Tongue Tied and Twisted at the DIS Unplugged Mega Meet - 9/24 Final Update***

[TiggerTrigger]

DAY 4​

So, I let everyone sleep in a little...just a little.

We should actually thank the girls for this extra 30-45 minutes of sleep. I broke the surprise about this trip just before the 60 day mark because I needed to know which tier 1 FP to book for Epcot. We already decided Test Track would be stand by, so would they choose Frozen or Soarin'? Well, it turned out that they had 0 desire to ride Frozen. Poor Elsa risked having her head taken off by Sammie if we dared to subject her to the new attraction. Yes, she was just being overly dramatic, but it made my life sooooooooo much easier. Initially, I was thinking we'd have an 8am ADR at Garden Grill so that we could run from breakfast to Soarin as soon as it opened, TT right after that, and an FP for Frozen at some point after that. So, the plan was to arrive at Epcot early enough for rope drop so we could make it to TT first and then work in pretty much everything else between FPs for Soarin', SSE, and Mission Space.

While I was missing having a patio or balcony at PORS, I really liked being able to walk the kids out the front door of the room to do the initial sunscreen spray down. So, everyone got sprayed, my parents joined us, and we headed to the bus stop. While the screens were listing all kinds of crazy times for buses, we had an Epcot bus there in less than 3 minutes. Things were going pretty smoothly, minus one of my lenses crashing to the ground during bag check. Thankfully, the lens was fine.

I'd say it was about 8:20 or 8:30am when we got in line to enter the park. We had the typical sun at our backs while waiting to get in, which makes pretty much anyone drip with sweat...but we're used to this kind of weather. It's not summer if it's not dangerously hot and humid. We at least had a former CM in front of us in line, which made for interesting conversation. We were also close enough to the front that we could take turns in the shade...at least for a little bit. This was my not so great, look where we are, FB jealousy pic.

Like clockwork, they started letting people in around 8:45am and everyone headed to the rope of their choice to try and make it to a tier 1 with low stand by times. TT seemed to have the lowest draw of the 3, as most people were going to Soarin' or Frozen.

We arrived at TT after the ropes dropped and there was pretty much no wait...as expected.

I think we all really enjoy the queue and wish we could have an extra few minutes for car design. Still, this is what Sammie and I came up with in what time we had.

I also don't know why I bother taking pics on this one...but here they are!

As soon as we finished, Sammie and Kendall wanted to head right back into the standby line. The wait was only like 10-15 minutes, but I wanted to get in a little bit of everything while there was still time. So, we moved on and I took pics as we walked.

No wait here either, but that's more the norm. I'm always torn about riding this one. I rode the original for the first time in 1985 and believe we waited over 2 hours for it. I know we rode it every trip following that one as well. The last time I rode the original was with David in June of 1998, on our first trip to WDW as a couple. Still, the kids know nothing of the original beyond what I've shown them on YouTube and I do enjoy seeing Figment, even if I don't like how he's portrayed in this version.

I felt the need to stay on a really tight schedule so we could work in everything major of interest in Future World that morning, so no playing after the ride. We did, however, lose my mom for a few minutes because she wanted to pin trade. I know I sound like a total buzz kill, but we discussed skipping pin trading until we hit a point where we have some down time. I know...I'm awful.

It was time to head to The Land.

We were in our FP window for Soarin', but decided to ride LWTL first to keep better flow going with our plan.

***Sorry it's such a quick update, but I need some rest. Coming up- more Epcot time.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

In general the whole tiering thing at EPCOT is very annoying but part of me loves all the strategic discussions and planning that everyone now does for it and which rides to get FP vs standby, etc.

I feel like I always have to balance getting to the attractions we want but allowing for some flexibility to do small things or just take in the Disney details, etc.

LWTL is one of our favorites - always hit it up a couple times a trip

 

[TiggerTrigger]

In general the whole tiering thing at EPCOT is very annoying but part of me loves all the strategic discussions and planning that everyone now does for it and which rides to get FP vs standby, etc.

I feel like I always have to balance getting to the attractions we want but allowing for some flexibility to do small things or just take in the Disney details, etc.

