9 meals, 6 snacks and 1 vegetarian, 4 days of platinum dining

[hpfan100]

That is great advice! Thank you! Maybe we will tack that onto the first leg of our next split-stay!

I think you will love it. Just be prepared to plan well and verify all your ressies ahead of time to avoid mishaps. If you do manage to add it on come back share the details with all of us.

Enjoying your reviews. It's rare we get a review with the Platinum Plan, sounds like a dream to me Your nails do look lovely in that last pic.

It was like a dream...my nails still looked good on that day but by the next day not so much. I actually just took off the last of the nail polish today. Toes are still looking good though.

This is so much fun to read. I've only done a dream platinum trip in my head so thanks a million for sharing yours with us. And you can't give too many details for me. ha ha

ahhh you're welcome...It's fun for me to share. I'll be sure to add some more details as I go on...The action packed goodies will be coming up soon.

Love those wontons!!! This is going to be GREAT!!! Can't wait!

Those wontons were fierce. Might have been the best dessert of the whole trip. But don't worry there are plenty more where they came from.

 

[hpfan100]

So after some resting in the room I decided to head out for the evening. Since I left AK right after lunch I headed there first to ride EE as I knew I would be mad if I skipped it. Well timing was bad and I got stuck waiting in the rain for over an hour. Finally got on and got stuck in seat one. UGGGG worst seat ever...not even fun. So i tried again and got seat 3...not much better. Tried one more time and got seat one again. Seriously???? what are the odds. Disgusted I left AK and headed to Epcot to enjoy feasting at Norway and Mexico.

I rode Spaceship Earth and headed to Norway to buy some snacks. Originally I had planned to buy the almond pretzel and if time head to France for something else. Well I made it to Kringla and bought a pear almond tart and the famous school bread using snack credits. I had them boxed and bagged to take back to the room for breakfast the next day.

I can't seem to find pictures of these beauties right now but man oh man...I could eat these all day long. That school bread was nice. Not too sweet and not too custardy which I like. I coconut too so that may have the thing that put me over the edge. The tart was spectacular. It was moist and flavorful. The pear was fresh and slightly firm still. The almonds were crunchy and plentiful around the edges. OMG...I'm drooling just writing about it.

Well on to dinner...I killed some time wandering inside the Mexico pyramid. Kinda lame but maybe that's because I can drive to the real Mexico and buy that clay cat for 1 instead of 9.95??!! I headed to La Hacienda de San Angel for my dinner ressie. I was again a few minutes early and seated right away in the worst seat ever!!! Visualize a dining room split into several sections. I'm in section numero uno where everyone walks to the other sections. Now picture the seating in section one as a large V with the vertex being on the path that everyone walks by. I'm sitting at the table that makes the vertex. UGGGG...nightmare.

on to the food...keep in mind I am a Mexican food junkie..I know real Mexican food when I see it and you can't get it at Taco Bell people. So I was anxious to see what the Mouse could offer.

Up first appetizer...Queso baby...yeah nothing better than some melted cheese with chips to dip into it. They made it without the chorizo for me but you could certainly getting with if you prefer. It was real queso too not that stuff from a can or jar or tube. It was excellent but too much for one to have. The chips came with two salsas both of which were nothing spectacular. I preferred the tomatillo (green) but mostly because the other was terrible. It tasted like ketchup with too many peppers in it.


To be continued...I gotta find some pictures and finish typing.

 

[vettegirl]

Can't wait to hear the rest. My DH and I ate at the CS version of this place on a whim back in November and we enjoyed it. Coming from San Antonio, Texas we are very critical of our Mexican Food.

 

[emmysmommy]

Yay for school bread and tarts.
Boo for lousy seating at La Hacienda.
Yay for real good queso
Boo for front row on EE.... I actually like that seat.

Your safari excursion sounds like it was amazing (sorry catching up!)

Looking forward to the rest of your adventure and part II to La Hacienda.

 

[BlovesC]

Finally got on and got stuck in seat one. UGGGG worst seat ever...not even fun. So i tried again and got seat 3...not much better. Tried one more time and got seat one again. Seriously???? what are the odds. Disgusted I left AK and headed to Epcot to enjoy feasting at Norway and Mexico.

We enjoy the first seat, because we like leaning over and holding onto the bar, which somehow makes the entire ride seem faster to us. But you can ALWAYS request a certain seat on this ride. If you want to sit in the back, which is...17 I think? You can ask for the last row. When we're in AK we ride EE at least five or six times in a row, and we generally request either the first seat or the very last. There's a small queue for row 1, but never any for row 17. They'll put you right there. If a certain seat was important enough to me to upset me if I didn't get it, I'd definitely speak up and ask!

 

[hpfan100]

Can't wait to hear the rest. My DH and I ate at the CS version of this place on a whim back in November and we enjoyed it. Coming from San Antonio, Texas we are very critical of our Mexican Food.

ha ha ha...I know what you mean about being critical. I'm spoiled here in AZ with quality Mexican food. One of IPO at AKL said that all three Mexican restaurants are run by the same company so I'm thinking some of the food is probably the same (rice and beans??).

