The Speed Walkin',Triple Split Stay,Holly Jolly Holiday**NEW 1/12 Last Day

[jenbear123]

The next morning we woke up early to check in at AKL. We had discussed the possibility of trying to upgrade our standard view reservation to a savannah view or even a villa. At the time I booked, only standard view was available with my TA discount. In order to have better chances of doing this, we got there at the crack of dawn (8am). We didn't expect the room to be ready, just as long as we got a better room category!

The parking lot was PACKED when we arrived. At this point, our possible room upgrade wasn't looking very promising.

The wait at check-in wasn't long before a nice CM helped us. When we asked about a room category upgrade, she looked as us like a deer caught in headlights. Being it Thanksgiving week, this expression wasn't surprising. She promptly told us that the villas were completely sold out, so that was out of the question. She had to call someone to find out if any savannah view rooms were available. It sounded like the person on the other side of the phone thought we were nuts too. After a couple minutes, she got off the phone and told us that we could upgrade to a savannah view room for an addition $75. Done. Bubba whipped out her credit card and we were all set! As an added bonus, our room was ready....or so we thought. More on that later. The CM marked on the map where our room was

And went to the room to see what it was like. We didn't bring in our luggage from the car at that point because we were eager to get to HS for TSM! After a long walk, to the right from the lobby, passed Boma, passed the elevators, down a slight ramp, up a slight ramp. Finally, we had found our room! Room 2427

Bubba let me go in first since I was just about ready to burst. The room was wonderful, and HUGE! Well, it was after staying at ASMusic.

I want these curtains!

Our view

The view of the savannah was amazing! I nearly died when I saw the animals only 20 feet in front of me. The sad part was that we were only here for one night.

Notice how there is stuff on the bathroom counter? Open bar of soap? This was the first time we were in the room. It appears they were wrong about the room being ready.... but I'll get to that later. We didn't even notice as we were in a rush to get out the door.

Without using up anymore of our precious time, we departed for HS. We had two things on the agenda: Picture with Chip & Dale (my secret crushes ) and TSM.

We got there just before rope drop. Bubba and I always walk to the entrance of HS from the parking lot. You avoid the massive amounts of people coming off the tram and getting clogged up at the bag check. When you walk, there is only a single security guard and it's always less busy. It never fails, we always get ahead of the people coming off the tram.

They had already started letting people in so we were at the back of the huge crowd.

Bubba and I sneaked up a bit further through the stores. Got about half way up to the rope before it was dropped. So we speed walk over to TSM, along with the rest of the hoards of people. The plan was to obtain a fastpass first, then do other stuff in the meantime. I don't know why our goal is never to get in the stand by line and ride it first thing? Anyway, here's the line up for fastpass

Bubba was not pleased with me....

We got in line at exactly

Wait a minute! The park opened at 9am! Right after this picture was taken, I noticed it was the wrong time. My watch battery had died that morning. I was so distraught because this watch is my life. I wear it every day and always depend on it to tell the time.... which is why you would wear a watch duh! So instead I took a picture of Bubba's phone to tell us the time (yes I'm a little obsessed)

After waiting about 10-15 minutes, mission accomplished

We had skipped breakfast that morning, so we found a table at Backlot Express to eat the fruit and yogurt we had brought with us. Once our tummies were satisfied, we decided to go see what the Osbourne Lights looked like in the day time.

There sure are a lot of lights on those buildings!

We then went over to the Great Movie ride.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

 

[jenbear123]

I was hoping for the Western scene as I don't think I had ever seen it. Or if I had, I didn't pay much attention since I didn't realize the rarity of it. Anyways, we happened to get on the right car because......

We got the western scene!!!!! The huge burst flames scared the crap out of me but overall it was really neat to finally get to see it. I must admit my least favourite part of this ride is the Wizard of Oz. It just creeps me out a little. Did you know? The part with Sorcerer Mickey actually used to be the tornado from Wizard of Oz but they changed it so people would realize where Sorcerer Mickey came from since most people hadn't seen Fantasia. Whatever works I suppose.

