There's Always Too Much Sauce - A July 2022 TR *Updated 3/23

[disneyAndi14]

We love Via Napoli! I believe we have been there at least 8x or more!
What a wonderful day at Epcot, making memories!

 

[cindianne320]

Apparently I need to give Via Napoli another try. We had a not-so-great experience there, and haven't been back...

Also- I may have teared up at the flashback pictures- why do they have to grow so quickly?!

 

[amazingact21]

We were going to go on a budget trip just to see the game, get some sunshine and a couple of days away from the kids. But since we're going to be in Orlando anyway.... well you know how that goes. Ended up booking 2 nights at Pop about 2 weeks ago. We'll be there NYE and NYD.

That's awesome! I hope you two have a wonderful trip. Getting some time in the parks without the kids is so much fun. Even with the holiday crowds, it's amazing how much more time you'll have to get stuff done.

I just got Via Napoli for 7PM on 1/1.

Hooray!!!

We love Via Napoli! I believe we have been there at least 8x or more!
What a wonderful day at Epcot, making memories!

Via Napoli is perfect when splitting meals and catching a break from the Epcot craziness.

Apparently I need to give Via Napoli another try. We had a not-so-great experience there,

Oh no!
One of the things I love about Via Napoli is its consistency. I know what I'm getting every time. Hopefully, one day you'll be able to return and have a better experience.

Also- I may have teared up at the flashback pictures- why do they have to grow so quickly?!

I can't believe how fast all these kids are growing up. Before we know it, we'll all have high schoolers.

 

[amazingact21]

July 11th Part 1:


Enough of the Epcot sights, this day was finally for my favorite park.

And Evie’s.

And by the end of the day, Landon's.



By now, you all know us well enough to know that we were headed to:




It was time for an adventure at Animal Kingdom!





The tram was up and running this morning, which was nice since we parked really far out in the lot. Alex and I broke a Disney vet rule this day. We didn’t arrive at the park until around ten o’clock.


Shameful, I know.



But having stayed out late for Harmonious the night before, my family needed sleep. I’d rather lose a few hours in the park then have to contend with grumpy kids.

We had a spectacular tram narrator for our journey to the front of the park, who recommended we write our parking spot number on our favorite child. Or perhaps our least favorite child.



Once inside the park, the four of us (SUNSCREENED) and began walking towards the back of the park.






I wanted to see Festival of the Lion King, but unfortunately it was closed in order to prepare to switch over to the full show.


No matter, we had Genie Plus selections for another favorite in Africa.




The safari is Evie’s favorite attraction at Walt Disney World.

If you were to ask her what she wants to do most every Disney trip, without hesitation, she will say the safari.

It was the first ride she ever went on, and it couldn’t have been a better fit for her.



She’s fascinated by the African Dogs, the flamingos, and especially the zebras. She’s got a soft spot for hooved animals.




Fortunately for us, even though it was five hundred degrees out, we were able to see a decent selection of animals on this excursion.




Our driver enjoyed telling us what various animal groups were called, and a few of them I had never heard of before.



Upon exiting, the small humans were thinking about all the grass the giraffes were grazing on, and it made me them want to grab a bite to eat.

“But then can we please go shopping?”

*sigh*


I don’t know what it is about my kids and theme parks, but they love browsing the shops.

We’ve got state of the art roller coasters, Broadway-worthy stage shows, LIVE ANIMALS, all at our fingertips, but they wanted a souvenir.


I’d swear you’d think they didn’t have a room full of toys back at home…



Maybe it’s because they know Mom absolutely hates shopping and Dad loves it.

We can win this battle, because we’ll have Dad on our side.



Food first, browsers. Then we’ll get to the stores.


Alex and I had never tried Flame Tree Barbecue before, and we were in the mood to try something new, so we steered the kids in the right direction and began our trek.


Along the way, we came upon the Tree of Life and had to stop to admire the sculptures.







These are stunning. Looking around at the animals, identifying dozens of different species, marveling at the talent it took to blend a wing with a fin, is such an underrated treat at Animal Kingdom. Does the casual park visitor know that this is an attraction in and of itself?!