LWTL is one of our favorites - always hit it up a couple times a trip

The tiers really make me miss the old legacy system.

We will have some flexibility later on in this day, but it was commando approach for the morning. Sadly, some of the stopping to smell the roses just falls by the wayside when it's a shorter trip.

LWTL is a long-time fave...I just miss the old 'Listen to the Land' song. Although, I know some people are glad it's gone since it can have that earworm effect.

 

[ariane37]

Thanks! I actually don't love the baking part, but it's a necessity since fondant and edible decorations are too heavy to put on a supermarket cake or even a box cake. I have to ask...did you bake a rectangular cake and cut it into a circle? or did you pipe a circular pattern on a rectangular cake? Just trying to picture it I'm sure it was fine. I once made a basketball themed cake...it's a big reason why I will only do cake for family from now on. Too much pressure! Turned out great, but I was in tears at several points during the decorating process. Although a soccer ball cake taught me a very valuable lesson...when you make a sphere made of cake, it rolls just like a real ball I was driving with it to a party and it started rolling around in the passenger seat.

Omg that's so funny about the soccer ball cake rolling around the back of the car! If I was on my computer I'd add a picture of my sad rectangular basketball cake. I baked it in my cake pan, mixed up what was supposed to be orange frosting but was more of a salmon color (later realized they'd started selling actual orange frosting) then piped what we're supposed to look like basketball lines all over the entire rectangle So yeah, it tasted fine but boy were his friends laughing at me! They were all lucky I'd known them awhile and loved them lol!

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Day 4- continued...

So, we're on LWTL.

We go through our normal paces of trying to find all of the hidden Mickeys in the ride.

I always leave this ride wanting fruits and veggies...like they should have a fruit stand right at the exit. Yeah, I know there's Sunshine Seasons, but it's not the same.

We make the quick walk over to Soarin' and sail through the FP line. I was hoping to go into the new theater, but we got to the end of the main walkway and went to the left. We almost always wind up going left. Oh well, my mind now shifted to where we'd wind up. I'm rarely one to ask to wait for a certain row or area, so we left it all to chance...and as luck would have it...we got row 1 and we'd be in the section right in the center of the screen. SCORE!

SPOILER ALERT - ***Skip this next section if you're waiting to see the new Soarin' in person

I always take pictures of all of the destinations that show up on the pre-show screen, so it was nice to get a whole new crop of them with the new destinations.

And then there was the nice nostalgia moment of having the pre-show video with Patrick Warburton, but it was the new movie/video we were there to see. I've heard criticism over the use of CGI in the new film, but I still think it was well done. Yes, I understand the argument of "why use computer generated images when you could have gotten access to other incredible landmarks," but those selected worked for the flow with me. Ultimately, I loved it and found myself tearing up at the Matterhorn and Neuschwanstein. The scents while you're flying towards the Taj Mahal are my fave of the new smells. I also love that there are park specific endings and from what I've seen on YouTube...Epcot's is the best. No bias or anything!

Time to leave The Land...

...and head in a new direction.

It's Big Blue World time...

We're just riding standby, but the wait was only like 5 or 10 minutes. I think I drag everyone to this one each time just so I can warm everyone to the idea of checking out the aquarium. I mean, that's the real draw for me and what made me love the Living Seas when it first opened.

We actually spent a while in here and we lost David and Sammie for a while, but we had to move on after a bit. We trying to time SSE for the tail end of our FP window so that we would be in our FP window for Mission Space right after. Timing...all timing.

My parents actually were shut out from FPs for SSE. They didn't book them until closer to the 30 day mark...1. because they hadn't ordered their APs yet 2. they were on a cruise in Alaska for close to 2 weeks around the time our 60 day mark hit. So, we headed towards SSE and agreed to meet up at Mission Space in a little bit.

Coming up- More Epcot

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Omg that's so funny about the soccer ball cake rolling around the back of the car! If I was on my computer I'd add a picture of my sad rectangular basketball cake. I baked it in my cake pan, mixed up what was supposed to be orange frosting but was more of a salmon color (later realized they'd started selling actual orange frosting) then piped what we're supposed to look like basketball lines all over the entire rectangle So yeah, it tasted fine but boy were his friends laughing at me! They were all lucky I'd known them awhile and loved them lol!

