I think I gained 5 pounds at the Food & Wine Festival - An Oct 2012 TR **NEW 3/18**

[jenny105]

Just a quick note before the TR update - my mom and I had a fabulous time in New York on Wednesday! We got there around 2:30 and looked at the windows on 5th Ave, saw the tree at Rockefeller center, had lunch at Bubba Gump, browsed some stores, and saw Newsies which was fantastic. My mom even bought me a newsboy's cap from the show! I'm so being a Newsie next Halloween LOL. I'm going back into the city after work today to see A Christmas Story with my sister and her friend Elise. Should be fun!

When we made it back to AKL can you guess where we decided to go? If you guessed the pool, youre right! We changed it up a bit and decided to check out what Kidanis pool had to offer.

Near the doors of Jambo house, there is another door hanging on the wall that you can touch for safe travels. I touched this everyday on our way out and again as we headed to Kidani.

We took the shuttle over to Kidani and headed into the lobby. Its much smaller than Jambo and less impressive.

We walked around looking for the way to the pool when a CM told us we had to go outside & walk around the building to get to it. Alrighty. On the way we bumped into one of my old co-workers Kristen! She left AAA about a year ago to become a children's activities director at one of the All Star resorts & has since been moved to AKL. It was nice to see her & we chatted a bit before she had to go off to work. We saw her in action during our stay at the Kidani pool. Shes perfect for it, a little ball of energy!

The Kidani pool is nice but much smaller than Jambos so it felt more crowded. We tried out their slide and took a few dips in the pool before heading back over to Jambo. We decided to walk this time and as we passed the entrance to Kidani I noticed a security guard getting in on the act!

Back to our favorite place.

I'm glad we picked Jambo when we booked. It seemed like there was more to do on that side! Next time we stay at AKL we'll have to try Kidani.

We had an ADR at Via Napoli at 7 so we headed back to the room around 4:30 to take a nap and get ready. I noticed the feeding truck outside our room which attracted a lot of these guys! They came walking over from the other side of the savanna for some fresh greens!

See how they stuffed them into the log? They also left pellets of food on the ground for the ostriches but they are butt ugly & mean so I dont take pictures of them.

I was just dozing off when the sound of rain woke me up again. Not just a drizzle. A downpour. We figured it would let up like it usually did but it was still pouring when we left. We ran as fast as we could to the car. The plan was to park at the Beach Club and walk through the WS entrance to Via Napoli. We ran through the rain & through the Beach Club and came to a halt at the walkway to Epcot to decide whether we should wait it out or not. There was another family trying to decide what to do as well and they had reservations over in Mexico! Quite a walk. Kris ran inside to get us umbrellas from the gift shop and we just went for it. Ive never seen Epcot like that! It looked like it was deserted & the water was up to our ankles! By the time we got to Via Napoli we looked like drowned rats! Luckily we were sat right away toward the back of the restaurant.

I cannot say enough great things about Via Napoli! The service (whose name was Beatrice, that doesnt seem very Italian!) was very good and the food was delicious. On Kimmys (princess_momma) recommendation we ordered a pitcher of sangria and started with an order of calamari. I ordered the margherita pizza for my entrée and Kris got chicken parm. Thrown in zeppolis and chocolate gelato for dessert and you had two very full patrons at the end of the meal. I definitely would go back here again. We loved it!

It was STILL raining when we left but not as hard as it was before. Since it was Thursday and there was a football game on, Kris wanted to go to ESPN Zone to catch some of the game. I agreed and we found seats against the back wall & ordered Blue Moons. Im not a huge football fan so I got a little bored & wandered off to look at the memorabilia. Oh hi hockey stuff!

I miss you Jags!

Lindros not so much.

Kris is a huge Packers fan so I had to get this picture of him.

At halftime we headed back to AKL. Quick picture first!

Kris wanted to watch the rest of the game so we headed straight to Victoria Falls lounge when we arrived back at the hotel. It was packed with people having after dinner drinks but we found two open seats. Kris had another beer and I had a glass of chardonnay to finish the night. Needless to say I was a little tipsy after all that LOL. Not the smartest idea since we had a very early morning ahead of us to celebrate a very special day - my 30th birthday!

Stay tuned...

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

ahh i remember that rain event well, seems like the entire property was covered with rain that night.

you do have to admit thought even thought it was pouring running through the rain is sort of fun.


looking forward to your next morning seeing as a certain someone didnt even make it to there ADR

 

[jenny105]

ahh i remember that rain event well, seems like the entire property was covered with rain that night.

you do have to admit thought even thought it was pouring running through the rain is sort of fun.


looking forward to your next morning seeing as a certain someone didnt even make it to there ADR

It's fun until you slip and break something! Then it's not so fun.

