Kick'n It at Kidani (aka Am I Becoming a Resort Snob?)Final Update 8/20 p.54

[MEK]

When I was reading your update I asked Shocker, "where does all that water come from" his answer was unsatisfactory. I think he said from one of the Great Lakes, but if that's true, that lake would be empty by now!

You know. I think he may be right! But don't trust me because I am definately not smarter than a 5th grader!

oohhhhhhhhhh Narcoossee's! That is definitely on my list as a non-kid place to try! I can't wait to read about it!

Don't worry. I will write about and this trip I am taking pictures of ALL the food we eat!

I agree with you about skipping the early am flights, I'm a wreck when I do that. 9:30am is about the earliest I can do or forget sleeping the night before.

I stayed up all night once when I had an 8am flight to Denver. It was NOT pretty. I just couldn't fall asleep. Finally I gave up.

I personally LOVE hertz and find them worth the extra $$. But I highly recommend signing up for their "1 club" that way your car is ready and waiting for you, no standing in line! It doesn't cost a dime and is SOOO wonderful!

OK....this is good to know. I will sign up for that. It's the cheapest rate I can find right now except for Payless. I didn't read very good reviews on that place.

!

Can't speak to pop at all though! Are you going to check a bag full of ice? Or are you planning on getting ice once you get there just curious!!

No ice, but what I will do is put a sturdy cardboard box in my collapsible cooler and fill it will water bottles and whatever alcoholic beverage will fit. Then I have some plastic packing bubbles that I will put around the contents. My cooler actually has wheels that detach, so I will collapse them and carry them separately. Once I get to POP I will fill it twice a day with ice. It's my solution to not having a frig while there.

Southwest air has the funniest commercial on now where the luggage guy is driving a cart full of luggage to to the plane while the announcer says....

Some airlines charge for your bag. What's that all about? Your bag sits alone, no peanuts, no soda, no nothing. At Southwest there is no charge for your bag and if your bag wants to bring a little friend along with it, other airlines charge an additional $25. But not at Southwest. Your second bag is free, too. So bring your bags. It's on.

I wish I could remember the exact words, but it is really funny. I love their commercials. LOL

 

[dawnbu40]

I hope you enjoy Narcossee's as much as we did! We can't wait to eat there again! That sounds like a good deal on the car rental!

 

[Joan S.]

Hi MEK, I have been following your TR and LOVED IT!! We went to Universal and WDW in July and had my DS-21 and my DS- 15 traveling with us,so I could TOTALLY identify with some of your days !! Anyway I like Narcoossees but LOVE CITRICOS. The food at both I enjoy but Citricos has it all over Narcoossees as far as service IMHO. When you check-in at Narcoossees request a table by the window. A much nicer spot to dine in at this restaurant. You may have to go out on the deck to view WISHES even with a window seat. ENJOY!! Joan

 

[jenjolt]

I love your Day 1 plans!!! I'm a huge fan of having a rental car at Disney!!!!

Awww...your dinner plans sound amazing!! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the restaurant and watching Wishes from the GF I'm sure will be amazing!!!

 

[SunnieRN]

Wow Mary Ellen, awesome pictures! I'm not afraid of heights, but I don't like them either. I think I would have felt disoriented with all the wind and water noise. Kudos to you!!

Well, remember what I told you about pre-trip reports and why I wont do them any longer? At least this trip is still happening, but with changes, of course.

We are now set to be arriving on the 22nd. Departing on the 29th. But this may change as Rachel wants to drive . Of course the first time we did that from TX the baby was only 7 months old and now he will be 19 months old (and can face front which made him much calmer in the car).

She says she LOVED traveling through all the states and wants Connor to tour the huge battleship, in Louisiana I think, (sorry that I don't know for sure) and wants to stay overnight a night in New Orleans, once going there and once on the way home. I keep reminding her about the love bugs!

