Saturday Savers - Transportation Fun

It’s time once again to take a look at inexpensive options in or around Walt Disney World to augment your vacation experience.  Things that you might do on your own or with your traveling companions that are FREE or close to being free. Today we'll take a look at finding adventure and enjoyment in the Disney Transportation network.

As the Walt Disney World Resort is a vast tract of land – nearly 43 square miles of fun – getting around is not quite as easy as simply walking to your favorite destinations.  And since the Resort is a vacation destination for many visitors from around the country, as well as around the world, personal cars often are not involved in a Walt Disney World vacation.  Many visitors to the resort choose to or have to fly just to get there.  So the Resort offers an array of FREE transportation options.  Buses, boats and Monorails are the opportunities provided for getting around within the Resort. All of these options are available to any guest, even if just a day guest visiting a theme park, but looking to move between locations (say for moving between theme park and non-theme park based dinner or dinner show). 

But the transportation network does not simply need to be viewed as transportation.  On many visits that I have made to “the world”, I like to sit back and use the available modes as part of the fun.  Hop on a bus and just go along for the ride.  People-watching can be an interesting way to pass the time.  On solo trips that I have made, when I have no set agenda, I love to play “bus roulette”, and just hop on the first available bus, and go until a destination appeals to me.  It’s true there is a sense of “need” to plan elements of your vacation, but that same vacation just becomes a chore when you are slave to a set, pre-planned to the nth detail schedule. 

Ride a Bus!  Buses make up the largest portion of the Walt Disney World transportation network.  The Disney fleet is vast, with buses transporting guests between every resort and the theme parks, water parks and the Downtown Disney area.  Routes are often combined as very few buses offer a single-purpose route (the Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Magic Kingdom is a single-purpose route), since many buses are shared between resorts and their primary destination (i.e. a bus might leave Old Key West, and make a stop at Blizzard Beach before going on to Animal Kingdom Theme Park; while others might leave the Wilderness Lodge, and make stops at the Polynesian, and Grand Floridian before proceeding along to Downtown Disney and Typhoon Lagoon).  While the buses go just about everywhere, they do NOT go between Downtown Disney and the theme parks.  If a guest wants to go to a theme park from Downtown Disney (or from a theme park to Downtown Disney), they need to get on the bus that will take them to a resort… typically the closest resort to the theme park in question, and transfer to either another bus or another form of transportation that will get them to the theme park.  (i.e. a guest going to the Magic Kingdom could ride a bus to the Wilderness Lodge and them ride a boat to the park; or a guest going to Animal Kingdom Theme Park could ride a bus to the Animal Kingdom Lodge and then transfer to an Animal Kingdom Theme Park bus). 

Ride the Monorail!   What was once thought to be the “transportation system of the future” still is a very cool way to ride in style.  Sure during the early morning hours and the end of day times the Monorail will be very, very full with excited or tired guests – but throughout the day, it is just a fun way to explore.  From the Transportation & Ticket Center you can take the “Epcot” Monorail, and enjoy a few miles of high in the sky fun on the way to Epcot, with an inside the park overview of both Future World and World Showcase.  Or take the "Resort" Monorail which circles the Seven Seas Lagoon making stops at the Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Contemporary resorts.  You can get off and on at each of these resorts and explore if you choose, as well as at the Magic Kingdom, where if you aren’t entering the Magic Kingdom, you could explore the lagoon walk. It’s an easy way to orient yourself and get a look at the resorts and an overview of the Magic Kingdom.

Enjoy a Boat Ride!  There are a number of boating opportunities throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, which can be enjoyable any time of day, but particularly beautiful at night.  They can be a bit romantic as well. 

From the Magic Kingdom area, there are boats that connect the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Ft Wilderness resorts with the Magic Kingdom.  Any of these are available to you, and you could easily cruise the Seven Seas Lagoon and adjoining Bay Lake.  The boats operate continuously throughout the day from shortly before the Magic Kingdom opens until shortly after it closes.

From the Epcot area resorts, the Friendship Boats cruise Crescent Lake and the adjoining canals making stops at Epcot, the Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club, Swan & Dolphin and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The loop is continuous throughout the day from shortly before the theme parks open until shortly after the theme parks close.  Get on and off as you please, exploring the resorts along the way. 

From the Downtown Disney area, boats cruise Lake Buena Vista visiting Old Key West, Port Orleans and Saratoga Springs resorts.  Each is a separate line, but all provide beautiful vistas and the opportunity to visit and explore the resorts.  There’s also a West Side to Marketplace boat that operates strictly within Lake Buena Vista taking guests from one end of Downtown Disney to the other.  These boats operate continuously throughout the day, typically from about 10 am until 11pm at night. 

