DL plus Hawaii

[calisota]

Welcome back!

Good to know that LAX is still insane. 

What was wrong with Legoland?

Greg

[ajp]

Welcome back!

Good to know that LAX is still insane. 

What was wrong with Legoland?

Greg

Nothing wrong, just that it is primarily targeted at families with young children. Every ride except maybe 1 is designed with the kids in mind, and outside of them and many kid related activities there isn’t much else. And I’m not talking about Disney kid stuff, I mean like fisher price type kids stuff. I was however very impressed with the miniature city scales built all from LEGO.  Cities like NY, San Fran, New Orleans and DC. Also a large display of Star Wars LEGO items as well, was very impressive. But these alone are not worth the price of admission (which thankfully we didn’t pay having a daughter that works for Merlin Entertainment).

[calisota]

Welcome back!

Good to know that LAX is still insane. 

What was wrong with Legoland?

Greg

Nothing wrong, just that it is primarily targeted at families with young children. 

Ok, good to know. It's probably something I would have made the effort to see otherwise.

Greg

[ajp]

In the absence of an Aulani section, I'll briefly review the 2 onsite restaurants, and 1 offsite, we ate at there.  I'm sure that Colin and others who have been there can add something.

Ama Ama - This place overlooks the beach (bay) and thus provides the perfect tropical ambiance that you're looking for in this part of the world.  We were fortunate to walk down just as the orange sun haze was disappearing which was a magic sight to see.  Being seated right on the edge overlooking the water certainly made this a highlight.  Next time, I would go down earlier and watch the sunset over dinner.  It is an expensive menu, but this food rates as some of the best I've had.  Highly recommend paying the extra for this place.  Colin rates it for breakfast too I believe.

Makahiki - We went here for Breakfast, Character Breakfast.  The variety of food was different to what we have been exposed to having more of an hawaiian influence on the menu.  Because of this, the food seemed fresher and was enjoyable.  The space is limited and not as vast as other buffets Disney have, which makes for more a personal experience with characters.  We had each one through on more than once occasion.  You start your experience with a "private" audience with Mickey which is great, this is a quality experience and makes the guests feel rather special.

The Monkeypod - This place is offsite Aulani, just across the road at the small Ko-Olina shopping centre.  They prepare all their food fresh on site and utilise all fresh produce sourced from the islands - nothing imported.  The pricing reflects the area, so it's not your normal Denny's or Cheesecake Factory prices, but the food quality and quantity is amazing.  The tastes they achieve because of the freshness are unique and keep you looking for more.  A high quality alternative to eating at the resort for certain.  Try the Apple Cider (alcoholic variety).  I was told it tastes like an apple pie, and it was an accurate description.  It is a boutique cider brewed in Washington state and has cinnamon in it. 

[KeithS]

Hi Anthony.

Thanks for your updates from your trip - sounds like you had a great holiday - especially at Aulani.  And I'm glad you finally got to Carsland too!

Disappointed to hear about Legoland - it has always been on my to-do list, but I'll probably not go there now.

I have to admit that crowds at Disney Parks are starting to concern me - there doesn't seem to be any slow periods any more - it just looks massively packed all year around (and that's most parks - not just Disneyland).  It is great for Disney, but not so great for guest experiences.  Thank goodness for Hong Kong!

[DisneyKaren]

I was however very impressed with the miniature city scales built all from LEGO.  Cities like NY, San Fran, New Orleans and DC. Also a large display of Star Wars LEGO items as well, was very impressive. But these alone are not worth the price of admission (which thankfully we didn’t pay having a daughter that works for Merlin Entertainment).

I enjoyed Legoland, mainly for the mini-villages and displays.  Cost wise I don't remember as we got a San Diego pass which covered a few places.  From memory the one in Denmark had more displays around the park.  In both parks I'd visited most (or all) of the cities in the mini villages so loved them - and took way too many photos.  Not a place I'd rush back to, but I did really enjoy my visit.  Aulani is wonderful and I'd love to go back there one day as I've only done an overnight stay.

[ajp]

I was however very impressed with the miniature city scales built all from LEGO.  Cities like NY, San Fran, New Orleans and DC. Also a large display of Star Wars LEGO items as well, was very impressive. But these alone are not worth the price of admission (which thankfully we didn’t pay having a daughter that works for Merlin Entertainment).

I enjoyed Legoland, mainly for the mini-villages and displays.  Cost wise I don't remember as we got a San Diego pass which covered a few places.  From memory the one in Denmark had more displays around the park.  In both parks I'd visited most (or all) of the cities in the mini villages so loved them - and took way too many photos.  Not a place I'd rush back to, but I did really enjoy my visit.  Aulani is wonderful and I'd love to go back there one day as I've only done an overnight stay.

The cityscapes and other sculptures truly were amazing.  I would enjoy seeing other places that have a wider variety of them for sure.  I think the Carlsbad one has tried to compete with the LA parks and Seaworld, hence the target market.
I'd be looking to make repeat visits to Aulani, it was that good.