Yeah really! You and Lauren convinced me to switch it to an earlier time & you don't show and I can't find Lauren anywhere!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

It's fun until you slip and break something! Then it's not so fun.

Yeah really! You and Lauren convinced me to switch it to an earlier time & you don't show and I can't find Lauren anywhere!

you got hurt?

very sorry about that we were really looking forward to that meal, but had to cancel it last minute, like at 7:50 for the 8:05 reservation last minute cancel it.

was very upset we could not meet up with you that morning.

 

[jenny105]

you got hurt?

very sorry about that we were really looking forward to that meal, but had to cancel it last minute, like at 7:50 for the 8:05 reservation last minute cancel it.

was very upset we could not meet up with you that morning.

No I didn't get hurt but I did slip quite a few times. Do not power walk through Epcot in the rain wearing flip flops. That is my advice to you.

I'm about to post about that breakfast!

 

[jenny105]

I just want to take a moment and have a banana dance because I’m done Christmas shopping! Now I have to wrap everything. I don't think I have any wrapping paper or tags. I'll be making a stop at Dollar General this weekend for sure!

It’s time for Day 6! You know what that means? I get to relive my 30th birthday in Walt Disney World!

We woke up bright and early, got ready (birthday button? Check), and were out the door by 7:45. Our earliest start by far. We drove so that meant we had to park, take the tram to the Ticket & Transportation Center, and hop on the monorail. Only the monorail was not open yet! So ferry it is!

Normally I love the ferries more than any form of resort/park transportation but we were running late and I just wanted it to go faster! I did manage to take some nice pictures though.

Oh hi dream resort.

Has anyone ever stayed at the Poly? Pictures please! I’d love to stay here but it’s so expensive (even with my TA perks!) and has no DVC equivalent so I can’t rent points! Any who is going soon take me with you? Please?

Construction on the GF DVC wing.

I originally made our ADR at Crystal Palace for 10:30 but got talked into switching (ahem Dan and Lauren!) to an earlier time of 8:25 because I was told seeing the park before it opens with no crowds is fabulous. Too bad WDW screwed me the month before we left and decided to open MK at 8 that day instead! Oh well. I got to see this car on Main Street and the horse trolleys which I’ve never seen in person before! If you don't count seeing them at Disneyland.

We were a few minutes late checking in for our ADR but no big deal. We only waited a few minutes before we were sat.

Picture of the Castle from outside Crystal Palace. Stupid Fantasyland crane!

We were sat on the right side of the restaurant, away from Main Street. Tigger and Piglet were making the rounds and we saw Tigger before our server could even introduce herself!

I’m not posting the picture of me and Tig because it’s super blurry!

Piglet was next. He came by as our server was telling us about the buffet offerings and made us promise we would not eat any bacon!

This one is less blurry. Kris is really bad at taking pictures LOL.

We were finally able to get up and get some food after Piglet walked away. We stuffed ourselves with eggs, Mickey waffles, potatoes, and fruit. After we finished eating it was time to see Pooh and Eeyore.

I love Winne the Pooh. He’s so cute! I have a Winnie the Pooh plush that got lost in the shuffle when we moved into our apartment last year. I have to find it! I think it’s somewhere in the attic in a box marked Disney. Now if I could only locate said box.

I told Kris to make a sad face since this was Eeyore after all!

Our server and host brought me a cupcake for ‘dessert’ and sprinkled some Mickey confetti on the table. I was sung Happy Birthday by them, Kris, and the little kids at the surrounding tables. Usually I shy away from that kind of thing but in Disney? LOVE IT!

Before heading out I wanted pictures of each topiary in the main entrance of the restaurant.

That was our first time at Crystal Palace and we loved it. The Winnie the Pooh characters are classic, cute, and fun and the food was pretty good too! What a wonderful start to my birthday!

Next up – the rest of our morning at MK. Stay tuned…

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

even though some jerk talked yo uinto going to the early time, i hope you still enjoyed it.

breakfast sounded good...and what was up with him being sad with eeyor and you smiling with him.

 

[klacey1]

A Rangers game together would be AH-MAZING! Maybe one day the NHL will play again and we can make that happen.

I've heard similar comparisons of Kidani vs. Jambo-- Jambo just sounds a lot better IMHO.

Augh, that rain in Epcot sounds awful! Nothing like showing up for a nice dinner soaking wet! Glad you enjoyed your meal though-- I want to try Via Napoli so badly!

