Sarah's Moving 2 AFRICA! The trip planned in 4 days! * THREE parks in ONE day! 5/10

[iu97alum]

In Japan, for a fee ($15 for us last year), you pick your oyster and then they open it while you watch. It's pretty cool. We did it (Emily, Sami, DMIL and I) and of course DMIL got the biggiest but I got the rarest! LOL! The girls had theirs set in necklaces but DMIL and I took ours home. Mine is still waiting to be set

Here's a thread that talks about it:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520941

 

[TarzansKat]

Bless you!!!

All of your responses were exactly what I needed. And I am sorry that you are sick!

Thanks hon. I want to clarify some stuff for ya!

I am going to have to pass on the Dole Whip. I really don't like pineapples.

You don't have to get the float! Dole Whip also comes in vanilla, I think chocolate, and pineapple, and then twist combinations of the two. So you could try a vanilla or chocolate if you want, sans the float. Someone back me up, am I remembering this correctly?

hmm...Nine Dragons is a good idea! And I just saw pictures of China and think it looks wonderful!!

I just think also that because of how the tables are set up it won't feel awkward to you, but I am one of those people who does not mind eating alone. At. All. As a matter of fact, I love to go to the movies alone.

Now Disney? I'm working up to that.

and, now I know how to get my fruit in for the day! An apple covered in candy! My kinda fruit!! If I add that to the banana split that I hope to procure at GKTW...I have 2 fruits for my trip!

Seriously, hon, they are soooooooooooooooooo good. I need you to have one. And take lots of pictures of it. And come home, and post them and describe it in great detail.

Savvy?

 

[muttshouse]

FOOD!

I need your help on this. Feel free to post!

What are the best table service restaurants for solo travelers?

I don't want any romantic, dark, or quiet restaurants. I am looking for fun. Loud. Entertaining. But not terribly expensive...and probably no character stuff.

Here are some thoughts I have had...

Sci Fi Dinner Theatre - DHS - I won't be able to go here with Lauren, because she can't really enjoy sitting in the cars. So, I could go to see it while I am there?

50's Prime Time Cafe - DHS - They have a bar area. I don't drink. Not that I care if anyone else does...I just don't like the taste of alcohol. But you can sit there as a single person and not feel totally crazy? right?

Biergarten - Epcot - I understand that you sit at real long tables...so I could make some new friends? And it is loud and has good food. This would be a big meal and probably my only real meal of the day.

Teppan ___ - Epcot - The Japanese place. I don't have time to look up this name. But I saw it last night. Sounds like a Japanese steak house and they sit 8 people at one of those tables. But I think it is expensive?

Rainforest Cafe - AK - There is a bar area there, too. Although, I would probably pick a table in the corner and people watch.


Any other suggestions you guys have? Keep in mind my singleness! And that I really don't want to pay a TON to eat.

I know I can do counter service, too.

Any good counter service places? Mainly in AK, Epcot and DHS that are really good?

WOWEEE on your quick trip!

I haven't eaten anywhere on your list except the Sci-Fi Diner. They sit you in these tiny cars with small trays on the side (like they used to put on in the car hop days). The cars are all facing a movie screen which cycles through 1 hours worth of B movie trailers/advertisements. Fun to laugh at for the first 45 minutes, but it loops after that. Definitely discourages lingering. I think it *might* be ok as a single, but I wonder if it's like going to a drive in by yourself (?). The burgers and fries were ok -nothing special. Oh, and the room was dark to see the screen.

AK - I've seen lots of great reviews about the Flame Tree Barbeque. Apparently it's a restaurant that has seating inside of the tree too. Counterservice.

Sounds like you'll get your AP worth pretty quickly!

Can't wait to see more of your trip report!

 

[kimmylaj]

so i am a little late replying but i was going to say "stay you crazy girl" there is no other choice and give all those wish kids you get to meet an extra hug from me. they just brighten my day seeing what tough little fighters they are with their big smiles...so stay and meet as many as you can. . but i see you have already decided that so. hooray. have fun
i'm not really a big sit down girl i am a counter service chick...give me my food and get me on a ride. the only sit downs i do are usually character meals. we did do the sci fi and it was cute but i'm not sure if you would sit in the car if you were solo, if i remember right there were regular tables too and hey whats the point if you are not in a car? the movies were cheesy my kids liked them i thought it was fun, but my mom was annoyed because she said it was too dark to see if her food was fully cooked, (she is a bit of a worry wart) anyway i am sure you'll have fun whatever you do.

