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

[thecapells]

Lovely pictures around the AKL. That lobby has so much to see and take in!

I can't wait to hear how the big kids liked Jiko and if the younger ones enjoyed the Clubhouse.

Stay tuned - it should be up tonight or tomorrow!

AK Lodge is definitely on our list of places to visit this summer!
Good pictures! Hope your kiddos liked Club Simba!

It is alot of fun if you are resort hopping albeit a bit hard to get to.
Last time we visited was in the morning (breakfast at Boma) and what added to the experience was staying around for some of the fun kids activities.

Well, I see I missed more photopass pictures of the most photogenic family on the DIS boards. Nice pics!

What a great idea - taking the kids to Club Simba while taking the adults to Club Jiko! I ate there in May and it was fabulous. I hope you guys loved it as much as I did.

I love AKL. I think its such an awesome resort!

Well, I'm not sure about that praise but I'd take most OFTEN photographed by Photopass!
Jiko report coming up...

 

[boxmaster]

I’m not sure where this series of pictures came from.
I’m pretty sure J took them.
Hey J – you remember where you found them?

Yep, I definitely took those. Too bad I didn't have a wider shot for a point of reference.

However, if memory serves, those were actually on the walls outside of Jiko, basically at the bottom of the staircase before you walk around to the entrance of the restaurant. (They weren't at all connected to Jiko, just part of the greater decor of the lodge.) The only other possible place would have been on the walls in the vicinity of Simba's Clubhouse, but I don't think that was the case.

 

[thecapells]

Yep, I definitely took those. Too bad I didn't have a wider shot for a point of reference.

However, if memory serves, those were actually on the walls outside of Jiko, basically at the bottom of the staircase before you walk around to the entrance of the restaurant. (They weren't at all connected to Jiko, just part of the greater decor of the lodge.) The only other possible place would have been on the walls in the vicinity of Simba's Clubhouse, but I don't think that was the case.

No, they weren't near Simba's.
You are probably right that they are near Jiko as you had some time to kill there while we dropped the kids off.
Speaking of Jiko...

 

[thecapells]

We had heard so many good things about Jiko that we were really looking forward to it.

Of course, I started by taking pictures all around!

And then some of the patrons themselves…

I started dinner with a nice glass of Gewurtztraminer.
MMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

The bread plate came out next with lots of varieties in both the butter and the bread.

Since we were on the Deluxe Dining Plan, we really got to enjoy Jiko since an appetizer was included.
Mom started with the Tastes of Africa - a collection of African inspired Dips with pappadam, whole wheat lavosh and House-made Naan

I decided to try something I don’t think I’d ever imagine eating – grilled wild boar tenderloin.
It came with Mealie Pap, Chakalaka, White Truffle Oil and Micro Cilantro.
Besides being fun to say, I have no idea what chakalaka is but the boar was delicious!
J ordered one as well and also really enjoyed it.

Then the entrees.
I went with the famous Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon in South African Cabernet Reduction. However, the menu said it now came with sweet corn risotto.
This was not right.
Our beloved DISBoards had prepped me for an odd combination of filet mignon over mac and cheese.
Despite its name and appearance, this dish was supposed to be incredible.
Well worth the visit to Jiko itself.
I asked the waitress and, sure enough, the mac was removed from the menu.
However, they were obiding by all requests for those who come back primarily for this dish.
And what a dish it was.
MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Mom took the opportunity to order the duck entrée.
I just checked All Ears and the description seems to have changed from what she tried.
So, while I can't give the details, here's a picture.
She really enjoyed it.

J branched out even more and tried the Wreckfish.

After dinner, Mom relaxed with a cup of tea.

J and I dove right into the Tanzanian Chocolate and Kenya Coffee Mousse with cinnamon mascarpone, nutty chocolates and "hot chocolate".
Despite not liking coffee at all, I really liked the dessert.

Mom went with the Amarula Creme Brulee with a Chocolate-layered bottom, White Chocolate, Cranberry, and Pistachio Biscotti

To top off dinner, your check arrives with these cute little cookies.

And no trip to a nice restaurant is complete without a tour of the bathroom…

All in all, a wonderful experience at Jiko.
I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the animals on the savannah but it didn't seem like there was much of a view from the restaurant.
However, the food more than made up for it.
We relaxed, took our time, and had probably one of the best meals of the entire trip.
I definitely look forward to coming back to Jiko again soon!

 

[boxmaster]

J branched out even more and tried the Wreckfish.

J and I dove right into the Tanzanian Chocolate and Kenya Coffee Mousse with cinnamon mascarpone, nutty chocolates and "hot chocolate".
Despite not liking coffee at all, I really liked the dessert.