The beginning of your birthday sounds great-- you got some great character pics! I usually much prefer the monorail to the boats at MK, but the ferry is definitely scenic!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Oh hi dream resort.

Has anyone ever stayed at the Poly? Pictures please! I’d love to stay here but it’s so expensive (even with my TA perks!) and has no DVC equivalent so I can’t rent points! Any who is going soon take me with you? Please?

We stayed here this summer-tons of pics in my TR

 

[khertz]

Crystal Palace seems to be the best way to start an MK birthday!! Great minds think alike & all that jazz. I love the pic of Kris & Eeyore.

 

[jenny105]

even though some jerk talked yo uinto going to the early time, i hope you still enjoyed it.

breakfast sounded good...and what was up with him being sad with eeyor and you smiling with him.

Haha I did enjoy it very much!

Kris is very 'woe is me' sometimes so I call him Eeyore. I was happy to see him so that's why I'm smiling!

A Rangers game together would be AH-MAZING! Maybe one day the NHL will play again and we can make that happen.

I've heard similar comparisons of Kidani vs. Jambo-- Jambo just sounds a lot better IMHO.

Augh, that rain in Epcot sounds awful! Nothing like showing up for a nice dinner soaking wet! Glad you enjoyed your meal though-- I want to try Via Napoli so badly!

The beginning of your birthday sounds great-- you got some great character pics! I usually much prefer the monorail to the boats at MK, but the ferry is definitely scenic!

At this rate I don't think the NHL is every going to play again. Nothing is going to get accomplished until Fehr and Bettman are fired or resign. The players were ready to make a deal a couple of weeks ago and Fehr told them to hold out! The egos on these two are insane.

Via Napoli is so good! You should definitely try it next trip.

We stayed here this summer-tons of pics in my TR

Thanks! I'll have to check it out.

Crystal Palace seems to be the best way to start an MK birthday!! Great minds think alike & all that jazz. I love the pic of Kris & Eeyore.

That's why we're friends on DIS - we know where to go to celebrate a Disney birthday.

 

[princess_momma]

I would do anything for a chocolate peanut butter cupcake from Starring Rolls right now. Like no joke. It's just not okay that I can't have one every day.

My ToT is so sweet. I love that it told you how it misses me. I MISS IT BACK. So, so, so much.

Also, being in DHS drinking a margarita is exactly how I imagine heaven to be. With no lines to anything. And a Starring Rolls that never closes.

I really need to stop by Lights, Motor, Action sometime. I'm sure Landon would love it, especially since it stars that Lightning McQueen guy. He would think it was the coolest.

Also, I need to go back to 50's PTC. My cousin wasn't into the antics but rather talking about working there for like 10 years. It was a shame. I was like "Well, it was nice to hear about all the other people whose meals you made instead of experiencing it." (Lol jk I'm not that bitter about it. But still...I wanted shenanigans!)

Your Blizzard Beach day sounds magical. I can't wait to go to the water parks and min golf courses. ONE DAY. I feel like I say that a lot. But those 2 specifically are being reserved for Landon being older.

I really don't like the rooms in AoA either. I like most of the outside, yes...but the rooms are awful to me. I've heard the food court is good...but it's no 'OHANA!!! Yum, yum, yum!! I love it there. And if you need someone to room with you at the Poly, I volunteer myself. But only if we have lapu lapus daily.

It's mind-blowing how detailed AK is. It's literally breathtaking. I especially love being there with first timers...always blows their mind! But it makes me laugh because they always walk in and think the whole thing is going to be jungley!

OMG I'm so, so glad you liked Via Napoli!! I adore that place. And yay for that sangria. I was really hoping you guys would love, because otherwise I would've felt silly.

Dang Disney for changing opening times! It really is something to be in the parks before anyone else! My first year I did that in EVERY park except DHS. It was so magical. Guess you'll just have to try again!

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Just read the whole report so far from the start. Great job and thanks for sharing.

 

[Imagineer5]

All caught up, and what a way to come back to the TR! Our 30th Birthday! So funny that we had probably just taken photos with Pooh! So sad, again that we missed you, your side of the restaurant looked so empty in the background?? I was so upset about the 8AM opening time, but we did get onto Main St before the rest so still got some pictures - you made pretty good time considering you left at 7:45!

I'm glad you enjoyed your early breakfast! Can't wait to see how different our days were HAHA.


And regarding the previous couple of days - so funny to hear what you were up to when we arrived in that crazy rain. Glad Via Napoli was so great, we are finally heading back there next June.