So, sorry I hijacked your thread, but I will still be there on the 22nd. We are having dinner at Sanaa that night. We may go to Epcot before that, depending upon what time we get there. Rachel wants to look for her Mickeys. I'll watch so I can see where else you will be!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I like your Day 1 plans -- Pop is such a fun resort to stay at, and since it is a short trip, the smaller rooms will probably not bother you in the least.

I can't wait to hear about Narcoosee's and your impressions of the Grand Floridian. Until I fell head over heels in love with Animal Kingdom Lodge, the GF was my dream resort -- it is just so gorgeous!

 

[figment fan21]

I just read your entire TR in one sitting!

It was AWESOME!!!!!!

All of your LJ experiences either had me laughing or saying "awe" out loud! What a cute and good boy. I think you made a future DISer out of him.

Your pictures of kidani were beautiful and helpful so thanks for those

I can't wait to read your next adults only TR

Thank you for helping me procrastinate on all of my household duties today

 

[Queenofallthings]

GREAT PICTURES , sounds like it was worth it just to buy all the wine

Love your first day plans....I can't wait until you tell us all about Narcosee's, can't wait. I also can't wait for day 2 plans.

 

[KathyRN137]

I've never been to Niagra Falls, but now I feel like I have! What great pictures! I'm glad you braved the Cave of Winds... it's good to challenge ourselves from time to time!

I'm excited that you're planning to try Narcoossee's... Ed and I had a "grown-up" dinner at Citricos; I had a tough time deciding between the two. Ask for a table with a view if you hope to see Wishes... even if you need to wait a bit, I think it would be worth it!!

Kathy

 

[Lady Lallie]

I think your plans are great for day one, MEK. I really want to try Narcoosee's someday.

Just wanted to let you know too that I'm here reading along even if I'm not as chatty as I am normally. I'm busy busy!

 

[MEK]

I hope you enjoy Narcossee's as much as we did! We can't wait to eat there again! That sounds like a good deal on the car rental!

I know I will, especially since you gave it your endorsement and I know you don't give that lightly!

Hi MEK, I have been following your TR and LOVED IT!! We went to Universal and WDW in July and had my DS-21 and my DS- 15 traveling with us,so I could TOTALLY identify with some of your days !! Anyway I like Narcoossees but LOVE CITRICOS. The food at both I enjoy but Citricos has it all over Narcoossees as far as service IMHO. When you check-in at Narcoossees request a table by the window. A much nicer spot to dine in at this restaurant. You may have to go out on the deck to view WISHES even with a window seat. ENJOY!! Joan

Hi Joan.... Thanks for much for stopping by! Glad you enjoyed my TR!

It sounds like you can really identify with the dreaded teenagers. I hope your boys got some park time in!

I was torn between Narcossee's and citricos, but after I read about it in Dawn's TR I decided to go for it. I wouldn't mind eating at both of them, but I have to save something for the next trip!

I love your Day 1 plans!!! I'm a huge fan of having a rental car at Disney!!!!

Awww...your dinner plans sound amazing!! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the restaurant and watching Wishes from the GF I'm sure will be amazing!!!

Hey Jen....glad you like my plans! I'm really looking forward to seeing the GF and hanging out there for awhile.

My DH really likes having a rental car. I think he would feel like a Disney captive if he couldn't leave if/when he wanted to. Plus we are visiting several different resorts for meals and I don't feel like dealing with the bus.

Wow Mary Ellen, awesome pictures! I'm not afraid of heights, but I don't like them either. I think I would have felt disoriented with all the wind and water noise. Kudos to you!!

Well, remember what I told you about pre-trip reports and why I wont do them any longer? At least this trip is still happening, but with changes, of course.

We are now set to be arriving on the 22nd. Departing on the 29th. But this may change as Rachel wants to drive . Of course the first time we did that from TX the baby was only 7 months old and now he will be 19 months old (and can face front which made him much calmer in the car).

