Mr. and Mrs. Weak Sauce Go the Distance (a completed Disneymoon TR!)

[RachVH]

How awesome that you loved Sanaa so much, and so great that you were able to go back on the same trip! We have an ADR at Boma but not Sanaa... oh well, something to try on our next trip!

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Great review! I am definitely going to have to try it! I wish I was there now!

 

[livsmom04]

I like it short! I think it looks really good on you.

 

[mermaid764]

I'm so glad that you're first ADR was such a huge success

Sanaa has been on our maybe list every trip, but after reading your review I think next time it's going to have to be on the definite list instead.

It must have also been so nice to not even have to travel anywhere, and that you could just eat right at the hotel.

I totally agree with you on the cauliflower issue....it should either be raw and crunchy, or cooked and soft...half way in between just sounds kind of weird.

Can't wait to hear more

 

[Jennifer48]

What a great review of Sanaa! I love your honest opinion of it. DH & I aren't very adventurous eaters but I do believe we could eat here. Thank you!

 

[jecskc]

Loved your Saana review !!! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Disneybuckeye]

Ok, I will add shrimp in green curry sauce and the bread service at Sanaa to my Disney to do list. One of these days we may have to break down and stay at AKV.

Thanks for the detailed dining report.

 

[Jacksonev1]

Congratulations!! You are a super cute couple!

Love your review so far--and all the pictures!

 

[RachelNinja]

Great review -- sounds delicious, we will definitely have to try it on a future trip!

There's really no other way to describe it other than delicious! It wow-ed us!

Excellent review! We love Boma and Tusker House so we will have to give Sanaa a try.
My husband and I usually share dishes too. Greater variety!!

Mmm, I loved Boma too but haven't tried Tusker House yet. Sharing dishes is the greatest! It helps reduce the pressure to eat all of my own food too because I don't feel like I have to eat it myself.

Sanaa has never held much appeal for me but you almost make me want to try it!

I just have to say I'm very jealous that you and Howard share dishes. My hubby is NOT a sharer, I have to be very selective when I ask for a bite of something because I know he will hate the idea of it. His loves the episode of Friends where "Joey doesn't share food!!" because that's totally him I so often wish it were different because I would much rather have smaller samplings with more variety

It didn't appeal to Howard initially either, but I'm so happy he enjoyed it.

Haha, I love that episode of Friends! I CAN be like that at times if it's something I'm saving. For example, if I only have one fry left on my plate, DON'T eat it (as my younger brother did in a previous trip report!). Or when I'm at Olive Garden, my dad will try to tease me by pretending to take my olive when he doesn't even like them! Other than that, I think I've gotten better about it since being with Howard. But that's mainly cuz I eat off his plate ALL THE TIME. It's rare that he'll eat off mine. I have to ask him if he wants to try.

Sounds like you were off to a great start at Sanaa! The AK restaurants aren't usually on my radar because AKL seems so far out there, but this is the second glowing review of Sanaa I've read in the last week. Might have to make it a point to get out that way!

It really was an EXCELLENT start for our honeymoon! We were kind of expecting all other places to live up to this restaurant though. As far away as it is, hubby and I decided that we'll have to go there to eat every time we're in Florida. The next time we go, we will probably be renting a car so that'll make it easier! I know it's not as easy as a monorail resort restaurant, but it'll be worth it for us. Plus, getting to see the giraffes so closely was fantastic! Much better than the safari at AK!

I love your review of Sanaa! We ate there for the first time last December. I thought the atmosphere was amazing, but by the middle of the meal the place was packed and very loud. I think we need to try again for lunch or an early or late dinner. I think we had a 6:30 or 7 p.m. ADR. I can't remember for the life of me what I had, but I remember it being decent. For some reason I think I remember saying to myself that I would like to try something different next time. And this is why I need to take notes .

Ooo, I don't think I could deal with the crowds either. During our second meal, there were a lot more people, but since we sat closer to the windows, I didn't feel it since I faced that direction. When Howard and I eat out, I always face the door because it helps with my claustrophobia! Haha. Too bad you don't remember what you got! I'm curious to know about the other dishes that they have there.

How awesome that you loved Sanaa so much, and so great that you were able to go back on the same trip! We have an ADR at Boma but not Sanaa... oh well, something to try on our next trip!

If we could have, we would've done 3 visits to Sanaa too (making one of them a lunch visit since there are a few different things like the tandoori chicken naan sandwich thing)! We were THAT obsessed. Have you tried Boma before? It's also DELICIOUS! It was my 2nd favorite restaurant of the trip!