Yeah, everyone kept making jokes about how balls roll. hey, but now I know to level off the bottom of a ball cake and make one half of rice krispie treats to cut the weight. I think the salmon color for the cake you made makes it even that much better! I guess at least it's a cake none of them will forget and it met the most important criteria...it tasted good! I had to dye fondant when I did my basketball cake and even with standard bright orange food coloring, it took multiple rounds of dying to take tit from peach to orange.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

So, just a little side story related to this TR before I get back on track. Kendall chose a trip to Schlitterbahn, Galveston for her 10th bday present. While we had a great time, I am now soooooooooo happy that water park time didn't work out for us this most recent WDW trip. It's been ages since we've been to a water park, but I guess I forgot how much it zaps your energy. I can be in a Disney park from 8am to 2am and still feel pretty good, but by 4pm yesterday...we were beat! ~and that's with David and I spending 30 min at the adult pool with the swim up bar.

I did take a couple of videos of the girls Boogie Boarding that are kind of fun...

We also got to ride the world's tallest water coaster, Massiv...

I tell ya, climbing water slide towers is like 3 days worth of walking. It would have been such a mistake to try and do BB or TL along with regular park time.

OK, back on track...

So, my parents couldn't get a FP for SSE and standby was around 30 min, if not more, so they went off and did their own thing. The FP line was also looking kind of long, but it was more in the 5-10 min range.

Took a few detail pics while waiting...

And caught a passing monorail - with someone photobombing my pic.

I was going to try and take pics inside...like I always do, but I was just not feeling it...so this is all I took until we got to our "future."

And this is what the future looks like when you forget your picture is being taken!

My future is a bit more crazy!

And then we were off and off to meet up with my parents at Mission Space.

Not my favorite ride, but it's very pretty on the outside...

Back in 2014, David convinced me to ride orange after riding green and thinking it was nothing. Regretted it ALL day! It didn't phase David and apparently my parents think orange is no biggie, but I didn't want to feel sick all day. So, David and Sammie rode orange while the rest of us rode green.

They must have been having issues, because they moved us from 1 to 7 right when we were ready to load. Green was still kind of fun and I didn't feel sick. Now the challenge...make it to Via Napoli for our 12:35pm ADR. We had about 15 minutes to get there.

***Hoping to post more later.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

So, we got to the World Showcase and my dad suggested we take one of the boats...thinking we'd make it if we ran. I just thought we could out-walk the boat...even with Kendall (not trying to be mean...but she is VERY slow). I figured my mom could lag behind with her while I took the front of the pack to get us to check in. So, we started walking...

It was about this point (below) where I could start hearing Kendall complaining about the pace. I signaled to my mom to slow down a bit with her as I powered on.

If we weren't creeping right up on ADR time, I would have stopped to watch these guys...

Oh...and we beat the boat. I felt a small sense of victory with this.

I checked in for the meal, was handed a buzzer, and by the time I turned around to take a pic of this chandelier, Kendall and my mom had entered the restaurant.

I've been on the fence about trying Via Napoli for some time. I've heard so many raves, but the reviews have been more mixed from people from the NYC Metro area. I wasn't sure if that meant tastes vary or if the food is just inconsistent...but I decided I needed some first hand experience. Just to give you some background, I grew up in NJ and while the northern tip of my town was about a 12 mile drive to lower Manhattan, the bigger thing is that my hometown is predominantly Italian. Every Labor Day weekend, instead of having a town fair, the town has an Italian Festival. And before it became more commercial, the food was often prepared by local families, including grandmothers who came to visit from Italy over the summer. Good pizza and Italian food was such a staple in the town that things like Dominos Pizza and Olive Garden were unknown to me until I was like 17 years old. It's made me so picky about pizza that there really is only one place in Houston that makes pizza that I like...and it's run by two guys from Queens...and I will drive to have it if I really need real NY pizza. On top of this, we were lucky enough to spend 3 weeks in Europe back in 2000 and while we never made it to Naples, we did have pizza in Rome. My parents having also lived and grown up in that area also have similar preferences and standards and since they live in south FL, near so many people who have moved down from that area, they have a number of great pizza options right near their house. In any event, expectations and standards were high.

