Firsts, Fourths, and Farewells (4/28 Back to the Future!)

[dawnbu40]

I absolutely agree that popcorn does taste (and smell!) better at Disney

The playground looks like a lot of fun and the pics are all adorable!

 

[thecapells]

I absolutely agree that popcorn does taste (and smell!) better at Disney

The playground looks like a lot of fun and the pics are all adorable!

The Boneyard and Dig Site are definitely the kids' favorite attraction in Animal Kingdom.
They look forward to their play time mixed in with all the attractions.
And it gives them a little freedom.
A 1/2 hour here and they are re-charged and ready for more commando-style touring.
Luckily each park has such a place - Mission:Space Base in Epcot and Honey I Shrunk the Kids in Hollywood Studios also work.
In Magic Kingdom, we used to have Pooh's Thotful Spot and Toon Park but both are long gone.
Tom Sawyer Island may be a decent replacement now that they've gotten older though.

 

[boxmaster]

While the kids went to dig in the Boneyard, I went on my own trek. Since I don't think I'm likely to ever climb the real Mt. Everest, here's the next best thing that I can get:

As always, Disney does a great job with their queue. And, thankfully, being a solo rider on this particular ride is a VERY helpful thing. Fortunately enough for me, I just beat out a group of kids and a couple of families who were scamming the system (they all got on this line rather than get on the “normal” line intended for people who are in line as a group).

Check out some of the detail in the sculpting.

And, yeah, I even managed to catch an angle akin to Mike's favorite pictures of mine from AK. Monkey butt, anyone?

I didn't ever get to see this museum. What I didn't realize, though, is that it was actually a minor preview of something yet to come.

Some of the artifacts recovered on previous trips up the mountain, to be sure. Unfortunately, it was difficult to make out what was in the cabinet, and the time of day was being wicked with the reflections on the glass.

Having gone around only a few bends, we quickly approached the base of the mountain, suited up, and began the climb...

 

[thecapells]

Ahhh - sights I'll never see in person (unless I take the chicken exit).
It's nice to live vicariously through J to get to see them!

 

[boxmaster]

Having been guided swiftly to meet up with my sherpa, I mounted the ride.
Not knowing precisely what to expect, and not exactly liking having my
camera in-hand on a roller coaster, I holstered the camera. Shame, because
I would've been able to have incontrovertible proof that the Yeti really does
exist. We crossed paths with the big hairy beast himself.
Mercifully, we braked just before going over the edge, the tracks having been
thoroughly broken. But that meant only one thing – we had to return to the
base of the mountain path by going backwards! No way of knowing
where we were going or if we were going to meet any danger on the way,
possibly until it was too late.

We finally got to the bottom and were unloaded straight into a nifty souvenir
shop. But, before we entered, we had to make sure to take off some of our
climbing gear, so that we didn't destroy the floor:

Some of the stuff in here was rather impressive.

Upside-down hidden Mickey, anyone?

Some fabulous masks

I wonder what sort of rituals this outfit would be used for.

Looking at my watch, I saw there was a bit more time before I needed to
meet up with everyone for some tasty grub, so I decided to wend my way
through the line again to go atop Everest one more time. While it was
a lot of fun the first time – mostly because I had no idea what to expect –
this is one ride that lost a fair bit the second time around knowing exactly
what was coming. Strange that that was my reaction, because there are so
many rides that hold up to multiple trips. (Tower of Terror, anyone?
) For some reason, this one didn't hold up for me. It's amusing the
second time through, but not nearly as good as the initial time.

So, having come back down to solid ground again, it was only a few minutes
before our lunch plans were set to begin. I knew I'd beat them there ,
so didn't rush in my normal New York stride, and just enjoyed
taking in some of the scenery and people watching. But I was distracted
and hungry, so didn't take any pictures on the way until arriving at our
mutual destination. Any guesses as to lunch?

 

[SimplyGoofy]

Yak and Yeti? You were already in Asia, so that would be very close. I don't believe Mike is too fond of Flame Tree BBQ...

I'm glad you liked Everest! It was too bad you didn't enjoy your second ride as much--somehow I never seem to have that problem with rollercoasters.

 

[HilJoy14]

I don't know how you went on Everest twice in a row! That ride makes me so dizzy! We just went on it twice last weekend (a couple of hours apart). I'll admit the second time isn't as exciting. Although I could enjoy it a bit more, without my daughter wimpering behind me. (We talked her into it the first time - she wished we hadn't.)

 

[thecapells]

Yak and Yeti? You were already in Asia, so that would be very close. I don't believe Mike is too fond of Flame Tree BBQ...

I'm glad you liked Everest! It was too bad you didn't enjoy your second ride as much--somehow I never seem to have that problem with rollercoasters.

Great guess! That's where we headed. Yummmm.......

I don't know how you went on Everest twice in a row! That ride makes me so dizzy! We just went on it twice last weekend (a couple of hours apart). I'll admit the second time isn't as exciting. Although I could enjoy it a bit more, without my daughter wimpering behind me. (We talked her into it the first time - she wished we hadn't.)