Great review! I am definitely going to have to try it! I wish I was there now!

I was really trying to write everything in a descriptive way to help people decide whether it was a place they wanted to or didn't want to try. I think it's better than just saying, "IT'S SO GOOD; YOU SHOULD GO!" I do scream that in my head though, haha. Glad you'll try it yourself!

I like it short! I think it looks really good on you.

Thank you! I'm liking that I can just put it in a ponytail now and not have to feel hair on my back or shoulders at all. Even with the long hair, a ponytail meant having like, a horse's tail down my back, haha.

I'm so glad that you're first ADR was such a huge success

Sanaa has been on our maybe list every trip, but after reading your review I think next time it's going to have to be on the definite list instead.

It must have also been so nice to not even have to travel anywhere, and that you could just eat right at the hotel.

I totally agree with you on the cauliflower issue....it should either be raw and crunchy, or cooked and soft...half way in between just sounds kind of weird.

Can't wait to hear more

I was so happy it was a success too! Of course, we started comparing all meals to this one, haha. The food we had elsewhere was good, but there was something so wonderful about having new flavors and tastes. I'm glad we did Sanaa instead of bluezoo. That "commute" would have been such a tiring hassle.

Haha, glad to find someone who agrees with me about cauliflower! Wasn't sure if I was making any sense when I was writing it. I am a sucker for raw veggies with dip, but if it's supposed to be cooked, make sure it's really cooked!

What a great review of Sanaa! I love your honest opinion of it. DH & I aren't very adventurous eaters but I do believe we could eat here. Thank you!

I think non-adventurous eaters could definitely eat there. The food wasn't "weird" at all. It just wasn't the regular steak and potatoes route. I think the tandoori chicken naan sandwich thing during lunch might be something that works well for non-adventurous eaters. I saw it in a review once, and I wanted to go and get that ... yes, I wanted to go for a 3rd time! Haha, we didn't though.

Loved your Saana review !!! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Ok, I will add shrimp in green curry sauce and the bread service at Sanaa to my Disney to do list. One of these days we may have to break down and stay at AKV.

Thanks for the detailed dining report.

You're welcome! Glad it inspired you to try some things you haven't tried before. I hope to be as detailed in the other food reviews.

Congratulations!! You are a super cute couple!

Love your review so far--and all the pictures!

Thank you so much! Glad you're here and hope you have fun if you stick around some more!

 

[RachelNinja]

Weak Sauce Points

For this particular round of Character Scrambler, I'm going to change it up just a tad in that instead of posting your answer on this page, please send me a private message instead! I will accept the correct answer from ANYONE who figures out the mystery character by the end of this weekend. That means you have today, tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday to solve! I'll post the scoreboard on Monday! For those of you who have missed past games, here's your chance to get on the scoreboard!

I have also decided that I may choose a random winner off of the scoreboard so don't worry if you're not in the top 3. You might be able to be a winner too!

Directions
1. Figure out the word or words for each clue.
2. Identify the mystery letter from each clue.
3. Unscramble all the mystery letters to reveal the mystery character, which will be a character in any Disney movie!

Round 13: Character Scrambler

Clue #1 (2nd letter of 2nd word)
In Ellen's Universe of Energy, Jamie Lee Curtis plays Ellen's smart college roommate named __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __.

Clue #2 (2nd letter of 2nd word)
The leaf around Mad Tea Party that has the quote saying, "Be good at something, it makes you valuable ..." was in memory of __ __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ __ __.

Clue #3 (5th letter)
The names of the parking sections in Epcot are __ __ __ __ __ __ __, Discover, Amaze, Create, Imagine, Explore, and Wonder.

Clue #4 (1st letter of 2nd word)
The batteries that can be found in Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin are called __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ____ / __ __ __ __ __ __.

Clue #5 (6th letter)
In the first shooting room of Buzz Lightyear, there is a huge robot in this color: __ __ __ __ __ __.

Clue #6 (1st letter)
In 1996, the first two animals that arrived at the Animal Kingdom were giraffes named __ __ __ __ __ and Zari.

Clue #7 (1st letter of 1st word)
Not really about Disney World specifically BUT ... __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ' __ / __ __ __ __ __ __ __ was the restaurant that Howard and I were supposed to eat at during our first night of our honeymoon, but we ate at Sanaa instead!

