Traveling. Hotels. Flights. Seats. Yup, I'm going there....

 We all want to vacation. We all want to be sitting somewhere warm, eating food we know we shouldn't and enjoying a new adventure! Well, the reality is, you have to travel to get to your destination. Everyone has their own ideas of the best way to travel. If you are looking for inexpensive, no extra fees kind of "tips" on traveling - stop reading. That is not how I roll. I did about 15 years ago, even 10 years ago, my husband and I would go as cheap as we could. Now, nope! On our recent flight to Hawaii, we were flying out of Detroit at noon, we left the night before. Here's what we did! 

Instead of paying for parking for two weeks at the airport ( I also park in the garage to protect my baby!) we rented a car one way from Kalamazoo Airport to Detroit Metro Airport. We picked up our car Tuesday night to have it dropped off Wednesday night in Detroit. Our flight was Thursday. Are you confused yet? It's ok. I got this. So we loaded the car Wednesday after work, said our good byes to our fur babies, and headed off to Detroit! We didn't have to rush, we didn't have to worry about missing anything, we didn't have any of that stress!! 

We arrived to Detroit Metro Airport right about 8:00 PM. We went right back to the International/Delta Terminal where our hotel was. Yes we booked a room at the airport, in our terminal for the next morning. We figured since our flight was at noon, we could sleep in a little, 7:00 AM for our family, get a nice breakfast, and then get on the plane for our non-stop flight to Honolulu. So we unloaded the car, checked into our room, and then took the car back to the rental. Of course we had to take the shuttle back, which was a bit of a pain, but totally worth it not having to do it in the morning before our flight! We had a delicious dinner in the hotel bar (see pictures!) and then headed up the stairs and got ready for bed! 

The next morning was so simple! We each were able to grab a shower, repack a few things, and get our carry on items ready for the long flight. I was thrilled! There was also the opportunity after we checked our luggage to come back to the hotel and go through TSA right in the hotel. Since the three of us have pre-check, we just went through the one in the terminal. The lines were not long at all, so it was not bad! Always quick with pre-check! As soon as we got through pre-check, it was time for breakfast! We had time to sit and enjoy breakfast and even after doing a little shopping. We wouldn't have had all this time, if we drove over the same morning. At least, not with being a happy family, moms, wives, you know. 

Now it's time to board. Let's do a little information on this flight. This is a non-stop flight to Honolulu, Hawaii from Detroit, Michigan. We have Comfort+ seats. We were on an Airbus 330-300, and had the first row. These were literally the best comfort+ seats, we have ever had. We had Comfort+ last trip to Hawaii, and we were in like sardines, not on our flight out. And you bet I was snapping pictures. I had for starters a larger seat, almost like when I travel first class. There was a secret compartment in my seat! I could store snacks there and inside the compartment were plugs for chargers! Leg Rest. All I need to say about that! I had enough room to physically lay back and not bother the woman behind me, but don't worry, my seat was still there to help her up each time she needed to go to the bathroom! We were given amenity kits and great head sets! I was able to snuggle down with my pillow, and blanket, watch Christmas movies until I felt like doing some work with the WI-FI available on board. (Did I tell you that my cousin who was on vacation in Fl was actually on this flight? He lives on the Island, and this happened to be his connecting flight! Let me tell you the HEY look we had on each others faces! Two Werner's on one plane!) 

What was waiting for us when we sat down - Headphones, amenities pouch, and blanket

Look at all this room! My husband really did appreciate this! 

This is actually a remote for my tv and to control the buttons up above me..... 

To extend my leg rests..... 

Worked great for me! For my tall family members... yeah not so much :) They survived though!

The wide arm rest between my husband and my-self. 

Amenties

Amenities

Always have time for a great Christmas Movie

Now, after this long flight, we did have to land. In our Delta Vacations package, we had transportation included. I did upgrade to a private limo service for a few reasons. 1) After being on a long flight, we will be taken straight to our hotel 2) No additional stops unless we ask for them 3) We won't be fighting for a seat on a shuttle with others. Worth. Every. Single. Penny. 

We were greeted with leis, our luggage was taken care of by our driver, we were whisked to Waikiki, even had some interesting other modes of transportation on our way to the Outtrigger, and started our vacation stress free and happy!! Dinner was next before bed! "Meadles" Hawaii Vacation 2023 started off perfectly! 

Now did you know I can book your Hawaiian Vacation with Delta Vacations? 

'Aulani: Ko'Olina, Hawaii 2022-2023 Arrival Day

 Wow! All I can say is WOW! My family and friends were lucky to spend ringing in our New Years Eve at Disney's Resort in Ko'Olina Hawaii, 'Aulani. My last visit to 'Aulani was in 2019. I loved each moment of it that time, and I loved it again this time. From the lazy river, to Lanawai Spa, to the character meal at Makahiki, there are so many great options for things to do for guests of all ages! The teens seemed to love the beach and the tv! Who knew! Down time was just what these families needed. The rush of go go go was definitely not happening on island time. Not having to be somewhere all the time non-stop was wonderful. We truly had a vacation! 

So lets talk about our arrival day! While we were waiting for our room to become available, we made our way down to 'Olu Cafe for a delicious lunch! I had a poke bowl, that thankfully I could create. I am not a fan of all the carrots and extra stuff with my poke. Poke and rice. That's it! :) I am an island girl, not prepared for all this extra stuff with my poke! Nope! Of course we were short one of our refillable mugs, so grabbed one so that each of us had one. We did pack our ones from last time to reuse while there again, thankful we had them, and plan on bringing back all THREE next trip! We were assigned our room, and had time to run up, have our luggage sent up and drop it before our "class". 

