It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Disney with a 1 month old *new 2/13/15*

[TheMaxRebo]

Joining in!

Sanna looks awesome! I am going to have to make sure I try to one of these trips.

The views from your room are to die for I can't imagine what it must be like to wake up and see Cinderella's castle

I just saw Fantasmic! for the first time a few weeks ago and I loved it, we also did the dining plan and we did get an appetizer too. Just like you I was also on my phone making sure it was correct but could not find it any where! You can be sure I checked the check before we left and we didn't get charged!

Thanks for joining Megan! We really enjoyed Sanaa - we love that type of food and this was a very good version of it in a great setting that was pretty relaxed too which we liked - kinda like that smart-casual level.

Definitely was a nice view to wake up to and instant reminder of where you are

Definitely not complaining and if that is now standard to include the appetizer I think it works out to be a pretty good deal!

I have to say, any excuse to visit AK Lodge is a good excuse.

So you got the ressie day of? Pretty cool! Also pretty cool to have animal views.

I will admit that I probably would have wanted the kids dessert just because you get to decorate it. That just sounds fun!!

I agree Rob - AKL definitely a resort I would like to spend more time at - this was a great excuse

We did get the ADR day of - we made it on the app on our phone probably around 11am or so for a 1:30 ADR time. Seemed like plenty of openings too - we definitely had a choice of some times. So, lunch there is something to keep in mind if you are in the mood even day of.

It was definitely a fun kids dessert and I think it is a great idea as it keeps the kids busy right when they are probably getting a little antsy sitting for a while

That creme brulee french toast sounds fantastic! Judi's pies look picture perfect. I like how she put a cross on one and leaves on the other.

Tusker House, Sanaa and Ohana sound like an absolutely perfect food day!

The breme brulee french toast is really tasty - perhaps not the healthiest option but great for a special occasion... or a random Tuesday

Actually didn't hit me until starting this report that we did to Tusker House, Sanaa, and 'Ohana all in one day ... that is a good food day!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Congratulations on the baptism! Judi's pies are beautiful! I wouldn't want to eat them & mess them up. Ha!

It is always nice when you can have a little one on one with your children. I love that.

What a cool dessert idea for children. Mine would flip over getting to decorate their dessert.

Thank you! Oh, we definitely at the pies

I think it was a great idea for a kids dessert - Olivia really enjoyed it and it gave her something to do towards the end of the meal

Oh man, the French toast and pies look DELICIOUS!

Dying at the giraffe pic! What a great view.

I am not a very adventurous eater but Sanaa has always looked really good to me, especially the butter chicken. Olivia's dessert is so fun!

Thank you Courtney - they both tasted great. We tend to get good crowds for our parties as we always have plenty of good food ... and plenty of good beer too

Yeah, I loved the giraffe pic too and loved how he was like perfectly in the middle of the zebra as well.

There are a lot of options at Sanaa - though all in that "style" but even not very adventurous eaters I am sure can find something. It might have a fancy name but really not be super crazy or anything

That baptism food looks quite tasty! Fancy pies!

Now I’m curious how your stroller handled all three kids. Glad they let you bring it into Sanaa.

So, I can't find a great picture of the stroller set-up, but basically it was a double stroller (a double citi-mini) and then we had the universal car-carrier adapter for Emma that was a bar that went across the front with a holder for the carrier - and the holder can slide along the bar to the middle and so the car seat can fit in that and there is still room for both older kids to fit in the stroller seats.

Here is a picture of the setup from the intewebs - maybe this helps - but there was definitely room for Peter and Olivia to be in the seats while Emma was in the car carrier in the carrier holder

Yay for getting a great savanna-view! It’s so nice to have lunch there and watch the animals outside (and have them watch you, apparently).

Yep, we experienced those large birds last time. One was obsessed with us.

Nice that you got that alone time with Olivia. Cute Tinkerbell drink. Judi’s drink looks very good too. That’s neat that they use naan for the pizza.

Your whole meal looks great! So many tasty options there. Yum.

It was a great view at Sanaa - so happy we got that seat. I think a lot of the seats give a pretty good view, but we had like the perfect table.

