Disney Nomads ... 3 Resorts in 8 Nights! ALL NEW 9/2!

[laura74]

I like seeing pics of your family. I imagine how happy my family would be to be at the restaurant and not in the kitchen, again. See, I can live through your family pics.

Aw! A fan of restaurant table photos!

thanks for the shout out! tea drinkers unite!!!

No! No tea drinkers uniting! Can you imagine a whole table of them?

so ture. you have to have a thick skin to work anywhere near a kitchen. owners are particularly bad. I hate being yelled at, and I hate the "f" word. so, why am I a server?

You’re a braver woman than I. I still have waitressing nightmares that have me waking up in a cold sweat. Usually my station fills up all at once and no matter how hard I try I can’t get to a table. Or sometimes the coffee cups run out at breakfast (actually happened with some frequency at Denny’s). Or a bus of teenage athletes pulls up at quitting time and they all want milkshakes and lots of side orders. <Shudder>

try it, you will like beach club. it is such a short walk over to boardwalk, anyway!

I’m sure I will. I know it’s more points though.

try boy! did you just bring me back in time.. of course, I had to listen to other songs by the 1910 Fruitgum company (indian Giver, and 1,2,3 red light. bubble gum music at it's best, from my past!!!

I have no idea about any of these songs and the only fruit gum I can think of is Juicyfruit.

great chapter, Laura!!!!

Thanks Smidgy!

You are?? Wow! Congratulations!

Did you get a crown or a tiara?

Either way, awesome.

Both!

Hey! It's the Gouda! I remember the gouda.

Good times.



But he packed it again, right?

I think that was the end of the line for dear old Gouda.

You'll throw out perfectly good old pizza but keep the 'weird snacks'.

Check.

I had just bought the weird snacks. On purpose.

That's cool. I remember a few years ago I visited my DSis. We went to a restaurant with an open kitchen. There were tables and also you could sit 'bar-style' up close and watch the action. We sat there and it was a lot of fun. I couldn't understand the other patrons who were seated at various tables and never even glanced at the kitchen.

I know. It’s free entertainment. I would like to sit by the one at California Grill sometime.

'dem's fightin' words!

Just having some fun ladies. Don’t hurt me.

No, please post pictures. Lots of pictures.

I wouldn’t have looked at all strange taking photos of the server.

Nice hair and nice top.

LOL! Thanks Ponzi.

In the back?? Where's the fun in that?

I know! We want to see chefs acting like chefs.

That is
ouch. I'm sorry for you... I really, really am.

At least we got some shopping in. Oh yeah. You don’t like that.

Shouldn't everyone have at least one fez hat? It could be this years black.

Oh, wait... orange is, isn't it?

'kay... next year.

Orange is probably over by now.

That's very interesting. As a Canadian, I never gave it a second thought... but you're right. There's much, much more to American cuisine then burgers and dogs. Yes they are quintessential Americana... but... you get that everywhere.

Then again, I've never been in the Canada pavilion so maybe it's just as bad.

You never went to your own pavilion? Weren’t you curious to see what they got right?

"Turn around honey. Let the nice man sign your duffy."

Exactly. LOL

One more place I haven't been. I have got to spend more time in world showcase!

It’s a fun store. Not as nice as the one in Japan though. That one’s the best.

Hey!

You didn’t even go there! Besides, we were there the night before.

No. <sigh> Haven't done that either...

You’re not missing much.

That's nice. I like that. A legacy she can some day take her kids and grandkids to see.

Yes, I’m glad we did that.

Silver? I've always thought of it as white. I googled it and a lot of images look silver and some look white.

I guess you will have to go back to see for yourself.

Another fun update Laura!

Thanks Ponzi! Great comments as usual!

Hey, I worked with Chef Dee 2004-2005 at Pop. I didnt know she got to be a semi-celebrity She has a long Greek name too.

Another great update, Laura

Thanks Marita. That’s interesting that you worked with Chef Dee. So I guess Kat Cora met her at Disney and made her her sous chef?

Because of you, we sat through Captain EO for the first time.

Yep!

Uh oh. Something tells me I’ll be hearing about this in your report.

 

[nebo]

Fun chapter Laura, we still haven't tried Koussina's or whatever it's called, yet.
ANd I'm still waiting for a picture of the very pretty "Brittney"? Although, your's and the Monkster's came out really nice.

I also agree about the American Pavillion, for one thing, I'm not crazy about how they made Mark Twain sound like an illiterate crabby old man, but geesh, the food?