That's ok - I won't go on Everest even once!!!

 

[thecapells]

After having fun in the sun and getting all our wiggles out, we dragged the kids out of the Boneyard and headed over the bridge to Asia.

We were running a bit late to meet J and, sure enough, when we arrived he was already there.
I’ve been to the counter service here before but was really looking forward to all the good things I’ve heard about the table service version of Yak and Yeti.

The building stands out a bit in the center of Asia with the odd purple coloring.
But the details both inside and out are phenomenal.

Even the light switch and thermostat are incorporated into the theming and design.

So, of course, we decided to get into the act.

We were seated in a nice table in the corner of a room on the first floor.
The ambiance is very nice and we were delighted to try some good Asian food (since the China pavilion in Epcot leaves much to be desired).

While we decided on our lunch, I noticed that even the kids menu was themed nicely and kept the little ones entertained.

 

[thecapells]

The theming did not stop there.
The food presentation was quaint as well as all the appetizers arrived in cute little baskets.

I started with the pork pot stickers with a soy lime dipping sauce that I was convinced I would hate but almost licked the bowl when I was done.

Mom was allowed to order the Dim Sum for Two which was an appetizer sampler of pork pot stickers, shrimp siu mai, cha su bao, and pork sie mai steamed on a banana leaf with soy lime dipping sauce

J went with lettuce wraps which was a lot of food but no basket.

The three of us traded food around and each tried the other’s.
I’d say there were no complaints here as we all enjoyed the appetizers very much.

For the entrée, both Mom and J went with the dish I’ve heard nothing but great things about – Shaoxing Steak and Shrimp.
It was skirt steak, tempura-battered shrimp, jasmine rice, and stir-fried vegetables with a chili plum dipping sauce.
Besides a nice presentation, both Mom and J raved about it making me totally jealous.

I had planned to order this meal but, at the last minute, second-guessed myself and went with the crispy mahi mahi instead.
It was prepared with Japanese bread crumbs, Cantonese sweet and sour sauce, jasmine rice, and stir-fried vegetables.
It was just okay and I salivated at the steak across the table the whole meal.

DD was excited to try something new so she chose the Egg Roll kid’s meal .
She wasn't too impressed with the egg roll but she liked the chicken fried rice.
Since it wasn’t a lot of food, she sampled everyone else's and made out pretty good.

X went with the cheeseburger and fries – yes, I know – an Asian delicacy.
And then he even went so far as to create a Hidden Mickey.

DS went with the Chicken Bites and fries and was not very impressed.
But he knew we were all enjoying himself so he was a good sport about it.
Which was a good thing since his eyes lit up once the chocolate pudding and marshmallows arrived for dessert.

J and Mom ordered the same for dessert as well – Fried Won Tons – and they loved those as well.

Me, I think I won the dessert round with a chocolate cake that was so rich and creamy, it was heavenly. Too much though as I couldn’t finish it.

All in all, it was a really nice break in the day and we took our time.
The kids colored in their menus and we had a nice, relaxing time tucked away in our little corner.
And it was definitely an upgrade from the counter service they have around the side (which I also enjoyed).
Although next time, I will be trying that steak and shrimp combo!

My only complaint is that there was neither yak nor yeti on the menu!
Seriously though, we were stuffed after that meal and needed to walk it off.
And what better place to walk off a meal than the heart of Animal Kingdom.
Any suggestions where we should head to next?

 

[dawnbu40]

I'm glad you enjoyed Yak and Yeti. We have had adrs there several times and never seem to make it to them so I enjoyed seeing the pics and reading your review

 

[thecapells]

I'm glad you enjoyed Yak and Yeti. We have had adrs there several times and never seem to make it to them so I enjoyed seeing the pics and reading your review

Yeah, we really liked it.
Last trip, I even got to try the Shaoxing Steak and Shrimp and it was great!
It's definitely now our staple restaurant at Animal Kingdom.
Tusker House breakfast and then Yak and Yeti lunch.

 

[boxmaster]

J went with lettuce wraps which was a lot of food but no basket.

The three of us traded food around and each tried the other’s.
I’d say there were no complaints here as we all enjoyed the appetizers very much.

For the entrée, both Mom and J went with the dish I’ve heard nothing but great things about – Shaoxing Steak and Shrimp.
It was skirt steak, tempura-battered shrimp, jasmine rice, and stir-fried vegetables with a chili plum dipping sauce.
Besides a nice presentation, both Mom and J raved about it making me totally jealous.

I had planned to order this meal but, at the last minute, second-guessed myself and went with the crispy mahi mahi instead.

Try as we might, Stacey and I haven't managed to train you up well enough on Asian food. Some habits are just too hard to break, apparently.

Definitely need to get the Steak and Shrimp dish next time 'round. Wonder if I'll notice something else equally tempting on the menu.

