Ugh, what were we thinking?! 9 days Deluxe Dining with pics! MY Number 2! 7/21!

[drmommy]

Happy Belated Birthday! Sounds like you had a great one!

Caught up on your report...Sci Fi looks like a great atmosphere. And sometimes you just need a burger!

Can't believe the 'Ugh, deluxe dining' magic's coming to an end

 

[Leshaface]

You got it! I will share them as we get closer and closer, after you finish your dining reviews of course!

For our July 2008 trip, I used Tour Guide Mike to plan everything out, and the DIS Boards of course! TGM worked very well. I have heard great things about Unofficial Guide too. I had created a Word document with all our plans in 2008. I still have it saved, so I used that and TGM once again to plan our upcoming trip. We only go to WDW every other year (we "eat up" all our DVC points in one trip...it affords us 10 nights in a 1BR, and we do a different kind of vacation in years in between...2011 will be a cruise!). I have a new Word document for this summer's trip. The first 4 days, my parents, sister, her fiance and my 2 nieces will be joining us, so we have a day at MK and a day at Epcot with them. It will be so much fun! My nieces are big enough for Space Mountain, my older son is 1/2 inch too short for it, so we hope he will make it! I don't go on the big rides, but DH does, as does my soon-to-be-brother-in-law! The biggest ride I go on is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! But my older son wants to ride big roller coasters and gets upset when he is too small (he's only 5, LOL!). He wants to ride Tower of Terror with DH. That is DH's favorite ride in all of WDW and he would ride it all day if I would let him!

I'm glad you will be planning your 2012 trip soon...once we get back from our July trip, I will be planning next year's cruise, then once we book that I will begin thinking about WDW again! Gotta keep up on all the developments there, it keeps things exciting! So, I'm right there with ya!

Ah, TGM...heard GREAT things about his plans!! Perhaps I should check them out, considering that summer is pretty crowded at the world from what i've read...

Lol! I also have my word docs saved from our first trip and our last...plan on keeping them and saving them as mementos!!

I have a question about the DVC...if you become a member, you still have the option of doing the Dining Plan right? Do you get a discount on the dining plan if you're a member? What about discounts on merchandise, tours, etc..? And because there are so many WONDERFUL resorts to stay at, can you try all of the resorts, or do you have to stick with your 'home' resort? Sorry, I guess that was more then one question!! I'm just so interested in DVC...I don't know why we didn't go on a tour this last trip

No WAY!! You're going on the cruise?! I don't think you mentioned anything about you going on a cruise!!! How fun!! My brother and his fiance are getting married May 1, and since she's a teacher, she can't take a honeymoon till after school's done, so they're doing the land/sea trip at the end of June! I'm so envious, it's disgusting!!! I mean...the World and the Cruise!!!!??? Gimme a break!! Too cool!

Your DS sounds like he's got his fathers genes for thrill rides! Here's some pixie dust, hoping your son grows by July!!! Hopefully our kids will take after me and my DH...we love thrill rides!!!

Can't wait to hear about your plans!!!!

Enjoying your reviews!

Thanks hammie!!

Happy Belated Birthday! Sounds like you had a great one!

Caught up on your report...Sci Fi looks like a great atmosphere. And sometimes you just need a burger!

Can't believe the 'Ugh, deluxe dining' magic's coming to an end

Dr. you have returned!! Glad you got to take a break and get on the Dis!!

And i can't believe it's almost over too!!!

 

[Leshaface]

Uploaded my pics right now, so stay tuned for the ever fabulous Jiko!!!!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Ah, TGM...heard GREAT things about his plans!! Perhaps I should check them out, considering that summer is pretty crowded at the world from what i've read...

Lol! I also have my word docs saved from our first trip and our last...plan on keeping them and saving them as mementos!!

I have a question about the DVC...if you become a member, you still have the option of doing the Dining Plan right? Do you get a discount on the dining plan if you're a member? What about discounts on merchandise, tours, etc..? And because there are so many WONDERFUL resorts to stay at, can you try all of the resorts, or do you have to stick with your 'home' resort? Sorry, I guess that was more then one question!! I'm just so interested in DVC...I don't know why we didn't go on a tour this last trip

No WAY!! You're going on the cruise?! I don't think you mentioned anything about you going on a cruise!!! How fun!! My brother and his fiance are getting married May 1, and since she's a teacher, she can't take a honeymoon till after school's done, so they're doing the land/sea trip at the end of June! I'm so envious, it's disgusting!!! I mean...the World and the Cruise!!!!??? Gimme a break!! Too cool!