Then we thought we'd try the Animation Academy.

I had never done the drawing classes before but Bubba told me it was so much fun! It was right up my alley too, since I used to always draw Disney characters when I was younger. On our way we scouted out the area around the big hat to see what characters were there. Where oh where was my Chip and Dale? I almost thought I'd be out of luck but all of a sudden BOOM! Bubba grabbed my arm and turned me around. There they were!!!! My long lost Chip & Dale!!!

We jumped in the line but to my dismay the CM tells us that they're leaving and will be back at such-and-such a time. DARN! I nearly cried. I felt like a 5-year-old. I'm in love what can I say?

We continued on to the Animation Studio, myself sulking the whole way. To avoid the pre-show stuff, we cut through the store only to be stopped by a female CM, telling us that it was an "exit-only". Okay..... this was new to us. Apparently they have designated two separate lines at the Animation studio building - one with the show, one to skip the show. Finally! So we went through the "skip the show" entrance and walked through what felt like a very long detour to get into the actual building. When we got to the Animation Academy, there was a large crowd standing in front of the doors for the next session and more people standing just outside that space waiting for the session after that. The CM kept promising us that she'd try to get us in but no luck. We would have to wait until the next session. Well we didn't have time to wait around because I wanted to meet Chip & Dale. So we bale on the next session and head back in front of the hat. Of course High School Musical (groan) was going on so we sat through that. Worst 5 minutes of my life, let me tell you. When it ended I endlessly scanned the area to see if Chip & Dale were coming. Then like a beam of sunshine came Dale. Oh sweet Dale. Out comes the 5-year-old again. I was literally bouncing up and down like a little girl. Other children started lining up and not to look like a monster, I got behind them. The CM recognized me from before so she asked me to come to the front of the line since I looked like I was ready to burst. I felt kind of bad but I didn't care, I was with Dale!!!

Chip sauntered in shortly after Dale showed up

Another mission accomplished.



In the next installment:
TSM - Our final scores
Animation Studio - how do our artistic abilities shape up?
Lunch at Sanaa

 

[jenbear123]

Looking forward to the update!

Can't wait to hear more.

Thanks for being patient! Hope you enjoy the latest installment

 

[redlight]

Thanks for the update! Your room at AKL is huge, and the view is breathtaking!

I loved the "not pleased" picture you took of Bubba!

 

[Belle_373]

YAY for the upgrade to savannah view!

The Simba curtains are so cute!

Love your tips for getting up closer to DHS rope drop!

Still have yet to see the western side of TGMR, maybe next time.

 

[glennbo123]

Don't you love this lobby when you walk in?

The view of the savannah was amazing! I nearly died when I saw the animals only 20 feet in front of me. The sad part was that we were only here for one night.

Glad you were able to upgrade, and that you liked your view.

Notice how there is stuff on the bathroom counter? Open bar of soap? This was the first time we were in the room. It appears they were wrong about the room being ready.... but I'll get to that later. We didn't even notice as we were in a rush to get out the door.

Uh oh.

We got there just before rope drop. Bubba and I always walk to the entrance of HS from the parking lot. You avoid the massive amounts of people coming off the tram and getting clogged up at the bag check. When you walk, there is only a single security guard and it's always less busy. It never fails, we always get ahead of the people coming off the tram.

Good info.

Anyway, here's the line up for fastpass

I've seen that line! Not a pretty sight.

Bubba was not pleased with me....

Oooo. Don't wanna get on her bad side.

I was hoping for the Western scene as I don't think I had ever seen it. Or if I had, I didn't pay much attention since I didn't realize the rarity of it.

I've never seen it....because I've never ridden the Great Movie Ride.