 

[All7OfUs]

OHHHHH! I can't believe I missed out on a lot of this planning! I haven't been on DIS for a bit, and I'm astounded at how much can happen in like 3 days!!! Ugh!!! I just finished reading up on your plans, and they sound like they are coming together nicely. We liked the Sci Fi, but I think part of the fun was laughing hysterically WITH my kids and sister. Honestly, I'm not sure it would very fun without others. The food was OK.

Hey, I have an idea... you could go to the Marakesh in Morocco- I can't think of anything better to motivate someone trying to condition up for a marathon than watching a half naked belly dancer that looks like she lifts weights for a living!!! Just an idea...

I'd give Flame Tree a huge thumbs up! We loved it- it was so peaceful sitting by the lagoon and foutains with a great tasting BBQ sandwich. The ducks can be brutal though, but hey, maybe that's a good thing if they take off with a few bites of your carbs??

Less than $80 a night WITH a full buffet breakfast?? That's a great deal! Go girl.


Snacks- Okay, my absolute TOP pick is a Minnie's strawberry bar. VERY healthy and I think it's 100% fruit. Great way to feel good about it, AND it's only $2.50 Next pick would be Choc. covered Rice Krispy Treat, that would effectively cancel any benefits from the strawberry bar Third snack, I'd go for anything in France's bakery. Portions are a bit small in my opinion, but pretty tasty, and such a nice relaxing corner to sit for a spell back in that space inside France.

Well, I should wrap it up. I just can't wait to keep up with you and your plans!!! I'm dying to read the TR too!

 

[maroo]

In Japan, for a fee ($15 for us last year), you pick your oyster and then they open it while you watch. It's pretty cool. We did it (Emily, Sami, DMIL and I) and of course DMIL got the biggiest but I got the rarest! LOL! The girls had theirs set in necklaces but DMIL and I took ours home. Mine is still waiting to be set

Here's a thread that talks about it:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520941

This is SOOOO cool! I read almost that whole thread last night! I just might have to do this. But I need to look at my budget. I am trying to be a little bit sensible about this trip...as I have 2 or 3 others planned for the next 12 months...but if I can swing it...and I find a nice setting I like...I just might have to take the plunge. Early birthday present to myself!

Thanks hon. I want to clarify some stuff for ya!

You don't have to get the float! Dole Whip also comes in vanilla, I think chocolate, and pineapple, and then twist combinations of the two. So you could try a vanilla or chocolate if you want, sans the float. Someone back me up, am I remembering this correctly?

Thank you so much for this! I might just have to have that dole whip after all! If I can find it without the pineapple stuff.

Now Disney? I'm working up to that.

Seriously, hon, they are soooooooooooooooooo good. I need you to have one. And take lots of pictures of it. And come home, and post them and describe it in great detail.

Savvy?

For you, my friend...I suppose I will make myself eat one.

And I do plan to take a BUNCH of pictures this trip! Of EVERYTHING under the sun. I will take some food art. And try to do things 2 or 3 times to make sure I get good pictures!

And I even have my notebook all ready to go to actually take some notes while I am there!

I am so excited!!!

WOWEEE on your quick trip!

I haven't eaten anywhere on your list except the Sci-Fi Diner. They sit you in these tiny cars with small trays on the side (like they used to put on in the car hop days). The cars are all facing a movie screen which cycles through 1 hours worth of B movie trailers/advertisements. Fun to laugh at for the first 45 minutes, but it loops after that. Definitely discourages lingering. I think it *might* be ok as a single, but I wonder if it's like going to a drive in by yourself (?). The burgers and fries were ok -nothing special. Oh, and the room was dark to see the screen.

AK - I've seen lots of great reviews about the Flame Tree Barbeque. Apparently it's a restaurant that has seating inside of the tree too. Counterservice.