Forget standing in line for an hour to see an animatronic shaman, come explore the tree!



We virtually had the space to ourselves. Nobody else was using the walkways, much less stopping and looking for their favorite creature.


Missed opportunity, fellow guests. Missed opportunity….





For lunch, (which we did not realize was all outside seating) Alex got a pulled pork sandwich.






I got the pulled pork plate, and the kids both ordered chicken drumsticks with graham crackers.





The meal was going well. The food was tasty, the amount was a good value for the price we paid, and the fans overhead were at least providing airflow if not cutting the heat out.


Nice and easygoing.


Until a bird jumped on our table, made off with a barbecue packet, and almost nabbed my onion ring.





No, Sir, this table is reserved! You cannot sit here!!!



I’ve seen some bold animals at the theme parks, but I’ve never seen a bird try and take food while a human is still at the table.

That was one fearless feathered friend.



I spent the rest of the meal on guard, shooing away any friends that thought about copycatting their buddy.

I also warned every family that sat down near us.

“WATCH OUT FOR THE BIRDS. THEY HAVE NO SHAME!”




With bellies full, Landon and Evie were looking at me with puppy dog eyes.

Is it time to shop yet, Mother? Please, dear woman, my birthday money is burning a hole in my pocket!




Not quite yet, kiddos.

Genie Plus selections at Animal Kingdom are pretty limited. When the slots opened at 7 a.m., I grabbed a Safari one, then when we tapped into it, I booked us a Navi River Journey for much later that evening.

By lunchtime, our window to book another attraction was open, and it was slim pickings.

I grabbed the most interesting and closest thing I could find.


Meet Mickey and Minnie in Adventurer’s Outpost.


Available right then and there.


The kids didn’t show much interest in meeting characters this trip, but I figured we had to see Mickey at least once. I mean, we came all the way to Walt Disney World. The least we could do was meet the main mouse. Right?


Besides, their little safari costumes are my personal favorite.


In case you weren’t aware, Flame Tree is right across the walkway from their meet and greet building, so in no time the four of us were waiting our turn.



Despite feeling as if we were purposely thwarting their plushed toy procurement, the kids put on their best smiles and ended up having a great interaction with Mickey and Minnie. They grabbed a few pictures, then discussed what animals they had seen on the safari. Mickey was partial to elephants.



Thanks, kids. They were good sports and looking back it’s one of the highlights of a very fun day.





Up Next…This Sauce Business is Getting Out of Hand

 

[afwdwfan]

Alex and I broke a Disney vet rule this day. We didn’t arrive at the park until around ten o’clock.


Shameful, I know.

At least you had a good plan in place. And genie +

The safari is Evie’s favorite attraction at Walt Disney World.

If you were to ask her what she wants to do most every Disney trip, without hesitation, she will say the safari.

It was the first ride she ever went on, and it couldn’t have been a better fit for her.

That's really kind of cool that she loves the ride that started it all so much!

For lunch, (which we did not realize was all outside seating)

The biggest downside of Flame Tree.

Until a bird jumped on our table, made off with a barbecue packet, and almost nabbed my onion ring.

I've seen that happen there. I don't know what it is about that place, but maybe the way the seating is spread out so much and borders water along so many nooks and crannies, I'm guessing the birds were quick to find out that they could easily sneak food without many (or any) people around and over time just got bolder and bolder.

The kids didn’t show much interest in meeting characters this trip, but I figured we had to see Mickey at least once. I mean, we came all the way to Walt Disney World. The least we could do was meet the main mouse. Right?

Kind of have to, I think?

Thanks, kids. They were good sports and looking back it’s one of the highlights of a very fun day.

I'm glad they were willing to go along with your crazy ideas for a few minutes before it was time to shop.

And I'm kind of with you on that one. I'll grab a souvenir or 2, but I'm paying a LOT of money just to be in the park. Paying even more for overpriced items isn't high on my list of priorities. Especially when there's a Yeti and so many other things to see.

 

[suse66]

It was time for an adventure at Animal Kingdom!

