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

[Missoutandabout]

Oh wow. This is officially on my "Must Try" list. Their lounge is fabulous! That fruit. *drool* What was this juice... a mixture of different fruits, like at the Poly (but sans the alcohol)?

Being that I'm a little bit of a coffee nerd...

I wish every CL had one of those machines. It's a Nespresso "commercial" grade machine. It's like a Keurig except it's mainly for making espressos (and therefore cappuccinos. Inside those little capsules is real-deal coffee... no Nescafe junk. (We own a "home" grade Nespresso. I adore it.)

... and can't wait to try the coffee machine, hope I can figure it out without blowing it up

It's easy-peasy! I haven't blown up our kitchen ... yet.

 

[elphie101]

....you shouldn't have opened up that door for questions. I'll be making my list in the morning while I drink my cup of joe! But I'll go ahead and get started with just one question........so is the MK the only place you worked or did they move you around?

I bet your friend would LOVE a trip to AKL!...very sweet idea. Yall would have to take those extra safaris that are offered, for sure. Hope that happens for you one day

Hahaha I really don't mind Because I worked in attractions, I only worked in my three specific rides, since anywhere else would require separate training (which they typically don't offer CPs because they are only in FL a semester) but at least in terms of the roles available during the CP that's more of the exception. People who do things like merchandise, custodial, character attendants and more are able to work all across property. I did however get to do a couple shifts with the Main St parade CMs during MK's day parade though, and that was a blast!

 

[Sue M]

 

[hstrickland]

I just realized I missed an update...not sure how that happened!! But I love all the pics of CL food....I think I could get very used to that!!

Very easy to get use to CL....too bad it will be a while before we do it again

Too sweet! I am just obsessed...I've only stayed GF, AKL, YC, although I have been booked everywhere CL at some point.

GF is #1 and will probably always be. Although AKL would come in second because I love the resort, and the comfy, quiet lounge...the CL staff at YC were almost if not equally as sweet at the Sugarloaf staff. But the YC CL lounge is teeny, esp. compared to Poly or GF...JMHO.

Obsessed????.....You????? No way, I'll anxiously be awaiting your next change.

I don't really know what he doesn't like about AKL. You can't get a straight answer out of that man. But, I did make him sit next to me last night & look at your pictures. His response? "Why are you looking at CL? Thought we decided we don't need CL." Then he went on to say, "Book whatever you want, I don't care. I just think there are other resorts we'd rather try 1st." I didn't tell him this - but he's probably right. But, down the road I think we will eventually try AKL.

Yep...I agree with Ed. Go ahead and book CR

Im joining the party a little late but had to jump in. We stayed in Jambo in December and i absolutely love that resort! as single parent i cannot afford that resort on my own. My parents took me and my DS as a graduation gift for me. T-rex looks so good. I cannot wait to try it. My son ask me everyday to see mickey! I have to get back there!

Congrats on your graduation How nice of your parents?!!! That's an awesome grad gift!!!! Maybe my husband will do the same when I finish school

another update!! The lounge looks beautiful, and breakfast. I love quinoa but have only had it as s rice type side dish with dinner. Had no idea you can use it as cereal. I'll have to try.

The fruit looks beautiful, and can't wait to try the coffee machine, hope I can figure it out without blowing it up

Looking forward to more food pics!!

43 more days to go, and this is making me so excited for our stay,

I don't think Bill really read the directions to the coffee machine, because after he finished and took a sip he started laughing....sure sign that it wasn't right!

Yikes! I got 7 pages behind!

Your review of AKL CL makes me want to switch our reservations for October...

Excellent, excellent review.

Thanks a million! Where are y'all staying for October? Are you doing MNSSHP?

Oh wow. This is officially on my "Must Try" list. Their lounge is fabulous! That fruit. *drool* What was this juice... a mixture of different fruits, like at the Poly (but sans the alcohol)?

Being that I'm a little bit of a coffee nerd...

I wish every CL had one of those machines. It's a Nespresso "commercial" grade machine. It's like a Keurig except it's mainly for making espressos (and therefore cappuccinos. Inside those little capsules is real-deal coffee... no Nescafe junk. (We own a "home" grade Nespresso. I adore it.)

It's easy-peasy! I haven't blown up our kitchen ... yet.

Well, I'm quite impressed with your knowledge of 'coffee machines' I would have sounded much more intelligent if I had done some research prior to the trip report and actually called it a "Nespresso"....has a much better ring to it.....Nespresso

Hahaha I really don't mind Because I worked in attractions, I only worked in my three specific rides, since anywhere else would require separate training (which they typically don't offer CPs because they are only in FL a semester) but at least in terms of the roles available during the CP that's more of the exception. People who do things like merchandise, custodial, character attendants and more are able to work all across property. I did however get to do a couple shifts with the Main St parade CMs during MK's day parade though, and that was a blast!

