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

[jennyjinx3]

Hmmmm....we were picking from Boma or Sanaa for Sept, and we picked Boma. But I must say, the food pictures look delicious from Sanaa. Did you all try Boma? Kidani does look lovely though.

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

As my husband was looking through the pictures, he keeps saying that Kidani's savannah looks better than what we had (he didn't go to Kidani...poor guy had to work). It had to be a long walk...the more I look at those maps, the longer it looks. I'm curious...when you went to the pool, did you walk all the way through the halls of the resort to get there, or did you walk outside? Of course we were only there a short time, but couldn't figure it out. The location of the pool seems like it's kinda out in front of the resort. Anyway...still a very nice place, and a resort that you could actually relax in and have some peace and quiet.

We walked through the hotel to the lobby and then out the door, down the sidewalk to the pool. The pool area is fabulous, but I did feel like "pool people on parade". . It really is the most peaceful resort we've ever stayed at, though!

 

[hstrickland]

We loved Kidani. We didn't get the chance to try Sanaa though. Jiko is on our list for Thanksgiving.

Review on Jikos will be coming up! And don't change your ressie

Sanaa looks so good! YUM!!!

The bird is HILARIOUS! Perhaps a few of those butter chickens had once been friends of his?

Love the review of Sanaa!

I love how Faith ordered light up drinks for her & Jessie! She's making sure they enjoy their vacation!

That bird is really pretty. That close up shot Stephen took is fantastic!

Last night, Bill asked Faith if she ordered drinks by herself...and her reply was..."Yes, I sure did." I kept an eye on them the rest of the trip

Sounds like a great meal! I'm not sure that I'm adventurous enough (African and Indian are two types of food that I just haven't tried) for it though! I'm afraid that I'd eat bread and a kids meal

Great pictures as usual, but I love the one you got of Stephen taking pictures. That's really sweet. He got a great shot of your bird friend!

You could so make a meal on the bread...no lie!! It was ridiculously good! And Stephen has really taken an interest in photography. He's been helping me edit some of the pictures, too.

Great review of Sanaa and Kidani! We tried Sanaa for an early dinner (once it's dark, you can't see the animals out the window) and we enjoyed it. We also LOVED the bread appetizer, delicious! Our entrees were pretty good, my husband and I both ordered some combo of the 3 dishes like you did and we liked them. I don't remember anything tasting too spicy or unusual at all. The atmosphere at Kidani and Sanaa is so unique and beautiful, it's worth a visit just to see it in person.

I haven't updated my signature in a while. Last fall, we spent a week at BLT followed by a night at AKL. For Spring Break, we spent a week at OKW and surprisingly fell absolutely in LOVE! I had heard so much about the resort and its sort of cult following but we had never tried it. We were afraid that the location was not going to suit our needs. We were soooo wrong. The resort is incredibly beautiful and laid back. We could not believe how huge the villas were. Our 2 BR was bigger than our first apartment!!! We are now fans of OKW for sure.

We have an October trip planned with stays at VWL and BLT. After reading your report, we'll probably add on a night at AKL or Kidani at the end!

I'm looking forward to your next installment!!!! As always, your pics of your beautiful family are wonderful. Stephen has quite the talent, too. The photo of the bird is great!

Thanks! So glad you gave me that plug about OKW. Every now and then I'll lurk around the Boards to see updates and pictures. But like you, I've been afraid that the location would not be ideal for us. You're changing my mind....especially since we want to try a villa.

Hmmmm....we were picking from Boma or Sanaa for Sept, and we picked Boma. But I must say, the food pictures look delicious from Sanaa. Did you all try Boma? Kidani does look lovely though.

Boma.....hmmm....we've eaten breakfast there and had dinner there on this past trip It's okay....review to come Just me, but I would go with Sanaa over Boma.

 

[pas130]

I keep forgetting you have 4 kids...no 5!! You must have eyes in the back of your head to be able to keep up with them You're Wonder Woman, aren't you....just posing as an average mom?????

You're too sweet Heather

And about Jesse, my youngest is the biggest rulebreaker / daredevil, and as he gets bigger he gets in more trouble...DEFINITELY keeps me on my toes

 

[DisneyDoc5]

When the waiter brought our drinks, I noticed that both Faith and Jesse had these light-up straw things…not sure I remember ordering them special drinks. Faith informed me that SHE ordered them…..nice.