She says she LOVED traveling through all the states and wants Connor to tour the huge battleship, in Louisiana I think, (sorry that I don't know for sure) and wants to stay overnight a night in New Orleans, once going there and once on the way home. I keep reminding her about the love bugs!

So, sorry I hijacked your thread, but I will still be there on the 22nd. We are having dinner at Sanaa that night. We may go to Epcot before that, depending upon what time we get there. Rachel wants to look for her Mickeys. I'll watch so I can see where else you will be!!!

You totally did not hijack my thread. I enjoy hearing about your plans. The drive sounds interesting. I am terrible in the car, so I really never want to drive unless I absolutely have to. But I love hearing about other peoples adventures and I think it is great to see different parts of the country.

I can't wait to hear about your dinner at Sanaa. We will be going to MNSSHP that night. On the 23rd we have HS planned for the day. I'm not sure if we are going into a park after dinner, On the 24th we are spending the morning and early afternoon in MK. Our flight leaves at 5pm, so we should be at the MK until 2:30pm. I will give more details soon.

I like your Day 1 plans -- Pop is such a fun resort to stay at, and since it is a short trip, the smaller rooms will probably not bother you in the least.

I can't wait to hear about Narcoosee's and your impressions of the Grand Floridian. Until I fell head over heels in love with Animal Kingdom Lodge, the GF was my dream resort -- it is just so gorgeous!

I don't think the small rooms will bother me too much, although I wished we had tried to reserve a king size bed. That would have been nice. I just don't want any noisy neighbors. It seems like my last couple stays at the values have come complete with noisy neighbors. I am hoping it was just a fluke.

I really can't wait to see the GF up close and personal!

I just read your entire TR in one sitting!

It was AWESOME!!!!!!

All of your LJ experiences either had me laughing or saying "awe" out loud! What a cute and good boy. I think you made a future DISer out of him.

Your pictures of kidani were beautiful and helpful so thanks for those

I can't wait to read your next adults only TR

Thank you for helping me procrastinate on all of my household duties today

Hi Figment Fan.... thanks so much for reading my TR! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

LJ is the best kid. I just spent a couple days with him and all his brothers. He really comes "alive" when he is away from all the younger brothers. I think I did make a future Diser out of him. I made him an album with a bunch of Disney pictures and he was so excited. He keeps his laynard in a special drawer. I really would like to take him back again.

Glad you liked the Kidani pics and there will definately be an adults only trip!

GREAT PICTURES , sounds like it was worth it just to buy all the wine

Love your first day plans....I can't wait until you tell us all about Narcosee's, can't wait. I also can't wait for day 2 plans.

It was definately worth buying the wine - 10% discount!

Day 2 plans coming very soon!!!!!

I've never been to Niagra Falls, but now I feel like I have! What great pictures! I'm glad you braved the Cave of Winds... it's good to challenge ourselves from time to time!

I'm excited that you're planning to try Narcoossee's... Ed and I had a "grown-up" dinner at Citricos; I had a tough time deciding between the two. Ask for a table with a view if you hope to see Wishes... even if you need to wait a bit, I think it would be worth it!!

Kathy

I was just over roaming my way around your TR and I can't wait to read it in its entirety. I know I said that before, but when this TR is done I am so over there. Did you write about your Citricos dinner in your TR, because I would love to try it. I think I will ask for a window seat. We're in no hurry.

The Cave of the Winds was really cool. I hope you get a chance to go to NF soon, because you probably live about the same distance as me, maybe closer if you are in mid/north jersey. It is really worth seeing.

I think your plans are great for day one, MEK. I really want to try Narcoosee's someday.

Just wanted to let you know too that I'm here reading along even if I'm not as chatty as I am normally. I'm busy busy!

Hey LL.....I know you are super busy. You have a lot on your plate right now. I know your with me! I promise to take lots of pics at Narcossee's. I am not going to be shy about taking the camera out anywhere!

