The New Lizard Lounge

[GoofySuse]

While I have not tried either Boma or Jiko they are both on our plan of attack for this trip. I have heard nothing but good things about both. I'll post a report upon my return.

We have ps EVERYWHERE....*L*..we plan our restaurants first and then decide on an itinerary based on where we're going to eat!!!

11/18...arrival...no huge plans...something light after travel.
11/19...Melting Pot for dinner
11/20...Lunch...will be at the beach so nothing planned
Dinner...Jiko
11/21...Lunch...LTT
Dinner....Citricos
11/22...Lunch...Marrakesh
Dinner...O'Hana
11/23...Brekkie...CRT
Lunch...Tony's TS
Dinner...Hoop-Dee-Doo
11/24...Brekkie...1900 Park Fare
Lunch....Whispering Canyon
Dinner....California Grill
11/25...Brekkie...Donald's Breakfastosaurus
Lunch...Rainforest Cafe
Thanksgiving Dinner....Artist Point
11/26...Brekkie...Kona Cafe
Lunch....Sci-Fi
Dinner...Yachtsman
11/27...Lunch....Portobello YC
Dinner...Brown Derby
11/28...Brunch....Peabody
Dinner...LTT (Before MVMCP)
11/29...Brekkie...Boma
Lunch....no plans
Dinner...at home with pupsters! (who will smell like 10 days in the kennel...ack....)

So, what do y'all think? I've tried to insert restaurants which should appeal to our grandchildren along with some finer dining experiences. Do you think I've accomplished that? I sure hope so...if not it's PB&J from the WL CL!!

Did I mention that we will be jogging back to Idaho vs flying?

 

[GoofyJoofy]

We did not get a chance to eat at Jiko, but we did make it to Boma. We all, even the kids, enjoyed Boma. Very interesting flavors and some unusual items, but also some foods for those less adventerous souls.

One of the things that we learned, was that the nicer buffets allowed the adults to indulge in gourmet and exotic dinning, while the kids usually found common foods to satisfy them.

It also allowed the kids to try something that was foreign to them, without fear that they would be stuck with nothing to eat if they did not like it.

It sure seems like you will be doing a lot of dinning. We found most Disney restaurants served large portions. You won't go hungry, that's for sure.

And for the grandchildren, remember most places can provide kid-fare, even if it is not on the menu. Just ask.

OK, I'm hungry again.....

 

[steveanddonna]

Wow, GoofySuse - you are going to be busy! You've got some of our favorite restaurants on your list. Do let us know about Thanksgiving dinner at Artist Point - I bet that will be delicious! We love the decor there, the service is excellent, and the food was just perfect both times we've dined there. where is the Melting Pot in FL? We have a Melting Pot here, excellent fondue restaurant. Is this the same chain?

Dutch'sMommy Jiko is also one of our favorites. I had the monkfish, which was very good, and another time I think we just ordered a lot of appetizers/flat bread pizzas and dessert. It's definitely one of the more appealing restaurants to foodies like DH and I. We loved Boma for breakfast, but thought dinner there was just OK. The food was prepared and presented well, but a lot of it was on the sweet side - sweet potatoes, winter squash, sweet glazes on the meats, etc. While I do like my desserts, I was yearning for more savory items for a little balance. The dessert portion of the buffet was awesome, though. One thing I really do like about Boma is that it isn't a typical steamtable buffet; the food is kept out in pots and other containers on induction-type heating elements, so it just seems fresher and not dried-out or anything. How about a nice relaxing dinner at Jiko's on your arrival day and an early breakfast at Boma before one of the parks, maybe MGM or Epcot? Or maybe for DS's b-day breakfast?

 

[GoofySuse]

steveanddonna....yes, it's the same Melting Pot (a chain). It's our youngest son's favorite restaurant (the s'mores fondue)...it's on Sandlake Rd. south of Universal...not hard to find at all...~S~...