Sounds like you'll get your AP worth pretty quickly!

Can't wait to see more of your trip report!

Very good points! Hmm...definitely food for thought! (Ha...I made another funny! Way to early for jokes!)

so i am a little late replying but i was going to say "stay you crazy girl" there is no other choice and give all those wish kids you get to meet an extra hug from me. they just brighten my day seeing what tough little fighters they are with their big smiles...so stay and meet as many as you can. But i see you have already decided that so. hooray. have fun
i'm not really a big sit down girl i am a counter service chick...give me my food and get me on a ride. the only sit downs i do are usually character meals. we did do the sci fi and it was cute but i'm not sure if you would sit in the car if you were solo, if i remember right there were regular tables too and hey whats the point if you are not in a car? the movies were cheesy my kids liked them i thought it was fun, but my mom was annoyed because she said it was too dark to see if her food was fully cooked, (she is a bit of a worry wart) anyway i am sure you'll have fun whatever you do.

Aw...that is pretty much what I ended up thinking! If I could go to Disney to meet every Wish family, I certainly would! They are wonderful folks! And I certainly can't leave a day early (when I could stay) to miss meeting a family!

Yeah...that is two negatives on Sci Fi...so...I am nixing it! Thanks to my buddies on the DIS! I know I like 50's...If I even want to take the time to sit down!

OHHHHH! I can't believe I missed out on a lot of this planning! I haven't been on DIS for a bit, and I'm astounded at how much can happen in like 3 days!!! Ugh!!! I just finished reading up on your plans, and they sound like they are coming together nicely. We liked the Sci Fi, but I think part of the fun was laughing hysterically WITH my kids and sister. Honestly, I'm not sure it would very fun without others. The food was OK.

yikes! That is three no's on Sci Fi...Sci Fi, you are out of here!

Yeah...I don't usually work this spontaneously!! I am crazy, but not usually this crazy. My friends all think I am nuts! "Why does she want to go back to Disney...she just went?" Boy are they clueless!

Hey, I have an idea... you could go to the Marakesh in Morocco- I can't think of anything better to motivate someone trying to condition up for a marathon than watching a half naked belly dancer that looks like she lifts weights for a living!!! Just an idea...

I definitely need that reminder on this trip! I even ate a piece of caramel cake yesterday...BEFORE I went! What am I thinking? I don't want to gain back the 15 pounds I have lost in one week?

I'd give Flame Tree a huge thumbs up! We loved it- it was so peaceful sitting by the lagoon and foutains with a great tasting BBQ sandwich. The ducks can be brutal though, but hey, maybe that's a good thing if they take off with a few bites of your carbs??

First of all...I had never even heard of the Flame Tree until today...I have never been to AK...I might have to spend more time there. hmm...*rethinking plans*

And you are cracking me up about the ducks! I will have FRIENDS! I love ducks! I am like one of those kids that parents take all the way to Disney World and the first thing they see and want to play with is a duck!

Less than $80 a night WITH a full buffet breakfast?? That's a great deal! Go girl.

I can't not wait for you guys to see the pictures...If it is half as good as the pics on the website...it is going to be awesome.

It is supposed to be a suite...2 queen beds, a sofa bed, and full kitchen! It normally goes for $150 or so a night...It is definitely NOT a resort! But will do perfectly fine for me on this trip!!

Snacks- Okay, my absolute TOP pick is a Minnie's strawberry bar. VERY healthy and I think it's 100% fruit. Great way to feel good about it, AND it's only $2.50 Next pick would be Choc. covered Rice Krispy Treat, that would effectively cancel any benefits from the strawberry bar. Third snack, I'd go for anything in France's bakery. Portions are a bit small in my opinion, but pretty tasty, and such a nice relaxing corner to sit for a spell back in that space inside France.

Well, I should wrap it up. I just can't wait to keep up with you and your plans!!! I'm dying to read the TR too!