 

[HockeyMomR]

MEK - I have been somewhat MIA on the boards.....need to go back and read your plans for your upcoming trip.

Also, I did read Lurkyloo's entire anniversary trip, she is an excellent writer, what a fun read. Also, somehow I totally missed her pics of the Siemen's lounge, oh well, in my spare time I will have to go back and read!

Also, was thinking about you as we were at Bethany Beach Sea Colony, yesterday, DS17 and his friend 16 were sound asleep on the beach. Here we are a group of 13 people and they are sound asleep Anyhow, made me think of you and your sleeping teenagers!

 

[KathyRN137]

....Did you write about your Citricos dinner in your TR, because I would love to try it.

Unfortunately, that was a "Pre-DISboards" trip, so there's no report. Sorry!

I do remember having Braised Veal Shank, which was to die for... so tender that I didn't even need my knife! The atmosphere is perfect for a kid-less meal... although there were a smattering of children here and there throughout the dining room. The service was impeccable.

We were seated in the middle of the room, but I was facing the window and had a fairly decent view. When Wishes began, Ed couldn't stop smiling... must've been the look of pure happiness that was on my face!!

I heartily recommend getting a fireworks view, no matter which restaurant you ultimately decide upon!


Kathy

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Niagra Falls looks like such a fun trip! I'd be too chicken for the hurricane deck - special shoes or not!

Your day 1 plans look terrific. I've heard amazing things about Narcoosee's so can't wait to see what you think!

 

[wsushocker]

When I was reading your update I asked Shocker, "where does all that water come from" his answer was unsatisfactory. I think he said from one of the Great Lakes, but if that's true, that lake would be empty by now!

Niagra Falls is part of the Niagra River which connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.....

 

[MEK]

MEK - I have been somewhat MIA on the boards.....need to go back and read your plans for your upcoming trip.

Also, I did read Lurkyloo's entire anniversary trip, she is an excellent writer, what a fun read. Also, somehow I totally missed her pics of the Siemen's lounge, oh well, in my spare time I will have to go back and read!

Also, was thinking about you as we were at Bethany Beach Sea Colony, yesterday, DS17 and his friend 16 were sound asleep on the beach. Here we are a group of 13 people and they are sound asleep Anyhow, made me think of you and your sleeping teenagers!

Probably going to get interrupted any minute, so just replying one at a time.

I'm glad you enjoyed Lurkyloo's TR. I really thought the Seimens pictures where there. Shoot. I wonder if there were in one of her other TR's. She has so many TR's/PTR's and they are all equally entertaining. Her wedding TR and solo TR are also really good. The solo TR has plenty of pictures taken by the Roots who are professional photographers. Plus she spies on and crashes other people's weddings. Really funny!

Oh yeah .....sleeping on the beach. That's what my kids would be doing, too. I love Bethany Bch....hope you had a great time!

 

[MEK]

Unfortunately, that was a "Pre-DISboards" trip, so there's no report. Sorry!

I do remember having Braised Veal Shank, which was to die for... so tender that I didn't even need my knife! The atmosphere is perfect for a kid-less meal... although there were a smattering of children here and there throughout the dining room. The service was impeccable.

We were seated in the middle of the room, but I was facing the window and had a fairly decent view. When Wishes began, Ed couldn't stop smiling... must've been the look of pure happiness that was on my face!!

I heartily recommend getting a fireworks view, no matter which restaurant you ultimately decide upon!

.
Kathy

Ohhhhhh......That sounds so delish! I really will try for a fireworks view. I will plan on checking in early since I will have a bit of a wait,but it sounds like it will be worth it! I thought the service at the California Grill was really, really good when I ate there. Our waiter had worked there for 19 years, so I felt like we were in good hands. Plus I try to be really polite to waiters/waitresses because I know what its like to work with the public.


OK....work interruption!