Can't we come uup with something I little more creative and definately American thann burgers and nuggets?
Like French fries, or deep dish Italian pizza, or genuine Cantonese egg foo young? I'd settle for some Belgium waffles and Canadian bacon!

 

[Thumper_Man]

I pretty much listen to whatever someone else has on. If Monkston is in the car, it's Radio Disney and if Squid is, he monopolizes the radio and depending on his mood it's garage bands, Sinatra, 80s or 60s. I like pretty much anything.

See, I didn't need to post a song and we still got another chapter.

You said garage bands and immediately I thought of hair bands. That's what happens when I don't put on my glasses to read. Then when I saw the 80's, I thought I'll do an 80's hair band song. I guess we'll really find out how old everyone is with this song.

Just as I told Ponzi and Nebo the first time I did one for them; if you don't like it let me know, I can remove it. I hope you enjoy it though. "May the odds be ever in my favor."

Here We Go Again by T_Man
(Parody of the song "Here I Go Again" originally performed Whitesnake)

Disney World is where I’m going
With Mr. Squid and my dear Monkston
Hanging on the memories
And the songs that Disney plays.
Magic Kingdom still on my mind
Everyone is wasting precious time
Here we go again
Here we go again

Tho’ I keep searching for some pool time
and good coffee is what I’m looking for
Oh Lord, I pray
You give me strength to carry on,
‘Cos I just want to scream
I’m finally back to this place that’s in my dreams.

And here we go again on our own
Going to each and every park that Disney owns.
Like a Dis’er I’ll report when I get home
And I think you will find
The Hunger Games is on my mind

Hope you enjoy the pics I show you
Of the fun I had with my family
‘Cos my dear Monkston
Is growing so fast these days
She’s getting close to her teens,
She’s my baby girl, the princess in my dreams.

And here we go again on our own
Going to each and every park that Disney owns.
Like a Dis’er I’ll report when I get home
And I think you will find
The Hunger Games is on my mind

But, here we go again,
Here we go again,
Here we go again,
Here we go

Oh Mr. Squid can’t you see
You’re my prince, the prince of my dreams

And here we go again on our own
Going to each and every park that Disney owns.
Like a Dis’er I’ll report when I get home
And I think you will find
The Hunger Games is on my mind

And here we go again on our own
Going to each and every park that Disney owns
Like a Dis’er I’ll report when I get home
Monkston getting close to her teens
Mr. Squid, the prince of my dreams.

And here we go again on our own
Staying at each resort that Disney owns.
Like a Dis’er I’ll report when I get home

 

[Thumper_Man]

Captain EO again! Time to torment Mr. Squid with bad 80s music and hair! I am sure this will lead to his anger over the disintegration of good music in the mid-80s.

Uh oh. Maybe I should've read the last chapter BEFORE posting the song. This part has me a little worried I may have done the wrong song.

 

[mmeb144]

Uh oh. Maybe I should've read the last chapter BEFORE posting the song. This part has me a little worried I may have done the wrong song.

OMG, I wouldn't worry, that song was brilliant, like they all have been.

I checked out the date for the song, 1987. I guess it is after the great music disintegration of the '80s. The song was ripe for a retread on the lyrics.

 

[shan23877]

Today is Mr. Squid’s birthday. Happy birthday Mr. Squid!

Monkston and I have been up for a while and are letting the birthday boy sleep while we huddle in the vanity area. Because I’m mother of the year, I’ve given her the last of the stale cinnamon rolls. I’m going to tough it out with just coffee because we have reservations at Kouzzina.

I though I was "Mother of the Year" for all of my ride bribery. Do stale cinnamon roles trump that?

“Where are we going today, Mommy?”

“Let’s let Daddy decide.”

A birthday concession? The rest of the time he does what the girls say? That's how it works in our house.


“What should I do with this? Should we bring it?” I hear Mr. Squid say. I look over and he’s holding up the gouda he’s been saving since way back at Bay Lake Tower.

“I can’t believe you’re still carrying that! No, I don’t think we need the gouda.”

Did he get to take the Gouda? It is his birthday...



He’s holding up the leftover caramel corn, which is really more full than leftover. I’m torn. It’s really not very good, but I think I paid $36 for it and I don’t want it to go to waste.

“Ok. Bring it. Maybe Monkston will be hungry later.”

See? Mother of the year.

Snack that no one else likes get sent to Uncle Cory in our house. Sister of the Year.

We’re all done packing and it only took about 15 minutes. Anyone on the fence about a split stay should know that it’s really not difficult.