Other children started lining up and not to look like a monster, I got behind them. The CM recognized me from before so she asked me to come to the front of the line since I looked like I was ready to burst. I felt kind of bad but I didn't care, I was with Dale!!!

I'm proud of you that you didn't push the children out of the way.

In the next installment:
TSM - Our final scores
Animation Studio - how do our artistic abilities shape up?
Lunch at Sanaa

I'm still waiting to see this artwork! And, did you get the pork chop at Sanaa that I've heard so much about?

 

[jenbear123]

Thanks for the update! Your room at AKL is huge, and the view is breathtaking!

I loved the "not pleased" picture you took of Bubba!

The rooms at AKL could easily fit 4 adults comfortably. It certainly was a treat having that whole bed to myself for one night. Oh boy, Bubba was really not happy with me

YAY for the upgrade to savannah view!

The Simba curtains are so cute!

Love your tips for getting up closer to DHS rope drop!

Still have yet to see the western side of TGMR, maybe next time.

I loved those curtains!! If only they sold them at the Disney store.... I was surprised not more people cut through the stores at DHS. Now you know how to beat the crowds But shhhhh don't tell anyone! Oh you must try to see the western scene. Just keep riding until you get it!

Don't you love this lobby when you walk in?

I could sit on the floor and stare at it for hours and still not notice all the fine details. It was lovely.

Glad you were able to upgrade, and that you liked your view.

We probably wouldn't have got the upgrade if we were staying longer than one night. I was so happy we got it!!!!

Oooo. Don't wanna get on her bad side.

Nah, she's really a big softie

I've never seen it....because I've never ridden the Great Movie Ride.

WHAT?! How you could not have ridden the Great Movie Ride yet?! Well you better get your butt on it the next time! I know, I know it's not the "be-all, end-all" type ride... and it is getting a bit dated.... oh just go on it anyway!

I'm proud of you that you didn't push the children out of the way.

Thanks I was proud of myself too! Or else I'd have some pretty angry mothers to deal with if I hadn't controlled myself...

I'm still waiting to see this artwork! And, did you get the pork chop at Sanaa that I've heard so much about?

I know, I know! I'm sorry I keep pushing it back. There's just so much to tell before I get to the drawings. Trust me, it will be one of the first things I talk update in my next update. Promise I did not get the pork chop at Sanaa. We actually went there on a whim because Bubba said the food there was amazing and I had to try it. Now that you mention the pork chop, I'll just have to go back and try it! Perhaps I'll do that in February.... Is it the "be-all, end-all" of pork chops?


Thank you everyone for reading and commenting. Keep it up

 

[glennbo123]

WHAT?! How you could not have ridden the Great Movie Ride yet?! Well you better get your butt on it the next time! I know, I know it's not the "be-all, end-all" type ride... and it is getting a bit dated.... oh just go on it anyway!

I know, I know.

I did not get the pork chop at Sanaa. We actually went there on a whim because Bubba said the food there was amazing and I had to try it. Now that you mention the pork chop, I'll just have to go back and try it! Perhaps I'll do that in February.... Is it the "be-all, end-all" of pork chops?

I don't know...I've never had it. They only serve it on the lunch menu, and we were there for dinner. I've read on other reviews that it's really good.

 

[bellebookworm9]

Sounds like this trip was a lot of fun! Will Bubba still be there in May? We have a reservation at Le Cellier and if she's there we'll ask to be seated in her section.

 

[jenbear123]

I don't know...I've never had it. They only serve it on the lunch menu, and we were there for dinner. I've read on other reviews that it's really good.

Hmmmm This sounds like a must-do on my next trip....

Sounds like this trip was a lot of fun! Will Bubba still be there in May? We have a reservation at Le Cellier and if she's there we'll ask to be seated in her section.

