The Empty Nesters Magical Mystery Tour *1/28* Link to New Girl's TR p141

[jenseib]

I am loving the animal pictures....and that baby zebra!!!!! OOOOh so cute. And I always take 5 million pictures of the giraffes too. They are so pretty.

Too bad your dinner wasn't that good. My cousin at there in 2012 and said she would never go back.

 

[khertz]

Too bad Denny didn't enjoy his dish, but that is a good rule to live by, and like you said, he went against it!

Seriously, your view is just incredible. Love seeing the photos of giraffes & the zebra family. Baby zebras are so cute! I can't imagine how cool it must be to see them right outside your window.

 

[khaleesi]

It is a funny name, isn't it? OK - here's how I understand it. The door handles on the cruises are shaped like fish. The extender is a homemade type hanger thingy that hangs on the fish (fish-extender....get it? ) handle. It collects gifts that you get from other DISers on the cruise. So you basically have to go around and deliver gifts to everyone on the FE list. But first you have to make or buy the gifts and bring them with you. Too much work for this girl.

Not AT ALL what I was picturing. I honestly don't know what I thought... some type of fishing trip that was added on to the end of the cruise is what made the most sense to me... but it definitely wasn't that! Hahaha. Sounds like a really cool idea, if you're into that kind of thing. Which, I probably would be!!

I for one and glad that you were too busy to do many updates because I was slacking myself! So I didn't miss too much!

Bummer that your dinner wasn't better. But as long as you enjoyed the company that's probably the most important thing!

Those sunrise pictures are, of course, stunning!!!! And no, I will definitely never get tired of the view! I love the giraffe!!!

And yay for getting the hotel you wanted in February!!

 

[MEK]

Despite the fact that Jiko was just so-so, it sounds like a great evening with friends. The sunrise pictures are amazingly beautiful! Love them!

It was a lovely evening and there is no way every dinner can be perfect so it wasn't that big of a deal.

Glad you like the sunrise pics!

Of all the times that we've stayed at AKL, I've never eaten at Jiko. But it usually gets great reviews, sorry to hear that it was less-than-stellar that night.

My first time there was wonderful and this time it really was only Denny's meal that wasn't great. Mine was good. Not the best I've ever had but Jiko is better known for its filet.

Love those sunrise pictures of the savanna!

Thanks! :good vibes

I don't know what it is about giraffes, but I just love watching them. They're just such a unique and beautiful animal.

I totally agree. They are amazing and their anatomy is crazy. They have the highest BP of any mammal because it takes so much force to get the blood to their brain.

BAHAHAHA, that photo by the pool. Yes, um, different.

I know, right? Now that wasn't my first time staying there or visiting that pool, so why I never noticed THAT before, I have NO idea!

AWWWWWWW, a photo dedicaton. You're too sweet. OMG, and that one needs to be on a shirt.

It totally needs a shirt! I know it means - don't sit on the steps, but I keep thinking it means - not bounce down the steps on your butt!

OK... WHAT??? Sold out of ponchos???? I am in absolute shock. This is so unlike Disney to leave money on the table like that. Wow.

I think the minute it started to rain everyone went in there looking for a poncho, so they completely sold out. But so soon? Thank goodness they had them at Space Mountain.

Sorry about the Jiko experience, it's so disappointing when you're looking forward to a great meal and it's just so-so. I agree though, in that instance you have to send it back or there's no use complaining. Joe abhors sending things back (even though he worked in kitchens for years and knows better), but for a $34 piece of chicken...yeah you send it back!

Exactly - you send it back! He knew that, but he was in denial. Yet every time one of us suffers through a meal we didn't think was worth the price or prepared well, we never want to go back to that place. You've almost got to send it back to make the experience right.

I love that pic of the t-shirt with the girl in the rain! I might have to keep my eye out for that one.

How cute is that? I love it!

 

[scottny]

Really? What did you guys have? I read some less than stellar reviews of Jiko lately. That's so not cool because it used to be such a great restaurant.

Honestly I do not remember. We did eat there only once and we don't ban a place unless we try it twice so I think we may try it again and see.

 

[shan23877]

I'm all caught up Mary Ellen! I got so far behind!

