Abby's Summer Solo Dining Soirée - Completed 8/28! - The DIS Discussion Forums

cbg1027 · 06-28-2011, 04:47 PM

I just finished a DR, so you know what that means....time for yet another one to start!

I'm Abby, and I love Disney. I also really love food - good food!

Here I am with a very large cricket I found at AK:

I had a short trip to WDW set for June 5-8. Who I was going with kept changing for one reason or another. I thought I was going to have a romantic get away with my DBF, but he had a work emergency at the last minute. Since I had rented DVC points, my reservation was non-refundable, so I made it a solo trip and ate at some places DBF wouldn't have wanted to go.

I will be reviewing:

A Snack at The Mara
Via Napoli Dinner
Breakfast at The Mara
50's Prime Time Cafe Lunch
Citricos Dinner
Boma Breakfast
Yak n Yeti Lunch
Jiko Dinner
'Dine with an Animal Specialist - An Untamed Lunch at Sanaa'

I'll be beginning soon - come back and and be ready to drool!

kabuki · 06-28-2011, 05:10 PM

I'm in Abby!!!

GoofySon'sMom · 06-28-2011, 05:54 PM

Really enjoyed your last review! I am in for this one!

rachel09985 · 06-28-2011, 08:45 PM

Im in! I love your reviews!

disneyfav4ever · 06-28-2011, 10:05 PM

I can't wait to read your reviews. I go to Disney all the time solo, and I would love to stay at AKL someday, my favorite restaurants are there!

phabric · 06-29-2011, 08:16 AM

Looking forward to your reviews.

MickeyNicki · 06-29-2011, 10:28 AM

I am so jealous...what I wouldnt do for a solo trip to WDW!

I keep asking DH for one and he reminds me I had 2 whole days solo back in June 09 but it just isnt the same....

cbg1027 · 07-02-2011, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kabuki

I'm in Abby!!!

Welcome aboard Chelsi!

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoofySon'sMom

Really enjoyed your last review! I am in for this one!

Thanks for joining in again!

Quote:

Originally Posted by rachel09985

Im in! I love your reviews!

Welcome back! Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by disneyfav4ever

I can't wait to read your reviews. I go to Disney all the time solo, and I would love to stay at AKL someday, my favorite restaurants are there!

Some of my favorites are at AKL too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phabric

Looking forward to your reviews.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickeyNicki

I am so jealous...what I wouldnt do for a solo trip to WDW!

I keep asking DH for one and he reminds me I had 2 whole days solo back in June 09 but it just isnt the same....

That was two years ago! You need a solo trip so you can plan plan plan and not have to listen to Todd whine that he 'doesn't feel like _____ cuisine' that day!

cbg1027 · 07-02-2011, 12:45 AM

I drove down from Tallahassee in the morning and arrived at AKL around 2pm. I checked in and luckily, not only was my room ready, but I got upgraded to savannah view!

I had plans to head to Epcot and knew I was going to Via Napoli for dinner, but I still hadn't eaten lunch, so I stopped in The Mara for a quick bite before heading out.

The Mara is AKL's counter service location. It's much smaller than the food courts at the value resorts. I wouldn't even call it a food court. There was a line to have a CM take your order, after which they give you a buzzer for when your food is ready. While you wait, you can take your order form up and pay the cashier.

The menu isn't very large, but they did have some more unique offerings like falafel and roasted chicken. I was wanting something on the lighter side so I had room when the time for pizza came later, so I opted for a Chicken Ceasar Salad and a cup of water:

This was a basic counter service ceasar and it wasn't very good. There was way too much dressing, the lettuce was just drowning in it. The dressing wasn't even very good, it was way too creamy and tasted mostly of cheese and salt - no lemon, no anchovy, no pepper. The chicken was really dry and the croutons were soft and lacked any seasonings.

Overall, a disappointment and not something I would order again. About the only positive thing I can say about the salad was that the lettuce wasn't brown.

However, I was hungry and needed some energy for park touring, so I wolfed it down.

I'd have to give Mara another chance at breakfast one morning!

Grade: D

MickeyNicki · 07-02-2011, 08:58 AM

Dang it, the salad looks good but it must just be the photography

Dis_Yoda · 07-02-2011, 10:04 AM

I'm in!

Mrs. Sojourner · 07-02-2011, 10:18 AM

Looking forward to reading more.

Uncle Remus · 07-02-2011, 11:00 AM

'Dine with an Animal Specialist - An Untamed Lunch at Sanaa'

That sounds interestin', can't wait to hear all about it.

chocolateMinnie · 07-02-2011, 12:55 PM

Shame about Mara - we are hoping to pop in during our first trip to AKL this year.

bigal'sdaughter · 07-02-2011, 02:16 PM

Hi Abby!
I'm in! going to AKL for the first time in the fall and have the Via Napoli dinner ressie!.... Thanks for letting me join in. Your reviews are great!