So, the buzzer goes off and we're escorted to our table.

Even had a little friend looking in on us...

David was looking around later, wondering if there was a way to get to this outside, but never found it. Oh well...back to the meal. I'd heard it was really loud in there and we found similar issues during our meal. It was more like a really strong echo and it made it very difficult to hear our server. We had this back and forth discussion about the blood orange cooler. I knew I wanted some, but my mom has been watching her sugar intake and couldn't get a good gauge on how sweet it was. Oh well, we ordered them anyways.

...and they were REALLY good!

Next up was the pizza...we ordered the BIG ones...

The one on the left is obviously pepperoni and the one on the right had things like ham and eggplant...among other things. At first glance this looked like WAY too much food...and then we picked up the first couple of pieces of pizza. They were paper thin and so soggy that we couldn't really hold them to eat them. We wound up rolling them up like little taquitos since they were just too flimsy to hold and didn't seem to work well with knife and fork either. The taste of the pepperoni pie was OK...OK, but nothing earth shattering. The other one was disappointingly flavorless.

Now, I feel like it's got to be an inconsistency thing...because @TheMaxRebo ate there and really enjoyed his pizza, but @disneysteve had a thread going with how they weren't as happy with their meal. My only advice to people is to try it for themselves. You may love it...or you may wind up like us...which is one and done.

I managed to get this pic of Sammie eating hers before it flopped down her chin. Had I known, it would have made a great video.

There was one other thing I had to try before we left. There was one item that was an Italian Festival staple when growing up...and those were zeppole. We could get plenty of pastries year round, like all kinds of variations on cannoli, amazing Italian cookies and less common things like sfogliatella, but zeppole were synonymous with the Italian Festival (and sometimes the Seaside Heights boardwalk).

The kids really enjoyed them and they're not overly heavy, so not a bad way to end a meal, but to me...just OK. Still, I can say tried them there and now I know.

Caught a pic of these guys on the way out...

And we're back outside of the restaurant...

My parents wanted a rest, so they decided to head back to PORS. We had given up on the idea of water parks midday, so we decided it was time to play a bit in Epcot.

Coming up...playtime in Epcot, dinner at Sanaa, and evening in AK.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I think I felt very similar to you about new Soarin in that some scenes you can tell there is CGI, but overall it was well done and a fun ride. I think it would be really cool if they added in the randomness to the scenes (like in Star Tours) so each ride is a little different.

Love your future pic - apparently you are some sort of cyborg with a camera attached to your face ... cool!

Definitely think the boats aren't really there to save time but rather just an alternative, slower paced, less walking way to get to the back part of WS - and I definitely get what you said about it feeling like a small victory to beat the boat

Bummer you didn't like the pizza better. Maybe it is just random/inconsistent? I know we just got the small pizzas and was a bit floppy definitely couldn't roll them up like you said you could so maybe that made a difference? I did like the pepperoni but maybe b/c it felt like a treat to me since we never get it at home as my wife doesn't eat beef or pork so we usually just get plain or with veggies

 

[ariane37]

I've seen Schlitterbahn on the Travel channel, on a show about the coolest or biggest water parks in the world or something like that! We have a water park by us, I highly doubt it's as big as Schlitterbahn but it is pretty big. On weekends it gets extremely crowded with tons of people from the city and Westchester Co. so we try to stay away and only go during the week, even though it gets crowded on weekdays due to camps being there. Older DS goes by himself with friends but younger DS10 obviously can't yet, so I have to suck it up and take turns with some other moms and go sometimes Not my favorite way to spend a few hours as I don't like water parks so I sit and read and sweat! We were just there Sunday because the kids and a bunch of friends have season passes and since the summer is winding down we wanted to get at least one more visit in before school, and with DH and I going away Sat. it was pretty much a last chance. Luckily it was overcast so not crowded at all, but what still stunk was it was muggy so while the kids were enjoying the rides I was cursing whomever decided to build a water park so close to our house lol.