Mmm...another fruit!!!! And a rice crispie treat...it counts as a fruit. I know, that is the craziest thing you have ever heard, right. I took this weight loss class once...and they literally counted a rice crispie treat as a fruit. Something about fiber? and low fat? I have no idea how they justified it. Who knows, maybe it was a joke? But seriously...they counted it as a fruit. Of course, not covered in chocolate!

Two fruits! Way to go team!

I can't wait to write the TR either!

 

[mom2lilnick]

We did the Dole whip, I am trying to remember what we all ordered. I was very shocked that it wasn't horribly expensive. I know that we did get a pineapple float which was AMAZING! but I LOVE pineapple, and one just plain pineapple whip but I can't remember what the boys ate because they don't like pineapple. I will have to ask them when they get home.

 

[twinmum]

Whoo-hoo Mary...!!! So happy for you to be having that bonus trip to WDW!!! And I am so pleased to hear that you are staying the extra days so that you will meet Noah and his family. You'll hold up those folks for ages passing along all the hugs from all of us!!! Who else do you hope to see?

There have been a few times in our Disney trips that I thought that going solo would be fun - but that's because I cannot convince my men, big and small, to sit and stay for parades and shows. On our trip to Disneyland last year, we were staying at the Grand Californian - so close that it was super easy for Peter and I to each take a little bit of solo time in the parks. He used his for big coaster etc riding. I used mine to check out the Christmas decorations at night. I had hoped to see a parade, but it had become a zoo. The people watching is great - so much fun seeing the absolute delight on kids' faces, watching families interact with great CMs and so on. But I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that I had a few moments of wishing they were there with me. I am sure you'll be reliving your special Wish Trip memories, and I'll bet you'll be on the phone with Lauren and Lisa..."I just did this marvellous thing and couldn't wait to tell you about it." Nows your chance to think of the things you just didn't get quite enough of or missed last time...cuz this trip is all for you!

Mary, I hope you have a simply magical time. You have given so much of yourself to Lauren and her family, and also to all of us over on the Wish Trippers board. I had no doubt that you would extend your trip, because I knew you just couldn't pass up meeting the Wish Families!

Give lots of hugs to Noah and his family. Pass along a big Wish Tripper hello to the Wish Families you see at GKTW. And please, please tell those GKTW how much their giving means to all of us.

And as for you - come back and write about it soon! Have a wonderful time!!!

Alison

 

[maroo]

We did the Dole whip, I am trying to remember what we all ordered. I was very shocked that it wasn't horribly expensive. I know that we did get a pineapple float which was AMAZING! but I LOVE pineapple, and one just plain pineapple whip but I can't remember what the boys ate because they don't like pineapple. I will have to ask them when they get home.

Yummy!!! Oh, please do tell!!!

Whoo-hoo Mary...!!! So happy for you to be having that bonus trip to WDW!!! And I am so pleased to hear that you are staying the extra days so that you will meet Noah and his family. You'll hold up those folks for ages passing along all the hugs from all of us!!! Who else do you hope to see?

There have been a few times in our Disney trips that I thought that going solo would be fun - but that's because I cannot convince my men, big and small, to sit and stay for parades and shows. On our trip to Disneyland last year, we were staying at the Grand Californian - so close that it was super easy for Peter and I to each take a little bit of solo time in the parks. He used his for big coaster etc riding. I used mine to check out the Christmas decorations at night. I had hoped to see a parade, but it had become a zoo. The people watching is great - so much fun seeing the absolute delight on kids' faces, watching families interact with great CMs and so on. But I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that I had a few moments of wishing they were there with me. I am sure you'll be reliving your special Wish Trip memories, and I'll bet you'll be on the phone with Lauren and Lisa..."I just did this marvellous thing and couldn't wait to tell you about it." Nows your chance to think of the things you just didn't get quite enough of or missed last time...cuz this trip is all for you!

Mary, I hope you have a simply magical time. You have given so much of yourself to Lauren and her family, and also to all of us over on the Wish Trippers board. I had no doubt that you would extend your trip, because I knew you just couldn't pass up meeting the Wish Families!

Give lots of hugs to Noah and his family. Pass along a big Wish Tripper hello to the Wish Families you see at GKTW. And please, please tell those GKTW how much their giving means to all of us.

