A solo DDP with a bottle of Antacid - Bula Grill....COMPLETED!!!!!!!

Snack time, waiting for the parade.....

Mickey's Ice Cream Sandwich

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Yum, yum, yum.....oh so delicious!
 
After a big day in the parks, I made my way over to AKL. When I got there I went to freshen up and change into some nicer clothes. I then wandered around outside and watched the zebras, giraffes and buffalo graze the savannahs at sunset. These African animals are so beautiful and graceful and I could watch them forever (I have been lucky enough to travel through Africa and see these animals in the wild).

When my reservation time came around, I made my way to Jiko and as I was dining solo I was promptly seated at the Meeting Place. This is where you can sit at the bar/kitchen and watch what’s going on. They make the appetisers and the flatbreads here.

I was welcomed with open arms (quiet literally) and the chefs were amazing. General chit chat, led to me mentioning that I was a huge foodie and loved food photography and cooking and all things food, so they went out of their way to make my experience the best it could offer. I was not disappointed. We chatted about living in Dubai and some of the top restaurants I had been to there, we chatted about their backgrounds and their careers and we discussed the menu!

The table setting
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Red Wine (name escapes me!)
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Bread basket

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But I already knew what I was having :)

Gilled Wild Boar Tenderloin with Mealie Pap, Chakalaka, White Truffle Oil and Micro Cilantro

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This dish, with its perfect presentation, was divine. The Wild Boar was medium rare, full of rich flavour and so tender. The Mealie Pap was creamy and hot and the Chakalaka was tomatoy and tasty laced with African spices….topped with White truffle oil…well you cant go wrong with truffle oil (particularly white truffle oil!) I was so close to picking the bowl up and licking it clean…:scared1:but remembered where I was!

Entree: Tibbs Watt in Pannekoeke (complementary sample)

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As a complementary sampler who could say no? This was a tasty morsel, like a spring roll, but not tasting like it….perfectly crisp

Main: Maize crusted halibut with Vegetables of the Moment and Tomato-Butter Sauce

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As I was suddenly concerned about eating more meat and having band related issues that go with slabs of meat, I decided to go for the fish.

Perfectly cooked and amazing flavour….the tomato butter sauce was rich but light at the same time.

Cheesecake & blueberries

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Disappointed :sad2: that Jiko no longer offered their famous Pistachio crème brulee, I opted to go for this dish. It was wonderfully presented and had a wonderful berry taste. The cheesecake was creamy. It was a good backup dish.

However, when the chefs presented me with a surprise, I put it aside so I could marvel in my surprise….:yay:

Pistachio crème brulee (complementary sample)

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I...AM...IN...HEAVEN!:love: I was feeling very special and loved tonight...the Chefs behind the Meeting Place were so attentive and thoughtful (even though I was reaching gut busting levels!)

My experience at Jiko was absolutely Disney perfect. It was definitely a night for Disney Magic (as if I hadn’t been given enough with my Deluxe Resort villa upgrade!)….I can’t recommend Jiko enough…and definitely a must do!!
 
It is great to hear a solo report at Tusker House. I am going in October and love AK. Boma and Tusker House are favourites.
 
I was taken care of alot as I was solo. The staff went out of their way to take photos and ensure I was having a good time too! I am going again in October too, just in the planning stages at the moment.
 

Today I decided to have a "light" day, meaning no over eating and overindulging....wait...what? Is there such a thing for a foodie at Disney :rotfl2: Well, not really but I did eat alot less today....today was also MNSSHP and I knew I would be having a huge sugar rush later on.....:lmao:

After a busy hot morning in Magic Kingdom all I felt like was comfort food. Soft and mushy. I found myself in Cosmic Ray's, knowing I didn't want to eat a burger I decided on this plate.

1/2 Rotisserie Chicken - with Mashed Potatoes and a seasonal vegetable

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Comfort food on a plate. The chicken was juicy and tender, the mashed potato and gravy was really good and the beans were cooked perfectly (exactly how I like them). However, this is a massive serving and I managed to eat about 1/3 of it.

I got dessert to go.

Triple Chocolate Cake

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I don't know why I really bothered because I really only took a bite of it later on and the rest sat in the fridge for the rest of the trip (along with the other take away desserts). It was good and chocolately and I loved the orange, white and black halloween sugar thingy's on top...just not a huge cake person...

For any lapbanders out there reading...this was a friendly meal....
 
I think it's safe to say these babies speak for themselves...their reputation precedes them for good reason!

Dole Whip Float

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Wonderfully pineappley!
 
As it was MNSSHP I made an early ADR at Crystal Palace. What better way to start off a special night with characters while dining! I was excited that I was going to meet up with Piglet and Eeyore (my favourite characters) from Winne the Pooh.

