“Disney Goes Hawaiian” is how this family sees Aulani, the company’s first themed beach vacation resort not related to an amusement park.
“This is AWESOME!” I crane my neck over the swells to see my 12-year old son. Will, ride the rolling blue water. Then my husband Bob pops up on his board and holds that Hawaii Five-0 theme song pose, looking real cool surfing all the way into Barbers Point Beach.
Now it’s my turn to catch the wave surging behind me. One, two, three, four paddles to get ahead of the curl, then push up my chest, swivel my legs underneath sideways, stand upright, feet parallel, knees soft and I fly head-first into the salty froth again, and come up laughing. My son yells, “Wipe Out!”
Thanks to Disney for an Unforgettable Hawaii Vacation
If anyone would have told me I’d be thanking Disney for these fun family memories and bruised shins, I would have told them they’re high on pixie dust. But here we are surfing with Honolulu’s Hawaiian Fire Surf School on a Disney vacation.
This seems unbelievable because we aren’t the textbook, or should I say storybook, family regularly spending our vacation dollars making Disney memories. Until now we had only two Disney chapters in our family’s travel photo albums, both when Will was 7-years old and he truly believed he could fly like Peter Pan.
As the years passed, the pixie dust wore off and I figured our Disney days were done. The End. That’s until Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa appeared on a Hawaiian island far, far away.
After our two-hour lesson, Will dug his toes in the warm sand and said, “My favorite thing about surfing was finding my balance.”
And that’s what Disney’s Aulani has succeeded doing on the west coast of O’ahu. Furthermore, the only hotel-vacation club resort not located in a theme park delicately balances Disney magic and Hawaiian culture. No lines in paradise to ride a wave made Disney doable again for me and my ohana (that’s family in Hawaiian).
Also Read: 50 Reasons To Visit Disney World At 50
Hawaiian culture is the star attraction at Aulani
While Disney imagineers certainly helped shape the Aulani guest experience, the mighty Magic Kingdom actually stepped down from the throne to pay homage to the legendary Hawaiian Kamehameha Dynasty, the royal family that ruled the Kingdom of Hawai’i from 1810 to 1872. Wisely, when designing Aulani (which means “messenger of a chief”), Disney consulted with the archipelago state’s chief cultural experts.
The family beach resort’s architectural style, artwork, dining menus, entertainment, family programming and off-resort excursions feel genuine. They authentically express Hawaiian culture, traditions, history, beliefs and island life today.
Seventy noteworthy Hawaiian artists created Aulani’s decor and museum-quality artwork throughout the resort. Aulani claims to have the world’s largest collection of contemporary Hawaiian art.
Hand-crafted, graphic tapa cloth panels decorate the walls of the lobby’s soaring triangular-shaped space. As many buildings do, it evokes the shape of a hale (house) for outrigger canoes and village gatherings.
The open-air lobby separates the hotel’s two wings. Decor follows the Hawaiian belief in pono, or natural balance that’s infused in all existence. Each hotel wing represents male and female energy symbolized by the water features, mural artwork, and natural construction materials. The front desk is backed by a montage of stunning island images photographed by local children.
Smiling staff greet and wreath arriving guests with leis. Women receive fragrant white-yellow centered, tubular flowers. Men get handsome leis of dark chocolate brown kukui nuts. Will said, “This is like a heavy necklace of giant milk duds.” The greeter promptly explained the nut’s history as kukui oil-fueled flaming torches.
Artistic representations of kukui appear throughout the lushly landscaped resort. Along with a cultivated patch of taro plants to make poi, one of the islanders’ century-old, staple foods.
Hidden Mickeys & Characters Encounters are Quiet Reminders of Disney
Wandering Aulani’s manicured gardens and groomed beach, it’s easy to imagine entire Disney theme park-scapes and movie sets embedded in the palm frond beauty.
Guests have to keep a sharp eye to findtraces of “Moana,” the blockbuster animated film about a Hawaiian girl that adds that signature Disney dazzle to the resort.
No doubt, the resort’s half-moon, swimming-snorkeling cove protected from pounding surf by lava rock boulders is perfect inspiration for Moana’s seafaring adventures.
Kids love doing cannonball splash dives off the floating dock shaped like a silhouette of a giant Mickey Mouse head floating in the lagoon’s center.
