Keep Calm and Go to Disney! 10/21 - 11/4/14 COMPLETE

[MissPrice]

The beauty of AKL never ceases to amaze me! It is the only Deluxe resort I've stayed at and I am glad I did. I really think I need some Boma breakfast on my next trip -Amanda

 

[jabead]

Wow, that's some selection of breakfast goodies!

Yes, it was quite a breakfast feast!

So many choices and too little stomach room!

Everything looked so good.

I can't imagine that anyone could leave there still hungry. They had a great variety...something for everyone!

Wow, what an array of choices Boma has. I've never been but didn't realize the food was so similar to Tusker House, which is our fav buffet in the world. Agree the bobtie is always good, as is the Pap. The bread pudding looks much better at Boma though, especially with that sauce. Working on the hubby for a Feb trip, staying @ AKL so Boma would be a definite.

Yes, I went to Tusker House for the first time later in the trip. I agree, they are very similar. I would probably say that Boma is a little better due to the French Toast Bread Pudding and praline sauce and the Made to Order omelets but with Tusker House being right there in the park it is much more convenient unless of course you are staying at AKL. But if you can convince your DH to stay at AKL then you definitely need to have breakfast at Boma.

Love the breakfast at Boma, one of the best on property!

I thought that it would be my favorite breakfast buffet but actually I found one that I liked even more.

The beauty of AKL never ceases to amaze me! It is the only Deluxe resort I've stayed at and I am glad I did. I really think I need some Boma breakfast on my next trip -Amanda

Yes you do, Amanda!

 

[jabead]

Following breakfast at Boma it was time to check out of my room there at Animal Kingdom Lodge and arrange for the transfer of my luggage to my next resort. Then it was off to the park...





My first FP+ of the morning was for Kilimanjaro Safaris, but along the way I was distracted when I noticed some movement among the vegetation...


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Sure enough, it was the lovely DiVine.


Then another distraction which required a quick stop for a pic...



As you can see, the Tree of Life had a wall in front of it. I haven't been keeping up on the WDW park construction updates so I have no idea why the wall is there. Anybody know what's going on?


Anyway, eventually I made it to Africa and the Kilimanjaro Safari ride where my chariot awaited me...



Umm, correction, make that me and about 20 - 30 other people.


Shortly after departing from the station we had to stop, as there were a herd of bongo crossing the road in front of us...



They are quite beautiful, don't you think?


There was one other rare occurrence which took place during this particular safari. The lions were not only out and awake but the male lion was actually roaring. While I didn't get a photo taken in time to catch the roar in progress, I did get one soon after.




Then I tried to take a closer shot but I was so excited that I failed to notice that my camera had decided to focus on the grass in front of my subject.



But I thought the photo looked kind of "artsy" so I've posted it anyway.


Other than these two unusual happenings, the rest of our ride was pretty typical. We saw zebra...




Several rhino...



What's the plural of rhinoceros anyway?


and elephants, to name just a few.





And since I was in the mood to see even more animals, after the safari ride I took the exit detour to the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail where I saw this guy...




I then completed the animal viewing trifecta by doing the Maharajah Jungle Trek because I wanted to some beautiful tigers...



This one tried to hide behind the tall grass but I got a pretty photo of him anyway.


Somewhere in my travels through the park that morning I also came upon this cute Cotton Tail Tamarin...





Next it was time to use my FP+ to see the Festival of the Lion King in it's new theater...




I can't even look at a photo of this show without having the Circle of Life song start playing in my head.


Anyway, after seeing another great performance of the FOTLK it was time to head to my lunch. Yes, though I had had a big breakfast at Boma that morning, oddly enough I was actually hungry. ​

Next up: Lunch at Yak & Yeti

 

[jabead]

On my way to my lunch destination I walked by the area where they do the Flights of Wonder bird show...



They were about to start the next show but I had an ADR to get to so unfortunately I was unable to attend. I haven't been to this show in more than 10 years so I really would like to see it again some time. But sadly I didn't get to it this trip so it will have to remain on my bucket list.


Then it was on to my lunch at...





I was feeling quite parched and decided to splurge and have an alcoholic beverage...after all I would be spending most of the rest of my day/evening at Magic Kingdom.






I chose a sweet, fruity cocktail that I have previously enjoyed here...