The Wreckfish was really quite good. It was a very meaty fish, ever so slightly less firm than I prefer in this type of fish, but quite tasty. The small salad it was atop, including fried plantains (if memory serves), was also nice and refreshing.

And while I, also, don't like coffee, I had to go for the Tanzanian Chocolate and cinnamon mascarpone. Mmm... And even the coffee flavor was fine.

 

[MEK]

Your meal looks wonderful. Yummy! I had the filet there as well and it was wonderful. So glad everyone enjoyed their adult night out.

Aren't those wine racks the coolest?

 

[thecapells]

Your meal looks wonderful. Yummy! I had the filet there as well and it was wonderful. So glad everyone enjoyed their adult night out.

Aren't those wine racks the coolest?

It was a blast!
We really enjoyed Jiko and look forward to going back again soon!

 

[thecapells]

Our two hours were finally up and it was time to retrieve the kids from Simba’s Clubhouse.
We all headed over to see how they did.
This time the CM let me take a couple of pictures.

The arts and crafts bins where their creations can be stored…

DS and his LEGO creation.

The kids had a blast and didn’t want to leave.
Which was a good sign as we had another “adult only” night planned for later in the trip with another stop at a kid’s club.
This trade-off seemed to make everyone happy!

Finally it was time to head out.
But first, we had one more thing to do before we could call a quits to our safari!

In the center of the AKL lobby, Photopass had set up a tripod with lighting to capture portraits of guests.
Of course, we obliged!

Then it was off to the bus platforms where we waited for a bus to Epcot.
We figured we could transfer there easy enough and hopefully beat the rush at park closing.
Our bus driver had other ideas.
Finishing off our evening with a Magical Moment, he drove us directly to Pop Century.
What a wonderful end to a wonderful day.
And this was only Day Three – what’s in store for Day Four?
A visit to our favorite park!
Don’t miss it!

 

[MEK]

I'm so glad the kids enjoyed the Kid's club! Score! So, a wonderful evening was had by all.

Wonderful PP pictures, as always, although X looks like he is trying to escape in a couple of those shots.

Total mojo on getting your own bus back to Pop Century! SCORE!

 

[dawnbu40]

So glad you all enjoyed your evening at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

How cool that your driver took you "home" rather then having to transfer buses again

 

[Curoly06]

I love Mrs. Capell's Mickey earrings!! They are super cute!

 

[thecapells]

I'm so glad the kids enjoyed the Kid's club! Score! So, a wonderful evening was had by all.

Wonderful PP pictures, as always, although X looks like he is trying to escape in a couple of those shots.

Total mojo on getting your own bus back to Pop Century! SCORE!

So glad you all enjoyed your evening at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

How cool that your driver took you "home" rather then having to transfer buses again

We definitely had a wonderful night!
Great meal, happy kids, photopass pics, and door-to-door bus service.
It doesn't get much better than that!

I love Mrs. Capell's Mickey earrings!! They are super cute!

Mickey jewelry comes with the territory doesn't it?

 

[thecapells]

Apparently we went over bandwidth again.
Account resets this weekend so I'll put the next segments up then.

 

[thecapells]

We awoke early for Day Four – it was Extra Magic Hours at Epcot!!
But first, a Hidden Mickey from our room to get the day going!

Then it was off to the buses and to our favorite park!

While we waited for the turnstiles to open, X caught a glimpse of his new favorite attraction… THE TRONORAIL!!!!

Finally, the gates opened and off we went along with the rest of the crowd towards the Land Pavillion.
We needed to start our day by Soarin’ through the sky!
DD and I were even dressed for the occasion!

Mom and J took the kids while I grabbed a Rider Swap Pass and stayed behind with little X.
X made up his own little game once he discovered the numbers on the FastPass machines.
Anybody up for some counting?

Meanwhile, down the tunnel, the rest of the gang was getting ready to take flight!

Finally, Mom and the kids arrived and it was my turn!
J wasn’t so impressed by our favorite ride so he headed with Mom and X to Sunshine Seasons for a snack.
I took DS and DD and headed down the tunnel.

And a final bit of caution in my favorite sign…

And then off we went!
While the screen is definitely getting dirty over the years, the feeling of flight on this ride is still unparalleled.
I usually just sit back, relax, and smile the whole way through.
And yes, I’m one of those people who spends the whole time kicking his feet back and forth like a 2-year old just having the time of his life!
After a trip down the coast of California and through Disneyland, it was finally time to return to reality.
Luckily that reality also included a day in Epcot!
Any guesses to where we were off to next?

 

[MEK]

Is X tall enough now for Soarin! Poor kid - left alone with the FP's machines. He's so darn cute!

I like the child swap concept - its great for the folks that get to ride twice!

I agree - the screen stinks, but that ride is great. I took pictures in there this year.