We're on the Gold Plan, as we usually are, with older children it's so much easier than trying to figure out how much money to give each one per day...this way we just pre-pay the whole thing...give them their cards and there you have it! If they fail to meet us for meals then they're taken care of. Our "baby" is a junior in college this year...getting ready to take his LSATs...he's asking for early acceptance to a few larger law schools, so we can figure out how to pay for said law schools! *L*

 

[Tess]

Originally posted by steveanddonna
We loved Boma for breakfast, but thought dinner there was just OK. The food was prepared and presented well, but a lot of it was on the sweet side - sweet potatoes, winter squash, sweet glazes on the meats, etc. While I do like my desserts, I was yearning for more savory items for a little balance. The dessert portion of the buffet was awesome, though.

I so agree with you on this. I'm a pretty adventurous foodie, but there was very little to write home about on this buffet. It was okay, but I sure wouldn't make a beeline back to it. Frankly, we're pretty tired of the whole "buffet" thing at WDW and do our best to avoid them--when the kids were little, it was a great thing--everyone had a choice. Now that they are teens and fully aware of their own likes, dislikes, and often willing to take a chance on something new/different, we prefer a full service eatery. It's certainly pricier, but the quality is better.

 

[VAgal76]

Boma's breakfast was so tasty that we feel we have to at least give them a fair shake with dinner.

All of it was really good, but the steak I had at Jiko's really stood out. It has to be the MI wood I was told that they use to cook it. They really have some interesting fare there.

AP was delicious as well. I actually tried the Buffalo, but I think I liked DH's chicken better. I didn't have DS with me, adult only evening (at last!). We all enjoyed our evening. WL has a very relaxing atmosphere. Doesn't have the "smell" of the AKL, but has sights and sounds that give the same effect. Service was great! Our server had someone else's name tag on, but at least he let us know it wasn't his when we sat down. I always like it when you start dinner off with a chuckle.

I think one of our favorites in tantalizing the taste buds was RFC. All of our dishes from drinks to desserts were out of this world. There is one a hour or two away from us and we are contemplating making that drive just to eat there.

In case anyone was looking for it, I've let my 2 bdrm MK view suite go at CR and went with a 1 bdrm instead. I think balcony is still nice sized so I can do a wishes b-day celebration with MIL on it. It's just the 5 of us and it looks like they have a table for 4 with additional seating from the layouts I've looked at. Yep, still hoping I squeeze an extra few days out of DH. I'm thinking I better save some dough in case he tells me yes.

Desiab - I know we get larger quicker with multiple pregnancies. My MIL was in her 1st trimester on her 3rd child and in maternity clothing. Don't sweat it at all. If you think about it, there is just not a better sight then a pregnant women - it's beautiful - swollen ankles and all! Gosh, all you guys not too far apart from each other all though Woodysroundup had a bit of lead.

Now we need to do a baby pool to predict birthdays pretty soon. No money involved, just braggin' rights.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hey, everybody!!!

I haven't been on since our Halloween trip, had to jump right into things and haven't had time to even get my email. We had an out-of-town wedding, and I've been babysitting a 1-yr.-old and we've had a lot of horse-related stuff to do. Whew!!!

Haven't had a chance to read all the pages yet, so I'll have to go back a bit, just wanted to check in and say "hey" so you wouldn't think I fell off the face of the earth!

 

[VAgal76]

Originally posted by k&a&c'smom
Hey, everybody!!!

I haven't been on since our Halloween trip, had to jump right into things and haven't had time to even get my email. We had an out-of-town wedding, and I've been babysitting a 1-yr.-old and we've had a lot of horse-related stuff to do. Whew!!!

Haven't had a chance to read all the pages yet, so I'll have to go back a bit, just wanted to check in and say "hey" so you wouldn't think I fell off the face of the earth!

Welcome back, k&a&c'smom! Can't wait to hear details about your trip. You have been a busy women and it's been crazy around here, too! Come on back when you get a chance.