06-28-2011, 04:47 PM	#1
cbg1027 I knew I had converted him when he started pointing out hidden Mickeys to me! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 4,804	Abby's Summer Solo Dining Soirée - Completed 8/28! I just finished a DR, so you know what that means....time for yet another one to start! I'm Abby, and I love Disney. I also really love food - good food! Here I am with a very large cricket I found at AK: I had a short trip to WDW set for June 5-8. Who I was going with kept changing for one reason or another. I thought I was going to have a romantic get away with my DBF, but he had a work emergency at the last minute. Since I had rented DVC points, my reservation was non-refundable, so I made it a solo trip and ate at some places DBF wouldn't have wanted to go. I will be reviewing: A Snack at The Mara Via Napoli Dinner Breakfast at The Mara 50's Prime Time Cafe Lunch Citricos Dinner Boma Breakfast Yak n Yeti Lunch Jiko Dinner 'Dine with an Animal Specialist - An Untamed Lunch at Sanaa' I'll be beginning soon - come back and and be ready to drool! __________________ Abby DF Kevin The Kitties Two Trips in Two Weeks...A F & W Extravaganza! Abby's Summer Solo Dining Soirée The Drinker and Dessert Fiend are Back Solo Eats and Newbie Treats A Drinker and a Dessert Fiend Dine Around Disney The "I Can't Come Up with a Catchy Title" Disney Food Review Last edited by cbg1027; 08-27-2011 at 11:48 PM.

06-28-2011, 05:54 PM	#3
GoofySon'sMom DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: UpState NY Posts: 4,154	Really enjoyed your last review! I am in for this one! __________________ ~ Mom & Son Take on Spring Break - March 2013 Mom & Son Head to Food & Wine - November 2012 ~ Mom & Son - One More Time with Dad! August 23rd - Sept 3rd 2012 Mom and Son Take on the Land! - July 2010 Trip Report - Mom and Son Going Back -Another 10 days of Deluxe Dining 8/25 - 9/5/2011~Mom and Son Eat the World -11 days of Deluxe Dining ~Mom and Son Eat the World Part 2-With Dad this Time Offsite 1987, 1988, 1990; Grand Floridian - 1991 (Honeymoon); Port Orleans French Quarter - 1993, 1994; Animal Kingdom Lodge - July 2004 (DS's First Trip); Wilderness Lodge - July 2005; Yacht Club - August 2006; Mom & Son Weekend @ Contemporary Resort - April 2007; Port Orleans Riverside - August 2007; Mom & Son Trip to POP - August 2008; Family trip to POP - December 2009; Disneyland's Paradise Pier Hotel - July 2010; Pop Century - August 2011; AKL/CSR/ASMo - August 2012; Mom & Son Food & Wine Trip to ASMu - November 2012; Mom & Son Trip to Art of Animation - March 2013

06-28-2011, 08:45 PM	#4
rachel09985 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis, MN (Originally Ohio) Posts: 2,617	Im in! I love your reviews! __________________ Dining Review December 2011 Dining Review June 2011 Dining Review December 2010 TR Nov 2012 Dining Review Nov 2012 1998- Dixie Landings 2005- Pop/Saratoga Springs 2008- Pop Century 2009- Pop Century 2010- Pop Century 2011 Pop Century x2! 2012 Art of Animation

06-28-2011, 10:05 PM	#5
disneyfav4ever No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 13,958	I can't wait to read your reviews. I go to Disney all the time solo, and I would love to stay at AKL someday, my favorite restaurants are there! __________________

06-29-2011, 10:28 AM	#7
MickeyNicki It is pretty darn sad when a valet picks you out as a big Boma eater Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Naples Florida Posts: 21,452	I am so jealous...what I wouldnt do for a solo trip to WDW! I keep asking DH for one and he reminds me I had 2 whole days solo back in June 09 but it just isnt the same.... __________________ December 2012 trip with KatMark and Family! October 2012 The big 40th Birthday Trip! October 2011 Live Dining Reviews, F&W, Birthday, Early Anniversary & Halloween! May 2011 Todd's Birthday Trip February 2011 A Valentine's Gift Weekend! November 2010 Live Dining Reviews, F&W, Anniversary and Xmas all rolled into one! November 2009 Dining Reviews October 2009 Live Dining Reviews F&W time! August 2009 Live Dining Reviews June 2009 Live Dining Reviews March 2009 Live Dining Reviews January 2009 Live Dining Reviews..with KIDS! October 2008 Live Dining Reviews August 2008 Live Dining Reviews June 2008 Dining Reviews! March/April 2008 Live Reviews

06-28-2011, 05:10 PM	#2
kabuki It's free if you pass out in the DITCH! I don't think Brenda has seen this to "pimp" me out yet Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,532	I'm in Abby!!!

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06-29-2011, 08:16 AM	#6
phabric DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 561	Looking forward to your reviews.