AKL is so nice, I can't wait to stay there again! I never have seen any reason to stay at Kidani vs Jambo, though. Weird you have to go outside and around to get to the pool? Sanaa would be my only reason for wanting to stay there, sooo yummy!

Your lion (Mufasa, defnitely) photo is awesome!

 

[jenny105]

I would do anything for a chocolate peanut butter cupcake from Starring Rolls right now. Like no joke. It's just not okay that I can't have one every day.

My ToT is so sweet. I love that it told you how it misses me. I MISS IT BACK. So, so, so much.

Also, being in DHS drinking a margarita is exactly how I imagine heaven to be. With no lines to anything. And a Starring Rolls that never closes.

I really need to stop by Lights, Motor, Action sometime. I'm sure Landon would love it, especially since it stars that Lightning McQueen guy. He would think it was the coolest.

Also, I need to go back to 50's PTC. My cousin wasn't into the antics but rather talking about working there for like 10 years. It was a shame. I was like "Well, it was nice to hear about all the other people whose meals you made instead of experiencing it." (Lol jk I'm not that bitter about it. But still...I wanted shenanigans!)

Your Blizzard Beach day sounds magical. I can't wait to go to the water parks and min golf courses. ONE DAY. I feel like I say that a lot. But those 2 specifically are being reserved for Landon being older.

I really don't like the rooms in AoA either. I like most of the outside, yes...but the rooms are awful to me. I've heard the food court is good...but it's no 'OHANA!!! Yum, yum, yum!! I love it there. And if you need someone to room with you at the Poly, I volunteer myself. But only if we have lapu lapus daily.

It's mind-blowing how detailed AK is. It's literally breathtaking. I especially love being there with first timers...always blows their mind! But it makes me laugh because they always walk in and think the whole thing is going to be jungley!

OMG I'm so, so glad you liked Via Napoli!! I adore that place. And yay for that sangria. I was really hoping you guys would love, because otherwise I would've felt silly.

Dang Disney for changing opening times! It really is something to be in the parks before anyone else! My first year I did that in EVERY park except DHS. It was so magical. Guess you'll just have to try again!

I would love to have an SR cupcake right now. I'm hungry! That would hit the spot.

Lightning McQueen makes a cameo during LMA. He drives around a bit with one of the spy cars following him. It's cute but lasts all of 5 minutes.

There's so much to do at Disney it's no wonder the mini golf courses get skipped! I always say I'm going to rent one of the boats to ride around in when I'm there and I never do. I have to stay at a resort on the water next time. POFQ, BW, or Poly if I can swing it! And DEAL. You can stay with me and we can have a Lapu Lapu every night after we get back from the parks.

Via Napoli was DELICIOUS! I want to go back but there are so many other restaurants I want/need to try!

Just read the whole report so far from the start. Great job and thanks for sharing.

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. There's more to come

All caught up, and what a way to come back to the TR! Our 30th Birthday! So funny that we had probably just taken photos with Pooh! So sad, again that we missed you, your side of the restaurant looked so empty in the background?? I was so upset about the 8AM opening time, but we did get onto Main St before the rest so still got some pictures - you made pretty good time considering you left at 7:45!

I'm glad you enjoyed your early breakfast! Can't wait to see how different our days were HAHA.


And regarding the previous couple of days - so funny to hear what you were up to when we arrived in that crazy rain. Glad Via Napoli was so great, we are finally heading back there next June.

AKL is so nice, I can't wait to stay there again! I never have seen any reason to stay at Kidani vs Jambo, though. Weird you have to go outside and around to get to the pool? Sanaa would be my only reason for wanting to stay there, sooo yummy!

Your lion (Mufasa, defnitely) photo is awesome!

Our side of the restaurant got sat all at once & left all at once. That's why it looks so empty!

That rain was insane! It just would not let up. I know it rains a lot in Florida but I've never been caught in something like that!

I thought Kidani was laid out really weird. I was like 'what do you mean I can't access the pool from the hotel?' You have to walk around the side of the building. I like Jambo where I could walk out the door by Boma and there it was!

I've never tried Sanaa but I've heard great things. Eventually we'll get there!

 

[smile4stamps]

Caught up! AK is a great park. WE were there till 3ish and still didn't do everything. I guess it depends if you like the trails and shows or not to consider it a full day park. If you go JUST for the rides than I can see it being a 1/2 day park but through in any of the other stuff and you have a pretty full day.

Via Nappoli is awesome! I dream of the Pizza we had!

I think I was also one that suggested that you go for CP earlier. However the earlier park hours really screwed up those plans!

