3 Families doin' a Surf & Turf Trip! AKL CL & Dream...Good-Byes

[ProudMommyof2]

How stressful for your sister's family Not expected in June.

Hope all works out OK

 

[jecskc]

Loved your Jiko review. I am really looking forward to it now. Too bad about your sisters flight.. hope she made it OK the next day.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Umm, thanks for reminding me about the torrential summer rains, exactly 3 weeks before we arrive. Actually, though it's a nuisance, as long as you're prepared, it's nice to have the rides to yourself while the raincoat-less seek shelter in the freezing cold shops and eateries

I know this ends up well, but it sure is making me nervous reading about your sister's travel woes. What a horrible way to start off a long anticipated vacation. Get this girl to the spa!

I know what the answer is, having witnessed first-hand myriad WDW attire infractions, but can you go into the specifics of some of the Jiko patrons?

As usual, your photos are making me hungry!

 

[hstrickland]

What a stressful situation for all of you...your poor sis! Stressball much????

How stressful for your sister's family Not expected in June.

I really can't imagine how disappointed they were. On Saturday, we had planned for the kids to spend the morning playing at the pool, take a ride on the monorail, maybe grab the Kitchen Sink at BC, then Bomas for dinner....not gonna happen though.

Loved your Jiko review. I am really looking forward to it now. Too bad about your sisters flight.. hope she made it OK the next day.

You'll really like the restaurant for sure. It's relatively quiet, too. Hopefully you will have a better waiter than we did If not, you will still enjoy...no worries.

Umm, thanks for reminding me about the torrential summer rains, exactly 3 weeks before we arrive. Actually, though it's a nuisance, as long as you're prepared, it's nice to have the rides to yourself while the raincoat-less seek shelter in the freezing cold shops and eateries

How true!!! You won't catch me at WDW without a poncho or two or three!

I know this ends up well, but it sure is making me nervous reading about your sister's travel woes. What a horrible way to start off a long anticipated vacation. Get this girl to the spa!

...and that she did, compliments of her hubby!

I know what the answer is, having witnessed first-hand myriad WDW attire infractions, but can you go into the specifics of some of the Jiko patrons?

As usual, your photos are making me hungry!

I should probably clarify...there were only a couple of people that obviously missed the memo about proper dress.... flip-flops, faded shorts and sloppy t-shirts (untucked) When I used the word "many", I was actually refering to all signature restaurants. A couple of years ago, Bill and I were dining at Cali Grill and in walks a couple with their children dressed in pajamas. Go figure...that one still has me baffled

Wow...just had to go back and edit...I just noticed your ticker???!!!! What is this???? BLT????

 

[Yellowbellow]

Is this a Hidden Mickey or not??? Just not sure……this was in the kitchen area.

Yep - that is a Hidden Mickey I think the lady said 'the largerst at WDW' - But I am sure it is the Largest at AKL. There used to be one larger at Disney Studios but not any more.

 

[jedijill]

Is this a Hidden Mickey or not??? Just not sure……this was in the kitchen area.

Yep - that is a Hidden Mickey I think the lady said 'the largerst at WDW' - But I am sure it is the Largest at AKL. There used to be one larger at Disney Studios but not any more.

It's pretty big but I'm pretty sure the flamingo island on the Safari at AK is bigger.

Love Jiko!

Jill in CO

 

[hstrickland]

It's pretty big but I'm pretty sure the flamingo island on the Safari at AK is bigger.

Love Jiko!

Jill in CO

Yep! Now that you say that, I remember. In fact, dad and I got pictures of that island and posted it in our last TR. Not sure how we forgot that since we have the Hidden Mickey book

 

[amandaw]

Sounds like y'all had a great meal at Jiko. Even if the service could have been better.

So glad your DH was able to make it safely in all that weather. But, your poor sister & her family! I can't even imagine how stressful that was for all of y'all.