 

[thecapells]

Is X tall enough now for Soarin! Poor kid - left alone with the FP's machines. He's so darn cute!

I like the child swap concept - its great for the folks that get to ride twice!

I agree - the screen stinks, but that ride is great. I took pictures in there this year.

I've attempted no-flash pics in there before (I believe the trip after this one actually) and they are so-so.
But I think you have a better camera than I do.

As for X, he finally debuted on Soarin' in November when we went back.
Yes, he now tops 40" and a whole new world has opened for him.
But, alas, for this trip he was still stuck on the sidelines.

 

[HilJoy14]

I was surprised that X wasn't tall enough, too! My kids are such giants that I forget what "normal" heights are. (X is maybe a month older than my younger DD, so I was comparing.)

We took my DD for her 3rd birthday two years ago (arriving before her birthday so she would be free the whole trip). She road Soarin', Test Track, Big Thunder Mountain - and she loved it all! When we used FP, the workers there were very confused that we didn't have a FP for her (because she didn't have a ticket) but that she was large enough to ride!

I also agree that Soarin' is starting to age. We were there last weekend and I could barely look at the screen. Between the spots on the film (right in the center) and the jumpy film, it was making me very dizzy!

 

[thecapells]

I was surprised that X wasn't tall enough, too! My kids are such giants that I forget what "normal" heights are. (X is maybe a month older than my younger DD, so I was comparing.)

We took my DD for her 3rd birthday two years ago (arriving before her birthday so she would be free the whole trip). She road Soarin', Test Track, Big Thunder Mountain - and she loved it all! When we used FP, the workers there were very confused that we didn't have a FP for her (because she didn't have a ticket) but that she was large enough to ride!

I also agree that Soarin' is starting to age. We were there last weekend and I could barely look at the screen. Between the spots on the film (right in the center) and the jumpy film, it was making me very dizzy!

X is definitely a small fry.
But no worries, he cleared 40" in November and got to enjoy most rides.
It was very weird to have all 5 of us go on rides together for the first time!
There's still some 44" rides he has yet to experience but he's getting there!
(And it helps that since we're not rollercoaster people, we don't care too much for those).

As for Soarin', I've heard Disneyland has a digital copy of the film and is better maintained.
I wonder if the experience is better there because of that.
Any Disneylanders out there who can confirm/deny?

 

[ladylyons]

X is definitely a small fry.
But no worries, he cleared 40" in November and got to enjoy most rides.
It was very weird to have all 5 of us go on rides together for the first time!
There's still some 44" rides he has yet to experience but he's getting there!
(And it helps that since we're not rollercoaster people, we don't care too much for those).

As for Soarin', I've heard Disneyland has a digital copy of the film and is better maintained.
I wonder if the experience is better there because of that.
Any Disneylanders out there who can confirm/deny?

I've been following along and not posting. It's really hard sometimes with a 5 year old, 3 year old and 17 month old to keep up on these trip reports. That's great that X was finally able to join you guys on the 40" rides on your November trip!! We're just waiting for our DD to reach that height. Our 5 year old DS has been riding them for the last two years and we can't keep him off of them now.

I wanted to comment on Soarin' in Disneyland. You can tell that the film (I don't know if it is digital or not) needs to be remastered or something. There are parts of the film that have spots while your flying over our lovely state (yes I do live in California, about 40 mins from San Francisco on a great no traffic day). I did ride Soarin' in WDW on our last trip in 2009 but I don't rememeber all the details of what's wrong with the one in WDW. I guess I need to talk the DH into another trip back east just to compare the two!!

 

[boxmaster]

I wanted to comment on Soarin' in Disneyland. You can tell that the film (I don't know if it is digital or not) needs to be remastered or something. There are parts of the film that have spots while your flying over our lovely state (yes I do live in California, about 40 mins from San Francisco on a great no traffic day). I did ride Soarin' in WDW on our last trip in 2009 but I don't rememeber all the details of what's wrong with the one in WDW. I guess I need to talk the DH into another trip back east just to compare the two!!

I'm gratified to hear that there are several other people on here who also had issues with the quality of the print. I had nothing but grief from Mike and Stacey when I gave them my review of the ride after my first time on it.

But that wasn't my only issue. Not only were there spots on the film, there were noticeable tears in the screen, plus the apparently normal lines on the screen (where pieces of it are meshed together?) also drove me nuts. We were in the middle "row" of "cars", so I had feet dangling above me. (While Mike is entertained by that, I find that horrible - it pulls me totally out of the intended illusion. ) I didn't even smell the oranges when soaring over the grove.

To say the least, there couldn't have been a much worse first impression for a much-hyped attraction, IMO. Shame, I was very much looking forward to this after everything all of them plus my parents had said about it. As will be discovered later, though, it all works out for the best, anyway.