Your DS sounds like he's got his fathers genes for thrill rides! Here's some pixie dust, hoping your son grows by July!!! Hopefully our kids will take after me and my DH...we love thrill rides!!!

Can't wait to hear about your plans!!!!

OK, let me clarify...we're not going on the Disney cruise...we're going to plan a cruise for 2011...but out of NY or NJ. Either Royal Caribbean or Carnival. I would love to do the Disney cruise, but it is so much more expensive than the other 2, and I want a longer cruise...don't think Disney does longer Caribbean cruises in the summer.

As for DVC...as of now, yes, as a DVC member staying on points, you can get any of the 3 dining plans. There really is no discount, but this year there is a surcharge in effect for peak travel seasons for the basic DDP only (NOT for the quick service one or the deluxe dining plan). This surcharge does not yet apply to DVC members, but that can change at any time. The availability of the DDP to DVC members can also change at any time, as can any other perks. You can stay at any DVC resort on your points. The home resort advantage is that you can book at your home resort up to 11 months before your check-in date. If you want to stay at a different DVC resort, you can book up to 7 months before check-in. We bought a resale at Boardwalk Villas because it is walking distance to Epcot and DHS, it is a great area to be in, and it is fewer points to stay in a standard view than a Boardwalk or Preferred view. We were either going to buy there or at Beach Club (right across the lake from BWV), but Beach Club cost more for the contract, and it was more points to stay there per night than the standard view at Boardwalk. We bought a 150-point contract, which allows us to stay in a 1-bedroom standard view every other year for 10 nights in July. Eventually when we retire (many years away though!), we will probably take shorter trips at times of year when Disney is less crowded and it costs fewer points to stay. When it is the 2 of us only going, we will stay in a studio (also fewer points).

Getting back to dining and the DVC, right now one of the biggest perks of the DVC is $100 off the price of a regular annual pass, and $125 off a premium annual pass (includes water parks, Disney Quest, etc.). We originally had added the basic DDP to our reservation, but then I crunched some numbers. Since we had more TS meals than the basic DDP allowed, we were spending quite a bit OOP and also had to find times to use up CS credits. The deluxe dining plan is too much for us, since the only 2-credit we are going to is the castle. If we were doing more signatures it would make more sense to go deluxe. I looked into getting the AP at the DVC rate, plus buying the Tables in Wonderland Card ($75 for AP holders). The TIW card gives you 20% off in almost all TS restaurants at WDW (including all the signatures, character meals, Epcot restaurants, Victoria & Albert's at a regular table), plus 20% off in CS at value resorts and some CS at AK, and free valet parking at a resort where you dine when you show your dining receipt. So we decided to upgrade just my ticket to an AP, and I will buy the card. It's good for a party up to 10 people, just that the cardholder has to be present and show ID. You could only buy the TIW card if you are either a Florida resident, or if you are an AP holder. Anyway, doing things this way will end up costing us roughly the same as the DDP plus paying OOP for extra meals, and less than the deluxe plan would have cost us. So it fits what we need. Oh by the way, you also get 20% off of ALCOHOL in places that accept the TIW card, and resort lounges acceot it too!!!! They also add 18% gratuity automatically to all bills under the TIW card, but that doesn't bother us at all, as we are generous tippers.

Other perks of DVC right now are some dining discounts (though very limited, and most are only breakfast and lunch), 15% off certain tours, 10% off at Ghirardelli in DTD, free DVD rental at DVC resorts while staying there, free use of laundry facilities at DVC resorts while staying there (if you are in a studio...the bigger villas have washers & dryers), Welcome Home Wednesdays which is a little party for DVC members at 4PM every Wed. at Atlantic Dance Hall on the Boardwalk (it's free). There are others (like specific shopping perks), but these are what I remember off the top of my head.

By the way, I started a pre-trip report! I read yours and it inspired me! DH and I also met freshman year of HS and hated each other for most of HS (long story...I will post it on the pre-TR!)!! But we didn't date until we were 22!

