Laissez les bon temps Rouler...Feb 2010 2/20 MK Last part of the Night updt 9/70 pg65

[BelleTinkMom]

I'm still reading. Can't wait to hear about O'hana's. We have an ADR here for our upcoming May trip.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Hey Vanessa!
Glad you found your shirt, I'm pretty sure I know the one you are talking about.
We love O'Hana.
It's one of our favorites...
Sure hope you had a great meal there cousin!

 

[MeMom]

I think I have a picture of that shirt somewhere in my thousands and thousands of pictures. I'm glad you got the one you liked.

The cast members do a great job in the Jammin' Jungle Parade. They are always 'on' and make it special every time, at least as far as I have seen. Your pictures came out just fine.

We're eating at 'Ohana the evening of July 4th. We've had breakfast there, but not dinner.

 

[vamassey1]

Can't wait to hear about O'hana. I think I want to go here for my Aug trip but we're having a bit of a hard time choosing between there and Whispering Canyon Cafe. Maybe your TR will help!

Boy that's a hard choice. In 2009 we ate at both. We had the most fun at WCC but the best food at 'Ohana.

I'm still here Vanessa!

I think the parade at Animal Kingdom is one of the best. I'm sorry that Dennis ended up not having a good spot to watch from. It's hard to know where a good spot is, considering pedestrian traffic and everything.

I'm so glad you're still here. I'm just about caught up on your report minus the chatter.

Dennis was very frustrated. If those people hadn't stopped in front of him it would have been great.

Hi Vanessa !! I agree with Glenn the AK parade is awesome !!Your pix were great!!

Thanks Rosie! I think I like more each time I see it. So bright and colorful.

I'm still reading. Can't wait to hear about O'hana's. We have an ADR here for our upcoming May trip.

Thanks for hanging in there with me. The only thing I'll say is in the past in has been a family favorite.

Hey Vanessa!
Glad you found your shirt, I'm pretty sure I know the one you are talking about.
We love O'Hana.
It's one of our favorites...
Sure hope you had a great meal there cousin!

As much shopping as you do I'm not surprised you know what shirt I'm talking about. 'Ohana is a family favorite for us too.

I think I have a picture of that shirt somewhere in my thousands and thousands of pictures. I'm glad you got the one you liked.

The cast members do a great job in the Jammin' Jungle Parade. They are always 'on' and make it special every time, at least as far as I have seen. Your pictures came out just fine.

We're eating at 'Ohana the evening of July 4th. We've had breakfast there, but not dinner.

I would love it if you shared you picture if you find it.

I'm really liking this parade it seems more personable than the parade in MK. But I do feel sorry for the CMs. I just know they have to be tired afterwards.

I have never had breakfast at 'Ohana but I would love to give it a try.

 

[PittypatBR]

Still here and still enjoying it. Life does have a way of getting IN the way!

 

[mermaid764]

I'm still here and enjoying reading along

I remember seeing the shirt your talking about in that same store, and it is really cute.

Can't wait to hear about Ohana

 

[vamassey1]

Still here and still enjoying it. Life does have a way of getting IN the way!

Thanks for hanging in there with me.

When does life ever slow down?

I'm still here and enjoying reading along

I remember seeing the shirt your talking about in that same store, and it is really cute.

Can't wait to hear about Ohana

It's nice to know you're still here too.

Sounds like I made a good choice by picking out that shirt. I would post a picture but it's pretty worn in by now.

I'm hoping to have 'Ohanas up tomorrow night. Can't DIS tonight its Grey's night.

 

[All7OfUs]

I'm still here as well, Vanessa! Fun parade shots. I have to wonder what the CM that is standing behind the big smoking BBQ is DOING??!!!

Is she a monster from Monstropolis in disguise taking out her eye?? It's all very suspicious in my book.

That is disappointing when foot traffic gets in the way of waht you thought was a primo spot. Sorry, bout that!

Hope you make it to 'Ohanas in time! That is one very special place!

 

[vamassey1]

I'm still here as well, Vanessa! Fun parade shots. I have to wonder what the CM that is standing behind the big smoking BBQ is DOING??!!!