She might still be there in May. Her contract is up at the beginning of March but she's put in a request to have it extended. The max she could be extended would be to the beginning of June. That all depends if they need her for that long or not. It's sad how they kick you out no matter how much you want to stay I'll keep you posted though! I have yet to find someone on the DIS that's had her as a server. I'm interested to see what they thought of her service

 

[jenbear123]

Saying goodbye was the hardest thing... I wish I could box them up and take them home with me! Okay, putting the little 5-year-old to the back of my mind, we finally used our fastpass to ride TSM

We grabbed another fastpass before we go on, just in case. The return times were already late

I have to say I was pretty rusty. Not eating enough protein for breakfast probably contributed to my skills.... (hey, I think it's a good excuse!) Here were our final scores (me on left, Bubba on right)

Bubba always starts off beating me but once we get to the alien ring toss, she fumbles and I take the lead. Then there's no catching me after that.

We took our sore arms and went to wait for the next session at the Animation Academy. Our instructor today was Ron. Apparently he is the best out of all the instructors (or so Bubba tells me). He doesn't waste time like another guy does. The one that takes 10 minutes out of your 20 minute session to cast votes on what to draw. And then has to rush through on how to draw since he took up so much time with the voting. Yeah that guy. Anyway, we didn't have that guy so I'll stop talking about him. Ron was great. Since Bubba and I got in late, we had to sit at the very front without a desk. It was a little awkward holding the board on my lap, but I managed. Our character was Winnie the Pooh. I was a little nervous not having an eraser but the key is press LIGHTLY or else you'll have one mangled Pooh bear by the end. Without further ado (this one is for you Glen) here are our drawings:

Bubba's:

Mine:

I really enjoyed the whole experience and couldn't believe I never took the time out of our hectic schedule to try this place. It's really relaxing and a nice break from the crazyness and/or heat outside. Bubba kept complaining that mine was so much better than hers. Really, hers was fine, it just looked like Pooh was on a little bit of a diet! She was determined to do better next time so we got right back in line for the next session. Ron must have been on a Winnie the Pooh character kick, because he chose Eeyore to draw. This time we got to sit at a desk, which, funnily (is that even a word?) enough, I found even more awkward than with the board on my lap! I soon adapted. The light behind the paper really messed with my eyes.

But I guess it helps you draw or see the lines? Totally not what I'm used to doing but I digress. The end result turned out pretty good. Eeyore was quite a bit more challenging than Pooh bear.

Mine:

Bubba's:

I thought her's turned out better than mine. I really did not like having the light coming from underneath my paper. Half the time I couldn't see where my pencil lines were. Oh, and for Glen's benefit and anyone who is interested, here are some more samples of the characters offered to draw. All of which were drawn by Bubba on various visits

I don't know how they do it, but you come out of that place feeling like you can actually draw. It's great!

Bubba suggested that we have lunch at Sanaa. She had eaten there a couple of times and loved it so she wanted me to experience it. I had never eaten there before so was looking forward to a new place. Plus was excited to see the new Kidani Villas!!! Bubba got to stay there on a CM exclusive preview and after seeing all the pictures, I swear that place was made for me! What with all the Lion King motif!!! One day I will stay here.... maybe Glen will take me *hint hint nudge nudge*

I liked how the parking was covered, sort of like a parking garage. It made it rather confusing to find a way out.... or at least I was confused. Since Bubba had been there before, she just scoffed and led the way to the elevator Kidani Village still had the brand new resort smell. Everything still felt untouched.

This lobby was so neat. It was like a miniature copy of the Jambo house lobby. I fell immediately in love :lovestuc Either this year or in 2011, I will stay here. New Year's resolution #1!

We made our way downstairs to Sanaa

Is it just me, or is this sign just screaming to be photographed?

We hadn't made an ADR but we had no trouble getting in for lunchtime. The place only had maybe 3 other tables filled. Our server's name was Hicham. He was probably our worst part of the meal. It was horrid. The guy was only interested making us order more and more in order to boost his tip. Multiple times we told him that we weren't interested or that we didn't want something. Even then, he still pushed. And the fact that we could hardly understand what he was saying half the time made it that much more frustrating. Very disappointed with his service. It might have been due to the lack of tables that day but even so, a server should never be that pushy. Bubba and I were happy to get out of there by the end.