Looking forward to your Jiko review!!

 

[Leshaface]

OK, let me clarify...we're not going on the Disney cruise...we're going to plan a cruise for 2011...but out of NY or NJ. Either Royal Caribbean or Carnival. I would love to do the Disney cruise, but it is so much more expensive than the other 2, and I want a longer cruise...don't think Disney does longer Caribbean cruises in the summer.

As for DVC...as of now, yes, as a DVC member staying on points, you can get any of the 3 dining plans. There really is no discount, but this year there is a surcharge in effect for peak travel seasons for the basic DDP only (NOT for the quick service one or the deluxe dining plan). This surcharge does not yet apply to DVC members, but that can change at any time. The availability of the DDP to DVC members can also change at any time, as can any other perks. You can stay at any DVC resort on your points. The home resort advantage is that you can book at your home resort up to 11 months before your check-in date. If you want to stay at a different DVC resort, you can book up to 7 months before check-in. We bought a resale at Boardwalk Villas because it is walking distance to Epcot and DHS, it is a great area to be in, and it is fewer points to stay in a standard view than a Boardwalk or Preferred view. We were either going to buy there or at Beach Club (right across the lake from BWV), but Beach Club cost more for the contract, and it was more points to stay there per night than the standard view at Boardwalk. We bought a 150-point contract, which allows us to stay in a 1-bedroom standard view every other year for 10 nights in July. Eventually when we retire (many years away though!), we will probably take shorter trips at times of year when Disney is less crowded and it costs fewer points to stay. When it is the 2 of us only going, we will stay in a studio (also fewer points).

Getting back to dining and the DVC, right now one of the biggest perks of the DVC is $100 off the price of a regular annual pass, and $125 off a premium annual pass (includes water parks, Disney Quest, etc.). We originally had added the basic DDP to our reservation, but then I crunched some numbers. Since we had more TS meals than the basic DDP allowed, we were spending quite a bit OOP and also had to find times to use up CS credits. The deluxe dining plan is too much for us, since the only 2-credit we are going to is the castle. If we were doing more signatures it would make more sense to go deluxe. I looked into getting the AP at the DVC rate, plus buying the Tables in Wonderland Card ($75 for AP holders). The TIW card gives you 20% off in almost all TS restaurants at WDW (including all the signatures, character meals, Epcot restaurants, Victoria & Albert's at a regular table), plus 20% off in CS at value resorts and some CS at AK, and free valet parking at a resort where you dine when you show your dining receipt. So we decided to upgrade just my ticket to an AP, and I will buy the card. It's good for a party up to 10 people, just that the cardholder has to be present and show ID. You could only buy the TIW card if you are either a Florida resident, or if you are an AP holder. Anyway, doing things this way will end up costing us roughly the same as the DDP plus paying OOP for extra meals, and less than the deluxe plan would have cost us. So it fits what we need. Oh by the way, you also get 20% off of ALCOHOL in places that accept the TIW card, and resort lounges acceot it too!!!! They also add 18% gratuity automatically to all bills under the TIW card, but that doesn't bother us at all, as we are generous tippers.

Other perks of DVC right now are some dining discounts (though very limited, and most are only breakfast and lunch), 15% off certain tours, 10% off at Ghirardelli in DTD, free DVD rental at DVC resorts while staying there, free use of laundry facilities at DVC resorts while staying there (if you are in a studio...the bigger villas have washers & dryers), Welcome Home Wednesdays which is a little party for DVC members at 4PM every Wed. at Atlantic Dance Hall on the Boardwalk (it's free). There are others (like specific shopping perks), but these are what I remember off the top of my head.

By the way, I started a pre-trip report! I read yours and it inspired me! DH and I also met freshman year of HS and hated each other for most of HS (long story...I will post it on the pre-TR!)!! But we didn't date until we were 22!

Looking forward to your Jiko review!!