It just seems like a hassle! And since we relax by touring DTD, only one park, and a dinner show there really isn't a lot of time in our day for schleping over to another resort.


The hostess comes back and we’re seated at a table right next to the open kitchen. I’m so excited to watch the chefs in action.


Our server, let’s call her Britney, arrives and Mr. Squid has questions about the coffee frappe and how closely it resembles a frappucino. After some discussion, he decides to try it and I order a pressed pot of coffee. She then tells us that the rather serious, no-nonsense woman in the kitchen is Dee, who is Kat Cora’s sous chef on Iron Chef. Wow! A celebrity! Sort of.

Cool! I love ICA! I've seen her on there tons of times! My favorite Sous Chef is Ann Burrell though.


It’s a good thing that this place isn’t crowded because we’re acting like tea drinkers. (I’m looking at you, Smidgy and Shannon.)

I really have only ordered tea a few times, and all of them at Disney.



While we’re waiting we take some pictures because that’s the kind of trip reporter I am. I only take photos when I’m bored and waiting for food. So here is another set photos featuring the laura74 family sitting at a restaurant table.

I know. Pathetic. You have to admit the one with Mr. Squid is pretty funny though. Next trip I promise to take pictures of thing people are actually interested in.

I'm interested! Great photos Laura!

We pass the time watching the chefs in action. This looks nothing like any of the restaurant kitchens I remember from my waitressing days. These chefs barely talk. They aren’t throwing pans in the sink. They aren’t cursing at the servers. They are so calm and organized. I fear they may be animatronic.


“Squid, this is so weird. Every chef I’ve ever worked with has been a megalomaniac jerk. These guys seem too nice to be chefs. I haven’t seen anyone getting yelled at yet. I’ve never worked in a restaurant where the chef didn’t yell at the servers.”

Every. Last. One.

“This is Disney.”

“I don’t know. They’re like Stepford chefs.”

Britney arrives with our food and I ask her, “The chefs seem so nice here. When I was a server, the chefs yelled at us all the time. Are they always like this?”

“Oh no! There’s another kitchen in the back. That’s the yelling kitchen.”

Ah. Mystery solved.

Thank God. That would have been really creepy if there wasn't a Yelling Kitchen.



We ask the cast member stationed outside to keep out the undesirables if we can go in for a few minutes to look around. I guess we look trustworthy because she lets us in.

You were having a good hair day, maybe that was it?

The pool is huge with a lazy river winding around under bridges. It looks like so much fun…and a lot of points. I like the atmosphere at Boardwalk better but this pool is pretty darn tempting.

We've got to stay there some day.



Monkston has brought the Duffy she started last night. We have not escaped the Kidcot stations after all. She has decided that she wants to visit all of them.

Ugghhh.


We always spend a lot of time in the Misukoshi store. My favorite time there was when Monkston was in first grade and we bought her a kimono before our dinner at Tappan Edo.

Look how cute!

Adorable!


Next is the saddest of the pavilions, America. Why oh why does Disney not show us off better for the international guests? Just take a look at the menu in Liberty Tavern. Cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, hot dogs! There is so much great regional American cuisine to choose from. Jambalaya? New England Chowder? Shrimp and grits? Southern fried chicken? Chili? There are plenty of fast food items that would better represent our country. And the gift shop just has a bunch of red, white and blue junk.

Terrible representation. Almost embarrassing.



We make a quick stop in Italy and then move on to Germany. The cast member at the Kidcot stop is the least friendly we’ve encountered. He looks very put out that we’ve bothered him and sighs when we ask if he would write something in German on Monkston’s Duffy. (That sounds so wrong, doesn’t it? Monkston’s duffy.)





Since she’s spending her own money, this could be a lengthy process. She sees some kids in the corner playing with the spinning plates, or should I say spinning Frisbees. A cast member comes over and shows us how to do it but of course it is not as easy as he makes it look. Monkston says she wants to buy one. Mr. Squid looks at the price tag and sees they want $20 for a Frisbee and a stick.

It's much harder to spend your money than it is to spend mom's.



We decide to go all the way to the front of the park to visit Monkston’s legacy photo. We do this every year, and every year we forget where it is. Do we take a photo of the location? No, we do not. We do have a photo of Monkston pointing to her 4-year-old self though.

Cute! Love the ears!




Squid is afraid of Soarin’, Monkston won’t go on Test Track, so that leaves…

Captain EO again! Time to torment Mr. Squid with bad 80s music and hair! I am sure this will lead to his anger over the disintegration of good music in the mid-80s.