Clue #8 (3rd letter)
A __ __ __ __ __ means friendship to everyone (unless you're a crazed doll ripping your feet off the platforms to splash into the water towards your human prey ...)!

Clue #9 (1st letter)
In Captain EO, Michael Jackson sings that "we are here to __ __ __ __ __ __ the world!"

Clue #10 (1st letter)
Instead of collecting screams, Mike Wazowski and his buddies are trying to collect the humans' __ __ __ __ __ __.

And the mystery character is ... __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __!

 

[Eight]

Okay, yeah, I may have to try Sanaa now. I'm still on the fence about the food (Indian food is not always my favorite, but the green curry does sound good), but I'm in love with the decor! It looks like such a cool atmosphere to dine in.

 

[marDgreen88]

I must say, the shrimp dish looks a little... iffy, but it sounds delicious! I'm glad yall enjoyed it so much!

OH, and I think your hair looks really cute!

 

[lovenerds81112]

I am LOVING this TR!!!! I love your wonderful descriptions, your sense of humor, and your energy! My DFi (ALMOST DH) and I are off on our own Disneymoon in 2 and a half weeks!!! All I can to do bottle in my excitement for both the wedding and the honeymoon is read people's TR's (in between tons of stuff for the wedding, of course.)
Here's a link to my PTR, in case you're interested.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2965362

Can't wait to read more about your trip!!

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

I enjoy playing the games, even when I know that I am way too late to get the first correct guess (I usually only check the DIS once a day). But I play anyway. I think this Private Message way is great- though I'm guessing its more work for you!

I just sent you my guess!

Can't wait for the next update!

 

[RachelNinja]

Okay, yeah, I may have to try Sanaa now. I'm still on the fence about the food (Indian food is not always my favorite, but the green curry does sound good), but I'm in love with the decor! It looks like such a cool atmosphere to dine in.

A lot of my friends in high school were Indian, and sometimes one girl's house had an extreme curry smell. It was the kind that made my clothes smell and my glasses fog up (I got used to it, haha). This Indian food at Sanaa is NOT like that at all. It's a very mild curry in terms of it being flavorful but not sticking with you for a bit. It really is worth the try!

I must say, the shrimp dish looks a little... iffy, but it sounds delicious! I'm glad yall enjoyed it so much!

OH, and I think your hair looks really cute!

Haha, yeah, it is rather green!

Thank you! I've gotten used to it now. Takes just a few minutes to wash, which I liove!

I am LOVING this TR!!!! I love your wonderful descriptions, your sense of humor, and your energy! My DFi (ALMOST DH) and I are off on our own Disneymoon in 2 and a half weeks!!! All I can to do bottle in my excitement for both the wedding and the honeymoon is read people's TR's (in between tons of stuff for the wedding, of course.)
Here's a link to my PTR, in case you're interested.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2965362

Can't wait to read more about your trip!!

Thanks for joining me! I checked out your PTR too! Love you guys as "lovenerds," haha. So cute!

I enjoy playing the games, even when I know that I am way too late to get the first correct guess (I usually only check the DIS once a day). But I play anyway. I think this Private Message way is great- though I'm guessing its more work for you!

I just sent you my guess!

Can't wait for the next update!

YAY for getting a chance to play for points! I'm glad that the round can benefit my fellow DIS friends!

**********​

Don't forget that you can play round 13 and send me the answer via private message! Anyone who gets it correct will win a weak sauce point!

 

[Nermel9]

Wow, great Sanaa review! So descriptive, you should seriously do a separate dining report for your next trip! You made me want to try Sanaa even though I don't think I'd like anything there!

 

[Self_resqing_princz]

question: in the questions, are the character names of only animated characters?

 

[RachelNinja]

Wow, great Sanaa review! So descriptive, you should seriously do a separate dining report for your next trip! You made me want to try Sanaa even though I don't think I'd like anything there!

Haha, thanks! I thought about that, but I think it'd be too difficult to manage more than one report at once! With the school year about to start in about a month, I have to get moving on this one!

question: in the questions, are the character names of only animated characters?

Animated or live characters from Disney!

Weak Sauce Points Scoreboard​

Round 13: Character Scrambler was MALEFICENT - yay to Curiouser&curiouser!, Jennifer48, and Self_resqing_princz!