While it’s true the Walt Disney World Resort is vast, and getting between destinations can and does take time, getting around doesn’t have to be considered a chore.  It can be a fun part of the adventure!!  The best part about the above options is that they are all FREE, and if you are a resort guest visiting theme parks - will help you skip the theme park parking charges!  

Where in the World Wednesdays - Destinations to Explore Before Leaving This Life

Valley Forge National Historical Park - Valley Forge, PA

In the picturesque, rolling hillsides of eastern Pennsylvania, only about 23 miles northwest of Philadelphia, lies the 3,500-acres that make up the Valley Forge National Historical Park - a peaceful reminder of the hard-fought war, and sacrifices were given long ago (nearly 235 years ago) helped secure the national freedoms we still enjoy today. It was here at Valley Forge that General George Washington forged his Continental Army into a fighting force during the winter encampment of 1777-78.

Though no battles were fought there; and no bayonet charges or artillery bombardments took place, some 2,000 soldiers died (more Americans than were killed at the battles of Germantown and Brandywine combined); Valley Forge tells the epic story of an army’s very real struggle to survive.  The odds were immense – hunger, frigid temperatures, and disease. But survive they did. And their tenacity was a turning point in the War for Independence – the Revolutionary War. 

The Park serves as a reminder of those troubled times.  Visitors are able to see for themselves Washington’s original stone headquarters, which has been lovingly restored and furnished; along with several log soldier huts that have been reconstructed. Nearby a train station from 1913 features interactive exhibits of Washington and his confidantes and the town just to the west of the Park is a very quaint reminder of America’s Colonial past.  Throughout the Park statues and monuments illuminate America’s heritage for Park visitors, including statues of General "Mad Anthony" Wayne and Baron Friedrich von Steuben as well as the Monument to Patriots of African Descent. 

Many visitors will find the Visitor Center’s exhibits and artifacts to be very informative and interesting. The Encampment Store offers books, souvenirs, gifts, light refreshments and more. The Park offers both self-guided auto and walking tours, as well as Ranger-led hikes and during the summer months, a trolley tour, as well as bicycle rentals.  Valley Forge National Historical Park includes roughly 20 miles of multi-use trails that wind throughout the park’s rolling hillsides.

George Washington, as depicted in
the American Adventure at
Walt Disney World's Epcot

Valley Forge is quite easily accessible via the Valley Forge exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  The Park itself is located at Route 23 and North Gulph Road in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The Visitor Center and other park buildings are open from 9 am to 5 pm year-round, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day - while the park grounds themselves are open from dawn to dusk.

For more information about Valley Forge or other National Parks, Monuments, or Historical Parks, or to reserve your next vacation, contact me at 317.776.1733.

Featured Foto Friday - Disney's Blizzard Beach

Summit Plummet

Where in the World Wednesdays - Destinations to Explore Before Leaving this Life

Redwoods National & State Parks – California

Located along the northern coast of California, between the city of Eureka and the Oregon border, the Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) – comprised of Redwood National Park  and California's Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods state parks, the combined RNSP contain 133,000 acres and are located entirely within Del Norte and Humboldt Counties.  Together the four parks protect about 45% of all remaining old-growth coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). These trees are the tallest and one of the most massive tree species on Earth.

Found within the ecosystem of the RNSP, a number of threatened plant and animal species are preserved – species such as the Brown Pelican, Tidewater Goby, Bald Eagle, Chinook Salmon, Northern Spotted Owl, and Steller's Sea Lion.  In 1980 the park was designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations.  The National Park itself is located about 260 miles north of the city of San Francisco, and about 300 miles south of Portland, Oregon.

It has been estimated that old-growth redwood forest once covered nearly 2,000,000 acres of coastal northern California, but unfortunately through decades of unchecked logging throughout the latter 1800’s, more than 96% of all old-growth redwoods have been removed.  Nearly half of the redwoods that remain are found in Redwood National and State Parks. The parks protect 38,982 acres of old-growth forest.  While you might not yet have personally visited the natural wonders of the RNSP, more than likely you have encountered these majestic trees on tv or on film.  The RNSP has been the featured backdrop in many major motion pictures, including “Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi” where it played a major role as the forest home of those lovable Ewoks, who lived on the Forest Moon of Endor.  Additionally it was featured in films such as “Jurassic Park: The Lost World”, “Time of the Titans”, “Dinosaurs Alive!” and most recently in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

While the state parks have front country campsites that can be driven to, the federal sections of the park do not.  Hiking is the only way to reach back country campsites within the national park portion.  Front country campsites are found at Mill Creek campground in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park; in Jedediah Smith campground in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park;  in Elk Prairie campground and Gold Bluffs Beach campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.  Combined there are a total of 351 campsites available. Other than camping facilities, lodging is not directly available within the borders of the RNSP, but nearby communities to the south, north and east provide ample accommodations.