And as for you - come back and write about it soon! Have a wonderful time!!!

Alison

Alison,

You are so sweet!

I am going to get to meet up with Mya (mcntosh) and Jason (tinytreasures) and Noah (ndlowen)!! And I am super excited!

I am about to post my "Final (these will definitely change) Plans!" and will tell you all about it!

Aw...yes, I will definitely miss Lauren and Lisa and the gang while I am there! I wish I could pack them up in my suitcase!

They told Lauren that I was going and they said she cried! She wants to go back so bad. I don't think she really cried...she just sorta yelled out crying...you know what I mean?

They told William and he had a dream that night that he was Peter Pan, but that Tink had lost her Pixie Dust and so he fell out of the sky cause he could no longer fly! One of those dreams that wake you up! I think William wants to come, too, you think?!

I will spread lots of hugs around to all of the Wish Kids that I see!! I am so excited about meeting all of those folks!!!

Thank you so much for your kind words! You are so sweet!

 

[macntosh]

Hey Maroo, I just thought of this.

I'm in charge of a Photo Pass Group for our trip and if you were interested in getting in on this, then let me know. All the Photo Pass pictures you could take for cheap!

 

[munch704]

I saw this posted the other day (Monday???) and mentioned to my husband someone planned a trip for 4 days away. His reply- wanna go for your birthday? so I am also going (back) to Disney. We leave on Friday and will be there thru Thursday


I know I have been scarce around these parts lately, lots going on, but just wanted to say THANKS if not for you I wouldn't be spending my b-day in the happiest place in the world.


In scrolling thru posts on here I noticed Sci-Fi. Didn't read all of it just that you nixed it. We LOVE Sci-Fi. Atmosphere is great food is ok. We have never missed going there-ever.


Anyway enjoy your trip!!!

 

[maroo]

Hey Maroo, I just thought of this.

I'm in charge of a Photo Pass Group for our trip and if you were interested in getting in on this, then let me know. All the Photo Pass pictures you could take for cheap!

YES!!!! That would be a great blessing! How much do I owe for my share? Are we doing it by picture? How does that work, anyway?

 

[maroo]

I saw this posted the other day (Monday???) and mentioned to my husband someone planned a trip for 4 days away. His reply- wanna go for your birthday? so I am also going (back) to Disney. We leave on Friday and will be there thru Thursday


I know I have been scarce around these parts lately, lots going on, but just wanted to say THANKS if not for you I wouldn't be spending my b-day in the happiest place in the world.


In scrolling thru posts on here I noticed Sci-Fi. Didn't read all of it just that you nixed it. We LOVE Sci-Fi. Atmosphere is great food is ok. We have never missed going there-ever.


Anyway enjoy your trip!!!

I am so, so happy for you!! So...we will be there at the same time? You are going this Friday?

I will have my "Maroo" lime green Mickey on my bag...so if you see me, please say hello!!!

Are you going to be sporting a lime green Mickey?

 

[munch704]

I am so, so happy for you!! So...we will be there at the same time? You are going this Friday?

I will have my "Maroo" lime green Mickey on my bag...so if you see me, please say hello!!!

Are you going to be sporting a lime green Mickey?

We are leaving this Friday the 20th so yes we will be there at the same time. I don't have a lime green Mickey I will definitely say hi. I don't know where we are going when except on Wednesday I have to go to Garden Grill for my then to Jelly Rolls

Probably go to Hollywood Studios on Saturday as that is our favorite

Since I didn't expect this I don't know what we are going to do. I'll go look thru this thread again to see where you are gonna be and what days. I can't think of what I might have identifying me other then I ALWAYS wear sunglasses. Husband will be wearing shorts and has jawa tattoo on calf. I have dolphin band on right ankle and dolphin heart on left calf.

 

[macntosh]

YES!!!! That would be a great blessing! How much do I owe for my share? Are we doing it by picture? How does that work, anyway?

Cost would be about $15. You would take all the pictures your little heart desires and upon your return you would load them into our account on the day assigned. It makes it easier to sort through them when I send you the disk. You could take one picture or 1,000 it doesn't matter. You would have about two-three weeks to play with them before I have to finalize and order.

