GatorChris
Not of This World
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2014
Honestly, I've always thought we'd never go to Aulani. For that much money, we could do a WDW vacation, and it's hard to top that. But I had a friend call me and say that he had 250 points he had to use by this summer and he wasn't going to use them. I won't tell you how insanely low the per-point cost was, but it became a deal I couldn't refuse. With summer being very busy for me, May is all I had. So....spend 5 nights at Aulani or 8 nights at WDW. Since we're not fans of heat (Californians melt in the South), we decided to skip Florida in May (still trying to console myself) and grab an ocean view room at Aulani.
But.....I dont' know a thing about this place! Never researched it because I thought we'd never go. And now we leave in 2 months for this paradise. I've got lots of questions about this resort and the surrounding area/island. We did Oahu back in 2003, and the only thing I remember is that Waikiki is BUSY. So I've got some questions for the experts...and anything you'd like to add that you loved/hated, throw it my way.
1. I read that there are some taxes/fee that DVC members still have to pay (after points) at the resort due to Hawaii regulations. True? And if true, how much?
2. Tell me about the swimming/snorkeling reef area. Is that free (probably not since it's Disney)? Do I need to reserve a time?
3. For those who've rented points from DVC members, did you have to pay for parking?
4. I have 3 kids (12, 11, and 6). Tell me about Aunty's and the Tween thing. Would my 12 year old hate the age 4-12 thing at Aunty's? Is Aunty's fun enough to just leave the 6yo without her siblings?
5. In the one-bedroom suites, what are the fridges like? Mini or full size?
6. Looking for Gluten Free options for my wife who has Celiac. I know Disney is good about GF, but are there any places nearby that offer GF grub?
7. We want to do some stuff beyond the resort. Of course, we'll do Pearl. But all I remember is Waikiki and Diamond Head. Are there some really awesome beaches to hit? Waterfalls to see? Is Dog still working in Hawaii
8. Finally, the Luau there seems.....a tad pricey. Are there any awesome Luaus we can check out? Good show, of course, but I'm looking mostly for that roasted pig.
Thanks for any tips you can give. Really excited about all of this.
But.....I dont' know a thing about this place! Never researched it because I thought we'd never go. And now we leave in 2 months for this paradise. I've got lots of questions about this resort and the surrounding area/island. We did Oahu back in 2003, and the only thing I remember is that Waikiki is BUSY. So I've got some questions for the experts...and anything you'd like to add that you loved/hated, throw it my way.
1. I read that there are some taxes/fee that DVC members still have to pay (after points) at the resort due to Hawaii regulations. True? And if true, how much?
2. Tell me about the swimming/snorkeling reef area. Is that free (probably not since it's Disney)? Do I need to reserve a time?
3. For those who've rented points from DVC members, did you have to pay for parking?
4. I have 3 kids (12, 11, and 6). Tell me about Aunty's and the Tween thing. Would my 12 year old hate the age 4-12 thing at Aunty's? Is Aunty's fun enough to just leave the 6yo without her siblings?
5. In the one-bedroom suites, what are the fridges like? Mini or full size?
6. Looking for Gluten Free options for my wife who has Celiac. I know Disney is good about GF, but are there any places nearby that offer GF grub?
7. We want to do some stuff beyond the resort. Of course, we'll do Pearl. But all I remember is Waikiki and Diamond Head. Are there some really awesome beaches to hit? Waterfalls to see? Is Dog still working in Hawaii
8. Finally, the Luau there seems.....a tad pricey. Are there any awesome Luaus we can check out? Good show, of course, but I'm looking mostly for that roasted pig.
Thanks for any tips you can give. Really excited about all of this.