....I'm pretty much scared of you now...all the info you know about DVC DEFINITELY deserves one of these



Wow, thanks so much for all that info!!! Right now we're Deluxe AP holders for Disneyland, but we're thinking by the time we go back to WDW in 2012, we'll get the Premier Pass (such a great deal in my opinion, especially since we know we're going to be at WDW in 2012 and a few times at Disneyland in 2012...can't pass that deal up...hopefully they'll still have it by the time 2012 rolls around though)

If we were to get the DVC membership, we would only need a Studio...as of right now that is...haha...and I think the Boardwalk is a PERFECT place, considering we spend most of our time at Epcot anyway, and then you have DHS right next door pretty much...good choice! I was also looking at somewhere near MK...you have the villas at WL and at Bay lake right?? Is there any others over there that i'm missing??? I would want to try them ALL if I can...should I add this to my Bucket List perhaps???!!!

I'm AMAZED that they give discounts on alcohol!!! This would DEFINITELY help us...you know us, we like our drinkies!! Great idea on upgrading your ticket to AP...yeah the 18% wouldn't bother us either since that's how much we tip anyways...and Victoria & Alberts?! that's awesome!! I want to try that place sooo bad!!! Have you ever been??

It really does sound like DVC is the way to go! I'm super stoked now!! Thanks!!


NO WAY!!! You started a Pre-TR!!!!!??? Yay off to find you now!!!!

 

[bangzoom6877]

....I'm pretty much scared of you now...all the info you know about DVC DEFINITELY deserves one of these



Wow, thanks so much for all that info!!! Right now we're Deluxe AP holders for Disneyland, but we're thinking by the time we go back to WDW in 2012, we'll get the Premier Pass (such a great deal in my opinion, especially since we know we're going to be at WDW in 2012 and a few times at Disneyland in 2012...can't pass that deal up...hopefully they'll still have it by the time 2012 rolls around though)

If we were to get the DVC membership, we would only need a Studio...as of right now that is...haha...and I think the Boardwalk is a PERFECT place, considering we spend most of our time at Epcot anyway, and then you have DHS right next door pretty much...good choice! I was also looking at somewhere near MK...you have the villas at WL and at Bay lake right?? Is there any others over there that i'm missing??? I would want to try them ALL if I can...should I add this to my Bucket List perhaps???!!!

I'm AMAZED that they give discounts on alcohol!!! This would DEFINITELY help us...you know us, we like our drinkies!! Great idea on upgrading your ticket to AP...yeah the 18% wouldn't bother us either since that's how much we tip anyways...and Victoria & Alberts?! that's awesome!! I want to try that place sooo bad!!! Have you ever been??

It really does sound like DVC is the way to go! I'm super stoked now!! Thanks!!


NO WAY!!! You started a Pre-TR!!!!!??? Yay off to find you now!!!!

I've never been to Victoria & Albert's. My kids are too little to go there (they allow children ages 10 and older only). On our 2012 trip, DH and I will be doing one dinner alone and putting the boys into the kids' club over at the Beach Club Resort. We will either go to a signature restaurant or to V&A's. A lot of it will depend on how much V&A's costs, but as long as they still take the TIW card by then, 20% off is a great deal there, so I will have to crunch numbers and see.

The Premier Pass sounds like a great deal for you guys for 2012!! Go for it! Go for the TIW card too, you will save a lot on TS and drinks!! And you can order whatever you want and it is all discounted. So if you don't want that app that you normally get on the deluxe dining plan, you could get 2 desserts instead...HELLO!!!!

The only DVC resort that is on the monorail is Bay Lake. The Villas at Wilderness Lodge is in the MK area, but not on the monorail. It's a boat ride away (I think they also have a bus option for MK). A Bay Lake DVC membership would cost more, because it is so new. There are some resales though, but they are pricey since it is so new and desireable. You could get a room with a view of the castle...they even pipe the music from Wishes to your TV!!!! And if you don't have a view of MK, there is the Top of the World Lounge which is only open to people staying at Bay Lake, where you can watch Wishes and they also pipe in the music from the show! We talk about maybe staying there one day, but it is a LOT more points for a 1-bedroom MK View over there than it is for a standard 1-bedroom at Boardwalk.

You could also stay at Grand Californian Villas at Disneyland with your points! It's the first DVC resort on the west coast! We plan to do that one day with the boys. When they are much older (maybe around 10 and 12), we would like to drive across country one summer and go to Disneyland on our points, if GCV is available 7 months out. Otherwise we would just stay somewhere else. They are also in the process of building a DVC resort in Hawaii, which should be open some time during 2011. That's also a possibility for us in the future...but the very far future!!!