Haha - seemed like the servers had some good stories related to those birds

Spoiler alert => we got Peter a Buzz version of the cup later in the trip. But they were nice to have and a little souvenir for the kids. Judi's drink was really good and the kids pizza was great in that it was a little different but still close enough to "regular" pizza that Olivia ate it no problem.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

We haven't eaten at Brown Derby in the longest time. It's one of those restaurants that ends up on the list and then gets dropped at some point. Who knows why.

A few years ago, we had a similar experience at Le Cellier and were seated an hour past our reservation time. My poor nephew, who was not even two years old yet was just miserable. I mean, he handled it like a champ, but you could tell he just was not happy.

Okay, I'm definitely a fan of being able to select three desserts!

That was our first time at HBD and I would do it again - but definitely can see it getting cut off of initial lists. Just makes for a long meal overall when they are that far behind and it would have been better if they told us up front that it could be a while and we might have gone to do another character meet or something - but frustrating when they say it will be 15 mins and then it gets dragged our more.

Picking the three mini desserts was great!

OMG, I love that Star Wars dancing segment. That video just cracked me up when I first saw it!

Of course I say boo to no Donald out front at Tusker House! At least he's still there.

Mmmm. Donut holes.

I did a youtube serach and there are a ton of those Star Wars dancing videos out there - they are great!

I agree with your Boo!

Yummy donut holes too boot!

Wow, good shot of the lion! I think I've seen him once.

We had our safari guide stop in the middle of the safari and refuse to move the truck until people sat down. A family was just letting their kids stand up and she had kept telling them not to. That was pretty eventful. Haha.

We definitely got Lion Lucky this sarafi - glad I captured it pretty well

Wow, that is pretty eventful! That is definitely one ride where you need to listen to the CMs - I mean, live wild animals ... might want to pay attention and follow the rules

Woo hoo! Olivia was tall enough for Everest!

Awww, didn't like the ride because it made her cheeks shake. That's awesome.

I HAVE WANTED THAT SHIRT FOREVER! Every time I go, I look at it and then talk myself out of it for some reason.

Sanaa is a great restaurant. I love the bread service.

Yeah, it was kinda funny and I know she was upset but hard not to laugh at her when she told the story. I mean, with her, yeah, with her, not at her

I talk myself out of so many shirts - though I guess it is good or I would have so many shirts that I don't get to wear too often.

bread service was great - I love that type of snaking food

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Sanaa sounds like it was the perfect place to go after a morning in AK. Something a little better than the QS locations in the park and definitely a better selection of unique dishes.

I agree, the servings board for the bread looks really cool. I also loved the plate Olivia's dessert came out on. Very cute.

Sanaa really worked out great - and if you split a few things it isn't crazy expensive ... perfect break from the heat too.

They had a lot of unique service vessels - definitely added to the experience!

PIE!

I love pie, it is my favorite type of dessert! Those looks so delicious! I always love when Fall rolls around because I get to start making my pies for the holidays, and just in general really. Such a great time of year! Those looks really yummy, but who am I kidding, that french toast doesn't look half bad either!

Judi makes really good pie - she uses a good mix of apples and we slice them really think. There is tappioca in the mix as well which add to it. Just super yummy. The whole meal worked out really well which I was glad about

:Ahh, Sanaa! What a great restaurant, and not many people go there since it is sort of out of the way. We stay at Kidani all the time, so I guess we go there more than most visitors. Bread service is awesome, we always get cucumber raita and red pepper hummus too, but we like the red chile sambal as well. Have not tried those sliders yet...those looks like a must try, will put that on my list to try when we go there next!

That dessert trio looks good too! I can't remember ever getting a dessert there...hmm? That needs to change. Dang it, now I need to make a reservation there...haha! So glad that you guys enjoyed your lunch there! We can't tell too many people though, don't want it to get too crowded...LOL!

The bread service is great! I think I would be up for trying it with all the accompianments as well. The sliders were really good too - another great "sharing" dish

Good point about keeping Sanaa on the down-low. It was great to be able to get a lunch ADR there like 2 hours before we went.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Why must you do these things right before my lunch time?!

um, so you treat yourself to a super yummy lunch?