Another subtle reference to Walt’s world stands in the lobby’s corner — a replica of an ancient royal Hawaiian feather standard called a kahili made of Mickey’s black, white and red colors. Hawaiians are known for their quilt craft so Disney demonstrates this in the guest rooms, but with an understated circular pattern of mouse ears quilted into the bedspread that serves as a subtle reminder that guests are enjoying Hawaiian surf on Mickey’s turf.
But don’t dismay die-hard Disney fans! Mickey and his gang hang out at Aulani. The staff assured me, “The characters are here — but they’re on vacation too.” Guests of all ages who desire the iconic Disney encounter reserve seating at the special character breakfasts (up to six are scheduled each week).
Also, characters appear for photo opportunities at designated resort locations at scheduled times announced in the resort’s daily ‘Iwa newsletter. Feeling nostalgic, I posed with Will with Lilo & Stitch, then with Minnie wearing a snazzy, flowered muumuu.
Aulani is a World Apart, But in the Center of O’ahu
The Aulani is centered within a 652-acre resort-residential area called Ko Olina Resort & Marina on O’ahu’s leeward side. Disney shares Ko Olina beachfront with two Marriott hotels, a condominium complex, some residential properties and the locals, as all beaches in Hawai’i are public.
From our room’s balcony overlooking the Ko Olina Golf Club course, our bellman pointed out the small shopping center across the street, a two-block walk.
Aulani’s free shuttle circles Ko Olina, stopping at the shops and renowned Hawaiian Chef Roy Yamaguchi’s restaurant Roy’s next to the golf course. Our second day we shopped the center’s ABC store for flip-flops, sunscreen, breakfast basics, PB & J, bread, and ate a tasty Mexican lunch at Just Tacos.
Also Read: Disney Springs Hotels Discount Orlando Rates
Aulani Restaurants Go Local
Aulani restaurants fit diverse family appetites. Choose items from poolside burgers and Hawai’i’s famous shave ice dessert (a combination fruit syrup-snow cone-like treat) to prime-aged steaks, crab legs, and chocolate lava cake.
For the greatest value, families chow down at the Makahiki Restaurant all-you-can-eat buffet. At dinner, a strong mix of traditional Hawaiian cuisine and all-American dishes fill the serpentine buffet. A full sushi, soup, and salad bar precedes entree selections including prime rib, Hawaiian-style barbeque ribs, pastas, pizzas, vegetable sides and desserts. Will downed roast meats, oysters and peach cobbler.
While I went back for sushi seconds, I feasted my eyes on the dining room’s vibrant, Gauguin-esque murals picturing pre-missionary, bountiful Hawaiian life. On the way back to our room, we stopped into the cool ‘Olelo Room. A cool cocktail bar with appetizers, it offers a visual language lesson. The intimate lounge’s koa wood carvings tucked into a giant shadow-box displayed above the bar depict Hawaiian words.
Young families dine at the beachfront ‘AMA’AMA during a lively ukulele troupe’s performance. Couples and families with older kids favor the gourmet restaurant’s contemporary island cuisine in later hours when soul-soothing sounds of surf serenade candle-lit conversations.
We shared a scrumptious shellfish seafood platter, ceviche, and ahi tuna poke appetizers. A glass of sauvignon blanc paired beautifully with my grilled opah (moonfish). ‘AMA’AMA chefs showcase locally sourced food products such as the Moloka’i black sea salt and make the udon noodles and multigrain taro bread in Aulani’s on-site bakery.
These are only a few of 10 eateries at Aulani to accommodate guests who never seem to want to leave the resort.
LAID BACK OR LOTS TO DO, FAMILIES PLAY DAY & NIGHT AT AULANI RESORT
We started off our three-day stay in “Hawaii Five-0” mode spending a half day surfing at a beginners’ beach. Surfing is one of several Adventures by Disney off-resort, island excursions including horseback riding, kayaking, rainforest hikes and catamaran sails.
Then we dove into Aulani’s Rainbow Reef pool snorkeling with tropical fish, wound our way around the lazy-river pool and selectively participated in resort organized fun.
Aulani offers a full schedule of free activities from sunrise yoga and hula lessons. Then hip surfer-themed pool parties, volcano explosion science fair-style sessions and star gazing. Pools with playful water features keep families slathering on sunscreen all day long.