 

[GoofySuse]

We're not much into buffets either, the quality of the food just isn't there. I only do them on a rare occassion and then usually only for breakfast (which I usually keep to fresh fruit, toast, a bagel or a muffin and tea)...hopefully Boma and Park Fare will be alright...

Of course the brunch at the Peabody is something entirely different! I love the Peabody....we've had brunch there and dinner at DUX...both wonderful. The grandchildren will have left by then...so bring on the mimosas....Grammie will need one....or thirteen!!!!

 

[Angel16]

Just dropping in for a quick cup of cappinchino

Dutchsmom- I agree with the other lizards that have suggested you enjoy AKL the day you arrive. It is so beautiful and there is so much to see and do. If people don’t take the time to really look around they miss a lot of the extra touches that were put in the resort. I was amazed by the architecture. Touches such as the lights at the bottom of the stairs looking out on the main savannah that are shaped like ostrich eggs with a foot on top. The resort is so beautiful. The hand carving all around is elegant, yet you believe you are in Africa. I am sorry that my DH and myself didn’t spend more time in the resort. We will the next time we go.

As far as Boma and Jiko. We like both of them very much. In fact we felt they were the best meals we had (except for the Food and Wine Exceptional Dinner) while in WDW. I don’t think you can go wrong with either of them. My DH and I usually do not like buffets, but Boma is not boring or typical. We found ourselves going back for breakfast after we moved over to SOG.

LovesDumbo- When we stayed at Pop we found it comfortable. The rooms are not big, but they were clean and there was plenty of space for the two of us. I would like to suggest that you request a King room since it will just be you and I believe your DH. My daughter and her husband and toddler stayed there this past February. They had a room with two double beds. It was crowded and they were not happy sleeping on a double together. They are use to a King. The king room had quite a lot of floor space IMO.

Storybookmum- Thank you for the information/suggestion on Polar Express. I don’t think we have an Omni max theater here, but we will certainly be sure to see the movie. You are leaving in a few days. Whoo Hoo@!!!! I hope you have a super wonderful trip. You certainly deserve it! Law Enforcement is a difficult job. I know, one of my daughters is a policewoman in Wisconsin.

I want to thank everyone for letting me know their feelings on the Poly CL. I have not heard from them yet today. But, I will be sending a very nice, polite e-mail this afternoon reminding them that I would like to arrange some special activities and have not heard back from my first e-mail. I would really like to see this work out. My DH would like to stay there and it is for his birthday. Add on that it will be the start of the Disneyland Anniversary Party. I think staying on a monorail resort would be a wise decision. I imagine it will be at The World.

Had better get back to work so we can afford all these trips.

I am missing some special people and hope they know that they are missed.


Love,

Angel

 

[steveanddonna]

I want to thank everyone for letting me know their feelings on the Poly CL. I have not heard from them yet today. But, I will be sending a very nice, polite e-mail this afternoon reminding them that I would like to arrange some special activities and have not heard back from my first e-mail.

I called Poly IPO this afternoon, Angel16 and they actually answered the phone! No VM, a real live person, Dore; I was impressed that she remembered meeting us in August and also a lot of details from our file even before she had pulled it up. She didn't even ask how to spell my name, and it's a 12-letter long toughie. We got our PS's straightened out and other last minute details taken care of. Hopefully this means things are settling down a bit there and you'll hear from them soon, if not today. It's been our experience that once you get a hold of someone there and actually start working with them, they're great. It's just making that initial contact that can be a challenge.

 

[ValerieK]

Originally posted by steveanddonna
I called Poly IPO this afternoon, Angel16 and they actually answered the phone! No VM, a real live person, Dore;

LOL I called about a week before our Halloween trip and Daisy answered the phone. I was speechless at first and then said "Your not the voice mail!" She started to laugh.

 

[GoofySuse]

I'd like to know who y'all are paying off! *L**shaking my head*

I have been told by Marilyn, Melissa, Daisy and Mark Newman that phoning them is the least effective way of communication. Of course if one does not have a computer what does one do? They couldn't answer that....