 

[MEK]

Niagra Falls looks like such a fun trip! I'd be too chicken for the hurricane deck - special shoes or not!

Your day 1 plans look terrific. I've heard amazing things about Narcoosee's so can't wait to see what you think!

Hey C....glad you like my plans so far.

That Hurricane deck was pretty wicked!

Niagra Falls is part of the Niagra River which connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.....

All day I wondered what this picture could possibly be and now I can see that SOMEONE is trying to give me a geography lesson! Thanks shocker....I actually like maps and was wondering why I didn't notice this when I was up there. And then I realized that we strictly went via GPS and never had a map. Bad GPS!

 

[MEK]

So my plan for Day 2 is an Epcot day. We did get to spend a good amount of time in Epcot during our June trip, but we really didn't spend much time in the world showcase, except to eat. So Epcot WS it is.

I hope we get up early enough for a good run. That is, after we fill our mugs with nescafe coffee. blah...but still the much needed caffiene that gets me going in the morning. DH has really only been to POP once, so it will be fun to get him up and touring the resort. I would like to get to Epcot right AFTER rope drop, because I hate standing in line. Naturally, we will arrive right behind the crowd to get our Soarin FP's. Last December we rode Living with the Land and saw the Circle of Life show and then it was practically time to soar. Maybe that will happen this time. It's hard to say.

Naturally, I love Living with the Land so that's always a must do for me. I like seeing what new things are making an appearance in the gardens. I like taking pictures of whatever vegetable is in the process of morphing into a Mickey head. And remember....my batteries died here in June, so I need some more photos.

While we are waiting for Soarin I would also like to do Storm Chasers. This will be something new for me, so I am heading there early. Believe it or not, another attraction I would like to visit this trip is Ellen. Yeah, I know.....not the greatest, but I always fall asleep in there when I go later in the day. If I go in the morning maybe I can stay awake and actually learn something.

So Living with the Land, Ellen, and Storm chasers will probably take a couple hours. We have an early ADR because we are actually doing BREAKFAST, not lunch. Once I added the DxDP I knew I needed to do one breakfast. So I made a 1055 ADR at the Cape May Cafe. I like the CMC. I've eaten there twice....once for breakfast and once for dinner. I enjoyed both meals. And here's something funny....I sat at the exact same table both times. What's the chance of that happening? Of course, I think the real reason I like CMC so much is because its in the Beach Club. And everyone who "Disses" with me KNOWS I want to stay at the BC more than any other resort. So eating there makes me feel like I'm staying there (even if its just for an hour).

I did actually debate whether to make a lunch ADR at Le Chefs France or the character breakfast at CMC and I decided to go with with the later. I hope I don't regret it. I just wanted one character breakfast, especially since we had to cancel June's character breakfast. I also remember having lox and bagels there and I really enjoyed that. (Is that how you spell lox???? I forget)

After breakfast and a little tour through the BC resort, we will head back to the world showcase. C - will you be there yet???? I think you arrive later in the week. Anyway, I want to go look at the villas and really explore a bit. Now that I'm a DVC member I know I will stay there someday so it doesn't hurt to nose around a bit, right? I also love admiring SAB. It is just the coolest. I would give anything to be able to swim there for a day. Ya know...what I should really do is call member services while I am there and see if they have an available studio for one night at the Beach club. Wouldn't that be a hoot?????? Hey...it is my anniversay trip. I wonder if I could get DH to go for that. Hmmmmmmmmm?

OK.....back soon with more of Day 2 plans. Did I keep the Rose and Crown ADR???????

 

[NWOhioAngela]

Naturally, I love Living with the Land so that's always a must do for me. I like seeing what new things are making an appearance in the gardens. I like taking pictures of whatever vegetable is in the process of morphing into a Mickey head. And remember....my batteries died here in June, so I need some more photos.

Sorry to tell you, Living with the Land is down for refurb and I don't think its due to be back up in time for you.