Moving over to the food, this part was delightful! Sanaa serves an African/Indian influenced menu. Thankfully I have eaten Indian food on several occasions so I was very familiar with the food items. If you have never eaten Indian, or don't like spicy food, or aren't open to try new things, this place probably isn't for you.

First up was drinks. Bubba and I both ordered a Mixed Berry Smoothie

Very yummy.

For appetizers, I ordered the Veggie Samosa's served with mango chutney. Sorry I forgot to take a pic before we dug in....

The picture makes it look kinda gross but it was delicious, let me assure you.

Bubba got the Bread service, which includes 3 different types of bread (served warm) and 2 accompaning sauces. I can't remember the combination we got, but here are the selections listed on AllEars.net

Breads - Naan, Onion Kulcha, Paratha, Paneer Paratha

Accompaniments - Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Green Mango Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Tamarind Chutney

Sorry, once again I forgot to take pictures before we dug in. I must've been hungry!

The breads:

The Naan was an obvious favourite

The sauces:

From this picture, it looks like we might have got (from the upper left going clockwise) Cucumber Raita, and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, and Tamarind Chutney. Everything was delicious and went very well with the bread. I could've eaten this as a meal on it's own!

For our main course, we both got the Tandoori Shrimp, served with Basmati rice

This was soooooooo good! I could hardly finish it all.

Before we were able to get the bill, Hicham made one last attempt to push dessert on us, even though we had already said "No thanks. We're full" He just DIDN'T GET IT!!!!! We got the bill and tipped him the minimum 18% gratuity. Honestly, he hardly even deserved that.

Despite the horrible service, the food was good enough to make me want to return here for another meal in the future.

Total with TIW: $64.34

It was nap time after lunch, to let all our energy go towards digesting. When we got back to the room, after bringing all our luggage in, I went into the bathroom. This was when I noticed the stuff on the counter and the open bar of soap. I asked Bubba if she had opened the soap already but she said no. If she had, I'm not sure when she would've since we didn't even touch the bathroom the first time we were in the room. Then I pointed out the stuff on the counter to Bubba. We both looked at each other and wondered if the people who were in the room before us had returned to the room again. It was really freaky. At the time, we hadn't noticed the stuff that was on the bathroom counter the first time we were in the room. If we had, we would've realized that mousekeeping just hadn't completely finished cleaning the room. So I called mousekeeping and told them our dilemma. I politely asked the bathroom to be cleaned again and to have fresh toiletries brought in as well. It didn't take long for our mousekeeper to arrive. She was really nice. I wasn't upset that they hadn't cleaned the room, I just wanted them to reclean it just in case. I felt bad too considering the staff were probably overworked and overtired with Thanksgiving week. This thought was confirmed when she forgot the whole bag of little trial size shampoo/conditioner, lotion and soap when she left. Taking advantage of the situation, we scooped up the big bag of goodies and brought them home to use as stocking stuffers. I know, we probably should've returned them to mousekeeping but what can I say..... They did forget to finish cleaning.....

After all this excitement but before I jumped in bed for our nap, I just had to enjoy the savannah view. To my delight, there were a bunch of animals within view when I went out onto the balcony.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

 

[jenbear123]

Here are a few shots I was able to get

I noticed this buzzing sound while I was outside, enjoying the animals. I then realized that this was where it was coming from

This electrical "fence" is what keeps the animals, especially the giraffes, from getting too friendly with guests.