Sounds like you have a lot of great trips coming up, I hope that you'll share them!

I've never been that interested in AKL, but your pics might be changing my mind...

 

[MEK]

You are entirely correct -- I will NEVER tire of animal pictures! Especially gorgeous Disney animals!
(btw, next year we were supposed to be staying at an Epcot area resort, but your pictures are making me want to go back to AKL!!)

I just love the animals at AK. It really is such a special place and a lot of them comes from seeing those beautiful animals everyday.

So everything is working out with the Epcot resort? BWV????? You are going to love it there. It's amazing. I know I've been dragging out this TR forever, but I stayed at both resorts this trip. They are so different, yet both so great in their own way.

I'm the opposite when it comes to chicken in restaurants -- I'm so picky and I don't eat red meat or fish, so when I see a menu with a chicken item I classify that place as "I could eat here!"

I'm not a big fan of red meat, but I love fish. Since I eat fish less than chicken at home I always take the opportunity to order it. I like chicken and there are so many great dishes so I'm not completely sure why I don't order it more while out.

Jiko always sounds so nice but I'm nervous to try it. Some day maybe. I'm sorry that you guys didn't have a great visit that time. Denny definitely should have sent back his dish, it sounds very unappetizing!

It looked yucky, honestly. Overall, it the experience fell below our expectations. I had really been talking it up and it was just "eh", so that was disappointing. But I will try it again in the future.

Oh no! Rain and a poncho deficiency!

Poncho deficiency!

LOVE that shirt! So cute!

It was adorable! Perfect for a rainy day.

I never get tired of seeing animals from the AKV rooms. So amazing!

Aren't they? I feel the same way. There is just something so special about those animals.

Lol! Why Disney!? Why must we add so much pervision around the World!

I know, right? I can't imagine it would be intentional, but there are definitely some phallic symbols in the world that are pretty much non-mistakable. I don't know if you have to be in the right frame of mind to notice them or not?

Oh no! I"m a little worried now. We went to Jiko back in 2010 and loved it and had made plans to visit again for our next trip. DM only eats beef or chicken so reading about Denny's dish and your less than stellar dish makes me nervous.

Stick with the beef! That's my advice. Maybe they were just having an off night. I don't know. But I'll definitely go back and visit again. My first meal there was too good not to!

The sunrise views!!!

It was so gorgeous and peaceful there in the morning. Loved it!

Agh! The baby Zebra!

Seeing the baby zebra and baby giraffe were major highlights! That zebra was just too cute and he knew it too!

Aw man, not your stomach pain again!

Unfortunately, yes. More on that in the next update!

 

[MEK]

Never tried Jiko. The menu just never excites me. I'm sure I could find something to eat, and would probably enjoy it, just not enough there to motivate me.

They have a nice filet and the only reason I didn't order that was because we were going to LeCellier in a couple nights.

Great savanna pics! Don't you just love watching how an animal that looks as awkward in body as a giraffe appears, can look so graceful! I love to watch them.

Giraffes are really such cool animals. They are so incredibly unique. Yes - they have that big awkward neck yet they appear so graceful.

Super sunrise pics! A boat ride over to MK is always a great way to start the day. Hope the rain didn't hang around too long.

It was a beautiful morning and it certainly show any hint of the weather that was about to come!

Even the pictures you take with your cell phone are great!

Awww - thanks! :good vibes

And in answering your question..."No" I am not tired of the view. I could definitely wake up to that every morning.

So could I! How GREAT would THAT be! I just love the view at the AK. Those animals are such an amazing highlight!

I had made reservations for two trips, one in Sept and one in Oct and were going to go on just one of them and cancel the other. Sept worked better with my work schedule and it was at the YC, which is great for going to the Food & Wine Festival. But the weather is hot. October has great weather, but it is a little bit harder to get away from work then. And we were booked at the WL on a bounce back, so we had a great rate. But my DH wanted to do both trips. So that is what we are doing. You got to blame the annual pass. I think it casts a spell on people. It is our first time ever buying an AP, and probably our last time.