Big Bamboo - Malibu Coconut Rum, Bacardi Light Rum, DeKuyper Banana Liqueur, & Tropical Fruit Juices



And another pic with the Earth friendly paper straw...



It always feels a little weird sucking on paper.




Next it was time to make a decision.







I had originally intended to get the egg rolls and pot stickers instead of an entree. I had strayed from my tried and true favorites during my last visit to Yak & Yeti and instead ordered the Kobe Beef burger. I regretted my decision. But there was an entree on their menu that I have wanted to try for quite awhile and in a spur of the moment decision I changed my plan and got the...



Crispy Mahi Mahi - Filet of Mahi Mahi covered in Japanese bread crumbs, served with Cantonese sweet & sour sauce, jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables


Another photo from a different angle...





Did I again regret my decision? Yes, sadly I would have to say that I did. While the fish was fine, the flavor was a little boring. It needed the sauce and unfortunately I didn't really like the sauce that it came with. It was just too sweet for my taste.




Then came another big decision. Should I get dessert even though I was contently full without it?






Ultimately my love for the Fried Wontons won the battle of Mind vs. Matter...



Skewers of Fresh Pineapple and Cream Cheese-filled Fried Wontons drizzled with honey vanilla sauce and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream


This time though I did not regret my decision because they were delicious as usual and my meal ended on a high note.




It was then time for my third and final FP+ for Expedition Everest...




But I decided to skip it and instead catch a bus to my new home, the Wilderness Lodge.​

Next up: Dinner at the Plaza

 

[Niki Andiokno]

That photo of the tiger is totally awesome. What a great day you had.

Thanks for the review of the mahi mahi. I wanted to try it, but I also don't like really sweet sauces.

Nice review so far.

 

[auntfrannie]

Barb, I totally agree with you on the crispy mahi mahi. No zip or pizzazz. Now I don't stray from the seafood curry and I'm never disappointed!

 

[Linda67]

Lovely photos from Animal Kingdom Barb
Shame your entree at Y&Y wasn't so great
Yay! You are heading to my fave resort next

 

[goofy4prez]

I am way late for the party here, but count me in from here on out on this dining TR.

 

[MissPrice]

Great post Barb. I love all the animal pictures. I think fried anything wins the battle of mind for me. lol Too bad the fish wasn't good. -Amanda

 

[dixonsontour]

Thanks for the detailed Boma breakfast review

 

[vettegirl]

I have had the Big Bamboo at Y&Y and it's quite delicious. Too bad about your fish I always get my beloved seafood curry so I never get to try new things there lol. Glad your dessert was good, it's one of my favs!!

 

[kastoney]

Loved your safari pics. Looks like the animals were out in abundance that day.

Your drink at Y&Y looks fabulous. Could so totally go for one of those right about now. Sorry the fish wasn't good. I hate when you have something planned and then something else catches your eye and you go for it. Seems to almost always go against me. But at least you made up for it with some wontons. Those are still on my disney food bucket list.

 

[jabead]

That photo of the tiger is totally awesome. What a great day you had.

Thanks for the review of the mahi mahi. I wanted to try it, but I also don't like really sweet sauces.

Nice review so far.

Thanks Niki! I haven't really spent much time at Animal Kingdom, but after this visit I might be spending more time there during my future trips.

Barb, I totally agree with you on the crispy mahi mahi. No zip or pizzazz. Now I don't stray from the seafood curry and I'm never disappointed!

Hi Fran! You know I've never tried the seafood curry. I might give it a try next time, but I'll more than likely play it safe and get the pot stickers and egg rolls.

Lovely photos from Animal Kingdom Barb
Shame your entree at Y&Y wasn't so great
Yay! You are heading to my fave resort next

Hi Linda! Yes, I have you to thank for my rediscovery of the Wilderness Lodge. It's such a great resort!

I am way late for the party here, but count me in from here on out on this dining TR.

No not late at all. I'm only on day 3 of 14. So welcome to the party, glad you are here!

Great post Barb. I love all the animal pictures. I think fried anything wins the battle of mind for me. lol Too bad the fish wasn't good. -Amanda

Hi Amanda! I know that you arrived at Disney World today. Hope you are having a great time.

Thanks for the detailed Boma breakfast review

You are very welcome. Thanks for reading!