My favourite park!

The safari is Evie’s favorite attraction at Walt Disney World.

If you were to ask her what she wants to do most every Disney trip, without hesitation, she will say the safari.

It was the first ride she ever went on, and it couldn’t have been a better fit for her.

Baby Evie is the cutest! I agree with her on her love of the safari. It's the perfect expereince.

We’ve got state of the art roller coasters, Broadway-worthy stage shows, LIVE ANIMALS, all at our fingertips, but they wanted a souvenir.


I’d swear you’d think they didn’t have a room full of toys back at home…

No of course not....no toys at all!

These are stunning. Looking around at the animals, identifying dozens of different species, marveling at the talent it took to blend a wing with a fin, is such an underrated treat at Animal Kingdom. Does the casual park visitor know that this is an attraction in and of itself?!

Forget standing in line for an hour to see an animatronic shaman, come explore the tree!

I adore the Tree of Life and am sure to spend lots of time there each trip.

The kids didn’t show much interest in meeting characters this trip, but I figured we had to see Mickey at least once. I mean, we came all the way to Walt Disney World. The least we could do was meet the main mouse. Right?

Sweet picture!

 

[cindianne320]

I'm glad you had a nice safari. So crazy about the birds at lunch! And what a great picture- I'm so glad that Meet and Greet is open again!

 

[vamassey1]

Genie + is the way to go if you're getting a late start. I've done this before too. Seeing the animals first thing is the way to start the day off right. Good for you putting your food down on shopping, food comes first. I've never had my food stolen at Flame Tree, but I've seen lots of birds hanging out in there. It really is a lovely spot when you get a place by the water.

 

[amazingact21]

That's really kind of cool that she loves the ride that started it all so much!

We'll see if Safari stays her favorite, but I think it will. Evie loves animals.

I've seen that happen there. I don't know what it is about that place, but maybe the way the seating is spread out so much and borders water along so many nooks and crannies, I'm guessing the birds were quick to find out that they could easily sneak food without many (or any) people around and over time just got bolder and bolder.

I'm sure a few people thought it would be funny to feed the birds, and now it's turned into a big problem. Like the squirrels who raid strollers.

Baby Evie is the cutest! I agree with her on her love of the safari. It's the perfect expereince.

It's the only top attraction that's different every time you go on it!

I adore the Tree of Life and am sure to spend lots of time there each trip.

It's such an overlooked gem in the park.

 

[amazingact21]

I'm glad you had a nice safari. So crazy about the birds at lunch!

I figured the birds would get close, but I never imagined one would be gutsy enough to jump on the table!

And what a great picture- I'm so glad that Meet and Greet is open again!

Me too! Mickey and Minnie in their safari gear are the best.

Seeing the animals first thing is the way to start the day off right.

I feel like going on the safari in the morning is the better time to catch some of the animals, too. At least in the summertime.

 

[amazingact21]

July 11th Part 2:


Upon leaving the Mickey and Minnie Meet and Greet, the kids begged us to take them inside some shops. It was as if their entire trip hinged on whether or not they could spend some of their money.

I didn’t get it.


However!

While the fascination with souvenirs flew over my head, what did appeal to me was air conditioning.



Stores have cool air.

And cool air beats being outside in the 1 o’clock Florida sunshine in July.

So, sure kids, let’s go shop.



They looked at every toy, shirt, and stuffy they could find. Meanwhile, I admired the theming in the shops.




At least Disney hasn’t tried to “clean up” the looks in Animal Kingdom yet. No white walls and open spaces here. It’s all color and patterns and wood.

I love it.


The kids took forever picking out a toy.




Don’t let this smile fool you. Evie is the worst when it comes to making a decision. Even if it’s as simple as “how do you want your hair today?” Or “which shorts are you wearing to basketball practice?”

(Two questions that caused an existential crisis just this past week…)



I love the girl.

But I hope I never have to present her with a truly difficult decision.

She’d freeze in place and never move again.



When she eventually did decide that she wanted a Ratatouille Wishable, that led to an even longer process.