Can I just say that I am super jealous of your back to back trips! NICE! I love September because of the low crowds. It always seems like a great way to close out summer. But I love October because of the great weather. To be able to do trips is both months is really special. ENJOY!!!!! And YC and WL are both such great resorts. Having an AP will definitely do that to you! I miss mine and can't wait until I get another!

 

[eandesmom]

I read your update but think I forgot to comment!

that IS a cardinal rule and so I have no sympathy when people don't speak up (Sorry Denny!)

Sad you meal wasn't the best. I know everyone loved it on our girls trip but I admit, it was not my favorite and I've not been in a rush to go back. Not any one thing really but between the waiter, my entree which was ok but not outstanding, it just didn't overwhelm me. Although I do recall we had some lovely wine!

Ahh...girafffes

 

[KatMark]

Mary Ellen, I think it sounds like a perfect day. A little time at the park to do some attractions, some pool and touring of the resort and then some dinner at the resort. I'm sorry the meal was not better than it was. And bad Denny breaking the cardinal rule.

Your pictures are fabulous...as always.

 

[MEK]

I got all distracted talking to you offline about your February plans that I didn't comment on your trip report...

I know all about distractions.

Thanks to you I think I am going to skip the Busch AP and go with the US AP.

Beautiful morning AK and Savannah pictures. Love the sunrise and the animals.

Thanks! It was a gorgeous morning, every morning that we were there. So lovely and relaxing!

How disappointing about your meal at Jiko. Haven't been and probably won't anytime soon. Actually, we have never dined at a signature at Disney, except for Le Cellier before it went signature, so I don't think that counts. Boma is one of our top (may be my favorite) restaurants at Disney, so I don't see replacing that.

I love Boma too. It's an amazing restaurant and so is Saana. I love that restaurant, too. I have never had a bad meal at either place.

Denny's meal choice sounds good based on the description, sorry it didn't deliver. Like you, we rarely order chicken at a restaurant since it shows up on our plates at home so often.

It really was a sub par dish. It didn't look good when plated and Denny didn't really enjoy it. It's a shame because this was supposed to be our one big siggie meal. Oh well.

Bummer that your morning has been met with rain so far. And it sounds like that issue may be trumped by another one soon.

Let's just say that the rain kept coming! It was not a good afternoon!

Sounds like your February plans are coming together nicely. BWV and BCV..great!

I'm so excited about both the BWV AND BCV!!!!!! And I am zeroing in on my out of the bubble 2 night stay at the beach! I booked my flights today so I am practically all set! Now I just have to keep up with the running!

I could never get enough pictures of that view. The baby zebra was out and about, how cool!

It's such a wonderful view. I agree - I would never, ever get tired of that view. It's just so perfect!

Sorry dinner wasn't a success, maybe the restaurant was having an off night.

They were definitely having an off night on the chicken. Everyone else's entrees were good!

 

[MEK]

I must not have had enough coffee yet because I totally missed the issue at the pool at first, second, fifth, sixth, OK a lot of glances. Took me awhile.

I think your mind has to be working in a certain direction to notice that. I never noticed it the last time I stayed there (unless it wasn't there back then )

I have never had an interest in Jiko. I can't eat spicy foods and my DH is not adventurous at all. It took 3 years to get him to try turkey burgers. We go to one restaurant for our anniversary every year and he doesn't even look at the menu. He orders the exact same thing every year.

I don't think Jiko or Saana are for the unadventurous eater. It's sort of how I feel about the Yachtsman. I love a good steak every once in awhile, but I don't really want to go to a restaurant that specializes in steak. I have to be in the mood for it and what if I show up to dinner and I'm not.

I pack ponchos every year and then have to buy them because I always forget to take them to the parks with us. I lucked out my last 2 trips and had NO rain. That shirt was cute.

I pack them every trip, too! I always have more than I need so how I showed up that day missing one I'll never know! I've been a lot more careful with packing them since then.

I think I am caught up again. Between issues with Flickr and my daughter getting married next week I have been forgetting to keep up.

Congratulations to your daughter. A wedding will certainly keep you very busy. What a n exciting time!

Hi Mary Ellen! We're back and I'm working hard to catch up!

Welcome back Mark! I know you had a great time and I can't wait to read all about it!