I'm trying to picture this...how in the world?

*copied from what I responed to Dugette's post*

So, I can't find a great picture of the stroller set-up, but basically it was a double stroller (a double citi-mini) and then we had the universal car-carrier adapter for Emma that was a bar that went across the front with a holder for the carrier - and the holder can slide along the bar to the middle and so the car seat can fit in that and there is still room for both older kids to fit in the stroller seats.

Here is a picture of the setup from the intewebs - maybe this helps - but there was definitely room for Peter and Olivia to be in the seats while Emma was in the car carrier in the carrier holder

Perfect view!

Have had this at AK before and it's a very solid choice.

Whenever someone talks about Sanaa, all that they ever mention is the bread service. Wow!

I LOVE Butter Chicken! Have made it multiple times at home and it's something everyone in my household loves. Craving it now!

really can't complain about the view - exactly what I was hoping for when we went over to AKL.

"Solid" is the perfect word for the Safari Amber ... not the greatest beer ever or most complex or anything, but rather tasty and very refreshing - and enough going on to be interesting

The bread service is really cool and just fun to try the different components. And I love snacking on stuff like that ... and carbs in general

Their butter chicken was really good - love sopping the sauce up with the naan too.

WHAAAT?!

I know, that really is borderline unAmerican of me but it is one of those things I just can't stand and I can totally taste it inregular cheese cake and thus cannot stand that. Clearly I have issues.

This looks awesome So a cool idea to keep kids busy!

I really, really want to visit Sanaa. DM is not adventurous and likes to stick to what she knows. This food is definitely out of her comfort zone unfortunately. She would like the bread, but not sure what else. This place may have to be a date night visit for us.

The kids dessert definitely is a great idea

Sanaa was really great. They do have lots of different options and I bet there would be things that, if she didn't know what it was or where it came from, your DM would like, but wouldn't want to force it on her. Would be a great date location or maybe if she would watch your son during naptime in his room you could head there for lunch one day

 

[MEK]

I love Sanaa, even though I always confuse the spelling. The bread service is my favorite! I didn't know they made the pizza on the naan bread. Nice Glad you enjoyed your break from AK with a trip over to Kidani. I have never had lunch there, but it definitely looks like a relaxing break.

Oh yeah - that stroller setup is pretty sweet. When I see how far all those gadgets have come since my kids for small its just amazing!

 

[Mousemommy1]

All caught up! Sanaa looks great! We always want to make our way over to AKL for the several restaurants we want to try but never seem to do it. Since we are running out of restaurants to try at the rest of the resort, we will have to get there some time. We love going over there to visit, but never want to commit to a reservation over there...

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I love Sanaa, even though I always confuse the spelling. The bread service is my favorite! I didn't know they made the pizza on the naan bread. Nice Glad you enjoyed your break from AK with a trip over to Kidani. I have never had lunch there, but it definitely looks like a relaxing break.

Oh yeah - that stroller setup is pretty sweet. When I see how far all those gadgets have come since my kids for small its just amazing!

I definitely had to catch the spelling of Sanaa a bit while I was typing up the review

Lunch was great and a definite nice reprieve from the heat of AK. The lunch menu is pretty similar to dinner so definitely something to keep in mind as an option

All caught up! Sanaa looks great! We always want to make our way over to AKL for the several restaurants we want to try but never seem to do it. Since we are running out of restaurants to try at the rest of the resort, we will have to get there some time. We love going over there to visit, but never want to commit to a reservation over there...

It is a bit of effort to make it to AKL but definitely worth it. We ate at Boma once years ago and now Sanaa - still need to do Jiko one of these trips. I'd say we liked Sanaa better than Boma but both were good.

It was easy to get a lunch ADR at Sanaa so something to keep in mind for future trips!

 

[horse11]

OMG!!!! You have to IM me with the recipe for the Creme Brulee French Toast!!! My mouth is watering so thinking about it!!!