This should be fun!

Can't wait to hear about it!

Great update Laura!

 

[laura74]

T Man! I just saw the song! I love it and I'm so honored that you took the time and talent to do it. We all read it with big smiles. Thank you so much! I was busy this week and didn't get a chance to visit the DIS. I'll be away this weekend too, so I won't get to anything until next week

Anyway, T-man, you really captured the report and i'm beyond flattered and pleased. Love it!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[laura74]

Uh oh. Maybe I should've read the last chapter BEFORE posting the song. This part has me a little worried I may have done the wrong song.

Song was great!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[laura74]

Can't wait to hear about it!

Great update Laura!

Hi Shannon,

Writing from the iPad so I don't know how to copy and paste quotes well, but you might want to consider split stay. All you do is call bell services for your bags and then go about your day. At the end of the day you go to the new resort. They will send up the bags in minutes. It's really easy. You don't lose vacation time.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Thumper_Man]

T Man! I just saw the song! I love it and I'm so honored that you took the time and talent to do it. We all read it with big smiles. Thank you so much! I was busy this week and didn't get a chance to visit the DIS. I'll be away this weekend too, so I won't get to anything until next week

Anyway, T-man, you really captured the report and i'm beyond flattered and pleased. Love it!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Read it? READ IT?! I spent hours on that song all you did was read it. No doing cartwheels and somersaults? No turning on the original song, blasting the music and replacing the original lyrics with my lyrics? No dancing around the house playing air guitar and jumping around like an 80's rock band? Even Ponzi went to youtube and turned on the song to sing along. Ponzi! And all you did was read it?



J/K. Glad you enjoyed it.

Anyways, I won't be around next week either. DL is upon us. Time to get to our TR. Talk to you next week.

 

[laura74]

Read it? READ IT?! I spent hours on that song all you did was read it. No doing cartwheels and somersaults? No turning on the original song, blasting the music and replacing the original lyrics with my lyrics? No dancing around the house playing air guitar and jumping around like an 80's rock band? Even Ponzi went to youtube and turned on the song to sing along. Ponzi! And all you did was read it?



J/K. Glad you enjoyed it.

Anyways, I won't be around next week either. DL is upon us. Time to get to our TR. Talk to you next week.

I read it with glee!

 

[bankr63]

I read it with glee!

Oh, well, I guess if you had the cast of Glee there to read it with you, that's probably okay with T-Man. Did Rachael and Fin sing the lyrics once you had the read through?

Finally getting caught up. Was off camping in the Canadian Wilderness with no cell phone or internet access. Not really as rustic as it sounds; we were only 15 minutes from the Ivy Lea bridge to New York - spent a day shopping in Watertown for all our favorite American foods (Cinnamon Chex, Gluten-Free Schnieders Pretzels, about 10 more varieties of Mio than we get in Canada), at the end of the shopping carnage 5 of us claimed $700 coming back across the border. Boy, I'll be glad when Target finally starts opening those Canadian stores!

I finished off the whole Hunger Games trilogy while sitting around the campsite or at the beach. Does anyone else feel like Collins kind of fizzled at the end though? Great build up, then, meh...

 

[nebo]

Oh, well, I guess if you had the cast of Glee there to read it with you, that's probably okay with T-Man. Did Rachael and Fin sing the lyrics once you had the read through?


I finished off the whole Hunger Games trilogy while sitting around the campsite or at the beach. Does anyone else feel like Collins kind of fizzled at the end though? Great build up, then, meh...

That was a major fizzle out at the end, as a matter of fact, I didn't much care for the entire last book, you felt that way too didn't you Laura? Or are you still reading?

 

[monymony3471]

Please don't tell me that you are busy with work. There is TR writing to be done!

 

[smidgy]

That was a major fizzle out at the end, as a matter of fact, I didn't much care for the entire last book, you felt that way too didn't you Laura? Or are you still reading?

is this where you say "the butler did it?" sheesh

 

[laura74]

Oh, well, I guess if you had the cast of Glee there to read it with you, that's probably okay with T-Man. Did Rachael and Fin sing the lyrics once you had the read through?

Finally getting caught up. Was off camping in the Canadian Wilderness with no cell phone or internet access. Not really as rustic as it sounds; we were only 15 minutes from the Ivy Lea bridge to New York - spent a day shopping in Watertown for all our favorite American foods (Cinnamon Chex, Gluten-Free Schnieders Pretzels, about 10 more varieties of Mio than we get in Canada), at the end of the shopping carnage 5 of us claimed $700 coming back across the border. Boy, I'll be glad when Target finally starts opening those Canadian stores!