Sounds like so much fun! Wish I had done something like this (ummmm... 20 years ago) when I was in college. I bet you met lots of wonderful people...and maybe a few not so wonderful Thanks for the info!!!! I'll PM you with more questions...

Today....I hope.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Love all the CL pics! Just put a BC October 2013 on hold today, just in case!

Ok, we have to talk about putting salt and pepper in your oatmeal:. In case you haven't heard, oatmeal tastes really good with brown sugar, raisins, and many other things, you must try it the northern way!

Old Navy 40% off with online coupon today! Have a good one!

 

[amandaw]

Yep...I agree with Ed. Go ahead and book CR

I actually agree with him, too. Of course, I won't tell him that. Reid & I are about to go run errands but when I get home I'm going to start pricing packages around our cruise in May.

 

[hstrickland]

Ok...sorry...couldn't do it...... today!!! The Spiderman movie with the kids kinda took precedence over the TR Was really good, by the way. Hopefully tomorrow

Love all the CL pics! Just put a BC October 2013 on hold today, just in case!

Ok, we have to talk about putting salt and pepper in your oatmeal:. In case you haven't heard, oatmeal tastes really good with brown sugar, raisins, and many other things, you must try it the northern way!

Old Navy 40% off with online coupon today! Have a good one!

salt....NO pepper. I'm sure that still doesn't tempt your tummy, but that's how we do it. We add just a little salt when cooking. Then when it's done we'll add brown sugar, raisins, etc. Don't ya know the rules of cooking in the South...."a pinch of salt and a pound of butter" makes anything better I'm not sure that I could cook without those 2 ingredients

I actually agree with him, too. Of course, I won't tell him that. Reid & I are about to go run errands but when I get home I'm going to start pricing packages around our cruise in May.

So what's the update?? Any closer to a decision?? I still haven't made my way over to your thread So much going on today that I could hardly breath.

 

[rustytss]

Quit laying out by the pool and get another installment posted. At this rate, I am going to have to take over and you know you don't want me to do that because I won't use the right Disney lingo!

 

[amandaw]

So what's the update?? Any closer to a decision??

Once I got our fridge & pantry restocked with food, I finally sat down & looked at some short packages around our stay. And I did find a few interesting things to consider.

1. We're looking at either doing 2 nights before the cruise or 1 before & 1 after. In pricing this out, it would be cheaper to do the 2nights before rather than the 1/1 split.

2. It only cost about $156/night to upgrade from the Garden Wing to the Tower (Bay Lake view) at Contemporary. Not as bad as what I thought it would be.

and

3. The difference between WL & CR is about $600.

I really want to stay at CR but the price for 2 nights still has me a little ! I love the location though. I still have a few more scenarios that I want to price out, too. But, I got sidetracked by changing up some ADRs so I'll have to do some more pricing out later.

I still haven't made my way over to your thread So much going on today that I could hardly breath.

No worries! I understand how it is sometimes.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

I love the look of the CL...so pretty with the African theming.

 

[Sue M]

 

[WDWKOOK]

Quit laying out by the pool and get another installment posted. At this rate, I am going to have to take over and you know you don't want me to do that because I won't use the right Disney lingo!

Heather must be out of sun screen and margaritas by now?

 

[hstrickland]

Quit laying out by the pool and get another installment posted. At this rate, I am going to have to take over and you know you don't want me to do that because I won't use the right Disney lingo!

Well... aren't you the comedian on the thread....ha ha ha...I'll have you know that I WAS NOT by the pool. was priority yesterday (great movie, by the way) And just for your information, I WILL be at the pool this afternoon basking in the sun's rays and carelessly floating around in the cool waters

Heather must be out of sun screen and margaritas by now?

Don't encourage Stephanie's daunting comments...it will only get worse. And yes......the margarita glass runs low...send help immediately!!

Once I got our fridge & pantry restocked with food, I finally sat down & looked at some short packages around our stay. And I did find a few interesting things to consider.

1. We're looking at either doing 2 nights before the cruise or 1 before & 1 after. In pricing this out, it would be cheaper to do the 2nights before rather than the 1/1 split.

2. It only cost about $156/night to upgrade from the Garden Wing to the Tower (Bay Lake view) at Contemporary. Not as bad as what I thought it would be.

and

3. The difference between WL & CR is about $600.

I really want to stay at CR but the price for 2 nights still has me a little ! I love the location though. I still have a few more scenarios that I want to price out, too. But, I got sidetracked by changing up some ADRs so I'll have to do some more pricing out later.

No worries! I understand how it is sometimes.