I have had the Big Bamboo at Y&Y and it's quite delicious. Too bad about your fish I always get my beloved seafood curry so I never get to try new things there lol. Glad your dessert was good, it's one of my favs!!

Hi Lori! Hmm, another fan. Maybe there is something to this seafood curry?

Loved your safari pics. Looks like the animals were out in abundance that day.

Your drink at Y&Y looks fabulous. Could so totally go for one of those right about now. Sorry the fish wasn't good. I hate when you have something planned and then something else catches your eye and you go for it. Seems to almost always go against me. But at least you made up for it with some wontons. Those are still on my disney food bucket list.

Hi Kari! Yes, the great drink and dessert definitely lessened the blow of ordering the wrong entree. You should give both of them a try sometime.

 

[jabead]

After arriving by bus at my next home resort, Wilderness Lodge,...




NOTE: Photo was taken during my last stay at Wilderness Lodge in April 2014. This pool area was under construction and surrounded by walls during this visit.


...I checked in and was assigned to Room #6096 which was on the 6th floor overlooking the beautiful lobby. It was above the front desk area and I believe was a Woods view, which would be an upgrade since I had booked a Standard view room. I discovered that my luggage had not yet arrived from Animal Kingdom Lodge (it was only about 3:00 though and they had said not to count on it being there until 5:00). But I had planned for this and had included a change of clothes in the bag which I took with me to the park that day. Although I did not wear a costume that night to the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, I did wear a special shirt in anticipation of meeting a certain character. But I'll keep you guessing on that for a bit, until my next review.

Anyway, it was soon time to head to Magic Kingdom for my pre-party dinner reservation. Upon entering the park I was surprised by how beautiful it looked. Though I had been to Magic Kingdom during the Christmas season a few times, I had never been there for Halloween.





But I was running late for my reservation, so didn't have time to take more photos. I checked in at the outside podium for the...




They were very busy and I had to wait for a bit before I was seated. I was very glad though that I had a reservation, as they were fully booked and had to turn several people away. Eventually I was seated in the corner of the solarium and looked over the menu...










I considered having the same thing I had the last time I was here in April, which was a Bacon Cheeseburger. But I didn't remember it being anything special so decided to try something different instead...



Plaza Club - Smoked Ham, Turkey, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Mayonnaise layered on Sourdough Bread, served with French Fries

I wasn't hungry enough to eat all of this, but what I did eat was very good. I had heard so many great things about the fries but really wasn't all that impressed by them last time. However, this time they were much better and now I understand why everyone likes them so much.


Though the food was great, the best part of this meal had nothing to do with the food. Not long after my sandwich was delivered to my table, I was pleasantly surprised to see a familiar face being seated at a table just inside the dining room. It was none other than DeeDee (buzz1121), who I had met during the December 2013 trip which included several other DIS friends. We talked for a bit and made plans to have breakfast together a few days later.


Oh, and even though I had really enjoyed the Plaza Restaurant Sundae during my last visit, I opted to skip dessert in hopes of having a special treat which is offered only during the MNSSHP. ​

Next up: My first ever MNSSHP

 

[DLFan123]

I'm here, joining in late. Looks like you have a great line-up of restaurants. Can't wait to read more!

 

[ursalita]

Jumping in here to follow along with your fantastic dining reviews. Can't wait to read more!

 

[Guatemommy]

I'm late to the party but joining in anyway! Your report is getting me amped up for our upcoming trip! I was thinking of a TR instead of a dining report but now I may change to the dining review instead. See what power you have?

 

[ksack]

Ohhhhhhh.... Can't wait!!! We are doing our very first, hopefully, in the fall!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

After arriving by bus at my next home resort, Wilderness Lodge,...

Oh, and even though I had really enjoyed the Plaza Restaurant Sundae during my last visit, I opted to skip dessert in hopes of having a special treat which is offered only during the MNSSHP. ​

Next up: My first ever MNSSHP

Even during the construction, the Wilderness Lodge was a nice place to stay. We're heading back there later this month.

There is a special treat which is only offered during MNSSHP, besides tons of Halloween candy? I can't wait to hear about this one.

 

[vettegirl]

Great review of the Plaza. I have never been to it but would love to try on a future trip. Can't wait to hear about your special treat at MNSSHP