Because WHICH Wishable bag did she want?


I mentioned this in my 2019 Trip Report, but it bares repeating: BLIND TOY BAGS FOR KIDS IS A TERRIBLE IDEA.


Evie said she’d be fine with any of the toys, so long as it wasn’t the Remy ride vehicle.

Que Alex shuffling through the bags, trying his hardest to pick one that didn’t feel too square.

If Wishables could be gone by the time the kids return to Disney, that would be fantastic.




When the kids had made their selection, and we used the online checkout system, the four of us stepped outside to let Evie open her bag. (Can I just say, I’m so glad Disney implemented this checkout process. When I moved to England, I discovered this method at my local grocery store and never looked back. When we move back to the states, it’s going to take a minute to get used to not grabbing a scanner at the front of the store, getting my food items, and packing them in my grocery bag, ready to go.)

Landon ended up getting a Nuimo toy, which I have not seen him play with since August…

Whatever, kid, it was your money.



And Evie opened her bag and wound up with Chef Gusteau.



I don’t think she was thrilled with her selection, but after how many times Alex and I said to her, “Are you sure??? You have to be content with whatever you end up getting. It’s a risk.” I think she knew complaining wasn’t going to get her anywhere.




With the toy business settled, it was time for more sunscreen.

Ugh.


And then after that, I felt like a show was a good activity to do. It was still the middle of the day, the park was at its most crowded, and I knew if we were going to hold out until nightfall, we needed to conserve our energy.


So did we lather on a bunch of suntan lotion just to walk across the park and go inside a building?


Yes. Yes, we did.

But nobody burned this entire trip so I don’t have any regrets!



Because the Festival of Lion King was closed, this was our opportunity to finally see The Big Blue…and Beyond! Show. None of us had ever seen it before, because Lion King was always our priority.

But Finding Dory is one of Landon’s favorite Disney movies, so this was a win all around.




It was a cute show. I’m not sure it’s something I need to see every trip. Unlike FotLK, which I could watch every day and enjoy it every time.


Landon really liked the show, though. That was the goal, so all in all I would say it was worth seeing.



Leaving the theater, I was really excited, because the time had arrived for us to use our ILL for Flight of Passage!





This was the first time on the attraction for the kids, and only Alex and I’s second go. But I remember loving it the last time, and I was looking forward to it being a coaster we all could go on.

Disney height restrictions are a thing of the past for us now! (Evie hit 1.2 meters at DLP which is just under 48 inches, so I imagine the next time we go she’ll be tall enough for RNRC.)



The walk to Pandora was hot and sticky, but I was too amped up to care. I was having such a fun day so far. Safari with my DAK buddy, watching Mickey Mouse make my boy giggle, now heading towards one of my favorite Disney attractions.

It was the sort of Disney day you dream about back at home.






The four of us were in the preshow room in a little under twenty minutes, and then we were off to fly on a banshee.

The attraction lived up to my memory’s version. I loved it. It’s probably my favorite coaster at WDW.


And Landon felt the same.

As we were walking back outside, he said, “I loved that. Can we do it again?”


This was the only time in Disney that he asked for a repeat.

Alex and I explained to him that the wait time was extraordinary, and if he wanted to ride again, we would have to wait a really long time for it.

“I don’t care. I’ll wait however long I have to. It was amazing!”


All right, bud. Let’s slow down and take a breath.


Before we did anything else, we had Navi River Journey passes. Then, Alex and I figured it would be a good time to grab some dinner. We had Genie Plus passes for Expedition Everest later, and we wanted our stomachs to have plenty of time to settle before riding.



Navi River was fun, but if we hadn’t had passes for it, we would’ve skipped it and been fine. While waiting in line, there were two nice gentlemen behind us who sounded so confused about all things Disney.

Alex was trying to be polite and not jump into their conversation to help, but when they referred to Rise as the “Star Wars Rebel Ride” he had to help them out.


I mention these guys only because Alex and I ended up seeing them EVERYWHERE. Has this ever happened to you? You briefly talk with a fellow park goer and then for the next week you run into them? It was wild.