Glad you found my pre-TR!!! I replied to you over there too!

 

[Leshaface]

Can’t believe this is my last Signature Restaurant review! How disappointing…oh well the show must go on…

So our first trip to WDW back in June 2008, we were on the Basic Dining Plan, and managed to squeeze out one Signature restaurant out of the entire trip…DH chose Jiko. So this was pre-Dis and pre-Allears, so we had no idea what we were getting ourselves end to. Turns out we LOVED this place! And it happened to be our last dinner of our trip, so we figured, let’s make Jiko a ritual! We decided to end every trip we take to WDW, with Jiko…

Fast forward 2010, Jiko’s our last dinner . Our ADR’s are made for 530pm so we can head over to Epcot to watch Illuminations at 9.

Ah, Jiko…I’m a HUGE fan of darkness…LOL! I hate lighting…as a matter of fact, I’m sitting in my office and no lights are on, only the light coming through the windows…even when I’m taking showers I use candles and nightlights (TMI I know lol) So what I’m trying to say is, is the lighting is pretty dim here…good for me, maybe not for others so keep that in mind. And no I'm not satan, nor am I related, so don't ask!

So we get seated in the Wine Room (I don’t remember what the hostess called it, but it’s something like that)

And we are the only ones seated here for our entire meal, up till dessert. SCORE!!! DH swears we got seated there because of how we were dressed!

Here’s the deal…everyday, we would have to leave our fun at the parks to go back to the resort to get changed into our ‘dinner’ attire…by the end of the trip I was so tired of trekking all the way here and there, etc, so I said let’s just show up in whatever we’re wearing to the park that day…after much persuasion (me persuading him that is ), he agrees, HAHA what a metro! Just to let you know, other diners were there dressed way more casual then us

So our server greets us…his name is Leslie…he’s from CHINA! China!!!! Haha! Oh well, as long as we get served, I don’t care where you’re from!

(table setting)

Appetizers:

I order the Barbecue Chicken Flatbread - With apple-jicama slaw, African barbecue sauce, and four cheeses (10.00)

Oohhh so yummy! The sauce is amazingly sweet! And I love the crunchiness from the apple slaw and the soft, warm bread together…drool…

DH gets the Artisan Cheese Selection - Five Goat, Cow or Sheep Cheeses from Around the World (14.00)

Umm, not sure what that shadow is, but I blame it on DH….pfft amateur…

Another successful cheese plate, compliments of the Jiko chefs! Thanks guys!!

Entrees:

We the dishes we got last time, so let’s do it again!

Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon - with Macaroni & Cheese and Red Wine Sauce (41.00@2)

One of the reasons we get the Filet Mignon is because of the Mac & Cheese…why is there not an “open gapping mouth” emoticon to show I’m in awe?? I’ll just make a combination + = AWE I’ve tried to replicate this recipe, but they just make it better…perhaps it’s the Pixie Dust they add, but mine was still a winner for all those that haven’t tried the ‘Original’. Maybe it’s the combination of the sauce and the mac that makes this delectable, or maybe it’s the tender, juicy filet snug right on top. This is THE dish guys, look no further…although the Swahili Curry Shrimp does sound fantastic...

Desserts:

So last time I was here, they offered a dessert paired with Lavender Icecream, which was OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD!!! Never considered a frozen shrub for a dessert but oh my! I was SO disappointed that they didn’t serve it anymore…if they have it on the menu when you go, GET IT!

Sigh, alright, I guess I’ll just have to settle for the Pistachio Creme Brulee with a chocolate-layered bottom (8.00)

How was it? Duh! Delicious! Any dessert is going to be fantastic for me though…I’m not a hard critic for sweets lol! Oh we also ordered a latte (3.50), which you see in the background.

DH said NO to desserts, and I said umm, NO WAY! The other dessert plate I wanted to try was the Jiko Trio which has flourless chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and caramel ice cream (8.00)

The cake and the mousse were the best! No Chocolate in the Icecream??? Oh ok, not gonna eat it then! So there! Lol! No it was good too, but I’d MUCH rather focus on chocolate!