Five of us signed up for a class to learn how to make macaroons and drink mimosas with 'Aulani's Chef Carolyn Portuondo (who competed on Food Networks Spring Baking Championship Season 8) and had a wonderful time. We were treated to three different flavored mimosas along with multiple flavored macaroons. Did I mention we had mimosas? 

Lilikoi Mimosa

Pineapple mimosa! 

Chef Carolyn gave us a quick lesson (this was a one hour class) of how to make amazing macaroons. As the class was happening, we were given different flavored macaroons to try, with one packaged to take home. This class is offered to Disney Vacation Members and their guests only. You can book 30 days in advance. 

This was yummy! 

I tried! 

Chef Carolyn had to step in! 

I tried to make a Mickey one - I clearly need practice! 

When we arrived, each place was set up and ready for us! 

My take home - I liked the DVC touch! 

I was a complete Fan Girl!!! 

Discovery Cove 2021 - VIP Cabana

 For a special birthday celebration, we decided to try the VIP Cabana Package with Dolphin Swim, and we were not disappointed! There were six of us total, two are return visitors and the rest are first timers, and we were staying over at Disney's Boardwalk Resort. We used Tiffany Limousine for our car service. They were pre-booked for round trip, were on time, professional, brought an SUV, and even were able to extend our time at Discovery Cove. Check Check!! I would use them again in a heartbeat! 

Upon our arrival to Discovery cove, about 8:00 am, we were greeted by friendly staff members and taken right over to a desk for our "registration" and ID cards to be made for the day. We were assigned our Dolphin Swim time, and awaited for our Cabana Host to come greet us. We literally walked away from the desk to the circle outside the doors where the desk staff said to wait and there was our host! Our host, Mark, was a gentleman never to forget! With his personality, his knowledge, promptness and taking care of us all day, I am not sure I can ever return without this package! 

*Our day at Discovery Cove was paid in advanced. Quotes are available upon request!*

After a quick over view of our day, we were taken down for our breakfast. We had many options to choose from and it was delicious. There were even options for our two Gluten Free members of our party! The chef prepared dishes for them so they weren't stuck with just plain fruit or a simple gluten free bar of some sort. This is big for a mom with a gluten free momma! After we were done, our amazing host went above and beyond, took care of our items, and guided us away for our next event. 

We were taken over to our beautiful cabana. Due to the choice of having a VIP cabana, we were directly next to the dolphins lagoon. What did we get to see all day? Dolphins! Dolphins! And of course MORE Dolphins! It was the most beautiful view that we could have possibly have had! Our cabana was stocked with fresh towels, beverages (waters, sodas, and wine) sunscreen, an overhead fan, a lounging hammock, plenty of seating for our group of 7, and of course our host at our disposal for anything that we could possibly need. After dropping our items, don't worry there is a safe for valuables, our host took us over to get fitted for vests and wet suits for the day. 

We dropped our suits off at the cabana as we headed to our first event, which was a special meet and greet with an armadillo! The knowledge of the caretaker was amazing, and to actually be able to spend time with an armadillo was a first time for for everyone in our group. With the VIP cabana we also receive the photo package, so we had a photographer with us capturing all the memories! 

Now it was time to hit the lazy river and go see otters! Rafts were readily available to all of us. We enjoyed the lazy morning of just floating around. The bird aviary was a quick trip through for me, I personally am not a fan, but the rest of the group enjoyed the little guys! I was anxious to get around to see the otters! Now mind you, otters are kept behind a plexi glass, but oh are they adorable still! There is even an island full of monkeys, and specific times you can float by and watch them being fed! Of course as we exited the water, our amazing host was waiting on the shore with fresh towels for each of us! Again, service was amazing! 

Next stop, lunch! Already? YES! Full buffet with plenty of choices for everyone to choose from along with beverages! Just a reminder, again this is all included in the price of your admission, not just the VIP cabana, the general admission. So breakfast, lunch, snacks through out the day all included in your general admission to Discovery Cover. How can you go wrong? 

Now the best part of our day, dolphin swim time! We went for our informational session so we knew exactly what to expect and what to do when we had our moment in swimming with "Our" dolphin, Luna. The session not only talked about what was going to happen during our swim, but what also Discovery Cove and Sea World do to help rescue, and also release marine animals back into our oceans and what we can do on a conservation part (which this of course was my biggest interest!) which I love these parks for these reasons! 

It was time, we did a jewelry check, headed down to the beach and met Luna! Each one of us had the chance to fed, touch, smile, and receive a kiss from Luna. Then we got to go for a swim with her! Great Photos were taken, ones that I will treasure, and to top it off, Luna delivered a wonderful Happy Birthday Buoy to a member of our group celebrating her 50th! Icing on the cake! 

After our dolphin swim, we went into the cove and swam with the stingrays and just floated around! We had to actually call our driver to extend our time by an hour we were having so much fun! We snorkeled and swam, even went over close to the shark area to get an up close and personal look! Well worth every moment to see these beautiful creatures! 

They say all good things come to an end, and our driver had to come get us. Luckily, part of Discovery Cove's offerings, is a full locker room, where they provide amenities to shower! So we were completely showered and ready to roll when we returned to our resort before going to celebrate our birthday girl for the evening. 

Would I do this again? Absolutely!!! Would I change anything? Nope! 

Breakdown - Car Service - Tiffany Town Car - due to the included alcohol beverages, we decided that a car service would be the better option for safety all around

Discovery Cove - What you need to purchase for our day: 

*General Admission

*Dolphin Swim 

*VIP Cabana 

Now, there are plenty of add-ons, different levels of cabanas you can choose from, it all depends on what you want to do. One way or another, this is at least a one time must do family day while in Orlando!