This made me LOL! Nice! Love the pictures of the resort and it looks like you really were able to experience all the highlights. That bird was too funny!

 

[nemofans]

Due to your review, I have booked a lunch ADR at Sanaa on our resort day. Then maybe we'll hang out at the pool there after. I was a little hesitant eating there b/c I am not found of spicy foods, even though DH would love it. But I love naan & basmati rice, so we'll try it after all.

 

[Sue M]

Yum! Last trip we ordered the bread at Saana and it was great. We went at lunch too, I think it's the perfect time to go to get a window seat. We made a lunch res for next month too. And a dinner at Boma.
Anyone know what day they serve the She Crab soup?

 

[podsnel]

Good to know they have a table for more than 4 up in the window- they did not used to.

I'm with you, I LOVE Sanaa, but am not overly crazy about Boma. Not that it's bad, just that I like Sanaa more. I think I have been there 6 or 7 times- my friends always request that restaurant first!

I think the dips you had were Mango Chutney, Red Chile Sambal & Tamarind Chutney.

Next time you go with a large group, get 2 orders- and they won't make you choose dips- you will get them ALL!

LOVE that bird! The pics are excellent!!

 

[hstrickland]

You're too sweet Heather

And about Jesse, my youngest is the biggest rulebreaker / daredevil, and as he gets bigger he gets in more trouble...DEFINITELY keeps me on my toes

Perhaps it's something with the youngest child?! If Jesse had been my first child, he might have been an only child. ....just kidding......kind of

This made me LOL! Nice! Love the pictures of the resort and it looks like you really were able to experience all the highlights. That bird was too funny!

The light-up TinkerBell actually made it through the cruise and all the way back to Georgia in one piece...........until last night, when Jesse dismantled her limb by limb and wing by wing

Due to your review, I have booked a lunch ADR at Sanaa on our resort day. Then maybe we'll hang out at the pool there after. I was a little hesitant eating there b/c I am not found of spicy foods, even though DH would love it. But I love naan & basmati rice, so we'll try it after all.

Good for you!! Hope y'all like it! If nothing else, you'll get plenty of bread and rice

Yum! Last trip we ordered the bread at Saana and it was great. We went at lunch too, I think it's the perfect time to go to get a window seat. We made a lunch res for next month too. And a dinner at Boma.
Anyone know what day they serve the She Crab soup?

I do know it wasn't on Saturday night because that's when we went....more on that later

Good to know they have a table for more than 4 up in the window- they did not used to.

I'm with you, I LOVE Sanaa, but am not overly crazy about Boma. Not that it's bad, just that I like Sanaa more. I think I have been there 6 or 7 times- my friends always request that restaurant first!

I think the dips you had were Mango Chutney, Red Chile Sambal & Tamarind Chutney.

Next time you go with a large group, get 2 orders- and they won't make you choose dips- you will get them ALL!


LOVE that bird! The pics are excellent!!

Stephen was quite proud of his bird picture! I think (not certain) there were 2 tables that held 6...that's what the hostess said, too. And I think you're correct....those names of the dips sound about right. They were ALL so good. Wish we had done two orders of bread....it certainly would have been eaten

 

[pas130]

Perhaps it's something with the youngest child?! If Jesse had been my first child, he might have been an only child. ....just kidding......kind of

That's why they make them so darn adorable

 

[Pinkocto]

Whew! All caught up. Absolutely loving all your photos. I completely agree, I find the CMs at AKL to be wonderful. Did you meet a CL CM named Elaine from Scotland by chance? She really made our first trip to AKL special.

I had a much needed smile reading that you lurked on my TR. Work has not been the best today. I just love the DIS, so many kindred spirits.

 

[hstrickland]

Day 2
Kidani Village & Sanna – Part 2



Yesterday, we left off with lunch at Sanaa…I believe it was time for dessert!



Usually, I’m all about having dessert. However, I could not put another bite in my mouth…and quite honestly, nothing was tempting me. If crème brulee had been on the menu, then that would have been a different story.


The kids’ meals came with dessert, so they decided on this… which was very tasty! I did have just one little taste. It’s always nice when the kids’ desserts aren’t just a scoop of ice cream.

Mom ordered this….

Served with Mango, Pistachio Tuile, and Cinnamon Cream…it was just ok; however I’m not big on rice pudding. Both of these desserts were beautifully plated, weren’t they?!