Random pics of AKL

For those using the Deluxe Dining Plan, they take 2 credits per person because it’s a Signature Restaurant, so it’s 4 credits total.

For those paying OOP, here was our total for 1 iced tea, 1 Tusker beer, 1 latte, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts with tax = $143.72

So as you know, we are pretty much infatuated with Jiko, and this infatuation will probably never retire. I want to continue this ritual as long as we can…also it’s going to make planning our ADR’s easier, since we will always have one permanent spot reserved..not only for our ADR's, but in our hearts as well...doesn’t that sound so sentimental?

 

[Camping Griswalds]

We leave tomorrow for 6 nights of DDP! I have told my husband (and anyone else who will painfully pretend to listen) that i am going to eat filet or scallops or lobster everyday! We have 5 dinners reserved...Yachtsman, Jiko, Citricos, Narcooses and Flying Fish. Anyway, thanks for your wonderful pictures and report! I'm so wanting that filet from Jiko right now!!

 

[DisneyMom70]

Hi Lesha,

Just found this gastronimically yummy Trip Report. I have been sitting at work where I do all my best DISing (in Long Beach no less) for the past two hours reading this. I am so happy to be looking at all this food porn as I eat my leftover dinner for lunch.
You are such a funny and descriptive writer, and I look forward to more Dining trip reports.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Jiko looks fantastic!!! We will definitely try it one day. I keep reading wonderful things about that place, and I love the Animal Kingdom Lodge...so cozy and beautiful!!

 

[DisneyBelle27]

Awesome review of Jiko! We ate there in 2007 and absolutely loved it! I had the Chermoula Tanglewood Chicken and my DH had the Curry Shrimp and both were fantastic! We're not going this time (we're trying Boma instead...never been, but have heard awesome things) but I was so happy to see the pics of the resort. We're going to stay there in June and we totally hadn't planned on it! We had been booked at Pop, but when they extended the deals into the summer we were able to upgrade to AKL!!! I am soooooo beyond excited because this is my dream Disney resort (probably because my dream vacation is an African safari)!!!!!

I am, however, very sad that your reviews are coming to a close! They have been totally fab!

 

[TigerKat]

We love JIKO as well but I have to say when we went last October we decided to try the filet because everyone raves about it. We were so sad we didn't get our tried and true short rib and maize crusted fish. The filet just didn't WOW us like the other amazing dishes at JIKO.

So sad to see your reviews coming to an end.

 

[tinkgurl]

Wow, you have totally won me over! Fiance read along with me and we definitely want to try there!!

 

[cultureart]

My families are planning to go there as well. What a fantastic trip we are going to experience!!!

 

[cultureart]

really fantastic... it looks comfortable and beautiful...really good

 

[Gouden Leeuw]

Its 8:25 am and I want steak! That was a really good review. Wonder if I can convince the DBF to swap Jiko for something.....probably not! But I hope we will be going on another trip to WDW and I will for sure be making an ADR for Jiko!

Again, great reviews! Cant wait for our trip to try all this food out!

Cheers!

 

[sjs314]

Happy Belated Birthday Lesha ! You and my DH have the same birthday
I finally caught up with my reading and I have to say I could taste the heavenly greasyness( is that a word? LOL)of the onion rings, burger and fries at the Sci Fi....went there years ago when DS (then MGM) first opened and have not been back since..Hmmm Maybe this trip ?
Jiko looked interesting last time I stayed at AKL I tried Boma's and loved it , maybe I will make and ADR for Jiko in November. I have to decide soon my date to make ADR's is coming up.
Totally enjoyed your TR and all the great pics

 

[podsnel]

Hi Lesha!

DH & I are staying at AKV this September and making Jiko our last night's dinner, too! I have been twice- once for dinner with a girlfriend, and once for the family style dinner after the Wanyama Safari with MORE gorlfriends! But this will be DH's 1st visit- I hope he's going to enjoy it as much as I have in the past!

So sad to see your reviews end- they were EXCELLENT!!

Ellen

 

[mamaboogie]

Wow! Jiko!

We are soooo looking forward to eating here in August (124 days and counting! ) and your fantastic review just makes me even more eager!

I'm very disappointed though that you didn't try the Swahili shrimp curry - as that's what I've got earmarked!

 

[mickeysgirl17]

loved the jiko review!