Evening ohana activities include outdoor Disney movies, a hula show, and live ukulele music. We liked the more low-key nighttime storytelling seated around a blazing beachside fire pit listening to a local storyteller share legends of Hawaiian fire goddess Pele.
DISNEY RESORT’S HAWAIIAN ACTIVITIES BY AGE GROUP
Younger kids love playing the free Menehune Adventure Trail high-tech scavenger hunt-style game. Learning about Menehune, Hawaiian folkloric little people known for magical building skills and making mischief.
Guided by interactive game consoles, kids wander the resort populated with 200 Menehune wood and stone figures solving mysteries born of Menehune-mayhem. Along the way, they learn about Hawaiian history, topography, and culture.
Parents
Parents like the balance Aulani offers between family time and adult alone time. Aunty’s Beach House keeps young kids busy from 10 am to 9 pm doing Hawaiian-related crafts, karaoke, and games in the vintage-style beach house.
Teens
Teens gather in the sunny lounge at teen spa Painted Sky, at the D.I.Y. perfume and face mask mixology bar and on the private patio eating frozen yogurt concoctions made at the yogurt and elixir bar. In the salon, they have mani-pedis, facials, and massages. Will hung out a few hours playing computer games and taking a ukulele lesson while I got a massage at the Laniwai Spa.
Laniwai – A Disney Spa means “freshwater heaven,” and the spa lives up to its name. Before pampering begins in treatment rooms identified by types of Hawaiian rainbows, guests relax in O’ahu’s only outdoor, hydrotherapy garden. I loved soaking in the scented pools and standing beneath the multi-fountain rain showers of misting, pelting, spraying and cascading warm water.
Of the 150 spa therapies offered, I chose the traditional Hawaiian lomilomi healing massage. Cocooned between warm heated pads, I felt surfing soreness subside as my muscles eased and became pliant for the skilled masseur’s hands rhythmic strokes. That’s what I call magic.
Aulani’s dialed-down Disney atmosphere, stellar service and authentic Hawaiian experience made my family want more Disney vacation memories ever after. Now, I even believe that next time with a sprinkle of pixie dust I can surf like Lilo and Stitch.
Also Read: Family Guide To Disney Cruise Lines
Trip Planning Tips for an Aulani Family Vacation
Aulani features a large, themed family pool with a misty grotto and an after-dark experience with glittering lights. A kids’ splash zone designed to resemble a tidal pool; and additional deck space, chairs, chaises, and cabanas. Moreover, the Ulu Cafe serves three meals indoors and out, plus a beachside, quick-service eatery.
Aulani Disney Spa & Resort rates start at $494. For a standard view with 2 queen beds or 1 king bed and 1 queen-size sleeper sofa. For larger families looking to splurge, Parlor Suites with partial ocean views start at $1,029. With a King bed and Queen-size sleeper sofa, and one bunk-size pull-down bed or one King bed and one Queen-size sleeper sofa and a bunk bed.
In other words, you’ve got tons of space, views, and creature comforts on your Hawaiian vacation. Our spacious, king standard guest room opened to an adjacent TV-dining area with a Murphy bed. Includes a coffee maker, mini-refrigerator and small dining table. Conveniently, there’s a coin-operated laundry in the hotel.
Rates include most on-site activities like Aulani pool parties with Disney character appearances. Moreover, Kid-friendly fun at Aunty’s Beach House. Also include Cove splash zone, live entertainment, adventure trail, fire pit storytelling, Disney movie nights, and ukulele lessons. For an additional fee, guests can indulge salon services and embrace their inner adventurer like sailing canoe excursions.
Experience the convenience of traveling between Aulani Resort and other island destinations, like Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), using their shuttle service. If you require airport transportation, find additional details here.
Booking ahead, especially during school holidays, is essential, as Aulani books up quickly. For more information about Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, call their agents at 714/520-7001 or visit the Aulani website.
FAQs about Aulani Disney Resort Hawaii
1. What are the accommodation options at Aulani Disney Resort Hawaii?
Aulani offers a range of accommodations, including hotel rooms, suites, and villas, providing options for couples and families of various sizes.