 

[Pinkocto]

Oh my! All I can think is how glad I am it wasn't the night before the cruise. I would have canceled the flight and started driving if that was the case. I hope the trip was so wonderful they were able to forget the bad beginning.

Hooray for Pop! I'm glad he was in his swim suit

Dinner looked scrumptious! Jiko is so wonderful

 

[shan23877]

Jiko sounds great! Too bad your waiter wasn't the best though. Know-it-all servers are the worst!

What a stressful situation for your sister and her family! I'm anxious to hear how that turned out. Thank goodness Bill got there safely.

 

[RGirl]

Oh, I feel so bad for your sister and her family! We almost had to pull the plug on Willow's surprise birthday trip because of snow, so I know how heart-breaking that situation is for kids.

Your Jiko meal looked amazing though! Did the kids do well there? Was it super-slow paced? I would like to go there, and Willow generally does well at restaurants, but some of the more high-end places do pace things a little too slowly to keep her interested and the whining at a minimum. :roll eyes:

Willow is going to kindergarten, too?! Why was I thinking she was younger??? Jesse starts kindergarten next week We'll all be in constant prayer for his teachers. And Faith in 1st, Stephen in 6th.......I'm getting old!

This is so funny because I thought Jesse was younger! I can't believe he starts next week! We still have another month. Thank goodness - I am so not ready for this!

 

[Sue M]

Yep, can set your watch to the 3pm T-storms! So bad for your sister that they could only get next day night flight in. Yuck! I hope never to be stuck in a tropical storm system again, we are Tropical Storm Faye survivors, lol. U thought the rains would never stop. My hands were to waterlogged I had no fingerprints and we went thru 3 ponchos. Sheech.

Jiko looks amazing. Love their breads. They gave us a sampling on the AKL culinary tour, yum.

We leave for Fla in just 2.5 weeks, yikes. Landing in Ft Lauderdale for a pre WDW week then driving up early morning. Plan on hitting the road at 6am or earlier if we can. Want to get a full day in! Stop at Publix for a few things for the room, check in, return rental cat at CCC and away we go!

Suitcases are out

We'll have no more mention of the forbidden word please

Have to ask, did the family in PJs actually get seated? Can't imagine what they were thinking.

 

[hstrickland]

Sounds like y'all had a great meal at Jiko. Even if the service could have been better.

So glad your DH was able to make it safely in all that weather. But, your poor sister & her family! I can't even imagine how stressful that was for all of y'all.

Jiko sounds great! Too bad your waiter wasn't the best though. Know-it-all servers are the worst!

What a stressful situation for your sister and her family! I'm anxious to hear how that turned out. Thank goodness Bill got there safely.

The waiter was very matter-of-fact...no fluffy stuff at all. Dad usually jokes around with our waiters, but there was none of that at all! It wouldn't deter me from going back though....food and atmosphere were too good.

Oh my! All I can think is how glad I am it wasn't the night before the cruise. I would have canceled the flight and started driving if that was the case. I hope the trip was so wonderful they were able to forget the bad beginning.

Hooray for Pop! I'm glad he was in his swim suit

Dinner looked scrumptious! Jiko is so wonderful

Ya know... all of us in FL were thinking the same thing or something similar. I wanted them to fly to ATL and rent a car to drive down. Weather in ATL was perfect. I knew the weather in Orlando wasn't going to improve, so it made us all very nervous about them actually getting in on Saturday night. Needless to say, we worried about them all night and all day

Oh, I feel so bad for your sister and her family! We almost had to pull the plug on Willow's surprise birthday trip because of snow, so I know how heart-breaking that situation is for kids.

Your Jiko meal looked amazing though! Did the kids do well there? Was it super-slow paced? I would like to go there, and Willow generally does well at restaurants, but some of the more high-end places do pace things a little too slowly to keep her interested and the whining at a minimum.

Willow would be fine. It was slower paced but nothing ridiculous. Our kids colored and drew pictures...went to the restroom They had tables by the window, too, that would give you more to look at.