The first time it happened was the following day. Then on our next DHS day. Then when it was just Alex and I solo!

Wild.


Now that dinnertime had rolled around, it was time to go to our favorite DAK spot, Satu’li Canteen!

Normally, this location is a tried and true favorite. We’ve never had a bad experience here.


Except for this night.



I don’t know what happened, but the noodle bowl I ordered came with SO. MUCH. SAUCE.

You can sort of see it in the picture below:




It was drowning in the stuff. To the point where I was becoming nauseous trying to eat the meal. In the end, I picked out the red peppers and the chicken, wiped them off on a napkin, and ate them and called the rest a loss.

Even Alex tried a bite of mine and couldn’t do it.


It was really disappointing, because I do love Satu’li and was looking forward to this meal. I guess in the future I will have to ask for the sauce on the side.



In addition to our meals (Alex got the noodle bow, as well, but with beef. Evie got the cheeseburger pods and Landon the quesadilla.) we ordered a blueberry mousse for the table.

This was the treat Evie remembered from past Disney trips and the dish she said she was most looking forward to.




Did she love it as much this time around?

Absolutely!

It still ranks Number 1 on her list of Disney Treats.


Give this girl Via Napoli pizza and Lemon Blueberry Mousse and she’s willing to go to Walt Disney World.




Dinner done, it was time to take our time towards Asia. We stopped at my favorite location in all of WDW for a few more pictures. (To add to the dozen I already have of this spot.)



You can never have too many, right?



And then it was more meandering.

I love taking my time to get to our next attraction. It was early evening. Our bellies were full. Landon was marveling at the thrill of Flight of Passage, Evie was on the lookout for animals.

It was perfect.






Up Next…Come On Mom, Don’t Be the Party Pooper

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Sorry about Satuli but other than that what a perfect day

 

[Joy1127]

Sounds like some perfect EPCOT and Animal Kingdom days! Idk what it is about EPCOT but those down times when you're just strolling or chilling tend to be my favorite too!

 

[suse66]

But Finding Dory is one of Landon’s favorite Disney movies, so this was a win all around.

I really loved the Nemo play...it's always lovely.

The walk to Pandora was hot and sticky, but I was too amped up to care. I was having such a fun day so far. Safari with my DAK buddy, watching Mickey Mouse make my boy giggle, now heading towards one of my favorite Disney attractions.

It was the sort of Disney day you dream about back at home.

Perfection!

As we were walking back outside, he said, “I loved that. Can we do it again?”

The best! Glad to hear Landon loved it!

It was drowning in the stuff. To the point where I was becoming nauseous trying to eat the meal. In the end, I picked out the red peppers and the chicken, wiped them off on a napkin, and ate them and called the rest a loss.

Even Alex tried a bite of mine and couldn’t do it.


It was really disappointing, because I do love Satu’li and was looking forward to this meal. I guess in the future I will have to ask for the sauce on the side.

Ewwww! When Jack was a little guy I was away and Bill prepared dinner for the boys. He noticed Jack not eating and asked him what was wrong. Jack simply replied "sauce". So I totally understand where you are coming from. Soetimes there is just too much sauce!

n addition to our meals (Alex got the noodle bow, as well, but with beef. Evie got the cheeseburger pods and Landon the quesadilla.) we ordered a blueberry mousse for the table.

This was the treat Evie remembered from past Disney trips and the dish she said she was most looking forward to.

Yum! I have yet to try this but maybe this summer.

 

[vamassey1]

And cool air beats being outside in the 1 o’clock Florida sunshine in July.

Very valid point.

At least Disney hasn’t tried to “clean up” the looks in Animal Kingdom yet. No white walls and open spaces here. It’s all color and patterns and wood.

I love it.

I love the decor and details in AK too. So much to see.

When the kids had made their selection, and we used the online checkout system, the four of us stepped outside to let Evie open her bag. (Can I just say, I’m so glad Disney implemented this checkout process. When I moved to England, I discovered this method at my local grocery store and never looked back. When we move back to the states, it’s going to take a minute to get used to not grabbing a scanner at the front of the store, getting my food items, and packing them in my grocery bag, ready to go.)