 

[thecapells]

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!
Now that the all the excitement has subsided, we'll resume our regularly scheduled Trip Report...

 

[thecapells]

After a lovely meal, we decided to take a nice stroll and experience some attractions the kids have yet to see.
And where better to stroll in Asia than a Maharajah Jungle Trek through the Anandapur Royal Forest

It’s a lovely walk – very serene and full of little details.
J caught some interesting sculptures on film.

I focused on the living creatures.
Check out this guy just hanging out…

And these guys were wondering if we brought any food along from Yak & Yeti.

Finally, we came across the ruins of a temple.

And a fork in the road.
Interesting decision.
I can see many people choosing the path to stay away but where else can you see Giant Bats and Slithering Snakes?

Unfortunately, X chose a third option.
He was so stuffed and happy, he just drifted off in to sleepy-land.

Too bad as next up was the tigers…

I love the details surrounding the tiger enclosures.
Very cool stuff around here.

The path continued on and we caught sight of the gibbons near the exit.

From there we headed into the jungles in search of Africa.
Stay tuned for the rest of our expedition!

 

[dawnbu40]

Nice update! Caitlin and I were thinking of skipping AK in Feb but your last 2 updates have me thinking we can't do that and we need to try Yak and Yeti.

I like the pictures of all the details through the Jungle Trek

 

[MEK]

Well boys I have a lot to catch up on and I hesistate to even look at your TR when I can't see the pictures. Some TRs I can do without pictures, but never yours because I enjoy seeing your kids so much. And, of course, any TR with food porn must be read the right way.

Glad you both enjoyed EE. I finally got to ride it in the dark a couple weeks ago and it was so much fun and worth waiting for all day. I also really enjoyed the Mahalarjah trek. I usually visit during the hot weather and those paths are too much for me in 90 degree weather, but it was just perfect in December. I loved the bats and the tigers were pretty cool too.

We also tried Yak & Yeti for the first time and I have to agree that the theming and details are fabulous. I loved the fried green beans but I really should have gotten the stir fry or the ribs. My ahi tun salad was really just OK. And - we were all too stuffed for dessert. Now that is just wrong. But those green beans - if you go back you MUST try them. They literally melted in my mouth. YUM!

Anyway, I just bought a TIW and since they don't take it there I probably won't be back for at least a year except, perhaps, to have a drink at the bar!

Be back later!

 

[thecapells]

Nice update! Caitlin and I were thinking of skipping AK in Feb but your last 2 updates have me thinking we can't do that and we need to try Yak and Yeti.

I like the pictures of all the details through the Jungle Trek

Yeah, reliving the Animal Kingdom is making me want to go again.
We hadn't planned to on our next trip (which is in 6 days BTW - X and I are going to cheer J on as he takes the Goofy Challenge).
But now we're leaning towards going back to AK for a day and letting X try Dinosaur!
In fact, I just booked Yak & Yeti for a late lunch.
Surprise J!

Well boys I have a lot to catch up on and I hesistate to even look at your TR when I can't see the pictures. Some TRs I can do without pictures, but never yours because I enjoy seeing your kids so much. And, of course, any TR with food porn must be read the right way.

Glad you both enjoyed EE. I finally got to ride it in the dark a couple weeks ago and it was so much fun and worth waiting for all day. I also really enjoyed the Mahalarjah trek. I usually visit during the hot weather and those paths are too much for me in 90 degree weather, but it was just perfect in December. I loved the bats and the tigers were pretty cool too.

We also tried Yak & Yeti for the first time and I have to agree that the theming and details are fabulous. I loved the fried green beans but I really should have gotten the stir fry or the ribs. My ahi tun salad was really just OK. And - we were all too stuffed for dessert. Now that is just wrong. But those green beans - if you go back you MUST try them. They literally melted in my mouth. YUM!

Anyway, I just bought a TIW and since they don't take it there I probably won't be back for at least a year except, perhaps, to have a drink at the bar!

Be back later!

Definitely come back and see the pics!
We love Yak & Yeti - it's now an Animal Kingdom staple for us.
And I agree that while some dishes are just "okay", others like the Shaoxing Steak and Shrimp and the pot stickers are delicious!
I haven't done TIW yet since we usually opt for the Dining Plan but if you are AP holders, I believe you can get a discount at Yak & Yeti just with that!

 

[dawnbu40]

Yeah, reliving the Animal Kingdom is making me want to go again.
We hadn't planned to on our next trip (which is in 6 days BTW - X and I are going to cheer J on as he takes the Goofy Challenge).
But now we're leaning towards going back to AK for a day and letting X try Dinosaur!
In fact, I just booked Yak & Yeti for a late lunch.
Surprise J!

After I posted I decided to add AK to our plans and I booked Yak and Yeti too

 

[thecapells]

After I posted I decided to add AK to our plans and I booked Yak and Yeti too

Definitely try the Shaoxing Steak and Shrimp and let us know what you think!