This is so funny because I thought Jesse was younger! I can't believe he starts next week! We still have another month. Thank goodness - I am so not ready for this!

You were thinking Jesse was younger because he acts like a crazy person!!! I thought I was ready for him to go to 'real' school, but it's kinda hitting me now....turned 40 this year, the baby is starting school....I'm not getting any younger!!

Yep, can set your watch to the 3pm T-storms! So bad for your sister that they could only get next day night flight in. Yuck! I hope never to be stuck in a tropical storm system again, we are Tropical Storm Faye survivors, lol. U thought the rains would never stop. My hands were to waterlogged I had no fingerprints and we went thru 3 ponchos. Sheech.

Glad you and your fingerprints survived Never travel to WDW without ponchos!!!! Smart lady, you are.

I know all about Tropical Storms and hurricanes!!! Bill and I almost had to postpone our wedding because of Hurricane Floyd!! Savannah had to be evacuated....got back on Thursday night, rehersal dinner on Friday, wedding on Saturday at noon....didn't have all the flowers!!!

Jiko looks amazing. Love their breads. They gave us a sampling on the AKL culinary tour, yum.

We leave for Fla in just 2.5 weeks, yikes. Landing in Ft Lauderdale for a pre WDW week then driving up early morning. Plan on hitting the road at 6am or earlier if we can. Want to get a full day in! Stop at Publix for a few things for the room, check in, return rental cat at CCC and away we go!

Suitcases are out

We'll have no more mention of the forbidden word please

Have to ask, did the family in PJs actually get seated? Can't imagine what they were thinking.

I know it sounds ridiculous...pajamas...but that's the honest truth. It was around 8:45ish and the family of 4 came in with their two little ones dressed in PJs. I'm guessing the kids were around 2,3,4ish. And they were seated...Bill and I just laughed. Perhaps the kids were gonna get sleepy and need a nap....who knows??!! While I LOVE Cali Grill, the dress code there is super lax...we've seen it all.

Suitcases are out!!! Aren't you excited!!??? And yay for Ft. Lauderdale!! I'm guessing you're doing the beach Beautiful, isn't it?! Not a bad drive from Lauderdale to Orlando.

 

[WDWKOOK]

A couple of years ago, Bill and I were dining at Cali Grill and in walks a couple with their children dressed in pajamas. Go figure...that one still has me baffled

Wow...just had to go back and edit...I just noticed your ticker???!!!! What is this???? BLT????

I know THAT family! They were in the CR's Atrium Club back in August 2010

Oh, where have you been? Working, I suppose... Big announcement on the RC thread (and WL and CR). I finally was able to book a one bedroom Lake View at BLT. I had been trying for months, but it was either not available with our discount or it was not available at all. Persistence paid off Friday and I was able to book with our 40% discount. So we're in Boca Raton before 4 nights BLT and then off in our Sea Raycers we go over for 10 nights at WL/CL

 

[pas130]

It wasn’t just raining; there was thunder and lots of lightening!! Immediately, I thought about Orlando Airport…..inbound and outbound flights had to be on hold. And guess what….Stephanie text me to say their actual plane was still in Orlando due to weather….it had never taken off to go to CT. REALLY not good.

So sorry Stephanie & the crew were stuck in CT

Sorry your DH missed dinner Hey, you know what I realized, so far no pics of poor Stephen falling asleep during dinner, maybe all along it was the parks knocking your kiddos out

I know what you mean about the kids getting older, my 4 youngest were born in a 4 year span...and they come in all different sizes...they are frequently mistaken for twins...except the 2 girls who are only 11 months apart

And your parents look FANTASTIC! Bless them for 45 years!!! I can only hope & pray for another 25 years with my wonderful DH And I really hope one day to take family trips with my kids & grandbabies too....

Very nice pics DD#1. But no mention of 'ole Pop' having to brave the storm and park the car and run back to the Lodge in the pouring down rain and missing the snack in the lounge. Drenched.