While the parks are more sedate than other national parks, RSNP does provide various recreational opportunities.  Back country camping is by permit only and is only allowed in designated sites, but access to the back country is highly regulated to prevent overuse. Therefore camping in the back country is limited to five consecutive nights, and 15 nights in any single year. As with any habitat that is home to bears, proper food storage is strongly enforced, and hikers and backpackers are required to take out any trash they generate.

With nearly 200 miles of hiking trails in the parks, park guests will find an abundance of up close and personal opportunities to discover these natural wonders.  But be forewarned, some temporary footbridges are removed during the rainy season since they would be destroyed by high streams. Throughout the year, trails are often wet and hikers need to be well prepared for rainy weather. Additionally, mountain biking and horseback riding are popular but only allowed on certain trails. Kayaking is popular along the seacoast and in the various rivers and streams, and both kayakers and canoeists frequently travel the Smith River, the longest remaining undammed river left in the state of California.  

Fishing is a favorite pastime in the parks and is best in the Klamath and Smith rivers.  Salmon and steelhead, a highly prized species of rainbow trout are common catches in the parks.  A California sport fishing license is required to fish any of the rivers and streams.  Hunting is not permitted anywhere in the parks, but is allowed in nearby National Forests.

The RNSP offers three different visitor centers where park guests can obtain general information, as well as guided nature walks.   For more information about the RNSP area, or to explore the possibility of creating your own vacation memories in or near this majestic playground in America’s portfolio of National Parks, don’t hesitate to visit my website, or call 855.776.1733.  

Where in the World Wednesdays - Destinations to Explore Before Leaving This Life

Yosemite National Park – California

Yosemite was established as a National Park back in 1890, though parts of it were set aside for preservation and protection as far back as the 1860’s when Abraham Lincoln was residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.  The park itself contains more than 800 miles of hiking trails and 300 miles of paved roads within the approximately 1,189 square mile park (about the size of the state of Rhode Island) – and about 95% of the park is designated wilderness. 

Yosemite ranges in elevation from 2,127 to 13,114 feet and boasts five major vegetation zones: chaparral/oak woodland, lower montane forest, upper montane forest, subalpine zone, and alpine.  Of California's 7,000 plant species, about 50% occur in the Sierra Nevada and more than 20% within Yosemite, and Yosemite boasts about 160 rare plant species.

Highlights within Yosemite Valley, the parks central area where the majority of the park’s established camping and lodging facilities are located include numerous waterfalls (Yosemite Falls being the highest waterfall in the nation), as well as a variety of well-known mountain formations popularly documented in famed photographs by noted photographer Ansel Adams, such as Half Dome, and El Capitan – the largest single granite rock on the planet.

Activities abound within the park, for naturalists and adventurists alike. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails, as well as nearly 20 miles of scenic Class IV rapids for white water rapids enthusiasts. The moderately strenuous Mist Trail offers a close-up look at Vernal Falls, a 317-foot waterfall on the John Muir Trail, as well as Bridalveil Fall, a 620-foot waterfall.  The John Muir Trail itself works its’ way through 211 miles, and up to 11,000 feet in elevation.

Lodging within the Yosemite Valley includes hotel accommodations, tent-cabins and traditional campsites.  The beautiful and majestic Ahwahnee hotel, constructed in 1927, is a master showpiece of stone and native timber, with heart-stopping views and breathtaking public spaces.  Winters at the Ahwahnee are a glorious experience, especially during the holiday season when the lodge features its’ beloved, traditional, Bracebridge Dinner, which dates back to the 1930’s, and features Old English Yuletide cheer. 

For more information about Yosemite, or to explore the possibility of creating your own vacation memories in or near this crown jewel in America’s portfolio of National Parks, don’t hesitate to visit my website, or call 855.776.1733. 

Where in the World Wednesdays: Destinations to Explore Before Leaving This Life

So way back in January, I thought about starting a new feature about destinations.  It never quite got off the ground as I tried it once, and never got back to it.  But in thinking over what I've been doing, and what I'd like to do, I decided it was time to mix things up a bit, and add in to the mix.  So the shuffling process began last week when I decided to stop doing "Wordless Wednesdays", and instead, moved the wordless photo feature to Fridays with the renamed, "Featured Foto Friday". In doing so, it freed up Wednesdays for what I truly do hope to be a new regular feature here in stopher's stuff - "Where in the World Wednesdays: Destinations to Explore Before Leaving this Life."  

