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!

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Source: InACents

120625 Disney's Aulani Makahiki French Toast

Dining for Breakfast at Makahiki Inside Disney’s Aulani (Oahu, Hawaii)

We arrived rather early by most families standards to visit Disney’s Aulani Resort, so rather than diving right into the property, we elected to enjoy a morning breakfast at Makahiki and catch up with my college friend. The restaurant serves a buffet as well as an assortment of dishes from the menu. We had hopes of being able to enjoy a character meal during our stay, but unfortunately, those are only available on select days.

120625 Disney's Aulani Makahiki Door

120625 Disney's Aulani Makahiki Mural

Since the breakfast buffet was nearing the end of its allotted time, we chose to have the sit down menu. Before it got packed up though, we thought the Keiki (kids) area of the buffet was a nice, added touch. The Keiki area was situated lower to the ground, and featured child favorites such as Mickey waffles, bacon, pancakes, eggs, and tater tots.

120625 Disney's Aulani Makahiki Buffett

120625 Disney's Aulani Makahiki Keiki Buffett

If you never step foot inside Makahiki, I suggest you do so just to see the light fixture adorning the main dining area. The fixture features wonderful glass leaving, with an assortment of gorgeous glass fruit hanging from the center.

120625 Disney's Aulani Makahiki Food Lighting

Once seated, I elected to enjoy the chocolate milk-dipped Haupia bread French toast, stuffed with bananas and peanut butter. Who knew dipping French toast in chocolate milk could be so much better than using syrup? The dish was fantastic, and I did not mind paying the $15 charge because the parking fee for up to 4 hours is waived after spending $35 or more at Aulani dining venues or at Laniwai Spa during a single visit.

120625 Disney's Aulani Makahiki Menu

120625 Disney's Aulani Makahiki French Toast

The boys both had some cute Mickey waffles, complete with some fresh fruit ($8 each), and Mrs. InACents and my friend selected the three egg omelets with Aulani potatoes ($14 each).

120625 Disney's Aulani Makahiki Mickey Waffles

120625 Disney's Aulani Makahiki Omelet

In typical Disney fashion, the food was top notch, which should be expected with the high prices for a breakfast meal. With our bellies full, we were now properly equipped to spend some time exploring the Aulani property outdoors.

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120625 Disney's Aulani Fountains

Exploring Inside Disney’s Aulani Resort on Oahu, Hawaii

To most people, it may seem a little weird that one of the things we really wanted to do while in Hawaii was at least see Disney’s Aulani resort. So near the tail end of our trip, we decided to meet up with a college friend of mine that lives on Oahu and spend the morning with the kids where the trip first started, with Disney. As we approached the southwest side of the island, I started to remember visiting the area on my first trip back in 2006, as the same friend and I went to see the luau at Paradise Cove. Now, the landscape was quite changed with the addition of Disney coming to town.

120625 Disney's Aulani Front

Upon entering through the lobby, the openness of the design instantly welcomed you into the property. On all sides you are surrounded by local artists work depicting various periods of the Hawaiian culture.

120625 Disney's Aulani Lobby 2

120625 Disney's Aulani Lobby 1

120625 Disney's Aulani Lobby Art 1 120625 Disney's Aulani Lobby Art 2

120625 Disney's Aulani Lobby Mural

120625 Disney's Aulani Checkin Desk

120625 Disney's Aulani Inside Art 2 120625 Disney's Aulani Inside Art 1

Off of the front desk area, there was conveniently located a keiki (child’s) play area, complete with games and Disney shows on the several televisions. Can you find the subtle Mickey hidden in the play area?

120625 Disney's Aulani Inside Lobby Keiki Play Area

120625 Disney's Aulani Inside Wall Art

120625 Disney's Aulani Makahiki Lobby 2

120625 Disney's Aulani Makahiki Lobby 1

Even the gift shop had cool little details reminiscent of the Hawaiian culture, such as the shaved ice light fixture or the inlaid floor with sandals footprints. Fortunately, by this portion of the trip, all of us had lost the desire (or luggage space) to want to bring anything back home from the gift shop.

120625 Disney's Aulani Shop Shaved Ice Lighting

Shaved Ice Light Fixture

120625 Disney's Aulani Inlaid Sandal Floors

What was located in the main building was beautiful, but no one comes to Hawaii to sit indoors. The open design drew one outside to experience what the rest of the property had in store.

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