Unprepared??

Mrsktbrown

Mrsktbrown

Mouseketeer
Joined
Apr 10, 2013
Hi all! First off, thank you so much for all the wonderful posts and information. I love being able to get so much insight and experience!

Next, we arrive to Aulani on Thursday. Like, in three days. I've started packing, I've made some dining reservations, I've registered my kiddos for Auntie's. But that's IT. I have no other plans for our time, and I'm feeling overwhelmed and anxious. I hope to go scuba diving, take my kids on a boat to see Dolphins, hike, explore, see Pearl Harbor...am I going to be able to make those things happen at this point? I have a 7 yo, 6 yo, and a 1 yo. Are there any boat trips I can actually take the baby on? Is it silly to spend 100s of dollars on babysitting to be able to do a few things that cost 100s of dollars? I'm such a planner, but my husband wanted a laid back trip, and now I'm freaking out!! Help!
 
I think you can try to reserve online tickets for Pearl Harbor at 7am the morning BEFORE you want to go, otherwise, you will have to show up early to get them for the Arizona. I wish I could help more with the other stuff, but we are not planning anything like that. I am sure you will have an amazing time no matter what!
 
Hope you enjoy your trip! You might be able to still secure a few excursions when you check in to the hotel by going to the Holo Holo Tour desk. They do not sell the Pearl Harbor tickets there but can set you up with an excursion which includes transportation. As far as other excursions, they might be able to fit you in. Or you can call Pleasant Activities @ 866-783-2471.
 
Here is the link to Pleasant Activities, where you can book them "through" Aulani. Looks like they have a boat/catamaran tour (https://resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/activities/excursions/), but I'm not sure of the age ranges they will take on the boat: https://aulaniexcursions.pleasantactivities.com/#/Home

For the sitter, we are using them for the first time at the end of May for our Pearl Harbor day. When I called to arrange the sitter through the service Aulani recommends, they said they were booked solidly for the next 3 weeks (I booked mine about 2 weeks ago for the end of May). So if you ARE going to use a sitter (I would think you would have to have a sitter for scuba day), please call ASAP as they may be booked.

I think hiking and exploring can be done on the spur of the moment, without much advanced planning. I assume that the popular hikes are open every day, but you might want to check it before you head out with the kids.
 


Honestly, we've been out there three times now and just took it one day at a time. We bought Pearl Habor tickets in advance. Many exhibits don't require tickets, but going on the Arizona Memorial does. Be aware that you can't bring bags with you. I brought a wristlet with an inhaler and epi pen and that was okay, but anything larger is a no-no.

Most of the hikes are open daily. The only place that does close is Hanamua Bay. Closed one or two days per week I believe.

As far as the boat trip goes, it depends on what's important to you. If you think you might come back every few years, maybe skip it and save to come back. If it's something you can only afford to do once or once every 10 years, maybe splurge a bit more.
 
I forgot to add: if you don't make plans to scuba dive, try snorkeling. If you don't get gear beforehand, ABC stores sell it for about $20. There's a reef right on the lagoon where Aulani is, so you can swim out and snorkel there.
 


We are here now and were able to get tickets for the Arizona online the day before we wanted to go. We got exactly what we wanted (Sunday 10:00 am) even though it was sold out online when I tried a few weeks ago. We did not book any other excursions and explored on our own (Waimea Falls, north shore, swap meet). We also waited until we got here to book dining reservations and had no problems getting what we wanted. Can't comment on babysitting. Hope that you can relax and enjoy the wonderful resort.
 
Relax! I did the opposite... completely over-planned when we last visited (our boys were 4 and 5 then). I had every day mapped out and a whole list of things to see on Oahu. But in the end the kids were so ecstatic to be swimming and playing at Aulani our plans got ditched and we only left the resort one day. I think our memories of just spending time with each other at the beach and pool far would have exceeded what we could have seen or done (there will always be a chance to hike and dolphin see once the kids are older, and can actually remember it!). On our next trip we'll have a 7, 8 and 2 year old and I plan on making zero plans!
 
You can relax -- Hawaii does not require anywhere near the level of planning that disney does. you will be fine. We were also able to get pearl harbor tix 1 -2 days before we wanted to go. The only thing we booked in advance was our ziplining. We didn't do Ama Ama, which you would likely need to book. Even the character breakfast was booked once we arrived (I couldn't get a res online, but they have much more availability when you arrive). Have fun.
 
vikequeen said:
You can relax -- Hawaii does not require anywhere near the level of planning that disney does. you will be fine. We were also able to get pearl harbor tix 1 -2 days before we wanted to go. The only thing we booked in advance was our ziplining. We didn't do Ama Ama, which you would likely need to book. Even the character breakfast was booked once we arrived (I couldn't get a res online, but they have much more availability when you arrive). Have fun.
Click to expand...
Yep, I agree with this post. It's hawaii, capital of relax town. Just enjoy it, don't worry about checking off lists. Just ask the concierge about fun stuff to do, dont spend time worrying.you'll have a great time
 
Thank you everyone! We arrived today and are just in Heaven. This is such a beautiful resort, and the service is awesome. Even my husband, who enjoys exploring the area as much as I do, mentioned that he wouldn't care if we didn't leave the property at all, and that's high praise. You guys rock!
 
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