Let's face it, we all have bucket lists for our lives, and many of our lists include places to see or explore.  Many of us are stuck in the same rut of going to the same place for vacation year after year.  I grew up doing that, as my parents would take us to the same mountain resort community for a time of fishing, horseback riding and just enjoying nature.  I have family and friends who return to the exact same place year after year... some have been doing so for 50+ years; I also have family and friends who mix it up and like to explore new places every time they go on vacation.  Everyone's different.  Some own cabins or beach houses, some own timeshares, some own nothing and always look for something new.  While there is nothing wrong with returning to places that feed our soul, or bring joy and happiness - the world is truly FULL of wonderful locations.  Many of which are, even in the 21st century, still somewhat remote and full of beauty.  As I continue to research and share about destinations, I will touch upon many that I have been to personally, and others that are on my own bucket list.  When appropriate, I'll add my own photos, when it's somewhere I haven't been, I'll add a photo or two that I secure someplace else. I hope you enjoy this new feature, and please, comment and share it with your friends.  

The Columbia River Gorge – Oregon & Washington

Separating the states of Oregon and Washington, along the trails that Lewis & Clark explored more than 200 years ago when they first saw the Pacific Ocean, lies the great Columbia River Gorge.  This 80-mile-long gorge passes through the Cascade Mountains, and is one of the most dramatic destinations to explore in the Pacific Northwest.  It was designated by Congress as the first of America’s National Scenic Areas in 1986. 

The mountains as seen from inside the Skamania Lodge
 on the Washington side, spring 2009

The river itself is about a mile wide, and is flanked by the majestic volcanic sentinels of Mount Hood on the Oregon side, and Mount Adams on the Washington side.  It is the only sea-level passage through the Sierra and Cascade mountain ranges, and therefore has served as a major transportation corridor for centuries, and was the final passage along the “Oregon Trail” for pioneers seeking a new life on the western frontier.

Multnomah Falls, from my spring 2009 visit

Throughout the gorge, along the banks of the river on either side, travelers will find charming towns and villages, as well as bountiful farming communities and vineyards.  Hiking and biking trails abound, providing access to many of the beautiful waterfalls found along the Historic Columbia River Highway along the Oregon side of the river.  Multnomah Falls is the most spectacular of these waterfalls, and is the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation with a 620 foot drop, second only to Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park in California. The gorge is home to the greatest concentration of waterfalls in North America.

In addition to a number of charming resorts and inns along the river, the Columbia River serves as a wonderful destination experience for river cruising passengers.  There are a couple of different lines providing exceptional service for guests, especially during the splendors of the fall season when the foliage is at its peak and the wineries are at their peak of production. 

For more information about the Gorge, or to explore the possibility of creating your own vacation memories along the Columbia River Gorge, don’t hesitate to visit my website, or call 855.776.1733. 

Wordless Wednesday - Dinner at Disneyland's Plaza Inn

Sunday Spotlight - Disney's Vero Beach Resort

Disney's Vero Beach_® Resort first opened October 1, 1995.  It is a Disney Vacation Club_® (DVC) timeshare property, and was the first DVC resort to be opened outside of the Walt Disney World_® Resort.

Disney’s Vero Beach_® Resort is a blended resort featuring both traditional guest rooms and Disney Deluxe villas.  It is comprised of 115 guest rooms and 95 villas comprised of Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom Beach Cottages. 

• Deluxe Studios are 375 square feet and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib.  They include a kitchenette, 2 queen-size beds and a private porch or balcony.
• 1-Bedrooms are 880 square feet, and can accommodate up to 5 guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib. They include a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, king-size bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size sleeper sofa plus a sleeper chair in the living room, whirlpool tub in the master bathroom, and a private porch or balcony. 
• 2-Bedrooms are 1,255 square feet, and can accommodate up to 9 guests, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib. They offer all that a 1-Bedroom has plus a 2^nd bedroom with 2 queen-size.
• 3-Bedroom Beach Cottages are 2,175 square feet, and can accommodate up to 12 guests, plus 1 child under 3 in a crib. They offer all of the amenities of the 2-Bedroom, plus they include a 3^rd  bedroom with 2 queen-size beds, a full dining room, additional private balcony and are 2-story rooms.

 The resort includes 1 feature pool with waterslide, and  a water play area;  The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort; fitness center;  miniature golf; bicycle rentals;  tennis;  shuffleboard;  fishing & surfing lessons;  private access to the beach/seashore;  an arcade and other assorted recreational activities including Disney movies after dark.

The resort features 2 table service restaurants:  Shutters and Sonya’s.  It also features lounge/bar locations: The Green Cabin Room and Bleachers.  A Character breakfast is offered on weekends as well.

Disney’s Vero Beach_® Resort is a deluxe villas level resort located on the eastern coast of Florida, along the Atlantic Ocean, about 2 hours away from Walt Disney World_® Resort. 