2. Are there dining options available within the resort?
Yes, Aulani features a variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining, offering a diverse culinary experience for guests.
3. Can you tell me about the activities for kids at Aulani Disney Resort?
Aulani offers an array of supervised kids’ activities, including character experiences, water play areas, movie nights and storytelling adventures.
4. Is there a beach nearby where guests can enjoy the ocean?
Absolutely, Aulani is situated along Ko Olina’s beautiful lagoon, providing direct access to a stunning sandy beach.
5. Are there any special offers or packages available for guests?
Yes, Aulani often features special offers and vacation packages that can include discounts, dining credits, or other perks for a memorable stay.
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photos by Kit Bernardi
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For summer vacation St John in USVI is an excellent place to visit. St. John is a true gem in the Caribbean with crystal clear waters, lush green mountains and gorgeous white sand beaches. Though it is the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John’s unspoiled beauty is perhaps the greatest found anywhere in the Caribbean. Sixty percent of the island is national park land, creating the illusion that you are as far from civilization as possible. However, fine shopping such as upscale jewelry stores and boutiques are just a short distance away. Boating is also a popular activity for visitors of the islands. Rent a boat and island hop to neighboring islands and cays or enjoy a day of snorkeling, swimming, picnicking and relaxing aboard one of many day sail charter boats.
Helpful Post
I would suggest a car seat cover it helped me and my wife a lot from our last trip to Hawaii with my baby daughter here it is
Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Hawksnest Bay, and through the termites’ nests of Virgin Islands National Park. These are some beautiful places which are really attracts travelers to visit the islands.
Yes! Go to the Dominican Republic at least one time in your life.
Travel Forum are always helpful
Hello Clary, we are not attorneys but we do not see a need to have a power of attorney over your cousin for your trip. A permission to travel letter from the guardians, as well as a medical authorization letter — in case your cousin needs medical treatment — should be fine for your trip. This letter should come from the guardians, not you, so they should do it now rather than wait till your arrival to finish the paperwork. When they fill it out does not matter, since the letter will have the travel dates that your cousin will be with you. Have a safe trip and enjoy!
Hello
I’m traveling with my cousin who is a minor to South Korea in July 2018 its less than 20 days away along with the travel to consent letter should I get a temporary power of attorney. Also should I set a specific time frame to do these things or can I do it the day before we leave. I ask because I have to travel to where she lives and we are flying out of her city two days after I get there.
Its a lovely place. My experience was very excellent. I enjoyed such an amazing camel ride. Staff was well-trained & well-dressed up. Very helpfull staff ,I am very impressed. I suggest to all to go there & have some fun.
Royal Desert Camp is one of the best tent camps in Sam, Jaisalmer. We had visited on 31st Dec and stayed here for the night. There was an extra charge for the Gala Dinner, but it was worth the money spent. We were 3 girls on a road trip and it was a safe and good place to be at.
Being in the city of Royal Tents in Jaisalmer of moving sand ridges, you can’t get away from the seat travel. A rough ride on a camel in the Thar Desert is one of the energizing things to do in Jaisalmer Royal Camps. It enables you to investigate the remote and segregated spots tucked amidst the abandon. Absolutely, the additional time you give on your safari, the more remote spots you are probably going to see and the more you may acclimate to and appreciate the abandon serenity.
Jaisalmer luxury camp in Sam Sand Dunes is an unquestionable requirement visit in the province of Rajasthan in the environs of the city of Jaisalmer. It is likely that you are going for a Desert Safari when wanting to visit Thar Desert or the consequences will be severe, the purpose of going there is pointless, making the Sam Sand Dunes an expanding significant vacation spot of the city.
Visit Us : http://www.desertdreamroyalcamp.com/rooms.php
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There is a reason why Iceland is a favourite travel destination. It’s natural beauty of mountains, volcanoes, and bodies of water make this country seem surreal … https://www.merrchant.com/daily/2/travel-blogs/
Indeed Caribbean islands are popular with families in the summer because of less rates than in winter, and the beaches and cultural attractions are just as appealing.