Dainelle only uses the online check out too. If you go to Sam's they have checkout in the app and I love it.

It was a cute show. I’m not sure it’s something I need to see every trip. Unlike FotLK, which I could watch every day and enjoy it every time.

We enjoyed it too. Nice, cool, refreshing, colorful and dark.

It was the sort of Disney day you dream about back at home.

Perfection.

The attraction lived up to my memory’s version. I loved it. It’s probably my favorite coaster at WDW.


And Landon felt the same.

As we were walking back outside, he said, “I loved that. Can we do it again?”

That's great. What did Evie say?

I mention these guys only because Alex and I ended up seeing them EVERYWHERE. Has this ever happened to you? You briefly talk with a fellow park goer and then for the next week you run into them? It was wild.

This has happened to us before too.

It was really disappointing, because I do love Satu’li and was looking forward to this meal. I guess in the future I will have to ask for the sauce on the side.

I'm so sorry. Sauce on the side sounds like the way to go.

Did she love it as much this time around?

Absolutely!

It still ranks Number 1 on her list of Disney Treats.

I love this desert too!

Beautiful!!!!

 

[cindianne320]

Kids and their toys- a must have, and then I just have to pick it up off the floor...

I'm with Landon- FoP is my favorite- I'm looking forward to Guardians and Tron, but FoP ranks above even Rise for me!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your evening!

 

[amazingact21]

Sorry about Satuli but other than that what a perfect day

I think it was the kids' favorite day of our trip.

Sounds like some perfect EPCOT and Animal Kingdom days! Idk what it is about EPCOT but those down times when you're just strolling or chilling tend to be my favorite too!

I feel like in the World Showcase, you don't feel as much like you have to run from attraction to attraction. It lends itself to wandering.

The best! Glad to hear Landon loved it!

I was a little surprised, since he hates Soarin' and suffers motion sickness, that this ended up being his favorite. But in his words: "When you're in the cave, and the lights start glowing, it's just beautiful."

He noticed Jack not eating and asked him what was wrong. Jack simply replied "sauce". So I totally understand where you are coming from. Soetimes there is just too much sauce!

Indeed! I've noticed as I've gotten older, I like less and less sauce on my dishes. If the food is prepared and seasoned well, it'll stand out on its own.

Yum! I have yet to try this but maybe this summer.

I think summertime is the perfect time to try the mousse, because it's a nice cool dessert.

 

[amazingact21]

I love the decor and details in AK too. So much to see.

I hope they never change the theming of DAK too much!

If you go to Sam's they have checkout in the app and I love it.

With the way Landon is eating nowadays, Alex and I joke that we hope we move somewhere near a Sam's Club or a Cotsco.

That's great. What did Evie say?

She liked the ride, but she's not a big thrill seeker. I think she preferred Soarin'.

Kids and their toys- a must have, and then I just have to pick it up off the floor...

Getting the kids' toys ready for the move is my biggest stresser with packing. They have to break down alllll their LEGO sets and go through and get rid of what they don't play with anymore. It's going to be a nightmare.

I'm with Landon- FoP is my favorite- I'm looking forward to Guardians and Tron, but FoP ranks above even Rise for me!

I think I agree with you on FOP. Rise is fun and amazing, but on FOP you're on a bird!!!! Like, being able to feel its breath...how immersive is that?!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

They have to break down alllll their LEGO sets

This made me laugh (sorry). Matthew has a HUGE plastic box with all his lego - some made and some not. He said we could donate them as Lucas has quite a collection of his own but the ocd me cant bear it until I've made sure each set is complete with instructions and box so can you guess what project is next on my list!!!!

 

[amazingact21]

He said we could donate them as Lucas has quite a collection of his own but the ocd me cant bear it until I've made sure each set is complete with instructions and box so can you guess what project is next on my list!!!!

Do you have the boxes for them? That's better than me, after less than a week I get sick of seeing them and toss them.
Whew, though, trying to find all those pieces is going to be quite the project!