I was seated at a 2 top amongst families and again servers and guests both went out of their ways to ensure that I was able to have my photos taken with the characters and be included in the fun.

I wasn't overly excited about the food :scared1: ( think more to do with food coma and overeating than the actual food), but I managed to enjoy quiet a few things!

Plate 1

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Fire Roasted Prime Rib, chicken nuggets, mashed potato, Ancho Chile Rubbed Atlantic Salmon, Fire Roasted Corn Spoon bread, salad, bread roll


Plate 2

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Peel & Eat Shrimp, Edamame Salad, Herb Roasted Turkey, more mashed potato, salamon and chicken nuggets

I didn't even have anything for dessert. Actually come to think of it I might have had a chocolate chip cookie and a bit of icecream (sorry no photo). Updated, I found the photo and yes my memory was correct...ice cream and cookies (plus what looks like a key lime tart?)

Dessert

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The interaction of the characters was great and even though I was on my own and an adult they still came around and had the photo and a few playful moments.
 
Great report and good photos. Glad you were taken care of on your trip. I'm going in May for the Flower & Garden show (my 1st) for a solo trip and was curious how servers treated a solo guest. Now the worries have gone away :)
If you dont mind me asking--what line of work are you in that has u in Dubai? I would love to go there. Closest I ever got was living in Turkey from 94-96 ;)
 
Great report and good photos. Glad you were taken care of on your trip. I'm going in May for the Flower & Garden show (my 1st) for a solo trip and was curious how servers treated a solo guest. Now the worries have gone away :)
If you dont mind me asking--what line of work are you in that has u in Dubai? I would love to go there. Closest I ever got was living in Turkey from 94-96 ;)

As a solo diner you will have no problems....you will have fun (especially any character dining). I never felt uncomfortable (although I am used to dining solo).....

As for Dubai, I was a legal secretary with an international firm. I have recently moved back to Oz. Feel free to PM with any questions you may have.

Enjoy the F&G Festival!
 
I had shopped all day…I was hot, thirsty and my feet killed me…I was exhausted as the taxi rolled up to the Beach Club Resort & Villas....I didn’t think I get through the meal…I wanted my bed….:sad2:

but once I got inside and was greeted and seated and was cooling down with a glass of something cold (may have been diet coke?) I was starting to feel a little more revived,After a few moments of recollecting myself I even managed to get up and do a lap around the buffet…but I knew there was only one thing I wanted to taste first and that was the crab claws. But first I had to start with the soup.

Clam Chowder

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This was creamy and tasty. Us Aussies don't have clam chowder so when I get the chance to eat it...I do! Good starter.

Plate One

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Crab claws, calamari, prawns (shrimp!), mussell (hidden underneath), tomato and boccocini (mini mozzarella balls), salad

Plate Two

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Crab with drawn butter, chicken nugget, clams, corn cob, cornbread, basil mashed potato

Dessert plate

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Oreo Bon Bon, Key Lime Tart.

The Oreo Bon Bon was yummy and the key lime tart was citrusy. I was so over tired by this point I just wanted a nibble of each and to go.


I really liked this restaurant. The CM I had (I can’t remember her name) was always making sure I was okay. She “watched” my shopping bags when I went up to the buffet, although I never once thought that anything would happen to them tucked under the table.

Definitely going back here......
 
A full day of F&W Festival was on the agenda today....I had a lot of dishes to work my way through. I had my little F&W Passport and I was ready by 11am to start working my way around the globe (again!)

Charcuterie & Cheese: Applewood Smoked Beef, Duck and Ham

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Yeah, it was smoked meat, tasty, but just average.

Canada: Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup

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Hands down, the tastiest cheese soup I have had! LOL…actually come to think of it I think I have only had it once before and nowhere near as tasty….I could gobble more of this, but I need to save room for more F&W treats.

Canada: Vidal Icewine

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Sweet, cold and hit the spot….took me back to some wonderful memories at Niagra Falls when I was living in Toronto.

France: Crème Brulée au Chocolate au Lait

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For a person who doesn’t eat desserts often I have to say I was doing well this trip…This was so lovely I was licking the container

France: Escargots Persillade en Brioche

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Bread and chewy snails are not a lapbanders friend…NEVER! So I was taking a gamble on this dish….I managed the snails…the bread was a no go (with a trip to the loo to unblock…sorry to much information!). The taste was good, just to chewy!

France: Grand Mariner and Grey Goose Orange Slush

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Need I say more….heaven in a plastic martini glass

Australia: Grilled Lamb Chop with Roasted Potato Salad and Red Wine Reduction

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Australia: Seared Barramundi with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes,Arugula, and Lemon Oil

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Homesick was how I was feeling as I ordered my lamb chops….and the seared barra was so good….perfectly cooked through too! A coldie (a cold beer) would have gone down a treat with these dishes!