Here's our thread if interested about the rules and such.

It's really pretty simple though.

 

[maroo]

Cost would be about $15. You would take all the pictures your little heart desires and upon your return you would load them into our account on the day assigned. It makes it easier to sort through them when I send you the disk. You could take one picture or 1,000 it doesn't matter. You would have about two-three weeks to play with them before I have to finalize and order.

Here's our thread if interested about the rules and such.

It's really pretty simple though.

I did not see the link...but I think I basically get it. Then do we just pass the CD around? And each take off our pics?

Sounds great! I will definitely be participating!!!! Thank you so very much for offering!!!

 

[maroo]

We are leaving this Friday the 20th so yes we will be there at the same time. I don't have a lime green Mickey I will definitely say hi. I don't know where we are going when except on Wednesday I have to go to Garden Grill for my then to Jelly Rolls

Probably go to Hollywood Studios on Saturday as that is our favorite

Since I didn't expect this I don't know what we are going to do. I'll go look thru this thread again to see where you are gonna be and what days. I can't think of what I might have identifying me other then I ALWAYS wear sunglasses. Husband will be wearing shorts and has jawa tattoo on calf. I have dolphin band on right ankle and dolphin heart on left calf.

lol...

we may miss each other. I won't be at Garden Grill at all and probably not Jelly Rolls? And DHS is my least favorite...well, not really...it is just that I was there 2 days on our last trip and am looking forward to AK and Epcot the most!! Since I have not been there yet!

My Saturday is MK and Sunday is Epcot...Friday night is AK/MK parades/fireworks. Monday and Tuesday are completely up in the air!!!

 

[macntosh]

I did not see the link...but I think I basically get it. Then do we just pass the CD around? And each take off our pics?

Sounds great! I will definitely be participating!!!! Thank you so very much for offering!!!

You will get your own disk, with your own pictures as long as you upload on the date assigned. This way I can pull off each persons individual group photos easier.

I think it will either be the 1st of March or the 10th.

Not sure yet.

 

[LindaBabe]

Soorry I'm getting here late.

Suggestion for you two who want to meet - exchange cell phone numbers - otherwise it will most likely never happen unless you plan a place and time.

Maroo - you will LOVE solo traveling - I do it often. You're friendly, so you'll chat up people in line and cast members and so forth.

Remember to factor in the fact that it will cost you to park.

You can eat well and healthy at counter service if you try. I recommend the Sunshine food fair in the land pavilion - they have real meals for cheap - like a salmon dinner for under $12.

Bier garten is a good choice for a sit down. I also like the tangerine cafe in Morrocco (not sit down)


AK flame tree is good, as mentioned previously. The seating area is down by the water and very attractive. The Yak and Yeti is also good. Do NOT miss the Lion King. Even if you don't care to do Everest, walk through the queue. At AK, the beauty is in the details.

Have a wonderful trip!!!!

 

[maroo]

Soorry I'm getting here late.

Suggestion for you two who want to meet - exchange cell phone numbers - otherwise it will most likely never happen unless you plan a place and time.

Maroo - you will LOVE solo traveling - I do it often. You're friendly, so you'll chat up people in line and cast members and so forth.

Remember to factor in the fact that it will cost you to park.

You can eat well and healthy at counter service if you try. I recommend the Sunshine food fair in the land pavilion - they have real meals for cheap - like a salmon dinner for under $12.

Bier garten is a good choice for a sit down. I also like the tangerine cafe in Morrocco (not sit down)


AK flame tree is good, as mentioned previously. The seating area is down by the water and very attractive. The Yak and Yeti is also good. Do NOT miss the Lion King. Even if you don't care to do Everest, walk through the queue. At AK, the beauty is in the details.

Have a wonderful trip!!!!

I can definitely TALK! To people I don't even know. I think they will all think I am totally crazy?

I do, I think and hope, get to park FREE with my AP? Is that right? I will have to pay parking that first day and then it will be free for the other 4 park days. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Sunshine food fair...I have to check that one out. I have a feeling that I will be spending more time at AK than I had previously thought.