I decided not to take away any more nap time so off I went to bed. I don't think I ever did fall asleep but I desperately needed the rest. The plan was to head back to DHS to take advantage of our TSM fastpasses we had gotten earlier that day and to see the Osbourne Lights one last time (well for me anyway). Time was very constrained as we had a 8pm ADR at Tokyo Dining to get to. It was now pushing 6pm. So off we went to DHS, walking from the parking lot like we did last time. All the fastpasses for TSM had been distributed so I was thankful we had gotten another one earlier that day. With practice from the last ride, I was able to beat my previous score

Bubba on the left, me on the right

And thank goodness for fastpass!

Like I said, the crowds were on the increase.....

After TSM, we went over to the Osbourne Lights

It was a little less crowded than our last visit (everyone was in line for TSM), which was nice. We were able to enjoy the lights a bit more. We had passed the state of shock and awe since first seeing the lights and now just absorbed our surroundings.

Bubba didn't want to leave. I could tell she didn't want the moment to end but we really had to get going. It was pushing 7pm now and we still had to make a stop at the Swan. One of my co-workers had a client staying at the Swan so since I was here, she asked me to bring back some brochures, floor plans, and general info about the hotel. This was the only time I was able to work it into our itinerary.

When we arrived at Epcot, we had 30 minutes to walk all the way from the parking lot to all the way over passed the Boardwalk to the Swan. Can you guess what this meant? Yup, MORE SPEED WALKING! I don't think I've ever wanted to disconnect my legs from my body more than I did at that moment. By the time we got to the Swan, I was ready to collapse! But I now faced the task of finding the Swan check-in desk. I had never set foot in this place (why would I when it's not a Disney hotel??) so I threw my camera (okay I didn't throw it but quickly handed it over) to Bubba to take pictures of the lobby while I went to find the check-in. There were NO signs to tell you where to go. And when you're in a hurry, you don't notice signs even if they are there. Bubba took some great shots of the Swan:

After first going the wrong way then retracing my steps finally going the right way, I found the check-in desk. There was only one CM (are they even considered cast members?) at the desk and she was already tied up with someone. I waited maybe 5 minutes before she was able to give me some info. She was very friendly and happy to provide me with this information. It seems like a nice place to stay but really doesn't seem to cater to loud, fun, and crazy Disney tourists I found Bubba and we headed back to Epcot. Just after my legs were recovering from the previous speed walk, they were now having to do it all over again. Talk about exercise!!!!!

We made it to Tokyo Dining with 5 minutes to spare. Phew.


COMING UP NEXT:
ILLUMINATIONS FROM TOKYO DINING
LAST DAY - WHICH PARK DID WE CHOOSE?

 

[redlight]

The best part of a good Indian restaurant is the bread choices! I liked both of your Poohs!

 

[jenbear123]

The best part of a good Indian restaurant is the bread choices! I liked both of your Poohs!

I know! I never knew there were so many types of bread until I ate Indian. Thanks for the Pooh drawings. It was a lot of fun to draw. But can I recreate it? Ha! Not likely....

 

[glennbo123]

I have to say I was pretty rusty. Not eating enough protein for breakfast probably contributed to my skills.... (hey, I think it's a good excuse!) Here were our final scores (me on left, Bubba on right)

Those are good scores! That ride does kill your arm, doesn't it?

Without further ado (this one is for you Glen) here are our drawings:

It was worth the wait -- they're good! When I read "Pooh", I thought, boy that must have been difficult -- it's hard to make big circles that are circular.

The end result turned out pretty good. Eeyore was quite a bit more challenging than Pooh bear.

They're good too, and they do look a lot more challenging.

Oh, and for Glen's benefit and anyone who is interested, here are some more samples of the characters offered to draw. All of which were drawn by Bubba on various visits

Her Jiminy Cricket is really good!

I don't know how they do it, but you come out of that place feeling like you can actually draw. It's great!

I agree.

Plus was excited to see the new Kidani Villas!!! Bubba got to stay there on a CM exclusive preview and after seeing all the pictures, I swear that place was made for me! What with all the Lion King motif!!! One day I will stay here.... maybe Glen will take me *hint hint nudge nudge*

Um, if I find any extra points lying around, I'll let ya know.