I finished off the whole Hunger Games trilogy while sitting around the campsite or at the beach. Does anyone else feel like Collins kind of fizzled at the end though? Great build up, then, meh...

Yes, I absolutely agree that the last book didn't live up to the first. But I can identify with the fizzling at the end as I feel this trip reporter is doing. Update, such as it is, coming up though!

That was a major fizzle out at the end, as a matter of fact, I didn't much care for the entire last book, you felt that way too didn't you Laura? Or are you still reading?

I finished it on the plane ride home from Florida. Yes, absolutely agree that it was a bust.

Please don't tell me that you are busy with work. There is TR writing to be done!

Hey Monica. Busy with a bunch of stuff but I just finished an update. I'm woefully behind on everyone's reports, so I'll have a lot of reading to do this week.

is this where you say "the butler did it?" sheesh

Did what?

 

[laura74]

I can sense his eyes boring into me. Tentatively, I look to my right and see The Look. I guess not everyone appreciates this delightful piece of cheese called Captain EO. Some of us would rather carry around a piece of Gouda in their pocket all day, not mentioning any names, Mr. Squid.

I’m just fascinated about how this came to be. I wonder if Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas had an entirely different vision and then Michael and the Disney execs slowly turned it into this mess. I’ve had many great designs ruined by the suggestions of clients without taste.

Maybe it started out with Michael saying, “I need to moonwalk. Can we fit some moonwalking in somewhere? Maybe a dance number? I need a new song for the album too.”

And then the Disney people chime in. “Can we replace the co-captain with a cuddly elephant like creature?” “Danskin is a sponsor. Can we put some of their new high cut leotards in somewhere? And do that Olivia Newton John thing with their headbands.”

I look to my right again. Yup. Still getting The Look.

Finally it’s over and we leave the theater, I, sheepishly.

“What!?”

The Look.

“You didn’t think that was funny? C’mon!”

The Look.

Clearly not a fan.

We’re all pretty eager to check out the new digs at Kidani so we start toward the front of the park. We stop in Mousegears on the way so Monkston can tear through some more of her money. This could take a while.

There’s a big Perry display which grabs Monkston’s attention. After some hemming and hawing, Mr. Squid convinces her to get the stuffed platypus because she needs another stuffed animal to keep the hundred already in her room company. We remember to use our AP discount this time and head back out.

I miss our location at the Boardwalk already. We do have some fine memories walking through Future World at night though. Monkston always loves to step on the blinking lights in the walkway. She’s convinced that she’s turning them on and off by stepping on them.

Like this:

But this is not night and there is no charm in Future World right now. Just hot, sweaty crowds.

Wow! Animal Kingdom Lodge’s bus stop is pretty far away. We’ve been spoiled so far this trip. Well, except for that long trek to Saratoga Springs, and that walk from Hollywood Studios. But we’ll just forget about that.

As it happens, luck is with us, and a bus pulls up right as we arrive at the stop. Yay! Must be because it’s Squid’s birthday. Whenever we find a great parking space, we yell, “Birthday spot!” Maybe it’s like that.

“Squid, I’m going to tell them at the front desk that it’s your birthday TODAY, as in right now. Maybe we’ll get an upgrade. Or at least a really great location.”

As we pull into the lodge I again second guess our decision to stay at Kidani rather than Jambo House. The rooms are bigger and nicer and the pool looks great in the pictures but is it worth trading for the convenience of being near the food court? The sweeping, dramatic lobby? The bigger gift shop?

Oh well. Not much we can do about it now.

There are a lot of really neat things about this place, one of which is there is always someone out front playing drums to greet you. The lobby is really pretty, though not as jaw-dropping as Jambo House. See for yourself. (Note to Monica: Click on the still photograph to play the video.)



As we’re waiting for our turn at the check-in desk, Monkston tells me to ask for a special pin.

“What do you mean a special pin?”

“Little TGM said that they have a special pin for trading behind the desk. He said he got a pin, so can you ask?”

We’re up. Everybody smile!

“Hi Check-in Judy! We’re the laura74 family, here to check in. It’s a special day today. It’s Mr. Squid’s birthday! Think we can get a nice location?”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Great!”

This is going to be good. The upgrade gods are smiling down on us. I can feel it.

“Here you go! You’re just a short walk away.”

“Excellent! Also, my daughter said you have a special trading pin?”

“I don’t know about that but you can check with the concierge.”