Guess I will have to put the Sanaa on our list for our next trip I think the boys would really like watching the animals while we ate. For me it will remind me of watching my family at dinner time LOL!!!! Is it hard to get to from the park?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

OMG!!!! You have to IM me with the recipe for the Creme Brulee French Toast!!! My mouth is watering so thinking about it!!!

Guess I will have to put the Sanaa on our list for our next trip I think the boys would really like watching the animals while we ate. For me it will remind me of watching my family at dinner time LOL!!!! Is it hard to get to from the park?

I think you boys would love Sanaa! We got a bit lucky with our table but I am sure you could try to request a window table. And even if you aren't right there you can get a pretty good view from a number of the tables.

We drove so it was pretty easy to get from the park to AKL - otherwise you can just take the bus ... it is located at Kidani not the main entrance for AKL

Here is the recipe for the Creme Brulee French Toast:


Creme Brulee French Toast

Ingredients:
1/2 c. unsalted butter
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 tbsp corn syrup
1 large loaf of French Bread, Hallah Bread, or similar.
10 eggs
3 c. half-and-half cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp orange brandy
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:
1. Remove crust and slice bread ~1.5 - 2 inches thick and arrange in 9 x 13 inch back dish. Bread should fill the dish and a little squishing to teach it to fit is ok, just don't really compress it. Remove bread - this was just a test fit for how to puzzle in the pieces.

2. Melt butter in small sauce pan over medium heat. Mix in brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Pour into the baking dish to coat the bottom.

3. Put bread back into dish on top of melted sauce.

4. In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla extract, orange brandy, and salt. Pour over bread, pushing the bread down a bit if needed to ensure it is wet. Cover and chill at least 8 hours, or over night (makes this a great dish to make ahead of time and have the next morning for breakfast).

5. Preheat over to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature.

6. Bake uncovered 35-40 minutes in the preheated over, until puffed and lightly brown. Let stand for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven before serving.

Makes about 8-10 servings

 

[teekathepony]

Well first off, congratulations on Emma's baptism

Loved the Sanaa review. I've considered that place so many times but for two picky eaters, we just get nervous. I love the sound of the bread service though, and I would eat most of what you had. I'll have to re-consider it again. I love the cookie Olivia decorated! What a great idea!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Well first off, congratulations on Emma's baptism

Loved the Sanaa review. I've considered that place so many times but for two picky eaters, we just get nervous. I love the sound of the bread service though, and I would eat most of what you had. I'll have to re-consider it again. I love the cookie Olivia decorated! What a great idea!

Thank you Wendy

I think the menu at Sanaa can look intimidating but they really do have a variety of flavors - and when you break it down a lot of the dishes are meat with sauce and rice plus bread to dip in different things. So I think it is worth a shot ... and worst case they can decorate cookies while watching animals roam the savanna

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Part 16 - Resort time and 'Ohana
Tuesday, August 26th​

​

​

After our yummy lunch at Sanaa we returned to the Contemporary for some rest and relaxation before our evening activities.

Upon arrival though, as we actually hadn't been on the monorail yet and it was something Peter really, really, REALLY, wanted to do so I decided to take Peter on a ride. And he loved it SOOOOOO much. We actually went around the entire MK loop twice. He was cute as he thought we were "flying" and loved the noise that is made when the doors closed so he for the rest of the trip he would often be saying "Deee-Dooo"

Basically for the next 1/3 hour I saw this:

After that, I took Peter and Olivia down to the pool so Judi and Emma could reest/nap more. Since it was just me with both kids ... and a pool. I didn't even take the camera since I knew there was no way I could watch them and take pictures. So given that, I am posting some pictures I took from the interwebs to show off the pool and splash area:

Overall, we had fun - though I definitely don't think it is the best pool at Disney. The shape of the pool is pretty cool and the sprayers were fun - Olivia liked swimming out to them. The splash are was fun as well and a good level of action for the kids - though it is kind of behind a wall from the main pool area so can't really watch kids in that and the pool at the same time. Should note that we didn't use the slide as I couldn't be at the top of the slide and the bottom at the same time.