Wordless Wednesday - Afternoon in Paradise

Tuesday Trivia - Pioneer Hall

Pioneer Hall at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the home of the ever popular "Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue" was constructed using 1,283 hand-fitted logs, shipped by rail, from Montana. 

Wordless Wednesday - On the Way Back to Shore from the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor

Destination Today: Places to See Before You Leave This Life: Denali National Park

Getting in to this travel world on a professional level has been interesting and fun.  Being a die-hard Disney traveler, I know an awful lot about the various domestic Disney theme parks, resorts and destinations; and a good amount about the international locations as well.  But this whole business venture has challenged me about so many other destinations.


Prior to the creation of Neverland Adventures Travel, I used to pride myself on having been to 44 states within the U.S.; to Canada & Mexico; and having traveled a lot for both of the companies that I worked for over the past 19 years.  But I always lamented over not having yet taken trips to Europe, South America, Asia or Africa. I've dreamed of those places many times, but always figured I'd get to them... someday.  Fast forward to today, and here I am selling those destinations and so many others.  Time to take a crash course in destinations, as well start sampling them for myself - thus I've entered the world of FAM (familiarization) travel available to the professionals within the Travel Industry.  But FAM trips take time and effort on the individual professional's part to accomplish, time that isn't always a resource in plentiful supply when clients want to know about a possible destination they're interested in visiting themselves.

Over the past few months I have gone through various training courses with the various cruise lines that I market and sell, as well the land providers and other destinations, and I've learned a lot about the geography of the world that I never learned in school.  Not physical geography of the land - but rather PORTS OF CALL, and the numerous attractions to be found in and around those port cities.  Which has led to me do additional research on various "must see" attractions, in cities and destinations around the world.  While researching some of those attractions at my local Barnes & Noble store, I found this interesting little book standing on the shelf.   "1,000 Places to See Before You Die - A Traveler's Life List", by Patricia Schultz.  I was intrigued, and so I picked it up.  After thumbing through for just a few moments, I realized I must have this book.  And over the course of the past few hours, realized that I would incorporate a new feature into stopher's stuff, using this book as a guide - inspiration, if you will, for me, but also for you.  Places that Cruise Planners~Neverland Adventures Travel can help you get to, either by land, air or sea.  But even if you just plan it yourself, destinations of some historic, geographic, or visual significance that will enrich your life for having visited.


So welcome to the first installment of DESTINATION TODAY: PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU LEAVE THIS LIFE.  I'll be sharing destination information in the vein of the aforementioned book, without using or abusing the source material, all the while going in no particular order.  The book breaks down the world in the following chapters:

• Europe
• Africa
• The Middle East
• Asia
• Australia, New Zealand & The Pacific Islands
• The United States of America & Canada
• Latin America
• The Caribbean, The Bahamas & Bermuda

Today we'll take a look at Denali National Park in Alaska.

Mount McKinley, 20,230' is the tallest peak in North America, is the primary attraction in Denali National Park.  The mountain is named after the 25th US President, but is also referred to locally by indigenous Athabascans of central Alaska as Denali.


The park is located about 125 miles south of Fairbanks is accessible by car during the months of May-September.  The Alaska Railroad operates from June - early September.  The best times to visit are June for the wildflowers, or August & September for the fall foliage.


This 6 million acre park is filled with grizzlies, moose and golden eagles, and contains vast tundras of subarctic splendor.  The glaciers, massive peaks of the Alaska Mountain Range, as well as McKinley itself keep visitors returning year after year.  Throughout the summer you can enjoy 16-20 hours of daylight each day to take in the dazzling scenery as you cam or enjoy North Face Lodge.  Numerous plane and helicopter sightseeing excursions are available to get up in to the back country, not accessible by car or rail.  You might also enjoy the 365 mile rail journey aboard the Denali Star, which takes you from Anchorage to Fairbanks, traveling through frontier towns of Wasilla & Takleetna, along with numerous "middle-of-nowhere" stops along the way.


This is a national park not to be missed, and can be added as a land or cruise tour to many Alaskan cruise itineraries.

Sunday Spotlight - Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa_® first opened August 29, 2011 in the Ko Olina resort area on the leeward coast of Oahu, Hawaii.  Inspired by the natural beauty, culture and traditions of Hawai’i, this beautiful resort was designed with families in mind.  Sharing a secluded lagoon with the JW Marriott resort, and another future-resort that is still to be developed, Aulani is situated on 21 acres of oceanfront property, with spectacular views.

The Lobby, with Makahiki & the 'Olelo Room below

The resort is comprised of both traditional hotel accommodations and Disney Vacation Club timeshare villas. There are 359 hotel rooms, including 16 suites, and 460 villas comprised of deluxe studios, one and two bedroom villas, and 21 three bedroom Grand Villas (18 of which directly overlook the ocean).