And all of you with small children know that there ALWAYS has to be a bathroom break during a meal. Fortunately, MaHopie is around and gives me a break. And who was it that wanted to know if we had pictures of the restrooms??? I realize that most people don’t go around snapping photos in bathrooms…..well….except….my mother. And do you blame her??? Look at it! Not your typical hotel restroom…

A little birdy named Kook said there was a Hidden Mickey in the stall…..but unfortunately we don’t have a picture. We missed that one!

As we were walking out of Sanaa, I quickly snapped a couple more photos of the restaurant.

On our way out of Sanaa, we struck up another conversation with the hostess. They gave us the best information about their countries and about the work program Disney offers….just really super friendly people. Faith wanted a picture and they both happily agreed…

And would you look at this…the sweet host gave mom a birthday card that he and the other hostess signed. They wrote Happy Birthday in their native languages. These were two of the nicest people we encountered which only added more magic to our trip.

Do y’all remember me mentioning the fact that Jesse…every now and then…likes to wander off??? Well…while we were conversing with our Kidani friends, I assumed that he was playing on the stairs. And we all know what they say about those who assume….



Jesse, The Wanderer, has officially wandered off! Not to panic though, he usually comes back…remember. However, he didn't. We had to go look for him.


And this is where we found him…upstairs in the lobby...intently watching TV…not disturbing anyone…being very quiet ….and very still....like it was no big deal at all.

This was photo was made on one of the overlooks…just don’t remember which one…

Before we left, I wanted to visit the pool area. It seemed strange that we had to walk out of the front of the lobby and down a sidewalk to get to the pool. Maybe there’s another way…not sure.

Kidani has a wonderful splash area for kids (smaller kids)……Jesse and Faith were definitely wanting to stay and play…..Stephen not so much.

Even though I have several shots of the kid’s area, I failed to get actual pool pics because basically the pool was SUPER crowded…we were fully clothed…cameras in hand…we so looked like tourist! The crowd was beginning to notice us lurking around…..so I thought it might be a bit odd to start flashing pictures of unknown people. We obviously were not there to relax and enjoy a dip in the pool, so we left.


On our way back to the lobby area, we noticed the sky becoming very dark….so much for walking back to Jambo. I wish the weather would have been better because I think the walk would have been nice.

While we waited for the van to pick us up, another cast member entertained the children with various limerick type songs using the kids’ names.

Of course he allowed them to bang on the drum and act crazy while annoying the bystanders nearby….this guy smiled the entire time my kids were going insane. (another reason I love Disney…the patience of cast members!)

We had an excellent lunch!!! And really liked the quiet peaceful feel of Kidani....a little disappointed with the pool, but that wouldn't keep me from staying there.

Up next…the Cultural Safari at AKL





​

 

[jennyjinx3]

The CM's there look amazing and that they really enjoy spending time with the kids! It is nice when you can see the interaction is genuine, I love that about Disney.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Whew! All caught up. Absolutely loving all your photos. I completely agree, I find the CMs at AKL to be wonderful. Did you meet a CL CM named Elaine from Scotland by chance? She really made our first trip to AKL special.

I had a much needed smile reading that you lurked on my TR. Work has not been the best today. I just love the DIS, so many kindred spirits.

Hi there!! Hoping you feel better!

 

[Pinkocto]

Hi there!! Hoping you feel better!

Hi

thank you I'm much better now that work is over, had a very stressful day.

 

[Sweetpeamd]

Thanks for the update! Sanaa is just such a beautiful restaurant. I think that we sat in the banquette (sp?) that's in one of your photos and we had a wonderful view of the animals. Every seat in the dining room seems to provide a good view. I loved the lighting, it was incredibly detailed, so pretty. I think that we talked to more cast members at AKL than we ever had at any of the other resorts. They are so friendly and excited to share about their countries. Oh, I want to go back right this minute!!!

I can't begin to tell you how much better our vacations became when we started staying in villas. Wow! The extra room is fabulous and the washer/drier make it worth every penny. I do a little load each night before bed and voila, just a little laundry to do when we get home!!!
You must try a villa! OK, commercial over!

 

[WDWKOOK]

STILL loving all your great photos - especially that great bathroom

And, your cute shoes...they scream, "I am not going to a park today" Love 'em!