I done good picking a home resort though, didn't I?! I love the place too.

I fell immediately in love :lovestuc Either this year or in 2011, I will stay here. New Year's resolution #1!

I sincerely you hope you do! Here's some pixie dust.

Our server's name was Hicham. He was probably our worst part of the meal. It was horrid. The guy was only interested making us order more and more in order to boost his tip. Multiple times we told him that we weren't interested or that we didn't want something. Even then, he still pushed. And the fact that we could hardly understand what he was saying half the time made it that much more frustrating. Very disappointed with his service. It might have been due to the lack of tables that day but even so, a server should never be that pushy. Bubba and I were happy to get out of there by the end.

That's a shame. Our server was Randall (isn't that the name of the bad guy in "Monsters Inc."?) and he was fantastic!

Sorry, once again I forgot to take pictures before we dug in. I must've been hungry!

I'm startin' to think we're lucky to get any pictures of this meal!

This was soooooooo good! I could hardly finish it all.

I believe it. I love Indian food.

Taking advantage of the situation, we scooped up the big bag of goodies and brought them home to use as stocking stuffers. I know, we probably should've returned them to mousekeeping but what can I say..... They did forget to finish cleaning.....

Finders keepers!

With practice from the last ride, I was able to beat my previous score

Bubba on the left, me on the right

I went back to my TR to check my scores. My highest was 167,600!

Yup, MORE SPEED WALKING! I don't think I've ever wanted to disconnect my legs from my body more than I did at that moment.

I know, you never walk so much as at Disney World. As fastpass volunteer I've crisscrossed those parks many times!

COMING UP NEXT:
ILLUMINATIONS FROM TOKYO DINING
LAST DAY - WHICH PARK DID WE CHOOSE?

What? It's ending soon?

 

[jenbear123]

Those are good scores! That ride does kill your arm, doesn't it?

I swear you have to do arm exercises before you get on TSM!

It was worth the wait -- they're good! When I read "Pooh", I thought, boy that must have been difficult -- it's hard to make big circles that are circular.

Thanks It was hard to make Pooh look like himself. Our instructor made it look so easy!

Her Jiminy Cricket is really good!

I'll have to tell her that. She thought he looked demented

Um, if I find any extra points lying around, I'll let ya know.

Thanks! Or if you can't, you could always use someone to carry your luggage right???

I done good picking a home resort though, didn't I?! I love the place too.

You really did. If I could ever afford DVC, I would definitely pick Kidani. Oh well. I'll just live the dream through your TR's

That's a shame. Our server was Randall (isn't that the name of the bad guy in "Monsters Inc."?) and he was fantastic!

Given the name Randall does make you wonder about his intentions! I'll have to ask for him next time. At least the food was good....

I'm startin' to think we're lucky to get any pictures of this meal!

I went back to my TR to check my scores. My highest was 167,600!

Oh it's on now!

I know, you never walk so much as at Disney World. As fastpass volunteer I've crisscrossed those parks many times!

Hey, at least you get your exercise! Working off all that Disney food

What? It's ending soon?

I know... as they say, all good things must come to an end. I need to get this done before I leave in February! I have lots of planning left to do for that trip, and for April!

 

[jenbear123]

Tokyo Dining was a definite must do for this trip. After what Jaclyn (aka Belle_373) told me about it, I was really looking forward to giving it a try. Bubba would be the only person out of my family who would eat here with me. Sad but true. My mom doesn't like to eat outside the norm or anything that doesn't look like chicken or salad Even when we ate at Coral Reef, my mom got salad. SALAD AT A SEAFOOD RESTAURANT! See what I have to put up with?

Where I last left off, Bubba and I had just made it Tokyo Dining with 5 minutes to spare. The place was hopping with people like usual. We checked in and were given a buzzer. After the mile and a half of walking, all we wanted was a nice big glass of water. I was beyond the point of hungry so much that I wasn't hungry. Know what I mean? I was hoping that once I was rehydrated, my appetite would return to me. It just had to so I could enjoy all this wonderful sushi I was about to eat!