I guess it will take a lot before I consider them (the Poly/WL IPO staff) to be of the same quality as the Beach and Yacht Club crew...

 

[steveanddonna]

I have been told by Marilyn, Melissa, Daisy and Mark Newman that phoning them is the least effective way of communication. Of course if one does not have a computer what does one do?

And if one does have a computer, but hasn't received a response from IPO in 6 or 7 days, as is the case with Angel, what does one do? At some point management will just have to address the understaffing issue.

 

[#1hockeymom]

OHHH guess what I received in the mail today! A Christmas card from AKL! I feel so special! DD and DS just looked at it, while DS explained where the tree was to DD and both looked up.. paused... and said.... "we wanna go back!"

Boma and Jiko... both delicious! Both different environments so that might make your decision easier. Of the two I think I liked Jiko better, but it was also four times the price by the time we left a tip and walked out the door. The filet was great, but the monkfish... it was excellent! We also had the appetizer sampler, which they made for three, and it was well worth the money! Each item was so different from each other, yet complimented each other nicely!

*waving to Alice* Hi Sister!
Off to hockey.. big wave to everyone!
Debbie

 

[GoofySuse]

Originally posted by steveanddonna
And if one does have a computer, but hasn't received a response from IPO in 6 or 7 days, as is the case with Angel, what does one do? At some point management will just have to address the understaffing issue.

I agree, but will they? I wonder if they understand how much damage, to their reputations, they are doing? It seems to me that they (WDW) have never fully restaffed after the layoffs resulting from 9/11. Surely with the crowds returning they should be able to justify additional staff.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

Hello all can someone PM me with the news of the shke up here. Some people seem to be missing from this new thread. Clearly I have missed somthing in the last few weeks.

Hockey mom... I was excited as well to recieve my AKL Christmas cards. the kids were even more delighted when they each recieved one for a total of 4 cards all to the same house from AKL!
Each one addressed to a differant family member.

 

[DutchsMommy]

She didn't even ask how to spell my name, and it's a 12-letter long toughie.

I don't think steveanddonna is that hard to spell?! LOL

we've had a lot of horse-related stuff to do. Whew!!!

k&a&c'smom - do you ride? I used to ride English competitively but stopped when I moved out on my own - couldn't afford it. I really miss it and would love to start again. My sister still teaches and rides quite a bit - lucky! But she lives in Sudbury (Northern Ontario) and BOY is it cold riding in the winter!

Thanks everyone for your opinions on Jiko and Boma. I think we are going to try Boma for breakfast one day (if I can squeeze it in!) so maybe we will try Jiko. I really want to try Whispering Canyon but it doesn't seem to be in the cards this time - an excuse for a return visit perhaps? LOL

 

[ead79]

Hello all!

Whew! What a weekend I had! We moved apartments to a second story one since we had a flood in our first story unit. Moving is one exhausting undertaking, LOL!

Then on Sunday the big surprise! My dad and I arranged for my mom's brother, his wife, and their 4 year old son to fly to Atlanta to visit us. My mom adores them all and had NO CLUE they were coming. When she showed up at my apartment to help us get stuff situated, there they were. She was so surprised! We got her good! Then she couldn't believe that we had even arranged for her to be off work for the week. It was wonderful surprising her! We've been having a blast visiting with them, plus it's always nice to be off work.

My counter is lookin' good--I can hardly wait! AKL and Poly CL's here I come!!!

 

[steveanddonna]

I don't think steveanddonna is that hard to spell?

LOL! I wish my surname were that easy! I have one of those names that leaves the seaters at WDW restaurants speechless. We always know it's our turn when they announce "Now seating the...uh...um...hmmm..."
On our August trip a CM at Poly concierge was pulling up our file on the computer and asked, "Oh! Are you guys steveanddonna from the DISBoards?" Maybe I could make my ressies that way!

Anyone else having trouble getting to the forums pages this AM? I had to go a very round-about way to get here, using an old e-mail notification.