If you are interested in visiting Cusco, getting in touch with its people, volunteering in our Nutrition and education projects, then visit http://www.takemeinyourheart.org
My wife and I (US citizens) want to to take my 16 year old niece (who is a FIlipino citizen) to Korea for a graduation gift. We plan to pick her up in Philippines and fly together to Korea. We have all parental permissions and have proof of ability to support her trip. Is it possible for my niece to obtain the visa? A travel agent in the Philippines is telling us no.
What a wonderful graduation present! We cannot speak on behalf of the government of Korea, as they determine their visa policy for citizens of all countries who want to visit. What we suggest is that you contact the Korea Embassy in the US – 202-939-5600 – as you are U.S.citizens, and ask them for their advice.
Regardless of the visas, it is important that when you travel with your minor niece you have the Permission Letters, so that is a great first step.
Have a safe trip, please let us know if we can be of help.
I want to know how much cost the whole trip can be required to visit this destination. I would like to specific answer on thanks in advance.
The Montcalm Club is a reward program offering free membership for all 5-star MontCalm hotels in London. Each of The MontCalm Luxury Hotels is uniquely and elegantly designed to enhance your stay whether you are in London for business, shopping, theatre or sight-seeing. We extend a diverse range of benefits for our valued guests. Become a member by registering online or at reception at any of MontCalm properties and earn 100 points straightaway & 10 points on every pound you spend on your room booking at any of our hotels. Collect the requisite points and redeem them for a free night stay at the Mont Calm Hotels in London. So, what you are waiting for? Join, Earn & Redeem at the montcalmclub. This time montcalmclub offering the loyalty rewarding in that people can save up to 15% on membership.
This is such a piece of paradise.
Love the pictures, outstanding post! You absolutely re-fueled my wish to visit Morocco. It’s been on my bucket incline for fairly some time. Sounds like you had a blast!
Indeed! Agra is one of the most beautiful places in India to visit. Taj Mahal is one of my favourites. Seeing Agra Fort in Person is quite mesmerizing too. Thank for the trip planning details. I will bookmark this for my future India travels.
A very nice information about Agra and its related places. People usually think a lot about making their trip well-organised. This will gonna help them.
Hurricanes strike without intimation, we need to take some preventive measures to reduce the impact of hurricanes. The information given here is really useful. I would like to add some of the tips that help to survive a hurricane like, create a plan for the family, secure your home with hurricane resistant products, always have a survival kit with you. Take some helpful hints from the professionals and secure your home and make sure you have an escape route ready with you.
Of course! Christmas is a magical time for children – and equally unusual for moms and dads who love nothing more than to see their little ones’ faces smiley with festive joy.
There are so many countries and their cities where people can enjoy these festivals, but I think London is the most popular place to enjoy the lightning of the festivals like Christmas.
Christmas is magical especially for kids. We were lucky enough to take our kids to Lapland when they were younger. Meeting the real Santa and his elves was wonderful.
Great article with good information
thanks for it
If anyone is looking for anything else to do in London, there is a Christmas market in Hyde Park that lasts through New Years. There are several other seasonal events that you can enjoy.
https://londonconnection.com/upcoming-events-london/
Great products!
Volunteer vacations, or voluntourism, is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry. By taking a volunteer vacation, you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people. One of my friends is a working as a volunteer for voyage humanitaire, these trips offer a great charity experience, Where you can offer your support to the needful people.
Nothing is more beautiful than Europe. Would definitely travel to Europe one day.
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is known for its vibrant street life and ornate shrines. It is a city which is exquisitely decorated with Buddhist temples all around along with various natural beauties. The city of Bangkok welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world and is known as a hot and chaotic city.
How did Halloween get to be so big? The most fun we ever had was at the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, but I see now that in the US, it’s gone to a whole new level of madness.
A road trip through New England is beautiful at any time of year, but when the leaves begin to turn (anywhere from early September to late October) it can be spectacular.
The common wisdom is that the leaves get their signal to change color when night time temperatures drop below 40 F degrees. The farther north you go towards Canada, and the higher the elevation, the sooner this occurs. By mid-September you may see a whole range of colors in northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
In New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, those colors could reach their peak around early October. In Manhattan, New York City where my family lives, we always count on Columbus Day as being the height of leaf color around us, but a big storm or early frost can change all that.