Japan: Tuna Sensation

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This dish was truly a sensation. Very tasty and very very fresh…

Japan: Wafu Ribettes

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The wafu ribettes were dry and not that appetizing, it looked better than it tasted.

Poland: Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
Poland: Chopin Strawberry Balsamic Chiller

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This was a lovely little dish. All the flavours together makes a party in my mouth! As for the drink...I have to be honest, I don't remember much about it...so it couldn't have left a huge impact on me...sorry....:confused3

but it was time to get out of the sun for awhile.....where would I go?
 
I needed to sit down out of the heat and rest my feet….this is a perfect spot to do just that….if you can get a seat…I happened to go at the perfect time. It was cool and dimly lit and inviting….

After a quick perusal of the lengthy drinks menu I decided to go for this little refreshing number

Cucumber margarita: El Mayor Premium silver Tequila, triple sec, caramelized pineapple juice, fresh basil, cucumber and agave nectar, served on the rocks with a cactus-lemongrass Himalayan salt rim


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So, so refreshing! Perfect to cool down, but can I say WOW POTENT!!! That little glass holds a punch:cheer2:

And to nibble on…..


Crab Tostadas

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Yummy crab (remember I love crab and don’t get to eat it very often) and crunchy tostadas….goes well with the margarita.

If you can get a seat, this is a wonderful little hidey hole in the Mexican pavilion that gives you a little space (although space may not be the exact word considering how small The Cave is)....retreat might be a better word...
 
Great reviews! Now I am hungry! Thanks for posting them! :thumbsup2
 
Great reviews! Now I am hungry! Thanks for posting them! :thumbsup2

I am making myself hungry doing them....while typing this old review I am also planning my next trip in October...another 2 weeks for F&W! I am certinaly Disneyfied this week!:banana:
 
DH and I love La Cava! That cucmber margarita looks so refreshing! And the crab tostadas! I doubt we will be able to squeeze it in with deluxe dining in our plans...another reason for a next trip!
 
DH and I love La Cava! That cucmber margarita looks so refreshing! And the crab tostadas! I doubt we will be able to squeeze it in with deluxe dining in our plans...another reason for a next trip!

I am glad I did it last trip as there is NO WAY I am going to be able to fit all the "extras" in with the Deluxe Dining and F&W that I am planning to do too....looking forward to hearing about your next trip.
 
Wonderful pictures and reviews - envious of both your trip and your world travelling too. :)

Glad you are enjoying the reviews!:thumbsup2

Food photography is something that I am trying to get better at!
 
I arrived by boat at the Polynesian just as the sun was setting. It was busy as there were alot of people heading over to the Spirit of Aloha Show...but me I was heading to Ohana's.

After a quick change and freshen up in the bathroom, I checked in but had to wait, so I head to the bar and ordered a Lapu Lapu.

I had a little giggle to myself as I lugged this huge fresh pineapple with me through the restaurant when I was called, but it was good so I just went with the flow!

Lapu Lapu

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'Ohana Welcome Bread andMixed greens with a honey-lime dressing

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This salad was lovely and crisp and the honey-lime dressing was tasty. Good refreshing start to the meal. I didn't eat very much of it as I didn't want to use up space in the belly. I took one small bite of the bread to taste the pineapple coconutty goodness, but I wasn't overly fussed with it.


Honey Coriander Chicken Wings

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Finger lickin' good...Poly style!

Pork Potstickers

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Us Aussies call these dumplings or gyoza and they were good!

Plate One

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Oak Grilled Chicken, Asian Barbecued Pork Loin, Marinated Sirloin Steak, Spicy Grilled Peel - n - Eat Shrimp

Stir fried vegetables

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Egg Noodles tossed in a peanut sauce with pineapple

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The vegies and noodles were tasty, but I just couldn't eat very much.

Dipping Sauces, House Made Peanut Sauce, Chimichurri Sauce
Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce


I can't seem to find a photo of these, but they were delicious with the different meats and prawns.

Dessert Ohana bread pudding served a la mode with Bananas and Caramel Sauce

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Yummy, but again only a couple of bites.....

I had a fun night, watching the kids do limbo and the dancing and singing and the food was delicious. I loved the feeling that I was in a bar on a Polynesian Island....
 
I had a non park day today and a break from eating. I lazed by the main pool during the morning and after lunch under a tree at the pool next to my villa....it was a good day to just chill out with a good book.

Now, for some reason I have a feeling I did breakfast at Olivias one morning during my stay, but do you think I can find the photos or a report? I am sure I ate there...my memory is bad!

But this particular day I had a late breakfast from Goods to Go...

It really was not worth it, but for prosperity sake (and the lack of other Olivia's breakfast posts)..here it is

Ham & Cheese Croissant

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It was okay as far as ham and cheese croissants go....and it filled a hole....
 







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