Aloha from Aulani

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Aulani Sunset

Aulani – what can I say - Awesome, WOW, Wonderful, Peaceful, Glorious, and the most perfect vacation spot!

Our family decided to visit Aulani and planned a once in a lifetime vacation to meet up with friends and family and enjoy paradise.  Needless to say, before we even left Hawaii to come home, we are planning a return trip.

Aulani is nothing short of AMAZING!  From the time you step out of your transportation to Aulani to the time you leave you are wowed at every turn.

Aulani Lobby

When we arrived, we were met with some welcome surprises and ice-cold fruit water.  Just the way to start a tropical vacation!  We were greeted, and shown the way through the lobby to have our picture taken overlooking Waikolohe Valley.  Off to check-in while the Keike (children) had a special area for them to wait on the adults.

We had decided on an Ocean View room and we were not disappointed in any way.  We saw marvelous sun rises and sun sets.  It was a perfect view of paradise!

Ocean View Room at Aulani
View from an Ocean View Room at Aulani

There were activities all day long for every member of your family from Ukulele lessons (which I participated in), Fish are Friends (an upgraded activity for the Keike which our son participated in), snorkeling in Rainbow Reef, tours of the art work, a Menehune Hunt (the little statues all over Aulani), spending time in the Waikolohe Stream (Lazy River) which all of us did at some point (some of more than others!), to just relaxing by the pool or on the beach.  Every member of our party found plenty to keep them busy or relaxed.

Lazy River at Aulani
Laniwai Spa at Aulani

Oh, and I cannot leave out Laniwai, A Disney Spa.  This is a Spa like no other!  You are pampered from inside and out.  They have wonderful relaxation areas, an outside hydrotherapy garden that you can enjoy with any body treatment spa service, luscious goodies to try after your spa service and some other neat surprises that I won’t give away.

Food options were plentiful at Aulani.  We ate at Makahiki twice for the dinner buffet – delicious!  Many options from salads to seafood to awesome little desserts.  Missing comfort food from home – they have it here.  Do you love seafood and sushi – they had many options to chose from also!  There are also little quick service places in Waikolohe Valley for hot dogs, shaved ice, and coconut shrimp.  Ulu Café recently opened with hot options, bakery items and cold pre-made selections.  Don’t forget to try the pineapple – it was the best we have ever tasted.

If you are looking for a perfect paradise vacation spot – Aulani will not disappoint you and we at Mouse Tales Travel would be love to help you plan a visit.

Exclusive Club 33 Pumpkin Beignets

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I’m addicted to anything pumpkin and these beignets from the secret Club 33 at Disneyland are right up my alley!

Pumpkin Beignets

  • 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (105º)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  1. Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve. Let stand for 5 minutes.
  2. Combine flour, pumpkin puree, sugar, heavy cream, hot water, egg, shortening, and salt in a large bowl; stir in yeast mixture. Mix dough just until combined and smooth. Let dough rest in bowl, covered with a clean kitchen towel, 30 minutes.
  3. Transfer dough to a well-floured surface. Pat to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch squares. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  4. Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Fry beignets until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes, turning as soon as they brown on one side.
  5. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.

Maple Glaze

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  1. Combine butter and maple syrup in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until butter melts. Whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
  2. Drizzle warm beignets with maple glaze and serve immediately.

mmmm… delish!