Sorry you didn't like VN. We ate there last Nov. for the first time since 2011 and the family liked it; I unfortunately was getting over a stupid stomach bug that day so could only pick at my meal. But as you've said the reviews are really mixed, people either love it or hate it. I'm from NY, born and raised, also Italian, so DH and I are both somewhat picky. Have you guys done Tutto Italia? To us it's just okay, and we weren't impressed with Trattoria Al Forno. Hoping to try Il Mulino on our upcoming quick trip.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I think I felt very similar to you about new Soarin in that some scenes you can tell there is CGI, but overall it was well done and a fun ride. I think it would be really cool if they added in the randomness to the scenes (like in Star Tours) so each ride is a little different.

Love your future pic - apparently you are some sort of cyborg with a camera attached to your face ... cool!

Definitely think the boats aren't really there to save time but rather just an alternative, slower paced, less walking way to get to the back part of WS - and I definitely get what you said about it feeling like a small victory to beat the boat

Bummer you didn't like the pizza better. Maybe it is just random/inconsistent? I know we just got the small pizzas and was a bit floppy definitely couldn't roll them up like you said you could so maybe that made a difference? I did like the pepperoni but maybe b/c it felt like a treat to me since we never get it at home as my wife doesn't eat beef or pork so we usually just get plain or with veggies

That would be a great idea! There are so many other cool flyover options that haven't been utilized in either Soarin' films that would make for some nice random surprises. A handful of the US national parks could offer some great random add on options, but ruins in Mexico, Great Barrier Reef, London landmarks, etc. would be great starts for random add ons.

Yes, my future me brought to you by the fine folks at Canon!

I think the boats are a good way to get off your feet and also have that Disney transportation novelty factor to them. Still, it was kind of fun to make it a bit of a race.

I suspect it's an inconsistency issue, because enough people who know good pizza have had good experiences. I'm not a pepperoni person, so I tried not to be too critical of that one, beyond the soggy factor. My go-to is sausage and roasted green bell peppers, but sometimes you see something on a menu that piques your interest...and that's exactly what happened with the eggplant. On a positive note, I posted a review and mgmt from Via Napoli did reply. So, they do read their reviews and I can only assume they consider some of it for improved or more consistent experiences.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Day 4 Continued...

Regardless of what we thought of Via Napoli, it did one very important thing...it filled us up. This is sort of a blessing and curse in the summer heat. On one hand, it meant that we wouldn't be moving at the same brisk pace, but since we ruled out the water parks, we now had some time to soak in all of the cultural goodness in the World Showcase.

First up- Germany...which ranks as my #2 fave country in the WS.

Sure, I do love trains!

But I also love how you get back towards this point and if you're at the right angles, you can't see anything else but Germany.

In fact, it was this area that inspired us to save for that European trip in 2000. It was June of 1998, we were drinking around the "world," and decided we really needed to see some these places in real life.

OK, enough reminiscing and going down memory lane...there's shopping to do!

I couldn't convince him to buy them.

And this angry little face wanted a mini stein. She was in tears explaining all of the things she could keep in her stein. She never did sell me on it.

She followed me around begging for her baby stein while I took pics.

(blurry, but she did note that it's not like she wanted one of these)

(I have a bit of an ornament obsession)

(I also normally take a bunch of "light fixtures of Disney" pics, so clearly I was moving towards that here)

Sammie eventually forgot about the mini stein and Kendall got her to pose for one of my fave posed pics of this trip. Yes, my girls have wine goggles.

It was time to leave Germany before I actually bought something I really didn't need, so we moved on to walking sticks.

And Kendall's impression of me...because apparently, I was acting OLD.

I was ready to move on to China...

...but I forgot one very important activity. Drumming! Must ALWAYS drum!

Now time for China...

I think we were all kind of bummed that the Terracotta Warriors are gone, at least temporarily, in place of exhibits on Shanghai. We walked through, but went back outside.