The safest bet is to ask the source — tourism offices in the states you are interested in — as they monitor the climate and moisture in the leaves very closely. Here is a round up of resources for leaf peepers:
Leaf Peekers Guide Americas Fall Foliage
What a great list this is — I just got back from Norway and have to say that the Raumer railway, from Alesund up to Bergen, is another gorgeous ride. The Norway fjords are very beautiful.
I never knew South Dakota was an ice-cream hotspot, sounds like a great place for foodie familes. The local dishes–I need to try chislic–are making my mouth-water. Thanks for such an informative peice on a part of the country I know so little about.
We’ve just heard the good news that Finnair is increasing airlift to five airports in Lapland for the winter 2017-2018 season. Between Jan 1- March 24, 2018, Finnair will add four weekly frequencies to Rovaniemi, three to Kuusamo, and extra flights between Helsinki and Ivalo and Helsinki and Kittilä.
During the winter 2017-2018 season, Finnair will also operate new non-stop flights to Lapland airports from London Gatwick, Paris and Zurich.
we love this idea, to add actual storybooks to the amazing storytelling that goes on at Disneyland. Imagine you can follow up on the excitement of a thrill ride with the moral tale that influenced it, how much more meaningful that would become for our kids. thanks for sharing it!
My 16 yr old is planning to go to Costa Rica with an 18yr old and a 19 yr old. What papers do I need to fill out and have him bring?
Submitted by D.A. to moderator
This article explains the forms that we recommend and why they are needed for the 16-year-old: https://myfamilytravels.com/content/14513-permission-travel-letters-and-why-you-need-them
There is a field within the article where you can input your email address to request that blank forms are sent to you. Please check your Inbox and spam filter for a confirmation email that will ‘confirm’ your request, and once you have clicked on it, you should get a second email with the forms themselves.
My family has been in the wholesale end of the souvenir supply business dating back to 1952 when my Grandfather came out of retirement at age 51 and bought a local wholesale jobber distributor that sold some small wooden novelties made in the Ozarks.
Along with my father’s youth, energy and drive they built a small regional business into a national Importer/Distributor with regional warehouses serving the souvenir needs of Tourist attractions throughout the US. It’s an interesting story and one that started with cheap trinkets Made in Japan that transformed Asia into the powerful Manufacturing Revolution that feeds thousands of Big box Retailers today.
One of our oldest and most popular local attractions here in the midwest that is still operating under the original Family is Meramec Caverns. The attraction has been largely shut down early this spring due to some troubling environmental problems which I believe developed after a regional Flood of the Meramec washed out the visitor center. I believe its set to reopen soon. This is the type of “Attraction” that has kept families on the road and vintage souvenirs making a comeback.
Fairway Mfg. Company
Mark Sobelman, President
2424 Schuetz Rd.
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Thanks for the feedback, that travel stroller you got looks like a great solution with 2 kids, but it’s pricey! Let us know how you like using it on your trip.
Congratulations!
Traveler Carla K asks:
My eleven year old son will be traveling with his grandmother to Vietnam and Cambodia. They will have a plane change in Korea (which will be a port of entry, so I assume they will go through immigration and customs here as well).
This is my question: Do I need to sign and notarize three separate forms (one per country)?
Our answer:
We are not attorneys but we recommend that you have several copies of the same form, and that the form include the travel information about the whole itinerary. In terms of changing planes, there may not be a need to go through Immigration in Korea. However, if you have an original form that mentions all the flights/countries within a broad range of travel dates, and have photocopies that grandparents can leave behind if requested by an Immigration official, they should be fine.
We wish your son and his grandmother a safe and fun trip — it certainly sounds like a fascinating journey to us.Thank you and please get in touch with other questions.