From the 10th Floor, looking out to the ocean

The resort towers surround the Waikalohe Valley, which comprises the various water and recreational amenities.  These amenities include:
 Waikalohe Stream – an exhilarating yet refreshing waterway meandering throughout the Waikalohe Valley.

• Menehune Bridge – an interactive water play area which features interactive water elements, 3 slides and a climbing structure
• Two sparkling pools & four unique hot tubs
• Two waterslides, Tubestone Curl – an inner tube slide for 1 or 2 guests at a time, and Volcanic Vertical – a single rider body slide
• Rainbow Reef – a snorkeling experience at the largest inland snorkeling reef on the island (this is a fee-based activity)
• Makai Preserve – a conservation lagoon where guests can interact with stingrays and other marine life (this is a fee-based  activity)
• Pau Hana Room – video gaming, foosball, board games, storytelling, TV viewing area and arts & crafts (some but not all activities are fee-based)
• Aunty’s Beach House – this fun-filled destination for the kids is a place of discovery, magic and exploration where kids can learn about the Hawaiian culture while they play.  Supervised playtime at Aunty’s Beach House allows mom and dad the opportunity to spend some adult time on the beach, at a romantic dinner or any other excursions of their choice.
• Located directly across the street from the resort, is the Ko Olina Golf Club, and discounted greens fees are available for resort guests.

Riding the Waikalohe Stream

Menehune Bridge

One of four distinctive hot tubs

The resort features several unique places to wine and dine.  These include: 

• ’Ama ‘Ama, a table-service restaurant offers spectacular ocean-front views for breakfast, lunch & dinner.  Seafood is plentiful on the menu, along with traditional Hawaiian specialities.
• Makahiki, offers an all-you-care-to enjoy breakfast and dinner buffet, and features a character breakfast, Aunty’s Character Breakfast at the Makahiki, currently offered on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays.  The food selection includes a generous mix of Hawaiian, Japanese and Chinese fare.
• One Paddle, Two Paddle, is a counter-service location with a variety of delightful Hawaiian dishes, fresh made sandwiches and wraps.
• Off the Hook is a colorful, pool and beachside lounge designed after a Hawaiian fisherman’s seaside shack, and features libations and appetizers.
• The ‘Olelo Room is a pub-like gathering place where visitors can learn a variety of Hawaiian words while enjoying favorite cocktails.
• The Lava Shack is located in the heart of the Waikalohe Valley, and features cold fried chicken, cured meats & cheeses and other grab & go snacks.

The view from 'Ama 'Ama

The parade during Aunty's Breakfast Celebration at the Makahiki

For guests looking for relaxing spa treatments - no worries, the Laniwai Spa offers unique, blissful, customized treatments, and includes the only outdoor hydrotherapy garden in Hawaii. Additionally, for the teens, Aulani offers the only Teen Spa in Hawaii - Painted Sky - which offers special treatments and options just for teens.


For the adventurist looking to augment their beach vacation with some really neat, self-guided Hawaiian “local color” -  Aulani is not far from many fun, exciting, and enjoyable destinations around Oahu. In the mood for a Dole Whip?  The Dole Plantation is just 30 minutes away.  Want to catch some waves or go surfing on some of the best beaches in the world, the North Shore, home of famed surfing competitions is just 45 minutes away.  Looking for the stereotypical Hawaiian tour? The famed beaches and experiences at Waikiki are just about an hour’s drive from the resort.  Hiking to the top of Diamond Head, or through a rainforest?  Both are just about an hour’s drive from the resort.  Of course the island is also home to numerous historic sites, significant in how the world changed so dramatically one December morning in 1941. The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor is only about 20 minutes from Aulani, and is a must-see for so many different reasons.  This very moving site includes the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin, the USS Missouri, the USS Oklahoma Memorial and the USS Utah Memorial – plus a handful of Exhibit Galleries, Museums, artifacts and a 23-minute film discussing the attacks on Pearl Harbor that December morning.

For those guests looking to enjoy different aspects of Hawaii but choose to do so on guided excursions,  you won’t be disappointed!  Just as cruise ships offer a plethora of land excursions on “port days” – Aulani provides similar opportunities for its’ guests as well.  The range of offerings can change from time to time, but currently there are about 14 different excursions. Each day there are 1 or 2 different guided tours and experiences for guests to select from. Costs range from about $50 per adult up to about $400 per adult. These excursions can be reserved in advance on Aulani’s website, or in person at the Holoholo Desk just to the left of the Lobby.  Excursion possibilities include learning to surf, riding horseback through lush valleys, hiking in the rainforest, setting sail on a catamaran or kayak along protected islets, cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs, island hopping to explore volcanoes and so much more. 