As we exited China, we got to see the end of the line for the new Frozen ride. The girls were starting to have second thoughts on it, but the wait time was obscene, so the answer was one big fat no. Instead, the girls who supposedly were so over Anna and Elsa asked to go here...

 

[TiggerTrigger]

We don't normally do a lot of M&Gs, but this was something new and we've never met A&E, so I was game. Oh, and the wait was only like 15 minutes...a far cry from the 6 hour lines from a couple of years ago.

I did enjoy the little details...

And then it was time to meet A&E...

Obviously, David and I did not join in the pics and Sammie was too cool to remove her glasses. They also initially got on Elsa's bad side...they wanted to stand on the side with her train. Still, two more characters they can say they've met.

Next, we move on to Mexico...

I wanted a drink, but I also wanted to ride the Gran Fiesta Tour...so ride first.

Sure, I just kind of love Donald Duck and he is kind of all over this ride. We tried to visit him at his M&G before this, but he was about to leave. So, the ride would have to do.

I was also carrying my Vans Donald Duck backpack at this point, so it all just went so well together. Even one of the CMs working the queue stopped me to find out where I got it b/c he too is a fan of the original Angry Bird!

Awful pic, but I had to try and get something of fuzzy Donald at the end of the ride...

And now it's drink time!

I was really torn on what to get, as there are so many options. We learned in 2013 that the frozens aren't for us...just not as potent as we normally like our ritas. We'd had the blood orange and pineapple on trips after that, and both of those were great...especially the blood orange. BUT, I just had that blood orange cooler at Via Napoli and I was up for trying something new...so I tried the hibiscus.

*sorry, I'd already downed about half of it before taking this pic

The hibiscus is pretty good, but it's sweeter and more concentrated than the others I've previously had. I guess that's why they also serve it in a smaller cup? Or did they cut portions? It was also getting pretty hot and while it was fine while we hung out in Mexico, it wasn't ideal sipping and strolling weather. In fact, I hung back in Mexico to drink my rita while David doubled back to Norway to pick up a Carlsberg (one of his Epcot traditions). I was so beat, I was sitting on the floor...drinking, relaxing, and debating about heading back. In fact, this would be the only pic I took at that time- which is unusual for me.

David wasn't thrilled that I wanted to head back to the room for a little rest, but we were starting to get cranky with each other...and that's usually the sign to stop and take a break. Funny, but while I was exhausted, I managed to snap my fave Epcot pic of the trip.

But...before heading out...we were going to try and do something we've never done.

Seriously...we have NEVER done this. Either we run out of time or they run out of Beverly!

 

[TiggerTrigger]

The kids had no idea what was coming and I'd never tried it, so I was hoping it wasn't so horrible that I couldn't put on a good act. So, I went first, and to be honest...I didn't mind it. I found some parallels with Fresca as well as some of the flavored seltzer water I like to drink.

Sammie was up next.

At this point, I really thought she'd be good, but this was the next pic in the sequence...

At this point, I wasn't sure Kendall would even try it, but shocker...she did!

My job here is done!

I know David tried it too, but he turned away and I couldn't capture his expression. It was on par with the girls' reactions.

So, time to head out of Epcot...for now...

Now time to wait for a bus. She's being VERY patient (Sammie too)...

The reality...we waited for at least 30 min for a bus, and with everyone hot and kind of cranky...I just wanted to get on the bus, get back to the hotel, and rest for a bit. There was a cranky family behind us who sounded like they'd hit that point as well. The kids mentioned it, but I pointed out (afterwards) that it's one of the signs that heat and exhaustion are starting to get to you...and it's why I insisted we head back for a break. No pool time back at PORS for us either...just cooling off in the room, relaxing and freshening up for dinner.