The CPB has some useful advice on this topic on their web page: http://ow.ly/Q2WEY
Well the 1st of June started out soggy. I, along with most all the captains had to cancel due to the fact that it rained and lightened most of the day. The rest of the week was beautiful. None of my clients this week wanted to Tarpon fish, so I stayed inshore most of the week, but the reports I’m getting are still saying that the tarpon bite is remaining strong at Bean Point and along the beach. All my clients this week wanted to stay inshore to take home some fish for the dinner table. The bite this week was slow in the morning but picked up at the tale end of the high tide and was good through the outgoing tide. Most days we were able to catch 20 or so trout with about half being in the keeper range. The big trout of the week was 23″ with most of the trout being caught in 3′-4′ of water on small grass patches. The Redfish bite has been slow but we are managing to catch a couple each trip during the higher water along the mangroves. The Snook bite has been good as long as the tide is moving. Most trips we were able to catch around 15-20 with most being in the 25″ range. If you are looking to book at fishing charter or fishing trip and are near Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Pete, or Tampa areas book with Anna Maria Inshore Fishing, LCC call Fishing Guide Capt. Kyle (941) 345-7182 http://www.annamariainshorefishing.com or check out my brother Fishing Guide Capt. Ryan (941) 812-7435 http://www.bradentoninshorefishing.com
I just wanted to inquire how much a cruise is how long it is what the fees and baggage charges etc are there accommodation for children that are autistic _ is there a discount for people that are Disneyland annual pass holders
By Deb L, moved by Forums moderator
Disney cruises are really fun, and their staff is so well trained to work with all kids, that I think you will find them able to include a child with autism in the regular children’s programming. (Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line I know — see story — that has specific accommodations and loaner toy kits, for example, for guests on the spectrum.)
DCL Cruises run 4 to 7 days typically, pricing varies because some have theme park tickets bundled in, some leave from Florida, others from California and a ship will be in Europe this summer.
You can find out more about Disney Cruise Lines at their site: vhttp://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ – that would be the place to inquire if pass holders get any type of discount. One good cruise travel specialist we know is Magic For Less — http://www.themagicforless.com/ – and they can help you sort through the many choices.
Have a great trip, we don’t think you’ll go wrong!
From a quirky retail store, to a nature park with over 380 live animals, the Shell Factory is “must see” for families visiting The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida. Located in Fort Myers, this iconic, offbeat roadside attraction offers a variety of activities, souvenirs and experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
You can shop for Christmas decorations in the Christmas store (which is open year-round!), try out a hurricane simulator, watch hermit crab races, stroll through aisles filled with taxidermy, indulge in homemade fudge, channel your inner pirate in the Pirate room and more.
Thanks to Julianna Bryan for her fun suggestion.
Hello, my name is Joshua. You have a great site. I have a few questions that has branched off from reading your article by Kyle McCarthy about the road trip from Jacksonville Florida to Key West using A1A and also Route 1. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am in the navy and live in Jacksonville. I recently decided that I am going to take a long (month or longer) backpacking trip from Jacksonville to Miami (or Key west if I can make it). I am having trouble decideing which route to take A1A or Route 1. It seems as if you took both on your road trip. Maybe you can suggest which I take. If you can make any suggestions maybe you could consider I will be backpacking and looking for a decent sized shoulder on the side to walk on. I would like easier access to motels and food. I also wonder if I could plop a tent down anywhere in my travels? Also, I picture myself stopping for a cold beer here and there along my travels somewhere that a dirty backpacker would be welcomed. The problem is I am currently on deployment overseas so my research is limited and I am not very familiar with Florida at all yet. Any help for my backpacking trip would be greatly appreciated so I can start to plan it as much as I can at sea for now. The descriptions of your trip are very well detailed, I am just not sure which route to concentrate on or would be easier, more scenic and fun for a backpacker. I will continue to read your site as I love to travel and you have very detailed and relevant information. Thanks so much.
ubud would be super for a mother-daughter getaway. The Yoga Barn is terrific: it cascades down a hillside, first with welcome bungalow, then a really good restaurant, then a yoga building (photo below), then gardens and what I think are either cottages for accom or treatment rooms. And meanwhile you’re in ubud!
Some people stay at the yoga barn but it’s pretty expensive by ubud standards. I had a beautiful guest house– traditional compound with statuary and pool and ornate platforms — for $25 cDN and I left it for a better one. Plus today I went to beautiful spa, garden setting, 5 mins from yoga barn, and had massage , papaya scrub, and soak in a flower-filled tub — $27 cDN , so that’s maybe $20?
< The patio of my guesthouse.
Ubud is so very beautiful, my room is like a private bungalow by a ravine, beautiful greenery, sounds of cicadas and rushing water, and this little temple where the lady of the house does a ceremony every morning.
Ubud also has Balinese dance performances every night ($6), exquisite meals ($5)…
Contributed by user Teresa Plowright.