07-02-2011, 12:45 AM	#9
cbg1027 I knew I had converted him when he started pointing out hidden Mickeys to me! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 4,804	A Snack at The Mara I drove down from Tallahassee in the morning and arrived at AKL around 2pm. I checked in and luckily, not only was my room ready, but I got upgraded to savannah view! I had plans to head to Epcot and knew I was going to Via Napoli for dinner, but I still hadn't eaten lunch, so I stopped in The Mara for a quick bite before heading out. The Mara is AKL's counter service location. It's much smaller than the food courts at the value resorts. I wouldn't even call it a food court. There was a line to have a CM take your order, after which they give you a buzzer for when your food is ready. While you wait, you can take your order form up and pay the cashier. The menu isn't very large, but they did have some more unique offerings like falafel and roasted chicken. I was wanting something on the lighter side so I had room when the time for pizza came later, so I opted for a Chicken Ceasar Salad and a cup of water: This was a basic counter service ceasar and it wasn't very good. There was way too much dressing, the lettuce was just drowning in it. The dressing wasn't even very good, it was way too creamy and tasted mostly of cheese and salt - no lemon, no anchovy, no pepper. The chicken was really dry and the croutons were soft and lacked any seasonings. Overall, a disappointment and not something I would order again. About the only positive thing I can say about the salad was that the lettuce wasn't brown. However, I was hungry and needed some energy for park touring, so I wolfed it down. I'd have to give Mara another chance at breakfast one morning! Grade: D __________________ Abby DF Kevin The Kitties Two Trips in Two Weeks...A F & W Extravaganza! Abby's Summer Solo Dining Soirée The Drinker and Dessert Fiend are Back Solo Eats and Newbie Treats A Drinker and a Dessert Fiend Dine Around Disney The "I Can't Come Up with a Catchy Title" Disney Food Review

07-02-2011, 08:58 AM	#10
MickeyNicki It is pretty darn sad when a valet picks you out as a big Boma eater Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Naples Florida Posts: 21,452	Dang it, the salad looks good but it must just be the photography __________________ December 2012 trip with KatMark and Family! October 2012 The big 40th Birthday Trip! October 2011 Live Dining Reviews, F&W, Birthday, Early Anniversary & Halloween! May 2011 Todd's Birthday Trip February 2011 A Valentine's Gift Weekend! November 2010 Live Dining Reviews, F&W, Anniversary and Xmas all rolled into one! November 2009 Dining Reviews October 2009 Live Dining Reviews F&W time! August 2009 Live Dining Reviews June 2009 Live Dining Reviews March 2009 Live Dining Reviews January 2009 Live Dining Reviews..with KIDS! October 2008 Live Dining Reviews August 2008 Live Dining Reviews June 2008 Dining Reviews! March/April 2008 Live Reviews

07-02-2011, 10:04 AM	#11
Dis_Yoda DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 1,516	I'm in! __________________ Upcoming Trips: SSR July 2013, AKV Sept 2013, BLT Oct 2013, AKV-CL Feb 2014, DCL Western Aug 2014 Hilton Head Trip Report: Feb 2012 DCL Trip Report: Feb 2011 * Sept 2012 Short Trips: Dec 2009/Feb 2010 * April 2010 * July 2010 * July 2011 * March 2012 * Feb/March 2013 F&W Trips: Oct 2009 * Oct 2010 * Oct 2011

07-02-2011, 10:18 AM	#12
Mrs. Sojourner Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: West Africa Posts: 439	Looking forward to reading more. __________________ Wife to Mr. Sojourner , Mom to: Ms. Sojourner (11) , Middle Sojourner (9) , Little Sojourner (6) & Jr. Sojourner (6mon.), and lover of all things Disney. Disney Land: countless visits from 1982-1997 (as a kid) Disney World: 11/1998, 6/2000 (Honeymoon), 10/2005, 10/2006, 10/2007, 4/2008, 9/2008, 10/2008, 12/2008, 5/2009, 11/2010. Next Visit: 9/2012! Have Stayed at: AS Sport, ASM, CSR, POR & PBH (USF) Check out my PTR! From West Africa to WDW; talk about some culture shock! My Blog: Mrs. Sojourner's Monologues

07-02-2011, 11:00 AM	#13
Uncle Remus Raconteur can't name 'em Jeb, George, and Barbara, these are GOOD dogs! Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 10,861	'Dine with an Animal Specialist - An Untamed Lunch at Sanaa' That sounds interestin', can't wait to hear all about it. __________________ On the right side of history.

07-02-2011, 12:55 PM	#14
chocolateMinnie DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Peterborough, Uk Posts: 2,146	Shame about Mara - we are hoping to pop in during our first trip to AKL this year. __________________ Me DH DS (15) DD (11) 10/2003 CSR 10/2007 CSR/ST PETE'S/GF 02/2009 CSR10/2009 CSR 10/2010 CSR 10/2011 AKL 10/2012 BC

07-02-2011, 02:16 PM	#15
bigal'sdaughter Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 354	Hi Abby! I'm in! going to AKL for the first time in the fall and have the Via Napoli dinner ressie!.... Thanks for letting me join in. Your reviews are great! __________________ Me, DH , DD (5), DS (2):

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