Coming up...a trip down memory lane at Sanaa, getting twisted around on the roads- twice, and an evening in Animal Kingdom.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I've seen Schlitterbahn on the Travel channel, on a show about the coolest or biggest water parks in the world or something like that! We have a water park by us, I highly doubt it's as big as Schlitterbahn but it is pretty big. On weekends it gets extremely crowded with tons of people from the city and Westchester Co. so we try to stay away and only go during the week, even though it gets crowded on weekdays due to camps being there. Older DS goes by himself with friends but younger DS10 obviously can't yet, so I have to suck it up and take turns with some other moms and go sometimes Not my favorite way to spend a few hours as I don't like water parks so I sit and read and sweat! We were just there Sunday because the kids and a bunch of friends have season passes and since the summer is winding down we wanted to get at least one more visit in before school, and with DH and I going away Sat. it was pretty much a last chance. Luckily it was overcast so not crowded at all, but what still stunk was it was muggy so while the kids were enjoying the rides I was cursing whomever decided to build a water park so close to our house lol.

Sorry you didn't like VN. We ate there last Nov. for the first time since 2011 and the family liked it; I unfortunately was getting over a stupid stomach bug that day so could only pick at my meal. But as you've said the reviews are really mixed, people either love it or hate it. I'm from NY, born and raised, also Italian, so DH and I are both somewhat picky. Have you guys done Tutto Italia? To us it's just okay, and we weren't impressed with Trattoria Al Forno. Hoping to try Il Mulino on our upcoming quick trip.

The big Schlitterbahn (the original) is in New Braunfels, TX. David has been there, but I never have. It's about 2.5 hrs from our house, so it would have to be a weekend trip. We're only about 35-45 minutes from the smaller one in Galveston, so that's where we headed. It's still pretty good, but it's not without its flaws. They have all kinds of signs not to feed the birds, but the picnic areas have the perfect roosting environment...and they neglected to put down spike strips. Our bags got bombed once and my shoulder- twice! I was not happy. It's one of 3 major water parks in the greater Houston area, so it's got competition, but it allows outside food (we brought a cooler with a full picnic lunch), so that's an enticing perk that sets it apart. It also has a kid-free pool with a swim up bar along with magic band style payment bands...and it borders right on a huge kids play area. So, that was nice too! I wouldn't want anything like this near my house and I know some friends who bought in a neighborhood near a new water park in the area...and they too are cursing the developers. Of course, so many new neighborhoods here are adding mini water parks to their pool complexes. The kids are praying all goes well with selling our house and moving so we can move into the neighborhood with the water park for residents.

I really think VN is a consistency issue...which seems to plague a number of WDW restaurants. I haven't tried Tutto or Trattoria AL Forno, but my parents have eaten at Il Mulino several times and really liked it. The Swan and Dolphin had been offering decent FL resident deals over the years and not only is Il Mulino convenient, it's easy to get in there...so it became one of their go to dining options if they couldn't find last minute openings at other places they liked.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

@ariane37 also wanted to wish you a magical trip, since it looks like you guy are about to head 'home'

 

[ariane37]

@ariane37 also wanted to wish you a magical trip, since it looks like you guy are about to head 'home'

Aw, thank you so much! Yes, DH and I leave Saturday for a quick adults only trip

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Day 4 Continued...

As much as David didn't want to rest up in the room, it was the wise choice. Everyone was in a MUCH better mood after some down time. It also gave me the resources (my laptop) to book a FP at AK that night (app wouldn't let me do it, even though I thought this functionality was added).

So, the plan for the night was dinner at Sanaa and then some evening fun at AK...oh, and I'd be doing the driving. So we loaded up my vehicle, got the GPS going and headed over to Kidani Village at AKL. I also was hit with a wave of emotions when we got there. We haven't been over to AKL since we stayed there in 2013, and while that was a fun trip, that will always be known as the accident trip...which made it also a painful, scary, and stressful trip.

I'll spare you the full story, as that was in an old trip report on a different Disney forum, but after months of planning and a near perfect multi-faceted surprise reveal...we were in a really bad car accident on our way to the airport to go to WDW. So, in a 60 minute window, we went from the high of "SURPRISE!!! We're going to WDW!!!!" to police, firefighters and EMTs telling us we're lucky to be alive. We were about 2 miles from home, fully stopped at a red light and rear ended by someone going about 75mph... and slammed into the truck stopped in front of us. We decided to go on the trip anyway since we all walked away from this with no more than minor injuries, but since we stayed at AKL that trip...AKL evokes a lot of tough memories. Still, we love Sanaa and it was one of those oasis spots during that trip that brought us a lot of happiness and good food. My parents had also never been, so we wanted to take them.