I felt kind of meh about Sanaa's deserts, too. You mentioned the really crowded pool. That doesn't sound promising. Did you happen to notice it most or all of the chairs were taken and if there is a shaded area?

You're going to have to put bells on your little Sneakasaurus

 

[emma212010]

Oooh, Sanaa looks very interestingly delicious! I'd love to try that sometime.

How funny about the strange bird encounter!! He wanted what you were eating!

Faith is precious with her Minnie!!

Oh, I've taken bathroom photos too! Only the nice ones, of course!

How cute that the CMs let your kids play on the drums! Don't you just love Disney magic??

 

[Yellowbellow]

A little birdy named Kook said there was a Hidden Mickey in the stall…..but unfortunately we don’t have a picture. We missed that one!
which one…

Sorry the ladies did not have their eyes open for the HM. It is not listed in t he HM book we have - Edition #4 Guess we will have to return and check it out. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[hstrickland]

Whew! All caught up. Absolutely loving all your photos. I completely agree, I find the CMs at AKL to be wonderful. Did you meet a CL CM named Elaine from Scotland by chance? She really made our first trip to AKL special.

I had a much needed smile reading that you lurked on my TR. Work has not been the best today. I just love the DIS, so many kindred spirits.

I don't remember that name, Elaine...doesn't ring a bell. I wish that I had written some of the names down in order to let Disney know how wonderful they were.

Yep....I was lurking on your TR (my husband, too!) many times. Every time I had a question, I would go back to your report and see if there was an answer or pictures I'm not on the Cruise threads that often...kinda feel like a fish out of water over there silly, I know.

Hope your day is better tomorrow!

The CM's there look amazing and that they really enjoy spending time with the kids! It is nice when you can see the interaction is genuine, I love that about Disney.

Seriously genuine....or either they put on one heck of a show!!!! I haven't figured it out yet

Thanks for the update! Sanaa is just such a beautiful restaurant. I think that we sat in the banquette (sp?) that's in one of your photos and we had a wonderful view of the animals. Every seat in the dining room seems to provide a good view. I loved the lighting, it was incredibly detailed, so pretty. I think that we talked to more cast members at AKL than we ever had at any of the other resorts. They are so friendly and excited to share about their countries. Oh, I want to go back right this minute!!!

I can't begin to tell you how much better our vacations became when we started staying in villas. Wow! The extra room is fabulous and the washer/drier make it worth every penny. I do a little load each night before bed and voila, just a little laundry to do when we get home!!!
You must try a villa! OK, commercial over!

Please stop!!!! No more about the villas I'm so wanting to try one....soon! And this is exactly what I'm afraid of....we'll love it and never want to return to a room. We got a taste of that last year when we were at FW cabins.....very nice to have 2 separate rooms and extra space. The first 2 villas I would like to try are BWV and BCV....but that could also change tomorrow

STILL loving all your great photos - especially that great bathroom

And, your cute shoes...they scream, "I am not going to a park today" Love 'em!

I felt kind of meh about Sanaa's deserts, too. You mentioned the really crowded pool. That doesn't sound promising. Did you happen to notice it most or all of the chairs were taken and if there is a shaded area?

You're going to have to put bells on your little Sneakasaurus

Love the picture! so glad there are other wackos out there like us...pictures in a restroom! And Sneakasaurus would be putting it mildly. My parents and sister can confirm this....true.

We didn't venture far enough around the pool to see the other side....people were staring at us and I felt like we were trespassing or something. The lounge chairs were pretty full from where we were standing....I don't remember looking for any shaded areas, so I can't say if there were or were not. It just looked much smaller than the Uzima pool. This is going to sound crazy, but I went online to view some other photos of the area, and the pool looked great! Of course there were no people in the pictures....but I started thinking,...good grief...did we go to the right pool...maybe there are 2. I know...crazy.

Oooh, Sanaa looks very interestingly delicious! I'd love to try that sometime.

How funny about the strange bird encounter!! He wanted what you were eating!

Faith is precious with her Minnie!!

Oh, I've taken bathroom photos too! Only the nice ones, of course!

How cute that the CMs let your kids play on the drums! Don't you just love Disney magic??

Disney Magic is something you can't explain unless you've been there and encountered it. I would love to know what kind of training the Disney employees go through...they never stop amazing us. Ok...now I'm ready to go back!!!