Is she a monster from Monstropolis in disguise taking out her eye?? It's all very suspicious in my book.

That is disappointing when foot traffic gets in the way of waht you thought was a primo spot. Sorry, bout that!

Hope you make it to 'Ohanas in time! That is one very special place!

Thanks Liesa! I'm almost caught up on your report, on the updates that is I'll never get caught up on the chatter.

'Ohana's is coming up next.

 

[vamassey1]

I'm copying Glenn again and using up space so I can start at the top of the next page.

 

[vamassey1]

Our last park day in the Animal Kingdom was done. It was now time to head to diner. This would be our last family diner with Jada and Lauren. They would be flying back to Louisiana the next day. We wouldn't be heading back until Sunday the 21st and we had the long drive home.

The first Jada and Lauren went to Disney was with us in 2004. We also had my cousin Anna and her oldest son Quinten along on the trip. For our last meal before we all flew out we had diner at 'Ohana's and it was the perfect ending for our trip. The food and atmosphere was fabulous. One of my favorite magical memories happened while we were there. Danielle was 4 at the time and in her second year taking dance. Our meal was timed perfect, right as we were finishing up they dimmed the lights and piped "Wishes" in. While "Wishes" was going off and everyone was watching the fireworks, Danielle got up and started dancing in between the tables. She was concentrating so hard and was really getting into the music. When the fireworks ended and everyone started clapping she thought they were clapping for her and did a few bow. It was just so cute.

In 2007 we went back with by oldest Brent and his wife. This was Hannah's first trip ever to Disney. We had another fabulous meal. We had the best waiter his name was Drew.

When I took Danielle in 2009 for her 10th birthday we had my sister Tena and niece Bailey. This was their first trip ever. Again another great time. The girls had a blast celebrating their birthdays and we really enjoyed the food.

So of course we just had to go back again. Jada had requesting going back here too.

We caught the bus to the Poly with plenty of time until our 7:05 ADR. I was really looking forward to this meal and repeating our first visit. "Wishes" was scheduled for 8.

Entering the Poly.



In the lobby.



I didn't really take anymore photo because I had taken a lot on our last trip.

Since we had lots of time till we needed to check in everyone hit the bathrooms then we started hitting the shops. I had never checked out the shops on the first floor. As we started looking around we also noticed that there were tons of people everywhere. It was really crowded, more so that I had ever seen on previous trips. We hit the Bou Tiki and looked around. Jada had been to Hawaii a few times to this really appealed to her. I think she ended up getting a shirt. I wish I had know about the coconut postcards back then. I would love to have sent one, maybe next time. We ventured into Wyland Galleries.



So many pretty things!

I finally time to check in so we headed upstairs. There was even more people up around the check in desk. Normally we try to find a spot to sit down but there was no room, just wall to wall people. So off to do some more shopping. We went into Trader Jacks. I really liked looking around in here.

Michelle liked these. She ended up getting one for her and one for her boyfriend by the time we left.



I love the scenes at the top of the store. They reminded me of what our Disney Store use to look like.





I found something I had been looking for, for the longest time. How many times to wonder if the dishes in the dishwasher are clean or dirty? They had a Minnie thing that you could stick on your dishwasher and turn it to dirty or clean. I wanted it so bad but Dennis said no. He doesn't want a Disney themed kitchen. I can not tell you how many times I have mentioned this since we got back, because he's the first one to ask "Are these clean or dirty?". When I go back again I'm getting it no matter what he says. After a while Dennis got tired of shopping and went to find a seat. I continued to look around and found something I just had to have. The 4 Parks CD! I had already gotten my pearl ring and tshirt, but I just had to have this too. I also had finally found the little Mickey head key chains I had seen on Anita's report. They were perfect for gift for my co-workers. I had looked high and low and hadn't seen them until then. They were in a tub by the register. Of course once I saw them there and knew where to look I found them everywhere. And of course I had a little secret money put aside for just this opportunity. So with Michelle's help I made my purchases and hid them away in her purse. Shhhh, don't tell. Once we got home Michelle forgot about my purchase and Danielle never knew about it. After a few weeks I pulled it out and started playing it in the car. The first time I did this was when I was driving alone to our Good Friday get together. It just warmed my heart and brought back all that Disney Magic. The next time I had Danielle in the car I played it and told her she had to guess what it was. We had the best time guessing where each song was from without looking at the cd. We did this with Michelle too. Danielle even took the cd and played it in her room for all her friends when they came over. I love that my girls get just as excited about Disney music as I do.