Were Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa_® to be located at the Walt Disney World_® Resort, it would be considered a Deluxe level.  Transportation to and from the resort is not provided.  Guests can arrange for their choice of rental car, shuttle, taxi or limo service.  Rental Cars are highly recommended for a variety of self-guided excursions, grocery shopping (for villas guests) and other local visits away from the resort.  

Looking at the resort from the ocean side of the Lagoon

Character Interactions at Aulani

Character interactions are as much a part of the "Disney Experience" as rides and attractions at the various theme parks around the globe.  Here at Aulani, the total number of interactions is lower than at Disneyland or Walt Disney World, and the character selection is certainly smaller - but those characters who are here on vacation at Aulani - are such a huge part of what makes Aulani a Disney resort.  While I've been at Aulani I have personally interacted with several characters as seen here:

My brother, who lives in Honolulu, came over to Aulani for a visit and tour yesterday.  It was cool to hang with him, and show him around the resort.  He came over and saw some of the construction progress for me, but hasn't been over here since it opened.  We enjoyed lunch together at 'Ama 'Ama, and then, even though he was embarrassed, I made sure we got our picture with the Goof!  He said repeatedly he was "too old for that kind of thing", but I didn't care, because I'm NOT too old, and neither is he. (We haven't had a picture taken together with a character since we were around 9 & 12 respectively!  Being the "pesky younger brother", it was cool to embarrass him once again like I did many years ago!)

Other characters are here, but I didn't get the opportunity to interact with them.  Mainly Chip & Dale, Donald Duck (I did see him, just from a distance), and I'm told Lilo makes appearances as well.  No princesses or other characters - but that's okay, since they wouldn't really fit in within the environment of Aulani anyway.  

Aulani – How “Disney” Is It?

Much has been said and written online over the years about Disney’s “off-site” resorts in Vero Beach and Hilton Head Island, and how they aren’t “Disney enough”; especially considering the fact that neither are close to any Disney theme park – at least not close when you compare them to the resorts at Walt Disney World or Disneyland.  Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is two hours +/- from Walt Disney World, and of course Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is two states away from Walt Disney World.  Though both resorts do have rooms for rent to anyone who’d like to pay to stay, both were built as Disney Vacation Club (DVC) properties, with the majority of the resorts held for use by DVC members. Given the length of time they took to “sell out” to DVC members, many in the online Disney community (especially on a certain DVC related board that I read and frequent often), consider both Vero Beach and Hilton Head to be virtual failures.  It’s no wonder it took Disney nearly 12 years to first announce another off-site resort.

When Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa was first announced, the blogosphere began lighting up with questions about the viability of such a resort – especially being in Hawaii, a mere ocean away from any Disney theme park.  Would the fact that it would be a combined traditional hotel / DVC resort give it better chances than the original two off-site resorts? What kinds of things would need to be done in order to provide guests with an authentic “Disney” experience, given the nearest Disney theme park is roughly 4,000 miles away – across an ocean, not just mere states this time. 

Among the many questions that I would often read online – questions such as:

• “Oahu is not our favorite island in Hawaii… is there enough to do to support a week’s stay at Aulani?”
• “How can Disney NOT repeat past mistakes made at Vero Beach & Hilton Head?”
• “How ‘Disney’ will it really be?”
• “Ko Olina is so far from Waikiki – will people really want to stay so far away?”

As the grand opening got closer last summer, the PR machine of Disney got into overdrive in order to make sure people would be aware of answers to each of these questions, or at least give enough of a teaser-type response that would encourage further research for the potential guest to figure it out for themselves, ensuring that they would indeed want to make a trek to the leeward side of the island of Oahu – and stay for a while.

In preparation for my own stay at Aulani this week, I reviewed a lot of information both online, and in the various travel resources that are available to me directly from Disney.  I was both excited and curious to see the “Disney touches” for myself.   And after having been here for a couple of days already, I will happily report that the resort is “Disney” enough.  It is not overbearing to the point of basically hitting you over the head with its’ “Disney-ness”, but it is filled with charming details like you will find at any other Disney resort at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.  Over the next few days / week, I plan to take each of the questions listed above and provide some straight forward, honest replies.  I will of course sprinkle opinions in here as well, but hopefully the information given will provide you the reader, the opportunity to make a better informed decision as to not IF you would like to visit Aulani – but WHEN. 