The weather reports bring back bad feelings for us too DD#2.

Willow is going to kindergarten, too?! Why was I thinking she was younger??? Jesse starts kindergarten next week We'll all be in constant prayer for his teachers. And Faith in 1st, Stephen in 6th.......I'm getting old!

Another Kindergarten starting here too heather & roni, Bree starts Kindergarten....my little Princess I only will have 1 more at home...then next year ALL will be in school...what will I do?????
DS11 starts 6th, DD7 starts 3rd, DD6 starts 1st...I pray for the elementary Principal

 

[happy2012]

Oh my Gosh what an emo coaster for you all. That is so disappointing for your sister & her kids. I feel like I need a drink just reading all that. Well, I'm happy Jiko was so good. The food looks fantastic!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Yikes! You got out of Blizzard Beach just in time. And kudos to Pop for moving the car and getting soaked.

Can't imagine how frustrated and disappointed your sister and family were. UGH! thank goodness you weren't leaving on the cruise first thing in the morning!!

Jiko looks yummy! I was hoping you had a picture of your waiter as we also had a know it all type there last year. But it is still good!!

Love that hidden Mickey on the ceiling. I've never noticed it before.

Hurrah for your hubby finally arriving!

 

[AvasMommy526]

I'm fairly certain that we will do this on our next big Disney trip with my parents. We always have 2 rooms at a deluxe, so it's going to be around the same price for a 2 bedroom villa (David's rentals, of course... not rack rate) Not sure about the dining plan...that's usually a must for our long trips, but if we're in a villa........ok...enough thinking(typing) outloud. I only have 1 year and 9 months to plan this trip More more question, though. Did you get to choose the view you wanted at BLT? I kinda want to try BWV, but didn't want to be stuck with a hideous view, ya know...the Boardwalk view would be awesome!

I love typing outloud lol! I've been planning my trip that way while on the Dis
We did get to pick the view you can put in up to 3 resorts or view choices at the same resort, so I put BLT TP view as my 1st and BLT Lake view as my 2nd!
and if they have the availability and a member with enough points for use, they automatically book! If your choices aren't available they email you with other options (different views or resorts) or the option to stay on their queue and if your choices or points become available they will automatically book you! We are currently on the queue for the first 7 nights TP or Lake view because they didn't have a member with enough points for 7 nights, but we CR booked as a back up (pretty good back up if ya ask me ) and we have our last 4 nights all set at BLT! I think we've decided against the DP with the spilt stay and price increase plus DD will still be "free" but may change if we get BLT the whole time! I will definitely let everyone know how it all turns out after the trip but so far David's has been great and very quick with answering any email questions!
I edited bc I read your update after I responded! I'm having such a hard time deciding between, Kona, Boma and Sanaa as our first day dinner and now after your update I'm throwing Jiko in the mix! And how sad and frustrating for your sister and all of you! I think I know it turns out alright but still nerve wracking and disappointing in the moment.

 

[rustytss]

While we did enjoy dinner very much, we were all concerned about Stephanie and Sean….we had not heard anything in a while….then I get a text….

“Flight cancelled….waiting to speak with a gate agent…not sure what’s going to happen.”

Ok….can you say OMG!!!??? My heart sank….I felt horrible for them. I wasn’t aware until later that the weather in the Northeast was also super bad. There were many flights that were cancelled in Hartford and Boston.

After that experience Sean said we will never do another cruise out of Florida again. Now that Disney leaves from NYC, that is the way to go for us! and why would I argue with that because they only offer 7 night cruises to the Bahamas from NYC! Sorry Sis, next time you will have to come to New York if you want to do another family cruise!

 

[pas130]

After that experience Sean said we will never do another cruise out of Florida again. Now that Disney leaves from NYC, that is the way to go for us! and why would I argue with that because they only offer 7 night cruises to the Bahamas from NYC! Sorry Sis, next time you will have to come to New York if you want to do another family cruise!

I don't blame ya one bit