After pool time we cleaned ourselves up and headed over to the Polynesian for dinner at 'Ohana. This has been one of my favorite dinners in the past so was looking forward to doing it again!

We first arrived and the pretty sad looking Polynesian as there are just walls when you walk in and even the water areas out front are drained. I am hopeful for what it will look like when it is done - but now it totally has lost that feeling it used to have.

We checked in and were given our pager - I had basically just returned to where Judi and the kids were sitting with two Lapu Lapus when the pager went off. We were brought to our table - which wasn't in the best locaiton as it was far from the windows. We were basically right by the counter where they have the bread. We could see the grill area though which was cool.

So anyway, this was the first time we had Lapu Lapus and we really enjoyed them! Judi actually go hers with a Parrot Bay float instead of 151. Plus it is just cool to drink out of a pineapple. Olivia offered to take each of our pictures enjoying our drinks:

On thing that was odd was that they didn't give us the bread right away, we had to ask for it - think it was just an oversight. Once it came we fully enjoyed it (though, I think having now had the bread/butter at Kona I much prefer that bread)

We were a little worried/curious about the changes to the menu. I'd say some were good and some not so much. One of the changes was that instead of salad you now got vegetable lettuce cups. These were ok - I appreciated the variety of vegitables in them - but they weren't super flavorful. Nothing overtly bad though - just think I preferred the salad.

[imghttp://img15.imagefra.me/i5a2/themaxrebo/6988_701_udpu1.jpg[/img]

Next they brought what is probably my favorite course - the potstickers and wings. The potstickers were as yummy as ever and I could have filled up on just those. The wings were ok - again, not as much flavor as I would have liked and what was there was from the sauce, the chicken itself was pretty plain:

After this they announced the coconut races and Olivia got up to participate. Judi went with her while I stayed with Peter and Emma. According to Judi Olivia did really well with it - and was like taking the corners well and passing kids. So, if her current career plans (which is to be a balarina-mom-veterinarian) don't work out, this could be a back-up plan for her

(Continued next post)

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Part 17 - 'Ohana continued - then Fireworks and first ever DISmeet!
Tuesday, August 26th​

​

​

After the big race, Olivia returned and they brought us the dips for when the meat came:

as well as the vegetables and noodles:

The kids loved the noodles - especially Peter, as I think this gif shows :

Then they came about with the meet which always makes me feel like royalty in ancient Greece or something where I am just lounging and servants are bring me food in bite size form. We were a bit disappointed that they no longer had the chicken as Judi doesn't eat beef or pork so that left her with just the shrimp - which were good, if a bit messy. The beef and pork however I thought were absolutely excellent and much better than they had been previous trips. Cooked properly as well and they were able to get me medium rare steak:

We didn't eat too much meat (I think I did get seconds of the pork at least) because we were starting to get full (I guess a day of Tusker House, Sanaa, and 'Ohana's will do that ) and of course had to save room for what is half the reason for coming to 'Ohana's - the bread pudding. Which was awesome as ever and I could totally go for some right now. You can also see the brownie cupcakes they brought for the kids:

This dessert always makes me so happy. Tip of the day: If you dine at Kona and ask your server nicely they can often bring you a 'Ohana bread pudding for dessert there too.

We settled up and rolled out of the Polynesian, and rolled right onto the monorail and back to the Contemporary.

After resting / digesting for a bit and getting changed, we headed over the bridge to Bay Lake Tower to meet up with Lauren (Imagineer5) and her daughter Aria for what would be our first ever DISmeet! We were definitely excited though a little nervous (I mean, I was technically asking my wife to come with me to meet a woman I met on the internet ), But I am glad to say it all worked out really well and everyone got along great.