Yay for school bread and tarts.
Boo for lousy seating at La Hacienda.
Yay for real good queso
Boo for front row on EE.... I actually like that seat.

Your safari excursion sounds like it was amazing (sorry catching up!)

Looking forward to the rest of your adventure and part II to La Hacienda.

sweet two yays Well I'd never ridden in the front so the first time I didn't realize it would be stinky. I thought with the backward part it wouldn't matter but I guess it does. Safari Tour was pretty great. totally worth the price and a nice way to spend a few hours.

We enjoy the first seat, because we like leaning over and holding onto the bar, which somehow makes the entire ride seem faster to us. But you can ALWAYS request a certain seat on this ride. If you want to sit in the back, which is...17 I think? You can ask for the last row. When we're in AK we ride EE at least five or six times in a row, and we generally request either the first seat or the very last. There's a small queue for row 1, but never any for row 17. They'll put you right there. If a certain seat was important enough to me to upset me if I didn't get it, I'd definitely speak up and ask!

Well I wish I had known the tip to lean over might have made it more exciting. I actually did ask for the back seat but the ride attendant said since I was solo I could not pick my seat...lame. So that's why I tried a few times. I was really probably disgusted because I had waited so long for rain to stop and then the line to move that's it's really frustrating when you get a stinky seat. OH well there's always next time.

 

[hpfan100]

So after munching on queso and chips.

These tortillas came with the queso dip.
It was time to order the entree. They have a small vegetarian menu but were willing to make me something modified as needed. I was quite happy with the choices on the menu. I selected the veggie tacos to be served with rice, beans and roast corn. Holy Moly these babies were good. I got three small tacos on lovely tortillas with plenty of beans, corn and other veg. I was able to eat two. I was quite sad to box up the other as they were very tasty. My meal also came with a bowl of black beans and a bowl of rice. Portion was ridiculous for one person. Might have been too much for two people. The beans were tasty. I'm not a fan of Mexican/Spanish rice so when it didn't make me drool I wasn't concerned.

Here's a picture of my spread. In that bag in the background is my precious school bread and pear tart.

For dessert I got the apple empanada. I was really excited about this as apples and empanadas are one of my favorite things. It wasn't anything great...not even really good. Those frozen pepperidge farm turnovers taste better. The ice cream with it had frost bite but the carmel sauce was decent. This would not be a repeat for me.

Overall the food was good here. I enjoyed my tacos, beans and queso. The salsa was so-so and the dessert not so much.

After dinner I went to the land area and rode my favorite thing at Epcot...Land boats. Fun times. The wait at Soarin was 45 minutes still so I decided to head out rather than wait. I'll be in DL in September and can ride it then.

Up next...Day 3...no parks, 3 table service meals, two tours, La Nouba and a wishes cruise WOW!!!

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

Can't wait to hear about the Wishes Cruise!

 

[deenbrad]

Those tacos look yummy! Looking forward to hearing about the rest!

 

[iloveeeyore]

We had a great meal at La Hacienda last summer, but the desserts were so anticlimactic! I had the same apple one you had and I was NOT impressed. I hate ending a good meal on a disappointing note!

 

[Jacksonev1]

I am in....

 

[hpfan100]

Can't wait to hear about the Wishes Cruise!

I can't wait to share about it. Day 3 really has some great trip highlights for me. Probably the best vacation day ever!

Those tacos look yummy! Looking forward to hearing about the rest!

They were...the corn was fresh and crisp. The cheese was that real white fresh queso. Totally divine. I'm sure the meaty tacos would be lovely too.

We had a great meal at La Hacienda last summer, but the desserts were so anticlimactic! I had the same apple one you had and I was NOT impressed. I hate ending a good meal on a disappointing note!

totally agree. The party of 12 next to me weren't very impressed with their desserts either.

I am in....

welcome

 

[hpfan100]

Well Day 3 is jam packed readers so prepare to be here awhile for this one. I had Boma breakfast, Dolphins in Depth tour, Aqua Seas tour, Portobello lunch, La Nouba, Citrico's dinner and a wishes cruise this day. WOWZERS!!!



So up first...Boma breakfast. I figured a buffet would be a good choice for this day since I had those long tours with no breaks for lunch up today. I'm not a big fan of buffets usually but I wanted to try all the restaurants at AKL since I heard they are good for us veggie eaters. I was a few minutes late to my ressie but I was seated right away. This time I asked to not be seated in the main pathway. No problem at Boma...I got a seat towards the back next to a window with a view of the path to the Mara and pool area. I had Frunch the house juice and water with my breakfast.

plate 1:

waffle, pancake, potatoes, eggs with goat cheese and chives, bread pudding

loved the bread pudding, pancake and waffle were ok, didn't like the eggs and the potatoes were cold

bowl of fruit

yummy ate it all

frunch and water

plate 2
no picture for some reason but I got more bread pudding, plain eggs, yogurt, more fruit, quinoa, asparagus

bread pudding and fruit still good, eggs and yogurt (it was plain so it was a little bitter) were ok, asparagus was overcooked and the quinoa was drenched in water...gross

oh yes I had a tiny bowl of steel cut oats with berries on it...YUMMY

overall Boma was acceptable. If I went back I would load up on fruit, oats, and bread pudding and maybe a pancake. It has a nice atmosphere and good service but it's a bit pricy for what you get.

up next...Dolphins and Aqua Seas tours

 

[emmysmommy]

Boma breakfast is always a great way to start your day!!!