Glad it was still a good Birthday breakfast!

 

[jenny105]

Caught up! AK is a great park. WE were there till 3ish and still didn't do everything. I guess it depends if you like the trails and shows or not to consider it a full day park. If you go JUST for the rides than I can see it being a 1/2 day park but through in any of the other stuff and you have a pretty full day.

Via Nappoli is awesome! I dream of the Pizza we had!

I think I was also one that suggested that you go for CP earlier. However the earlier park hours really screwed up those plans!

Glad it was still a good Birthday breakfast!

I've done the trails and usually do one of the shows plus the rides. Whatever I do I can never seem to spend a full day there. I like it but it's my least favorite park. I just don't get excited about it the way I do for MK and Epcot.

Sorry I left you out of the CP blame Paula! We still had a great morning though!

 

[jenny105]

After breakfast we said goodbye to Pooh & the gang and decided to hit some of the attractions wed missed at the Halloween party. First up was the Jungle Cruise followed by the Enchanted TIki Room. I cannot tell you how long its been since I last visited the Tiki Room. Really, I cant remember, its been that long. My favorite part isnt even the birds. Its the singing tiki poles. Love those guys!

In the tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki room&

After the Tiki Room we headed to BTMRR to get a fastpass and then back over toward Liberty Square.

We decided to check out the Hall of Presidents, another attraction I havent visited since who knows when. It was nice to do some of the things we usually skip when were at the parks. Thats what happens when you have a longer stay than usual and there are only two of you! My mom called me to wish me a happy birthday as we were waiting for the show to start & then we sat back & enjoyed our trip through history.

After HoP it was time to use our FPs for BTMRR. I really wanted to ride Splash again too but the line was way too long. I did snap a picture of it though. One of my favorites.

BTMRR is so fun! Day and night are two completely different experiences on that ride and I suggest you try them both! I was trying to pay attention to the surroundings because I know the ride went through a refurb but I gave up. I was laughing and having too much fun.

After BTMRR we headed into Fantasyland to see Philarmagic, another favorite of mine. Donald is my favorite character so its only natural I would love this attraction. I could watch it over and over and not get bored. We watched Donald chase Mickeys hat and then headed over to check out what was completed in New Fantasyland. Can you believe we missed the soft opening by a few days? We left on the 8th and I believe it opened on the 10th or 11th? For real Disney World? How dare you.

Anyway the walls were up but I took some pictures anyway!

The gates welcoming you to New Fantasyland.

Beasts Castle

I CANT WAIT FOR THIS!

What the Mine Train looked like in October&really, its been over two months since Ive been back?

Storybook Circus. I thought this area was really cute. They have a little splash play area for the kids (circus themed of course) and a shop thats housed inside what looks like a big tent. We skipped Dumbo but maybe the lines will be more manageable now that there are two!

I made Kris try this on in the gift shop tent. I think it suits him, dont you?

Splash area

Huh. I guess I never got a picture of Dumbo. Sorry! Bad DISer.

After touring New Fantasyland we headed over to Tomorrowland and grabbed an FP for Space Mountain. While we waited for our FP time we visited Carousel of Progress and TTA. I now have Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow stuck in my head. I hope its stuck in yours too! I hope they never get rid of CoP. Its outdated the ending scene is almost laughable now because most of that technology was developed years ago but its all Walt. Id be upset if they removed it entirely.

Then it was time for our SM FP! Fastpass it wasnt. The ride broke down as soon as we made it to the end of the line. Since we were close to the loading station we decided to wait it out and it lasted about 15-20 minutes. I felt so bad for the people in the cars that had to wait it out! The one car was stopped just before the hill and they were stuck sitting there staring into the darkness. Imagine waiting to go on the ride and it stops just as your about to experience it! Bummer. It couldve been worse I guess!

After SM we decided to call it a day for MK. We were both tired and wanted to relax a bit before heading out to dinner that night. Can you guess where were headed? Stay tuned&

 

[klacey1]

Great update! I always have to do the Tiki Room-- love it for some reason! I actually prefered the Iago/Zazu version, though. I know I'm in the minority!

I much, much prefer BTMRR at night! At night, in the last train is the best!

Your new FL pictures are great. I'm not very interested in Storybook Circus, but it does look very cool.

Augh I'd hate getting stuck on SM! 15-20 minutes must have seemed like an eternity to the people who were in the cars!

 

[Imagineer5]

What a fun birthday at the MK! nice pace you had, it seems, being able to do some of the less popular things but still able to do the biggies too! AWesome!