I didn't realize it would be that much more to stay at the CR?? Now you've raised my curiosity...I'll be checking out those prices this morning. And JMO, but I think it would be better to do 2 nights before or after instead of splitting up the nights. I'm sure a room discount will come out, too.

I love the look of the CL...so pretty with the African theming.

It is really nice and we totally loved it (but the Poly still has the best view) I'm supposed to be talking about AKL...don't repeat that.

Wake up, Sue!!!! I'm almost done with the 2nd installment....promise!!!!!!

 

[amandaw]

I didn't realize it would be that much more to stay at the CR?? Now you've raised my curiosity...I'll be checking out those prices this morning. And JMO, but I think it would be better to do 2 nights before or after instead of splitting up the nights. I'm sure a room discount will come out, too.

I'd definitely prefer to do 2 nights before the cruise. It will just depend on Ed's job & how things are going. They're pretty laid back & since it's consulting work, he can usually make his own hours. But, I'll have to talk to him about it some more. The little bit of time I was able to get him to talk about Disney last night, I used to talk about some ADRs for this year. Still need to go price out some other options, too.

 

[Lisa29]

Great update. CL sounds really good.

We stayed at Kidani in October 2010 and there is something so quiet and calming about the place, it was really relaxing.

Can't wait for your next update.

 

[pas130]

Quit laying out by the pool and get another installment posted. At this rate, I am going to have to take over and you know you don't want me to do that because I won't use the right Disney lingo!

Heather must be out of sun screen and margaritas by now?

Margaritas...yum

Well... aren't you the comedian on the thread....ha ha ha...I'll have you know that I WAS NOT by the pool. was priority yesterday (great movie, by the way) And just for your information, I WILL be at the pool this afternoon basking in the sun's rays and carelessly floating around in the cool waters



Don't encourage Stephanie's daunting comments...it will only get worse. And yes......the margarita glass runs low...send help immediately!!

There's a premixed gallon jug....sending it ASAP

 

[hstrickland]

Great update. CL sounds really good.

We stayed at Kidani in October 2010 and there is something so quiet and calming about the place, it was really relaxing.

Can't wait for your next update.

Kook....did you see Lisa's comment about Kidani??!!! There ya go...you can actually 'relax' at Disney When Bill reads "quiet and calming" he's gonna want to stay there. His biggest complaint (which really isn't a complaint) about our Disney vacations is that he's exhausted when he gets home.

Margaritas...yum

There's a premixed gallon jug....sending it ASAP

Thanks, Pas...I knew you would have my back. I'll be waiting anxiously by the mailbox. Is it coming UPS or FedX???

Would you believe it, no pool time (and you be quiet, Rustytss (Stephanie)...I know what you're thinking!) We're having thunderstorms today. We're in desperate need of rain, so it's all good.

 

[hstrickland]

Kilimanjaro Club
Part 2​

…let’s continue where we left off….


Vitafunio (Safari Snacks)
11:30am-3:00pm

“Take a mid—day break and enjoy a selection of African snacks and beverages.”

If I remember correctly, they always had several varieties of cookies…chocolate chip, sugar, and oatmeal raisin. They also had a delicious type of potato chip, chocolate covered pretzels and gummies (no picture…sorry) The small cooler always had milk, chocolate milk, and sodas. During the day, you can ask for beer and they will be happy to bring it to you.

One thing that the kids (and me) totally loved was this…..

From 11:30-4:00, they bring out the Wii Station. The games were located at the concierge desk, and they were more than helpful if you had problems getting started.



Next up…..



Chai (Afternoon Tea)
3:00-4:30pm

“Sit back and relax with imported teas, assorted freshly baked scones, cookies and biscuits. A daily must in Africa.”

If you’re still hungry….




Kisikusiku (Twilight Offereings)
5:00-7:00pm

“After an exciting safari, take pleasure in an array of wines, hors d’oeuvres, and savor African specialty appetizers from Boma and Jiko.”


While some menu items remain the same each night, several food choices will change. And as I said in an earlier post, if you are a huge eater, then you might not be able to make a meal from this. We found that if we had a big lunch, then we were ok at night.


Beer and wines are served each night as well as water, tea, and lemonade.

The hummus selections, pita chips and cheeses remained the same each night.

Wednesday Night Menu

*Sun-dried Tomato Hummus

*Black Olive Hummus

*White Bean Hummus

*Pita Chips

*Crisp baked bread

*Variety of vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, asparagus, cherry tomatos)

*Olives

*Cheeses (Blue, Manchego, Five Counties Cheddar, Tillamook Cheddar)

*Chilled Beet Soup…..mom liked this, but I didn’t try it.

*Spinach & Paneer Croquettes ….loved these!!!