There was a super friendly guard at the security point that night, which really helped quiet the flashbacks. We drove past Jambo and headed to Kidani and into the Kidani garage. We took the elevator up to what I think was the main level (or maybe Sanaa was listed on the level- I can't remember) and headed in...

It was also about this point that I realized I left my main camera back at the room and would be stuck using my phone for the evening.

We went to check in first and take some pics of the interior details...

They said it would be a few minutes, so I took my buzzer and headed out with the rest of our party to the little viewing area. I really like this part of Kidani's, since you're on the same level as the animals.

Buzzer went off and it's time to head back in...

I didn't bother requesting a window table as we were a party of 6 (those are all 4-tops), but I was hoping we'd be in one of the larger tables right across from the window seats. I didn't ask, but they must have read my mind + we were in good view of some of my more favorite decor aspects of the restaurant.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

We love the Germany pavilion as well - and of course the trains. My son could spend all day there and knowing the love Walt had for trains I think it is fitting to spend some time looking at them

And this angry little face wanted a mini stein. She was in tears explaining all of the things she could keep in her stein. She never did sell me on it.

- that sounds just like my oldest daughter - always coming up with more reasons why she should get what she wants

I loved the animatronics they added at the end of the Mexican It's a Small World ride ... I originally thought they were new but apparently they are just re-purposed from the Mickey Mouse Revue

Sounds like a break was a good idea

hmm, wonder if the app was just acting up or something as you definitely can make new FP+ using the app. We did it our last trip and as soon as it registers you are eligible to make more it asks you which park

Wow, that sounds like a scary accident - glad you all were ok and able to go on the trip ... definitely can understand the emotions of going to AKL though!

We didn't make it this last trip but Sanaa had become one of our favorites - glad you were able to share it with your parents

 

[TiggerTrigger]

So, it was time to drink. I really have no idea what the guys had...beer of some sort...I think. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of really amazing beers out there, but I was in girly fruity coconutty drink mode.

Noooo, those aren't both for me...my mom had one too.

I was also reminded that we haven't done glow-anything in drinks for the kids for a while. So, we corrected that...

Now, if you've never been to Sanaa, one tip...you MUST order the bread service. I'm sure there are people out there who don't love it, because not everything is going to appeal to everyone, but...it's one of the raved about foods at WDW that we think lives up to every bit of the hype.

Blurry pic up there, but it's the two breads that are not house made. The have cross contamination risk, so they plated them separately from the main breads and dipping sauces...or whatever they call them. The presentation has changed a bit since we were last here, but still the same food...and sooooooooooooooooo good! Even Sammie, who was on and off picky on this trip, couldn't get enough. It's also so funny how there are some sauces that appeal to all of us, while each of us seems to have one or two that we love that everyone else is just good with. For me, I love the one with the garlic ... and nobody fights me for it. WIN!

Entrees were up next. Kendall got the shrimp and Sammie got the butter chicken off of the kids menu (another Sanaa win for getting her to branch out), but with the exception of me...all of the adults got some variety of the duo options.

(K is really getting into quinoa)

I know David got the one with the spicy durban shrimp and my mom got the one with the seafood curry, so I guess the other one is my dad's. Process of elimination. LOL. I think two of them went for the braised beef as their other and one went for the butter chicken. All in all, great food. Oh...and mine...I had the traditional sosatie. As you can see, it's plated on a bed of greens. It was light and refreshing after they heavy pizza lunch. It also isn't covered with any sauces, so you really taste the meat, cheese and veggies.

Some of us wanted dessert, but nothing major...so we decided to share the trio...

So, a few little bites for everyone. We probably should have skipped them in favor of treats in AK, but nothing bad either.

We said good-bye to Sanaa, the animals, Kidani, and AKL...

And it was time to head to AK for some play time.

Coming up...getting twisted around and an evening in AK.