Love the giraffes and zebras!

Aren't they so cool? I just love the AKL and now I am totally spoiled after that view. So amazing!

I was at the pool picture! Reminds me of something in Morocco - was that your's or Pat's picture?

That was Pat's picture! Well, originally it was Pat's picture but then I had to go and get my own. So perhaps you did see my picture, but I blame it on Pat!

Sounds a bit ominous with the stomach pain…I'm concerned. I hope we get some news on that in the next update!

Yes - the update will have a focus on that. Perhaps that's why I am procrastinating on writing it.

Too bad the meal at Jiko wasn't the best. Such a nice evening though with your friends.

It really was a lovely day. It was all AK focused and that's never a bad way to spend the day.

LOVE the sunrise pictures. That pink sky is always so pretty!

It was a beautiful morning and in October it's so lovely getting up and watching the sun rise. Love it!

Enjoy your weekend at the beach!

Thanks. We had a lot of fun. It was good family time even though it rained and we never made it to the beach. We did some running, biking, and hit up the boardwalk in Ocean City Md.

 

[Poolrat]

:
That was Pat's picture! Well, originally it was Pat's picture but then I had to go and get my own. So perhaps you did see my picture, but I blame it on Pat!

Sure blame it on me......

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Hi there! I found your TR from KatMark's and just finished all the updates. Holy Pictures Batman! You love that camera, and I enjoyed every single one, even the blurry or low light ones. I am sorry that Jiko did not impress. I've never been there, but have read reviews of people raving about it. Love, love the "Standard" view room. My family stayed in a 2BR when my daughter was 16 months old. Every morning, she'd wake up, look out the window, and go, "WOW!!" The view never ceased to amaze her.

 

[MEK]

SEE - It WAS your picture! I knew it!!!!!!

Yes MaryEllen Enjoy the beach!!!

I did, even with the rain. It was a great weekend to get together with family. Lots of fun!!!!!

Love the Giraffe and Zebra pics from your balcony, the baby zebra is little and cute, too bad he was hiding.

That baby giraffe was SO adorable. Definitely a viewing highlight, but when he wasn't hiding behind trees he tended to get in the pack with other zebras and sort of shield himself. Smart little guy!

Thanks, I am looking forward to it! I was also this week able to snag 2 more: Dinners at Be Ore Guest and Ohana!!!

Wow!!!!! That IS awesome! You definitely had some mojo or pixie dust working on your side! pixie dust:

 

[MEK]

I am eventually going to get caught up on my TR and everyone else's, but don't hold your breath. I wouldn't recommend it!

 

[natebenma]

I am eventually going to get caught up on my TR and everyone else's, but don't hold your breath. I wouldn't recommend it!

Please take your own advice and breathe! This is for fun, not a race, so catch up when you can, and have a great weekend!

 

[afwdwfan]

Hey All - Sorry I've been such a slacker.

Me too.

Unfortunately, this was one of those meals for Denny. He equated it as a top chef moment where the chef’s comment might have been “And you are going to serve this to a costumer? Unacceptable”.

That is quite the disappointment.

Check out the Christmas decorations. Halloween was over and *bam* Pointsettas at the ticket and transportation center.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall after hours to watch them re decorate. They really can get a lot done between the times the park closes to the time it opens.

We stopped on Main Street to try to buy a Disney poncho, but they were all sold out.

What? How? Isn't that like the highest profit margin product they sell??? I thought they kept some kind of an endless supply behind the counter to set out and restock when the rain falls.

 

[saintstickets]

I don't know what it is about you runners but I can't seem to get into it. I guess if I tried it might help, right? Does running to get something to eat or running to the bathroom during commercials count?

Ummmmm - in one word - NO! Running takes awhile to actually enjoy. I started doing it in my 20's and I've stuck with it, although my speed and distances have decreased considerably. I think once you hit a certain age its really hard to embrace running. It's just not natural. (Not that I am implying you are OF that certain age).

Go ahead and imply...it's the truth! Sighhhhh

 

[MeMom]

Catching up again. There can never be too many pictures - parks, resorts, food, merchandise, I enjoy seeing them all.