney DVD and VHS (yes we still have a working VCR!) always puts me in the Disney mood!  I am thinking of breaking out some of the good old ones for this week.  We don't just do cartoons, either, although my son is still fairly young and won't always sit through a full length "real people" movie.  Some days while he is napping my daughter and I watch a classic - Polyanna, Freaky Friday, The Parent Trap (original)....you get the idea!

When we watch a Disney movie, especially as a family, it just brings a little bit of Disney magic into our house!!

So plan your family Disney themed movie night today and keep the magic alive while you are at home!!!