After we checked out we walked around the second floor again.



Finally our buzzer went off and it was time to be seated. We were sat in the first area as you walk in at a big round table. It was very busy and the staff was hustling around. After a wait our waitress came to take our drink order. After many diet cokes and waters I ordered an unsweetened tea just to have something different. I mention this because although we got our drinks without wait I didn't get any sweetener. As she rushed by I requested some sweetener. Not too long after that they called the kids up to do the limbo. Of course all three girls jumped up to join in the fun.





I was once again not taking many pictures thinking there would be more opportunities. After all we hadn't done the hula or coconut races yet. Sadly they never did these the whole time we were there. This was our first trip there when we didn't do at least one of these other activities.

Back to our table I still didn't have sweetener. Our first course had arrived and everyone was digging in but me. I really wanted something to drink but I don't drink tea without sweetener, so I once again flagged our waitress down and asked for sweetener. I was finally given some sweetener after I asked a different waiter for some. Things weren't going as well as I would have liked. The food was still great but something wasn't right with the atmosphere. You could just feel the anxiety in the air. Soon the meats started coming around we all dug in but Lauren. She's just the pickiest eater. She really hadn't eaten much the whole trip. She finally spilled the beans and said she would just wait until she got back to the room and eat the chips she had waiting there for her. All this fabulous food and she was eating chip every night for diner.

I was watching my watch and checking the time hoping that "Wishes" would bring the Magic back. Well 8:00 came and went and the lights were never dimmed. We also never had anymore entertainment either. I should have had a drink to help relax me at this point. Dennis sure enjoyed his Bahama Mama. It was now time for the check. Checking the receipt it is stamped for 8:26. Some time after that we settled the check and headed out. I was game for some time in the Magic Kingdom but the others wanted to head back so I was out voted. We took the monorail back to the MK. We said our goodbyes to Jada and Lauren. They were headed back to All Star Sport and them home the next day. They went to their bus stop and us to ours. The next morning we wanted to hit rope drop at DHS.

Looking back I was disappointed with our meal. There was nothing wrong with the food but the atmosphere was just messed up. Everything was crowded and we felt rushed. After getting back I read where the Luau was canceled several time while were there due to the unusual cold. My guess is that is what happened this night. They were just trying to make sure everyone got fed and 'Ohana's had the overflow of people. I haven't scratched it off our list for future meals but I think I'll take a break from it next time around. I don't want to influence anyone not to go there. The other 3 times we ate there were the best.

 

[heathsf]

Your review was helpful. I'm glad you had great experiences your first three visits but it stinks that this most recent one wasn't up to par.

For our trip, we decided to rearrange a few things so that we could fit both Ohana and Whispering Canyon Cafe into our itinerary. We just couldn't choose one over the other!

Still loving your TR!

 

[All7OfUs]

I'm so sorry it just wasn't as magical as you had remembered and hoped it would be!! You are so right, it's more than the food that makes a meal special!

 

[MEK]

Vanessa -

I am so glad to see you are updating again. I really enjoyed the AK parade pictures. I haven't seen that parade in a couple years and I think I need to go back. It looks like so much fun. I never noticed the smoking barbecue grill at the end. Very funny. You're right - being in that parade looks like a work out.

Sorry that your meal at Ohana did not turned out well. The last time I was there I didn't really enjoy my meal all that much. It took too long and the CM was very rushed. It just lost its spark for me too. I guess that's what happens when something becomes too popular.

Potato chips for dinner????? ugh!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I finally have a chance to catch up on your TR!

I remember the excitement of the Saints playing in the Super Bowl -- it was much more fun than Green Bay and the Steelers. I just couldn't get excited about those two teams. Although, if truth be told, I can't really get excited about anything connected with football. I do like to see our southern teams make it that far, though.

