FROM: Because I Stinkin' Love Disney World Published Thursdays

Finding Hawaii at Disney Resorts

Last week, Ashley found Hawaii (or at least things Hawaiian) at Disney World. Now, exhausted from too much island merriment, even if it all did happen in Orlando, Florida, Ashley heads to the Disney Resorts only to find more... things Hawaiian!

- by Ashley Metz, June 9, 2011

What's up? Let's jump right into it!

Today, we'll be looking in specific Hawaiian experiences available at Disney resorts. These are all items on my Disney bucket list, so I'm writing with angst and with the hope that one day I can hula on over to enjoy them myself.

Here are my top three favorites:

'Ekahi (one)

I have never been to a real life luau. But it's on my bucket list and - God willin' and the creek don't rise (southern colloquialism!) - I will be experiencing the real deal next week at the Polynesian cultural center... in Hawaii!

I want to hear tropical sounds and drink fruity drinks from a coconut. I want to smell fragrant flowers and munch on delicious food. And so it might come as a shock to you that I haven't been to the Spirit of Aloha Luau at Disney's Polynesian Resort.

Well, I haven't. But I want to, badly!

I love me some Disney World dining, and the best thing about this Luau is that it's a dinner (all you care to eat, mind you!)... and a show - a 'uha pua'a n' kind of a show. (That means "hammin'", of course.) Yay for fun times! I would love to go see this show!

Read more about the luau on this great blog: Tips From the Disney Diva.

When it comes to the luau, words are great, pictures greater, but a video, well, now we're cooking with poi:

From: TravelShorts

'Elua (two)

This one is on my bucket list for a good reason... it hasn't opened yet!

What am I talking about? Aulani, the new Disney resort and spa scheduled to open August 29 on the island Oahu. I'll be there in a few days, camera in hand, and will share what I see (and what I learn) when I get back.

Aulani looks like a fabulous place to stay, and I'll make the relatively safe prediction that Disney has once more hit the nail on the head. According to the official website, Aulani has two translations: 'the messenger of a chief' and 'the one who delivers a message from a higher authority'.

Disney spared no detail in creating this resort. Island locals were asked to help create a place where the spirit of Hawaii past, present, and future is alive! I think a bit of pixie dust got mixed in, too!

I can't wait to take a few shots of this amazing resort. And maybe check-in on my next Hawaiian vacation?

A girl can dream!

'Ekolu (three)

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Sorry...

I had to wipe down the keyboard from my drooling over this pictures of the famous Tonga Toast served at the Kona Cafe in Disney's Polynesian Resort.

TONGA TOAST! Tonga Toast should only be said as if it were a super hero (complete with echo effect and prefaced by 'Ladies and Gentlemen...').

This is one item on my bucket list that I plan to devour by the end of my next Disney trip! Tonga toast is a delightful (and decadent) breakfast item - or, in my world, anytime item.

Tonga Toast consists of a banana cradled in a thick slice of lightly fried sourdough bread rolled in cinnamon sugar. What could be bad about that? Nothing, my friends. Nothing!

There are a lot of create-your-own recipes, but my new favorite is from Disney foodie Chef Brian of the A Taste of Disney Blog. Brian has a video of himself preparing this tropical treat, and it's sure to create a little Hawaiian magic, Disney style, in your own kitchen:

From: BHeptin

Join me next week for our last vicarious voyage to Hawaii as we hang 10 with some of my favorite Hawaiian Disney merchandise!

A hui hou kakou (until we meet again!).

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