Just what kind of details, you ask, I’m sure… well, here are but a few that I both a) had previous knowledge to, and b) discovered for myself as a guest. These are in no particular order, and are both a and b responses intermingled together:

• Character Dining – yes, there is a character Breakfast at Makahiki on the first floor of the resort.  It is currently offered Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday mornings.  Whether or not it is expanded to additional mornings remains to be seen, but so far, this has been a popular offering at Aulani.
• Character Meet & Greets – they are available here.  I’ve personally seen Mickey, Minnie, & Goofy, and have been told that Chip & Dale, and even Lilo & Stitch are here.  Others may make appearances from time to time as well, according to various Cast Members with whom I spoke during my stay.
• Disney’s PhotoPass – yep, it’s available here for those guests wishing to capture their favorite memories, and of course they are at the ready during those character interactions.
• Hidden Mickeys – like any other resort, these abound throughout Aulani, though many of them have a bit of a stylized, Hawaiian flare to them.  There are many of the traditional 3 circle heads to be found, but many others as well that say Mickey in a more subdued manner.
• Mickey Premium Bars – yep, you can get your Premium Bar fix while here.  These delicious treats are available at Kalepa’s Store on the third floor (Lobby level). My personal favorite - Itzakadoozie - is available at Aulani too!  Yummy! 
• Refillable Resort Mugs – yep, they have those here as well, with three different refill stations.
• Pool-side fun – for those of you who love to spend time at the pools at Walt Disney World, and are very accustomed to the games, dance contests and the like that the lifeguards put on – those are here too!
• Music – like so many Disney attractions, movies, theme parks and yes, resorts – Aulani is filled with distinctive music to help set the tone for the entire experience.  In the lobby, hallways, restaurants, and even outside in the Waikolohe Valley water play complex – music plays an integral part of the story unfolding before the guest throughout the resort.  Whether it is simply background enhancements, or live performances on various stages throughout the resort, music comes alive throughout the day and night at Aulani, helping to fully immerse the guests into the environment of the resort.
• Night-time Movies – these aren’t shown poolside here at Aulani – but they do have them, at least 3 times per week.
• Night-time Storytelling & Campfires – just like you might find at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and other resorts – they have those here as well.
• Theming – Disney is very well known for its immersive environments and thematic elements in both theme parks and resorts.  Each successive resort designed and built in the past couple of decades have really underscored this reality, as the imagineers continue to surround guests with a near total immersive quality.  Personally I believe that Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland accomplish this feat in remarkable ways.  Aulani takes the lessons learned from those resorts and goes even further.  The imagineers delivered a resort hotel that is rich in thematic elements that not only play tribute to the Hawaiian culture, but rather completely embrace it.  Aulani is not just another sterile, white, box-like hotel lining the beaches of Waikiki – but rather plays tribute to so many aspects of native Hawaiian culture. 
• Hidden Details – one of the really fun details that I discovered while here, are some of the many hidden details.  I’d heard a lot about all of the hidden Menehune scattered around the resort, which play to the Hawaiian folklore, but I didn’t know that just as there are carved animals all over the “Tree of Life” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – there are hidden carved animals all throughout the Waikolohe Stream (the lazy river).   Creatures great and small common to the Hawaiian Islands and Pacific Ocean can be found in the rockwork all around the stream.  You’ll definitely want to search them out while enjoying the quiet, relaxing, fun of this lazy river, which in my mind, is nearly as fun and enjoyable as the lazy rivers at both Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach water parks.
• Excellent Children’s Programming – available through Aunty’s Beach House, there is just a plethora of activities for the little ones to the bigger ones, and not just via the paid childcare program either.  From scavenger hunts, to animal husbandry activities to parties with Chip & Dale – Disney has once again placed great emphasis on making sure the younger set has exciting, fun-filled things to do while mom & dad enjoy some couple time – or things to do with mom & dad as a family. 
• Activities for Tweens & Teens – Disney also provides an abundance of activities, events, and fun for the older kids as well. 
• Excurisions – since there are no theme parks to hop on a bus and visit – Disney has teamed up with Adventures by Disney to create some very enjoyable, unique and fun-filled day excursions (just as if you were on a cruise vacation stopping in port for the day) to other parts of Oahu, or even to other islands within Hawaii.  Each week there are day-specific excursions, such as horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch, or the Manoa Valley Rainforest Hike, or the Honolulu Academy of Arts/Bishop Museum experience.  These are but a few of the numerous offerings available.   Or you could simply create your own excursions – to places like Diamond Head, or the Dole Plantation (and get a Dole Whip!), the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and so many more – the opportunities abound.

So, in a nutshell, is Aulani “Disney” enough?  My response to that question is a resounding YES.  There are plenty of Disney touches throughout the resort, giving each guest that Disney “fix”.  For a beach vacation that gives guests both the opportunity to simply relax and enjoy the beach – while still providing ample opportunities to get out, explore and play - I would recommend Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in a heartbeat.  It's Disney "enough" for me!