Hawaii Bound! To Aulani and Beyond! About This Page:

[PixieMichele]

I'm counting down for our first trip to Hawaii and the Disney Wonder's first voyage to Hawaii!!

We were able to book this at the last minute so I've been in a frenzy of research and planning since this is our first trip to Hawaii. I must admit, I feel very comfortable being in Disney's hands for this "maiden voyage" (per-say). It will be fun to experience this itinerary with our cruise staff friends on the Disney Wonder. Sailing on the Wonder is always a bit like going home!

Since we're sailing from LA it's impossible for us to not go to Disneyland for a few days before we depart. I will have to get my gumbo and beignet fix!

We booked a helicopter tour through Safari Helicopters. We are doing the Deluxe Waterfall Tour on May 7th. So far I've been impressed with their customer service correspondence and they offer free transportation from the port to where the helicopter takes off. I can't wait to see the famous waterfalls and the lush Na Pali coast. I'm looking into the possibility of a snorkeling excursion but the helicopter tour is our big splurge for this cruise so we'll see. We have our own snorkel gear so I must just inquire about safe but good snorkeling locations on various beaches. My DH is still a bit of a nervous snorkeler so I'm hesitant to book and pay for an excursion that he might not participate in.

I'm curious to see how they're going to keep us all occupied for 15-nights onboard. There are 4 sea days in a row, then 4 port days and another 4 sea days. I suspect the Prem-EAR will be Avengers so that will make my husband VERY happy (and ok, i'll admit it...me too!)

I have my packing plan determined and I'm making my list of questions, things to make notes of and information to collect. If there's something you October Hawaii cruisers think of that you want to know feel free to share! I'll add it to my list and gather as much intel as I can for you future cruisers!

Hopefully I can win the spa raffle...because there are few things in life that thrill me more than free spa treatments! I have my eye on a fire and ice manicure/pedicure but I'd never turn down a massage either! If the raffle doesn't pull through for me perhaps I'll use some of the Disney gift cards I've received from redeeming my Disney Movie Club Reward Points.

I'll be sure to bring back extra navigators and scan them as soon as possible so you can all see what's being offered on this itinerary.

We do have a day at Aulani planned which I'm SO excited to see. I hear it really is a sight to behold and I can only imagine! I think even DH will snorkel there. I told him all the aquamarine life at Disney are Disney cast members. Even the fish wear name tags and have to go through the ocean version of "traditions". Whatever it takes to get him in the water!

Farewell for now, more information to come as I receive it. If anyone else is onboard with me this cruise send me a PM or an email so we can meet up!

Aloha!

[chezp]

It sounds like an amazing trip - congrats on booking it at the last minute! Have a great time and I can't wait to hear all about it!

[lauriep]

What a great trip! I considered this cruise but went with Alaska for this year instead. It's still in my mind for a future cruise, so I'll be interested to hear all about it. Love all those sea days!

[JKnott17]

Congrats on the trip! Sounds like an amazing cruise Hawaii is beautiful, I've been dreaming of getting back there since my first trip nearly 10 years ago for my honeymoon. We did the helicopter tour of the Na Pali coast, all I have to say is amazing! You're going to have a fabulous time, can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!

[queenofheartsfan]

Congrats! Hope you have a wonderful time!

[pamcarey]

Originally Posted by PixieMichele

I'm curious to see how they're going to keep us all occupied for 15-nights onboard. There are 4 sea days in a row, then 4 port days and another 4 sea days.

Sounds like heaven to me! Have a great trip!

[emilyandlogansmom]

THE spot to snorkel on Oahu is Hanauma Bay; very touristy and very safe to put your husbands worries at ease. It is on the opposite side of the island though. There is an obscure and tiny lagoon on the other side of the Marriott that sees a lot more sealife as it is off the beaten path in Ko Olina (With sea turtles! My favorite!).

I have not cruised, but live on Oahu, so if you have any island specific questions, feel free to ask.

[emilyandlogansmom]

Also, I have a deep respect (I refuse to call it fear, it is very much RESPECT) for the ocean. But I am extremely comfortable at the Ko Olina lagoons...your husband should be just fine.

[cdnmickeyfan]

Have fun on your trip!!!!!!!

[Grammy Grumpy]

Can't wait to hear all about your planning and, of course, the actual trip!

[lauriep]

Have a great time! I've done the 15-night Panama cruise and was worried also about having enough to do on all the sea days. Don't waste a moment worrying about that! You'll have more than enough to do. Every day I'd circle all the things I wanted to do on the Navigator and always had to leave something out!

[belle0517]

Have a great trip!

[cubfancolleen]

Can't wait to hear all about it! I'd love all those sea days!

[MickeyWatch]

Have a great trip!

[PixieMichele]

I'm baa-aa-ck! Just wanted to pop in and say hi in between loads of laundry. Working on photos, blog posts, etc but if there's something you're dying to know before I get my trip reports up let me know!