Last Trip? It was until we met Food & Wine -- Recap 2/12

[KatMark]

As we waited for our waitress to bring our bill (which took forever), Pooh came back again and stopped by Mark. I didn't want Pooh to think we were ignoring him so I took another photo of him and Mark



Finally our waitress brought back the check and we settled up and were ready to go back to the resort.

What did we think of 1900 Park Fare? It was okay. But we definitely prefer Crystal Palace and that will remain our character meal. I do want to try dinner sometime as I think it would be a hoot with the Stepsisters (especially after our interaction with them a few years ago at the MK).

We stopped for a bio-break, I picked up some cough drops (was still fighting that August cold a bit) and then we took some pictures around the Grand Floridian:















The new Villas





We went back to the car and drove back to the resort. I went to see if the animals were out, and look what I found again











Mark was going to spend a couple of hours at the pool until we were headed to our park later in the afternoon. I decided to enjoy my view from my balcony and pack since we'd be checking out of AKL the next morning for our second resort. I walked down with him to get a few pics of the pool area:













Walking back to the room









Up next more animals and our third park of the trip

 

[MissMaryQC]

I'm sorry that 1900PF was only so-so, especially considering Mark wasn't too excited for it. It really bugs me when characters aren't interactive with parties of adults. I mean, if I'm going to a character meal without a child, wouldn't it be assumed that I like the character interaction? Maybe that's just me!

AKL looks so cool! I mean all those giraffes just outside your door! I especially love the shot of the giraffes hugging on each other, very cute.

 

[dizneeat]

What a view to wake up to!!!!!!!! Gorgeous!
Not so much fun to have to wake up so early. But don't you worry, Kathy, I am sure there are plenty of us out there who have made that mistake of an early breakfast after EMHs before. Tom and I have definitely learned from our mistakes.

Food looks pretty nice and the characters too.

Love your photos around the pool area. We have been to AKL quite a few times, but never really ventured around the grounds or up to the pool.

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Those animals. What an amazing view. I've never seen that many in my three Savannah view stays. WOW! (I was in Jambo though - wonder if that made a difference??) Dunno.

We haven't tried that restaurant but am with you, nothing beats Crystal Palace. Hey! I see the date of this installment... you better have had a drink or three for me because I certainly needed them.

 

[that's nice]

Waking up to animals and sun? Wow! Who knew that was possible?

Sorry your breakfast at PF wasn't great. We haven't been there since the crazy Hatter incident. I keep saying we need to get back but it never happens.

The pool at Kidani looks really cool! Can't wait to try that out someday!

 

[Chicago Mo]

WOW there are a ton of GREAT updates here! Not a GF fan either. like you it's just too stuffy. But Suzi stayed there said it wasn't like that.
I'm still not convinced... BUT i will say we had a WONDERFUL dinner there with the step sisters! The step Mother was better...

Your pictures are GREAT!!! Love the new camera!
Good Job on doing midnight on EMH! YES YES THE MINE TRAIN! just an adorable ride!! we are big fans!
Ohh It's so fun to come back and see the animals outside! and every time your giraffe's are waiting for you!

Love Mark's face with the crowds. crazy people get out of YOUR WAY! don't they know who you are?!?!

HA HA!

Love the plans for next year glad you get go back and with Nikki!!!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Loving that view still! So sad you'll be leaving it soon, but I'm sure you enjoyed BC too!

I agree with Mark on GF! I think it's a pretty resort, but it's so stuffy that I could never stay there. I will visit there in December to see the Christmas decorations, but that is it.

 

[obxlvr13]

What a bummer that the breakfast turned out just okay! The food looked good though and you and Mark looked so cute w/ Pooh & Tigger! I loved all the pics of the animals!

K

 

[JulieODC]

Looks like a decent breakfast...but to be perfectly honest, with that view at AKL and the beautiful pool area there, I'd be hard-pressed to head all the way over to GF!!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Wow, had I fallen behind!! Either that or you have been a Mad Updater!!

You had an awesome EMH night at the MK. Love to be there late at night and wander and listen to the music and enjoy the sights and shorter lines.

You had the most AMAZING location for animal sightings at AKL. It is great fun to see them outside the balcony each time you look. And the pool at the villas area is really nice.

You are doing really well with photos on a new camera that you hadn't messed with much before leaving.

And that pic of Mark with the "fur" on his head is still cracking me up!

Looks like a nice breakfast, but I am with you both on the GF train of thought. Too stuffy for me. I'm more a Beach Club/AKL kind of gal. (my wallet is more a Pop Century wallet most of the time, though- ) Must wait for a really nice discount to move up in the categories.

Very awesome that you get to spend more vacation time away this next year! Enjoy every minute! Life is too short!

 

[afwdwfan]

So I am gathering you don't drink coffee at all?

No. I've tried coffee a few times, but I don't think I've ever choked down a whole cup of it.