I have a feeling this mystical pin does not exist but I tell Monkston we’ll come back later to check with the concierge. On to the room!

On the way to the elevator, we stop to look at the animals and see this:

Have you ever seen a giraffe do that? I haven’t.

We go up one floor in the elevator and, wow, we’re just a few doors down. We are so close to the lobby. No long Boardwalk hallways for us! What a location! She hooked us up!

The villa is beautiful! Kitchen with granite counters, cozy seating area, big second bathroom… and holy moly! The master bathroom is absolutely cavernous! Here’s a quick tour.

“Let’s look at the balcony, Monkston.”

We step out on the balcony and we have a lovely view of the front entrance. The entrance where all the Magical Express buses stop! And when I say view, I’m not talking about distance. We can practically reach out and touch the people getting off the bus. This will not be a lovely spot to drink coffee in the morning! Bad Check-In Judy! Where’s the Disney magic?

At least it’s close to the lobby, which is where Monkston and I are headed. We are on a pin hunt.

“Hello Concierge Dan. My daughter says that you might have a special trading pin? Do you know anything about that?”

“I think you might mean the pin book. She can trade for any of the pins in this book.”

He produces a large binder of pins and we spend some time looking through it. Of course we didn’t think to bring Monkston’s pins with us so we will have to back to the room. Good thing we got such an excellent location for Mr. Squid’s birthday!

We check out the gift shop, which is pretty tiny. They do, however, have a selection African wines that are pretty reasonably priced so I pick up a bottle and some snacks and go back to the room.

Monkston decides she wants to take a bath in the Jacuzzi. She loves Jacuzzis. It’s a ritual on every visit to Grandma’s and Granddad’s to take a bath in their large soaking tub.

Mr. Squid gets her situated while I pour a glass of Chardonnay and relax with my dear friend iPad.

“Laura74, you have to come in here and see this!”

(Sigh.)

There are two things that Grandma always tells Monkston when she takes a bath in her Jacuzzi. Make sure the water goes past the jets and don’t use bubble bath when it’s turned on. She remembered one of them.

Here’s a video. You’ll see what I mean at the end.



“Monkston, how are you going to wash your hair? It’s going to be an hour before those bubbles go down.”

(Giggle. Giggle.)

Fast forward. The bubbles have subsided, everyone is showered and ready and we are on our way to Jiko for dinner. It’s very easy to get from Kidani to Jambo House. There’s an unassuming beige van that makes constant trips between the two so there’s never a long wait. We only waited a few minutes.

The Sheena family is waiting for us and after checking in, we are lead to a table all the way in the corner. (Nobody puts Baby in the corner!)

This doesn’t sit well with Sheena. Sheena is our table upgrader and she sees a much nicer table by the window with our name on it. We’re all happy to let her do the dirty work and ask to be switched. A few years ago she scored a Magic Kingdom view at California Grill doing the same thing.

Here’s a video at our new table:



I’m going to break out of present tense here because my memory of this dinner is a little fuzzy. Maybe it’s the wine, maybe it’s the fact that this dinner was 5 months ago.

I know that our waiter’s name was Oscar and that he teased Sheena a lot. Maybe she was asking him a lot of questions.

I know that the best dinner was the grouper. I think I had the shrimp. Squid and Druid decided it was a good idea to order some expensive dessert wine for themselves and Squid was brought the requisite crème brulee.

I can see I will either have to take more notes next trip or update a lot faster.

After dinner, we went up to check out their studio. Anyone else think there should be another option in the DVC villas? I wish they had a regular 2 queen bed hotel room as an option to the studio. The studios are very small and the next jump up is a huge one bedroom villa.

They were staying in a savannah view room and we were curious to see how close they were to the animals.

Sheena says, “Brace yourselves. It’s not very neat in there.”

Now Sheena is normally a very neat and organized person, and her house is always very clean, so I was not prepared for what looked to be a suitcase explosion and its aftermath.

“This is going to make Laura crazy, Mr. Squid.”

“No, it’s totally fine. I don’t mind.”

I may have twitched a bit. They all know a surefire way to make me crazy is to rearrange the pillows on the sofas. I admit to my neurosis. I can move a pile of clothes over a sit for a little while though.

Their room is on the 7th floor so while you can see the animals, they aren’t up close and personal. It would be nice to sit out on the balcony with coffee in the morning and see what the animals are up to. My option is to sit out on ours and count buses.

“Where are you guys going for dinner tomorrow?” Sheena asks.

“We’re eating at Sanaa, in our building. It’s gotten really good reviews.”