Sooner or later, our buzzer went off and we were taken to our table. Right beside the window with a view of World Showcase Lagoon!!! It was awesome! I tried taking a picture but the reflection was terrible.

Now just so long we could stay long enough to see Illuminations from our table, we'd be set!

Our server, Taka, was amazing. I had a secret crush on him But he was so cute!

He really did a great job that night. Even after being double sat when we got our table in his section, that still didn't stop him from providing us with prompt service.

This place offers an extensive (and I mean EXTENSIVE!) sushi menu. I was almost overwhelmed by all the choices

They were a bit pricier than I am used to paying but I guess there's a premium to eating sushi in Walt Disney World

I ordered the Avocado Roll,

Tempura Roll,

Dynamite Roll,

and Sweet Potato Roll

This was way too much food for just me. These four choices alone could easily feed 4 people. Bubba and I struggled sharing it between the both of us! The Dynamite roll was entirely different to what I'm used to from sushi places at home. I should've read the description as I would've seen that there was Wasabi Mayonnaise. I'm not the biggest fan of wasabi to begin with but when I bit into the first piece -- WOW! It was a shocker! I then spent the rest of the time taking off as much as the wasabi mayo as I could.... Everything else was absolutely delicious. I also ordered an Iced Green Tea for my beverage of choice.

I believe I had seen this from Jaclyn's dining report so I decided to try it. It was okay but I prefer my green tea hot. Glad I tried it though!

Bubba decided to have real sushi and ordered Tuna Sashimi,

Salmon Sashimi

and the Sashimi Sampler

I'm still exploring my taste for sashimi so Bubba ate most of these. All of it was of excellent quality.

When it was time for dessert, Bubba and I were trying to decide on what sake to try. Taka made an excellent recommendation for a "dessert" sake

It was a perfect accompanyment to our Ginger cake. Sorry but we ate the cake all up before I could grab a photo....

We were about halfway through our dessert, when Illuminations started. They piped the music into the restaurant but sadly did not dim the lights. It made it very hard to take any pictures or video. So instead of getting all frustrated, I put the camera down (GASP!) and enjoyed the show. I love the music from Illuminations. Anyone know where I can buy a CD?

Once the show was over, we finished our dessert and settled the bill.

Total excluding gratuity: $92.50

I loved our meal at Tokyo Dining. I would be tempted to eat here solo, if I do ever visit Disney by myself one day. Or else convince my mom to try new things.... The sushi was excellent but, like I said, slightly overpriced. I could get most of what I ordered for half the price at my local sushi place. But I digress.... it's Disney afterall! If you are looking for some good sushi on-site, definitely give Tokyo Dining a try. It won't disappoint!

We left Epcot with our tummies satisfied and returned to AKL for the night. My last night in Disney......

UP NEXT:
MY LAST DAY IN DISNEY - WHAT PARK DID WE CHOOSE?
THE LUGGAGE STRUGGLE

 

[Belle_373]

I'm glad you enjoyed Tokyo Dining! I always end up ordering to much sushi at Tokyo Dining too! It's funny how sushi always seems to fill you up more than other food.

 

[bellebookworm9]

I have the CD for IllumiNations! I ordered it through Disney by e-mail in July '08. It wasn't cheap-nearly $20 American + shipping. It has

1)Reflections of Earth
2)We Go On
3)Tapestry of Dreams/Nations
4)Promise

I can attach the tracks in an e-mail if you'd like-they open in Windows Media or iTunes. PM me if you're interested. I also have Wishes, SpectroMagic, and Fantasmic.

 

[onelilspark]

That's a LOT of sushi! Usually I split 3 or 4 with my boyfriend, I can't imagine eating 4 by myself!!! And you're so skinny!