Clue #1: Judy Peterson
Clue #2: Randy Pausch
Clue #3: Journey
Clue #4: Crystolic Fusion
Clue #5: orange
Clue #6: Miles
Clue #7: Todd English's bluezoo
Clue #8: smile
Clue #9: change
Clue #10: laughs

Here's the current scoreboard. Remember, it is possible to get a prize even if you're not in the top 3! A random winner will also be chosen, so don't get discouraged. Get your name up there!

kschafer - 3
Curiouser&curiouser! - 2
Self_resqing_princz - 2
wdwgirl03 - 2
NeverlandClub23 - 2
shan23877 - 2
Jennifer48 - 1
therussells08 - 1
jane2073 - 1
Happy Duck - 1

Round 14: Cropped

Where was this picture taken? Remember, only one guess per person, and no editing posts! Good luck!

 

[RachelNinja]

Hanging Out with the Animals

We had just finished our dinner at Sanaa, and we couldn't be happier. I was curious to see the rest of Kidani Village. The lobby was decorated a little differently than Jambo House. It was actually a little brighter.

We went back upstairs and opened one of the doors to the balconies. We saw a series of rocking chairs and decided it was time to take a load off.

Kidani Village has a gorgeous view of the savanna. I could understand why it was so important for some people to have savanna views. It must be amazing to wake up seeing this every morning.

I sat down in one of the rocking chairs and made a comment to Howard that it be nice to have more green curry sauce with that view.

The weather was nice at that point, so we stayed outside for quite a while. Just imagine reading the book on that rocking chair every morning! This just might be my favorite resort.

There was only an ostrich wandering the grounds, but we waited around and were rewarded.

Cast members came by on a truck with food for the giraffes, and it was interesting to see the giraffes walk right up to them.

I tried imagining what it would be like to be so up close and personal to the giraffes on a daily basis as a cast member at Disney World. It's not like being a cast member of an attraction in the parks. I wonder what kind of training they need to have to be part of this program.

Howard took many more pictures, but I'll only include a few because I know it's a little different when you are not there yourself. I don't think pictures can do it justice. We left through the lobby, and Howard was intrigued by this little statue. I don't know what it represented.

Thankfully, the sun was beginning to set. I wasn't looking forward to getting sweaty on the walk back, but this was the perfect temperature.

The bus stop didn't seem as covered as the bus stops at Jambo House. However, Howard really liked the lanterns that were hanging there.

We took our time and on the way we had a beautiful view of the setting sun. I always like it when you can see the rays coming from the sun. It seems so picturesque.

Howard thought it was interesting that we could see backstage.

(continued in following post)

 

[RachelNinja]

(continued from previous post)

It was still early when we returned to Jambo house, so we decided to explore our resort.

The lobby is magnificent. The designers really knew what they were doing. There are so many seating areas to hang out, but with such great views, why stay inside?

We went through the lobby to go outside. I saw the two pillars/columns and remembered that there was a Hidden Mickey somewhere to be found. When facing the back of the resort, I thought that it might be on the right side.

After staring at the right side for quite some time, I decided to start looking at the left side. It didn't take long for me to find it, so then I asked Howard if he could find it. I really like those types of Mickeys because they're so distinct as opposed to the ones that are just three circles.

I have seen the back of the resort many times before in other people's trip reports. However, seeing it for the first time myself just showed me how grand the resort really was. By the way, does anyone know what those two rooms are to the right and left? Are they guest rooms?

Walking around, we saw these huge birds. They don't look that large in the picture, but trust me, they're humongous. For those of you who have a fear of birds, this is not the place to be.

When I saw the two giraffes on the rock, I knew that there was a Hidden Mickey there as well. You can also see in the picture that I am holding the leftovers from Sanaa.

I liked that the wood used for their rails wasn't the kind that would cause splinters.

Aren't zebras so cute? They're so short with their tiny legs, haha.

Even the benches fit perfectly into the theme of the resort.

Don't I fit into the theme of the resort? I think I should go back there and stay for good.

There is seating all around the resort, perfect for sitting down and reading a book or having a cup of tea.

And there is the catwalk! I knew I wanted to see that for myself up close.

You can't really see it in this picture, but the elevator doors had giraffes on them! Um, what? Why did we not notice it right away? Howard pointed it out a few days later.

Normally, he would've noticed it right away, but there was beautiful lighting everywhere! That meant he had to take pictures.

Ooo, up close! So gorgeous!

And look! There I am on the catwalk!

PRETTY. I have no other words.

You can't really appreciate the wonder of AKL until you see it for yourself!

We appreciated it as much as we could that night. We finally headed back to the room to take showers and sleep in preparation for our first park day!