“Maybe we can change the reservation and join you.”

“Yes or no? Not maybe.”

“Can’t you just show up without us if we decide not to come?”

“I guess,” I say. “I’ll see what I can do in the morning.”

“Hey!” says Mr. Squid. “I almost forgot. We were at the DVC booth at Epcot today and after talking to the guy there we figured out that he talked to Druid at Magic Kingdom yesterday. Isn’t that crazy?”

“Yeah. Crazy. Druid, what were you doing talking to the DVC guy?” Sheena asks.

“Nothing. Uh. TGM Mike wanted to go over there. Yeah.”

I say, “You guys should set up a tour! They do them here! They’re giving out a $100 gift card. It only takes about an hour. They don’t do the hard sell thing at all.”

We hang around for a little while longer and say we want to head back to our room. While they’re walking us down to the lobby, Druid says, “Let’s go to Magic Kingdom, TGM.”

Sheena says, “Druid, it’s late. We’ve had a long day…”

And before she can finish her sentence, the two of them are sneaking off for the bus like a couple of mischievous schoolboys.

I think some sort of jewelry purchase will be in order…

 

[MisterSquid]

Whenever someone introduces me to a cinematic masterpiece, I give them "the look" of admiration.

Thanks for the song Thumperman. I can only sing the hook on that song, but I enjoyed it.

 

[smidgy]

so funny about the bubbles!!!!

I want to go anywhere with Sheena, she knows how to score! we had a 2top at Jikos, with a window view. but it wobbled. continuosly.. we though the server fixed it, but not so.. I would have switched, but didn't realize how annoying it would be.

I was waiting to see if they treated the guys like a couple again!!!

 

[nebo]

I can sense his eyes boring into me. Tentatively, I look to my right and see The Look. I guess not everyone appreciates this delightful piece of cheese called Captain EO. Some of us would rather carry around a piece of Gouda in their pocket all day, not mentioning any names, Mr. Squid.

Finally it’s over and we leave the theater, I, sheepishly.

“What!?”

The Look.

“You didn’t think that was funny? C’mon!”

The Look.

Clearly not a fan.

We saaw it in '92, and then again last year. First time I wwas amazed at the technology,,, last year I just thought it sucked.
Until I read your review and you gave me a new , thoughtful appreciation for the complete schmaltz that it is, not just crap, it's crap to be embraced, and I look forward to trying it one more time. It didn't quite happen this last trip for some reason.



I miss our location at the Boardwalk already. We do have some fine memories walking through Future World at night though. Monkston always loves to step on the blinking lights in the walkway. She’s convinced that she’s turning them on and off by stepping on them.

Like this:

Heck, I love playing with those lighte myself, on EMHdays when you are not in the Epcot 3 K bust stop run!



As it happens, luck is with us, and a bus pulls up right as we arrive at the stop. Yay! Must be because it’s Squid’s birthday. Whenever we find a great parking space, we yell, “Birthday spot!” Maybe it’s like that.

His birthday again? Didn't he just have one about a year ago?

“Squid, I’m going to tell them at the front desk that it’s your birthday TODAY, as in right now. Maybe we’ll get an upgrade. Or at least a really great location.”

um, really, they've heard it all, and I think too obvious.

As we pull into the lodge I again second guess our decision to stay at Kidani rather than Jambo House. The rooms are bigger and nicer and the pool looks great in the pictures but is it worth trading for the convenience of being near the food court? The sweeping, dramatic lobby? The bigger gift shop?

Oh well. Not much we can do about it now.

Like all things Disney, there's good and bad with either decision.




“Hi Check-in Judy! We’re the laura74 family, here to check in. It’s a special day today. It’s Mr. Squid’s birthday! Think we can get a nice location?”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Great!”

This is going to be good. The upgrade gods are smiling down on us. I can feel it.

“Here you go! You’re just a short walk away.”

I have found that it's a whole new ballgame when checking in to a DVC room, there's usually a lot fewer of those rooms, and they know which are the best and not so, and they weill try to sell the "not so" off first, leaving the better rooms for the picky eaters.



On the way to the elevator, we stop to look at the animals and see this:

Have you ever seen a giraffe do that? I haven’t.

Oh yes, many times. Otherwise, if they don't squat down the eggs would break when they laid them from way up there.

We go up one floor in the elevator and, wow, we’re just a few doors down. We are so close to the lobby. No long Boardwalk hallways for us! What a location! She hooked us up!