You guys really made the most of your evening in MK! Well done!!! I can't wait to see the mine ride. It is a shame that it is so short though. That seems to be the biggest knock that anyone has against it!

The breakfast looks nice, but I'm sorry you missed out on Mary Poppins. I totally agree with Mark about the GF. I just never get that warm, fuzzy "welcome" feeling that you have from basically every other Disney resort when I walk into that place.

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

The pool at Kidani is one of my favorites. I remember being there and having this overall feeling of relaxation. Heaven.

I'm disappointed for you that 1900 Park Fare wasn't that great. We did make an ADR for dinner in April, and I've heard great things about it. We shall see.

You guys are serious troopers for making it to midnight on EMH. I'm lucky to make it to park closing typically! My DH, on the other hand, would go for EMH. I have a feeling he will have a partner in crime with Madelyn. In a couple of years he'll be trying to keep up with her!

 

[ValarDisneyus]

The Grand Floridian looks gorgeous in pictures. I'm glad to hear of "standard upright folk"'s opinion, though, because I'd be bummed out if I felt like I had to be Miss Priss every day on my vacation. While I love some fancy, me, it's something that I like in doses. I'm quite comfortable in tee shirts and jeans I found on a two for one sale. I thought about maybe saving up A LOT to stay there one day, because I thought it seemed awfully fun to be able to dine with the characters and see them in your resort all the time, but....maybe it's sufficient to just get ADRs for all that and when we reserve resorts, reserve more budget for other fun experiences.

ON TIGGER: Okay, I know I haven't seen him in the flesh (fur?) yet, but every photo I've seen of him in TRs...he looks like he's SO NEON. Like Tigger comes around to the world for park hours but spends his nights glowing away under black lights at a rave. I always thought he'd do for a nice standard orange, or better yet, a kind of muted pumpkin. Perhaps I'm wrong though, maybe his fur is just super photogenic and tries to gleam under camera flash light. I'm still sorry they didn't talk to you much, though.

I wish our trips overlapped in May, I'm going to reserve the stepsister dinner with Aria in the pink Cinderella dress that they hate in the movie, I wish we could have a DIS meet at the same time! Oh well, I promise to take many many photos of it.

Also: SQUEE! Giraffe buddies!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Sorry that 1900 PF wasn't that great for you - especially a bummer that Marry Poppins wasn't there that day. I've read of some good interactions with Alice and the Mad Hatter (even for adults only) but perhaps they were off a bit that day.

We feel the same way as Mark does about the GF - but I have to say I have read several TR of people that have stayed there and were worried about it feeling to stuffy and that they didn't get that sense ... maybe different if you are staying there though vs just stopping by. Only place we have eaten there is at Victoria & Alberts and we were dressed up for that.

The pool area there looks really fun! Love the splash area with the buckets - think my kids would love it!

And love the animal pictures from your balcony - some great Giraffe shots!

 

[SarahDisney]

What I beautiful view to see first thing in the morning.

We have a 1900 Park Fare breakfast planned for our upcoming trip, so I was interested to read your review. I'm sorry to hear it was just okay ... and I can't believe Mary Poppins wasn't there! (If she's not there when I go, I'll be super sad ... like you, she's the reason we picked this meal). I hate when characters don't interact as mucuh with adults (I've had that a few times)... adults can love characters too!

I love all the pictures of the resort - looks like it's really beautful!

 

[schmass]

You seriously had the best view from your balcony!!

That is too bad that Mary Poppins was sick that day and you missed her! That Alice looked exactly like I think Alice should look - it's too bad her interactions were nothing special.

Was your opinion of the Grand Floridian any more favorable this time around?

 

[mickeystoontown]

I used to wonder whether or not I'd want to stay at the Grand Floridian (not that I'll ever have enough money to stay there for two weeks but in my daydreams, I wondered.) and if I'd feel out of place there. I'm betting that I'd suffer through it.

Loved all of the pictures of you two with the characters at 1900 Park Fare. It's too bad that Mary Poppins was ill and couldn't make it. At least you can now say that you've tried it and stick with breakfast at Crystal Palace.

 

[pas130]

Yay for your 2015 trips Kathy
As for GF, you know I love GF. My DH gets whatever is the complete opposite of warm and fuzzy when he goes there. I didn't know tigger and pooh were at the breakfast there...shame on me. We ate there quite some years ago, before we ever stayed there and remember it being just okay. I'd take GF cafe anyday

 

[disneygirlll]

Enjoyed reading and seeing pics of your meals at Olivia’s and 1900 PF. Haven’t tried either. That’s what I love about trip reports. Getting a feel of the parts of Disney that I have not experienced yet.

I also liked the fall décor at MK. Last month was our first fall trip. (I think it’s my new favorite time to go. The nice weather and low crowds.) You posted a very nice variety of MK pics! And yay! for sticking out EMH.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Seems like a fun breakfast. What a bummer Mary wasn't there though. DH feels the same way about GF and has stated that he would really never want to stay there.

What wonderful pictures you got of the animals.