*Chicken and Lentil Patties with Spiced Yogurt Sauce….just ok…nothing special

Thursday Night

*Sun-dried Tomato Hummus

*Black Olive Hummus

*White Bean Hummus

*Pita Chips

*Crisp baked bread

*Variety of vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, asparagus, cherry tomatos)

*Olives

*Cheeses (Blue, Manchego, Five Counties Cheddar, Tillamook Cheddar)

*Lamb Patties with Tomato Jam…..just ok for me, but my parents ate lots!

*Crispy Corn Flour Coated Tofu with Boma Mustard…tofu doesn’t always sound appetizing, but I’m here to tell ya….DELICIOUS!!!

*Tabouleh Salad with Shaved Beef…..don’t remember…I was too busy eating the tofu.


Guess what?? No pictures!! I know they were made because I wrote down everything on the menu…who knows??!! Pops…what happened??? Perhaps I didn’t load them on my computer. Sorry…..won’t happen again….



Friday Night

*Sun-dried Tomato Hummus

*Black Olive Hummus

*White Bean Hummus

*Pita Chips

*Crisp baked bread

*Variety of vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, asparagus, cherry tomatos)

*Olives

*Cheeses (Blue, Manchego, Five Counties Cheddar, Tillamook Cheddar)

*Edamame & Chickpea Salad with Ginger Poached Chicken……..don’t remember anyone talking about this

*Roasted Eggplant with Goat Cheese in Phyllo Cups…….good, but I’m not big on goat cheese

*Warm African Shrimp with Pearl Couscous and Corn chips…..very good!!

Moving right along….




Saturday Night

*Sun-dried Tomato Hummus

*Black Olive Hummus

*White Bean Hummus

*Pita Chips

*Crisp baked bread

*Variety of vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, asparagus, cherry tomatos)

*Olives

*Cheeses (Blue, Manchego, Five Counties Cheddar, Tillamook Cheddar)

*Artichoke Salad with Spiced Shrimp…..very nice!

*Turkey Bobotie ……kinda bland

*Spinach & Paneer Cheese Samosas……..Loved it!!!!

The Kids’ Corner

Each night there was a small table located in the kids’ area that had a variety of child friendly items….(which from time to time I did sample) Not all items listed below will be out each night.


*Yogurt & Fruit Parfaits
*Carrot Sticks & Ranch Dressing
*Apples & Caramel
*Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
*PB&J Sandwiches
*Corndog Bites
*Miniature Pizza Slices

Last….but certainly not least (my favorite)…



Rehema (Evening Indulgences)
8:00-10:00pm

“Revisit your day’s activities or plan for tomorrow while treating yourself to a sampling of fine desserts and a variety of premium cordials.”


Each night there is a sampling of desserts….each night will vary. I don’t remember the order …sorry.


Every night they offer…

*Crispy Rice Treats

*Brownies

*Chocolate Chip Cookies

*Sugar Cookies



Varying from night to night, the following will be offered:

*Lemon Meringue Tarts ….GREAT!!

*Blueberry Parfaits…..very good

*Banana Foster (or something like that…can’t remember) ….Excellent!!

*Peanut Butter Mousse…….GREAT!

*Chocolate –Cinnamon Mousse….Good

*Caramel Cheesecake……Delicious!!


Banana ????

Caramel Cheesecake

Cordials….

Final thoughts…..

The staff was extremely friendly. If we were in need of something, they were very accommodating. When food offerings started to dwindle, the staff replenished quickly. Something that I don’t remember from our Poly CL stay was the staff clearing guest tables. I’m not one to leave my plates, but several times when we were getting ready to go, we had the staff tell us not worry about the dishes. While eating, they would come by and clear the dirty utensils and plates….I almost felt guilty. Another kudos to the AKL staff…..sooooooooo very friendly!!! Most of the food was very good….I have no complaints in that area. Ya can’t expect to like everything, right?


I would totally stay CL again at AKL...can’t say enough about the quality of service we received while visiting!!!



Up next…..finally starting Day 2 with pool time & lunch at Sanaa!





​

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank goodness for a rainy day - Stephanie, Sue and I were getting antsy

Excellent and thorough lounge food review! I find many favorable comparisons with The Old Faithful Club and I know DH would love the appetizer selection. I love that they replenish the food often and keep the lounge area neat and tidy, which can be a real challenge with some guests.

Yes, I saw Lisa's comment about Kidani and quiet appeals to us, however, you're really making AKL CL look good enough to change to. Was it crazy like the Poly or more sedate?

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Those CL offerings...boy oh boy did those desserts look ammmmazing!

Its always interesting to hear how the different CL do things.

Cant wait to hear about Sanaa.