The villa is beautiful! Kitchen with granite counters, cozy seating area, big second bathroom… and holy moly! The master bathroom is absolutely cavernous! Here’s a quick tour.

“Let’s look at the balcony, Monkston.”

We step out on the balcony and we have a lovely view of the front entrance. The entrance where all the Magical Express buses stop! And when I say view, I’m not talking about distance. We can practically reach out and touch the people getting off the bus. This will not be a lovely spot to drink coffee in the morning! Bad Check-In Judy! Where’s the Disney magic?

Once again a classic Disney give and take,, crappy bus view, but great convenient location.

At least it’s close to the lobby, which is where Monkston and I are headed. We are on a pin hunt.
Did you consider checking the haystack?





We check out the gift shop, which is pretty tiny. They do, however, have a selection African wines that are pretty reasonably priced so I pick up a bottle and some snacks and go back to the room.

Ok, c'mon, give, what is reasonably priced, and in real money this time please.



“Laura74, you have to come in here and see this!”

(Sigh.)

Oh, Oh, I know that sigh. "What now? This better be good. Can't you see I just got comfortable?"

There are two things that Grandma always tells Monkston when she takes a bath in her Jacuzzi. Make sure the water goes past the jets and don’t use bubble bath when it’s turned on. She remembered one of them.
You left out the "don't feed them after midnight."

Here’s a video. You’ll see what I mean at the end.



“Monkston, how are you going to wash your hair? It’s going to be an hour before those bubbles go down.”

That is a great picture, her little head peeking out of the bubbles.








I’m going to break out of present tense here because my memory of this dinner is a little fuzzy. Maybe it’s the wine, maybe it’s the fact that this dinner was 5 months ago.

that's funny, I was planning on doing some new dining reviews myself, but I just never go into the meals and they were easily forgotten.



I know that the best dinner was the grouper. I think I had the shrimp. Squid and Druid decided it was a good idea to order some expensive dessert wine for themselves and Squid was brought the requisite crème brulee.

I can see I will either have to take more notes next trip or update a lot faster.

Wow, grouper? Really? We have eaten there, and Di says it's still the best Fillet she's had.

After dinner, we went up to check out their studio. Anyone else think there should be another option in the DVC villas? I wish they had a regular 2 queen bed hotel room as an option to the studio. The studios are very small and the next jump up is a huge one bedroom villa.

Here's the funny part, the studio and the one bedroom still sleep the same amount.

They were staying in a savannah view room and we were curious to see how close they were to the animals.

Still hungry?

Sheena says, “Brace yourselves. It’s not very neat in there.”

Now Sheena is normally a very neat and organized person, and her house is always very clean, so I was not prepared for what looked to be a suitcase explosion and its aftermath.

“This is going to make Laura crazy, Mr. Squid.”

"When Samsonite goes bad!"

“No, it’s totally fine. I don’t mind.”



Their room is on the 7th floor so while you can see the animals, they aren’t up close and personal. It would be nice to sit out on the balcony with coffee in the morning and see what the animals are up to. My option is to sit out on ours and count buses.

“Where are you guys going for dinner tomorrow?” Sheena asks.

“We’re eating at Sanaa, in our building. It’s gotten really good reviews.”

to my surprise, even I liked Sanaa.

“Maybe we can change the reservation and join you.”

“Yes or no? Not maybe.”

“Can’t you just show up without us if we decide not to come?”

Ah, she's one of "them".

“I guess,” I say. “I’ll see what I can do in the morning.”

“Hey!” says Mr. Squid. “I almost forgot. We were at the DVC booth at Epcot today and after talking to the guy there we figured out that he talked to Druid at Magic Kingdom yesterday. Isn’t that crazy?”

“Yeah. Crazy. Druid, what were you doing talking to the DVC guy?” Sheena asks.

“Nothing. Uh. TGM Mike wanted to go over there. Yeah.”

I say, “You guys should set up a tour! They do them here! They’re giving out a $100 gift card. It only takes about an hour. They don’t do the hard sell thing at all.”

Sounds to me like something's being withheld.

We hang around for a little while longer and say we want to head back to our room. While they’re walking us down to the lobby, Druid says, “Let’s go to Magic Kingdom, TGM.”

Sheena says, “Druid, it’s late. We’ve had a long day…”

And before she can finish her sentence, the two of them are sneaking off for the bus like a couple of mischievous schoolboys.

I think some sort of jewelry purchase will be in order…

Well thanks laura, the pics of the bubble bath were the high light for me. Yes, I STILL like taking bubble baths now and then, I just wish Smidgy would give me back my boats.