120610 Big Thunder Ranch Barbeque (3)

The Big Thunder Ranch Barbeque That Almost Never Was

After a long day on the trail, your fellow cowboys and you are bound to be looking for a good meal. One option is always to boil a can of beans over the open flame. However, if you get anywhere near Big Thunder Ranch, be sure to stop for the BBQ before heading back onto the trail.

120610 Big Thunder Ranch Barbeque (1)

Our two strapping young lads, the Misses and I had just returned from a wild trip on the frontier, which included chasing after a rabbit, being captured by the Indians along with the Lost Boys club, and even riding our ponies through some treacherous terrain. After such an eventful day, it is bound to create some rumbly-in-the-tumbly effects.

120610 Big Thunder Ranch Barbeque (2)

Fortunately, there is a great All-American Round-up going on over at the Big Thunder Ranch. Our family debated about whether following through with our pre-arranged dining reservation at the ranch, but if there is one thing I have learned about our adventures out on the trails, it is never to pass up a great meal.

After being seated in a communal setting at covered picnic tables, our cowgirl served us up some ice-cold beverages from the river, and started to prepare us for the fixin’s.

120610 Big Thunder Ranch Barbeque (3)

On the menu were fresh off the prairie barbeque ribs and chicken, along with smoked sausage, corn cob wheels, cole slaw, cornbread, and ranch beans. This meal was no canned pork and beans, but premium cuts of meat and the freshest vegetables this side of the Mississippi. Yee-haw!

You mean not only do I get some fresh grub, but I also get entertainment? Who would ever want to leave this magical place?

However, sadly with bellies full, we were back onto the trail before nightfall to find a place to setup camp for the nightly shooting star show. With any luck, we might just get to see a flying fairy!

Save Money, Travel More!

Source: InACents

120625 Disney's Aulani Public Beach 3

Exploring Disney’s Aulani Resort Grounds, Part 2 (Oahu, Hawaii)

After arriving at the Disney Aulani resort in Oahu, Hawaii, and being greeted by an army of waitstaff at the door, we were not given much direction on where to go, specifically as non-staying guests. We were at Aulani just to take in the resort, and really say we just saw it. With that in mind, we were not really too sure how much of the property we would really be given access.

120625 Disney's Aulani Pools 1

120625 Disney's Aulani Water Stand

120625 Disney's Aulani View From Above of Lazy River

We were not completely sure how the Disney staff would treat us non-registered guests on the property. We did notice everyone was wearing wrist bands of various colors, obviously depicting that they were paying guests, but who knew how strict they would actually be with the policy.

So as we got settled in, Mrs. InACents and the boys went into one of the pools while I continued lotioning up. However, almost immediately one of the staff came over asking if we were registered guests, and told us we could not use the pools. Totally disappointing. However, the real beauty came by way of the little lagoon and beach that was public property.

120625 Disney's Aulani Tools Exhibit

120625 Disney's Aulani The Lava Shack

120625 Disney's Aulani The Lava Shack Deco

120625 Disney's Aulani Surf Board Exhibit

120625 Disney's Aulani Southeast Tower 5

120625 Disney's Aulani Southeast Tower 4

120625 Disney's Aulani Southeast Tower 3

120625 Disney's Aulani Southeast Tower 2

120625 Disney's Aulani Southeast Tower 1

120625 Disney's Aulani Rock Lizard

120625 Disney's Aulani Pools 3

120625 Disney's Aulani Pools 2

The wonderful thing about Hawaii is that no matter how exclusive your property, you can not lay claim to the shoreline. That being said, the Disney Aulani resort backs up to a wonderful little nook that provides for terrific beach access and calm waters.

120625 Disney's Aulani Public Beach Panoramic

120625 Disney's Aulani Public Beach 4

120625 Disney's Aulani Public Beach 3

120625 Disney's Aulani Public Beach 2

120625 Disney's Aulani Public Beach 1

Overall, what did I think of Aulani? Honestly, after coming off a 2.5 week trip to both Disneyland and now Hawaii, Aulani was just rather lackluster to me. After seeing the resort, I would have been extremely disappointed to have dropped a ton of money on a room at Aulani, as I would have felt there just was not enough there to get my money’s worth.

I think the illusion of having to stay in a Disney resort, specifically when visiting Disney World, but also sister sites such as Disneyland or Aulani is way over rated. I have said it many times before. Our family is all about Disney, not spending time in hotel rooms. I just do not see the value in spending extra money on a Disney room, when we would much rather use our savings from a cheaper location to create better experiences.

Grant it, when you pay for Aulani, you are also getting access to their pools and outdoor experiences, but is it worth the extra cost when the free beach is right outside your door?

Save Money, Travel More!

Source: InACents

1979 Walt Disney World Playful Pachyderms

1979 Walt Disney World Playful Pachyderms

1979 Walt Disney World Playful Pachyderms

“Donald Duck and his nephews discover that surprises await the daring explorers who brave the unknown on the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland.”

I thought these turned out to be some great vintage relics of the past. See some our other cool, vintage Disney postcards from our childhood below.

1979 Walt Disney World Snow White’s Fantasy Bouquet

1979 Walt Disney World You Can Fly!

1979 Walt Disney World The Unknown Beckons

1979 Walt Disney World Tempest in a Teacup

1979 Walt Disney World Extraordinary Confectionery

Save Money, Travel More!