Great parade pictures! One day I hope we get to see it in person. I have a tshirt that is similar to the one you got -- mine is white with a cheetah print.

Too bad that the Ohana meal wasn't as fun as your previous ones. We have only ever done breakfast there.

 

[mom2rtk]

Vanessa, the story about Danielle dancing is just priceless!

And sorry about Ohana. I can understand you wanting to give it a break next trip. It really does seem to be one of the most popular meals at Disney. We did breakfast there in 2001....... but that's it. Hopefully it was just an unusual circumstance with trying to squeeze in all the extra people that night.

 

[vamassey1]

Your review was helpful. I'm glad you had great experiences your first three visits but it stinks that this most recent one wasn't up to par.

For our trip, we decided to rearrange a few things so that we could fit both Ohana and Whispering Canyon Cafe into our itinerary. We just couldn't choose one over the other!

Still loving your TR!

I'm glad the review helped. I'm also glad you're doing both. We had a great time at both WCC and 'Ohana in 2009.

I'm so sorry it just wasn't as magical as you had remembered and hoped it would be!! You are so right, it's more than the food that makes a meal special!

I was sorry too. As the time passes and I remember the good meals I think I'll go back just maybe not the next time.

Vanessa -

I am so glad to see you are updating again. I really enjoyed the AK parade pictures. I haven't seen that parade in a couple years and I think I need to go back. It looks like so much fun. I never noticed the smoking barbecue grill at the end. Very funny. You're right - being in that parade looks like a work out.

Sorry that your meal at Ohana did not turned out well. The last time I was there I didn't really enjoy my meal all that much. It took too long and the CM was very rushed. It just lost its spark for me too. I guess that's what happens when something becomes too popular.

Potato chips for dinner????? ugh!

I hope the spark is back the next time we do it.

I was outraged when she let it slip about the chips. Lauren has stayed with us quite a few time over the years and she was not allowed to eat chips for diner.

I finally have a chance to catch up on your TR!

I remember the excitement of the Saints playing in the Super Bowl -- it was much more fun than Green Bay and the Steelers. I just couldn't get excited about those two teams. Although, if truth be told, I can't really get excited about anything connected with football. I do like to see our southern teams make it that far, though.

Great parade pictures! One day I hope we get to see it in person. I have a tshirt that is similar to the one you got -- mine is white with a cheetah print.

Too bad that the Ohana meal wasn't as fun as your previous ones. We have only ever done breakfast there.

I'm so glad I'm not the only one that thought the Super Bowl wasn't as exciting this year.

You have to go to AK when it's not too hot so you can stay for the parade. It's so colorful and fun.

I'm hoping our next trip to 'Ohana is much better. I want to try the breakfast on day.

Vanessa, the story about Danielle dancing is just priceless!

And sorry about Ohana. I can understand you wanting to give it a break next trip. It really does seem to be one of the most popular meals at Disney. We did breakfast there in 2001....... but that's it. Hopefully it was just an unusual circumstance with trying to squeeze in all the extra people that night.

Danielle dancing in one of my favorite memories!

Hopefully our next meal there will bring back the magic.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Awwww, I'm sorry that 'Ohana wasn't right that night for you. Our food is always good but the best time for us was when we were there for Wishes and it was just perfect!

We are eating there in June and it's been a couple of trips since we've been so I'm hoping for another wonderful evening!

So cool that you got the Mickey head key chains! I'll be sure to keep your secret!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Okay, I'm here now!! Aren't the dancers and all the CMs during the AK parade amazing? That is NOT a short parade route either! They work it hard for 30 minutes!! Joe and I rode in the first float with Rafiki on our honeymoon, our arms ached from waving after it. There is a small break in the middle for them, it goes down a path that doesn't have room for people to sit on, and everyone quickly waters up and walks normal, stretches, etc. It was really cool to watch! Our arms were thankful for the break too!

Sorry to hear your 'Ohana dinner was a disappointment. We've had meals like that too, where it's just off for a variety of reasons...it can really ruin the "magic" of a meal!

 

[glennbo123]

I'm sorry to read that there was some kind of tension in the air at Ohana that night. You're probably right, if they had overflow people there from the luau, it will show in the service and the overall mood.