This was especially good since we were planning to meet up the next day as well

Lauren had previously arranged for all of us to be able to go up to the Top of the World Lounge on the top floor of Bay Lake Tower and there were definitely no issues getting there. We were a bit early for fireworks and it wasn't crowded so we got to use a large booth area they had and got some drinks and just spent some time chatting about Disney (and Laurens earlier few days at Universal) and relaxing a bit (well, until Olivia dropped her drink at least). I did manage to get one picture taken (though it is Judi taking the rest of us as the server disappeared for a bit). Apparently only Lauren and Emma knew what direction to face:

Once it was close to the time for Wishes to start we headed out to the deck. One thing about this are vs the observation decks outside of the California Grill is that it has a fairly high solid concrete wall in the front. Totally get why it is needed but it made it hard for the kids to see unless they went on shoulders (and thus potentially blocked the view of other guests). Fortuantely we did find a bench and small wall towards the back of the area the provided a great view where we all could see from.

I mostly got lousy photos but will include one to prove that we were there

Shortly after the show ended (which was amazing as always) we said our good buys and Lauren settled the bill (Thank you again for picking it up!!!!) we headed back as we had another early morning - and a kick-start to Princess-palooza! Let's just say it was a good day for Olivia

TTFN

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Geez Phil, don't you know that the monorail is not a ride but simply a mode of transportation? Yeah, I can't say that with a straight face.

Yeah, that's one of the pitfalls of visiting in the "off season"... All the walls. So not pretty.

Drinking directly from a fruit should be on everybody's must do list.

Good on Olivia's future career as I'm pretty sure I would absolutely suck at coconut racing. That does not look easy.

YAY for your first DISmeet. Haha, yeah I can see that request being a little awkward, but it's DISboards so it's all good.

 

[annie170]

I love Ohana, but I will also miss the salad and chicken.

It's always good to have a back-up plan! Who knows?! Coconut races could become a new olympic sport!

You always remember your first.....dismeet! Glad you had a good one.

 

[amberg93]

Mmm desserts to start things out. That's the way to do things. I don't even care if they're not Disney, they both look greath.

I'm sure that competition is great for diners

Sounds like Sanaa was a good meal, but for Marie and I a bit too adventerous. I'd eat Olivia's pizza

Okay the story of Peter on the monorail is adorable.

And pool time is always a good idea, even if the pool doesn't look to be all that special.

Olivia can just be a coconut racer on the side of the ballerina-mom-veterinarian plan.

Poor Judi not liking steak or pork. Especially cause that pork is delicious.

Yay for awesome Dismeets and even more awesome fireworks views!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Awww, monorail loop! That's so cute that he loved it that much.

We have fond memories of the BLT pool. My nephew insisted on going down the slide, and didn't want to listen. So he goes up to the top (he was 3 1/2) with my brother, sat straight up instead of laid down, ended up turning backwards on the slide, and skipped across the water on his life vest like a skipping stone. Then the child was mad at me for not catching him!

It's always great to drink out of a pineapple. I mean, why else do you get a lapu lapu, right?

Interesting that they didn't give you the bread. Your "cousin" that brings you to your seat is supposed to grab it on the way. I'm going to agree that it was an oversight too.

Yeah, I was gonna say you had a big food day! I don't know how you did it.

That bread pudding is the entire reason to go there.

Hahaha, first time DISmeets are a bit awkward! They get easier from that moment out.

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Phil.

I love the little clip of Peter riding the monorail...he is having so much fun.

I agree that the Contemporary pool is not the best of the resorts, but glad the little ones got some pool time.

I am going to drink out of a pineapple one of these days...I keep forgetting to order that when we go to Kona.

Mark would only go back to Ohana if he could just order the dessert. Unfortunately, we had a really bad meal there last year and he doesn't want to go back. I'm with you...the potstickers are the best part of the meal. Peter with the noodles is hysterical.

for your first DIS meet. I am sure it is only the beginning of many in the future. And how nice of Lauren to invite you over to see the fireworks from the lounge at BLT.

 

[Dugette]

Glad that Peter had fun on his monorail joyride!

Impressive to do the pool with two kids! I have a hard enough time keeping up with one. Totally understand the slide thing – I’ve been there.

Aw, sad Poly!

Yes, ‘Ohana bread is nice, but Kona is even better! I love the potstickers too!

Glad things went well with the DIS-meet and you were able to enjoy the lounge and fireworks together!