I just noticed in your signature that you did leap day at D-land. Did you do the entire 24 hrs? We went in the afternoon/evening and it was CRAZY busy! I think almost every AP holder went to participate - at least it seemed that way from parking and the entrance plaza!

Anyway... back to your TR/dining review... can't wait to hear about the rest of your day - it sounds exciting.

 

[deenbrad]

I couldn't wait to try those eggs at Boma because everyone raved about them! One bite and ...Figured out after that I just don't like goat cheese! DUH!!

 

[hpfan100]

Boma breakfast is always a great way to start your day!!!

I just noticed in your signature that you did leap day at D-land. Did you do the entire 24 hrs? We went in the afternoon/evening and it was CRAZY busy! I think almost every AP holder went to participate - at least it seemed that way from parking and the entrance plaza!

Anyway... back to your TR/dining review... can't wait to hear about the rest of your day - it sounds exciting.

yes I think the buffet was nice. Not the best meal ever but it was filling and a good choice for a long day ahead.

I actually did make it the 24 hours. It was insane!!!! around 5 pm all of California decided to show up. It was so busy I couldn't really ride anything in the evening. It was a night to remember though. I'm glad I did it.

I couldn't wait to try those eggs at Boma because everyone raved about them! One bite and ...Figured out after that I just don't like goat cheese! DUH!!

I was looking forward to them too but ugg they were not good. I like goat cheese too so I'm not sure why they didn't taste better. Oh well live and learn.

 

[hpfan100]

So I'm not sure how much people wanna hear about tours so I'll try to keep it brief.


After breakfast I drove to Epcot. I got there way too early. I had to linger around nearly an hour for my tour to begin....BORING!!!

Anywho...Dolphins in Depth was my first tour of the day. I got checked in with the other tour goers and we headed back into the hidden places of EPCOT. We had about 1.5 worth of time looking at tanks, talking about Dolphin anatomy and training. Interesting but might be boring for some. we got to watch a training routine performed in the seas and front row reserved seating. I had no idea they did these things at EPCOT...don't know how I missed it. Then we went to the lockers and got suited up for Dolphin time. We spent about 30 minutes in the tanks with the trainers and Dolphins. You get to pose for a picture and pet them. They do some tricks and the trainer talks with you. Pretty cool but there is no swimming with them. I liked it very much minus the falling in the tank part .

After a quick clean up it was time for Aqua Seas. The tour had about an hour of information stuff and then it was off to the lockers. We suited up and then were paraded through the seas public area with our guide clapping and chanting the whole way. We put on our fins and tanks and then spent about 30 minutes in the water swimming. Possibly the greatest experience ever. I had a turtle swim about a foot below me and several fish get really close. SWEET!!

The guides were informative and helpful. I felt both tours were well worth the money and time. You get a drawstring bag at both tours which is nice to put your wet clothes in afterwards. You also get a picture and conservation button.

I would pay to do the aqua seas again. The dolphin one probably not since it has so little interaction time but I think it is a great tour for families to try.


Up next...late lunch at Portobello.

 

[disnut1149]

Hi
I've always wanted to do the Aqua Seas Tour. I'm planning on finally doing it next year with my DD and DGD, who will be 10. We've been waiting until she turns old enough to do it. It sounds great!! I love your reviews. I never ate at La Hacienda, but at San Angel Inn I had the cheese enchiladas without the chicken and they were delicious!! Your tacos looked great. I'm going to have to try them!! I almost forgot to ask you, do you think you can wear contact lenses with the mask on? I can't see without them. Thanks!

 

[hpfan100]

Hi
I've always wanted to do the Aqua Seas Tour. I'm planning on finally doing it next year with my DD and DGD, who will be 10. We've been waiting until she turns old enough to do it. It sounds great!! I love your reviews. I never ate at La Hacienda, but at San Angel Inn I had the cheese enchiladas without the chicken and they were delicious!! Your tacos looked great. I'm going to have to try them!! I almost forgot to ask you, do you think you can wear contact lenses with the mask on? I can't see without them. Thanks!

You will love it. There were some children on my tour and they did just fine. Contacts are no issue with the mask but prescription glasses will be. I wore my contacts and had no concerns. mmmmm Cheese enchiladas sound yummy. It's a fairly short tour so it won't take up all of your time. It does not require a theme park ticket either so it's a good thing to do on a non park day.

 

[debjk4]

OMG..that queso looks awesome!

Can't wait for more..keep it coming!