That is cool that you look like you fit in so well that you would be a CM. Too bad they didn't try to give you any perks for free!
MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
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Amy
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
Cool ~ nice details of your meal at Citrico's. Sounds like it was quite tasty
That is cool that you look like you fit in so well that you would be a CM. Too bad they didn't try to give you any perks for free!
That is cool that you look like you fit in so well that you would be a CM. Too bad they didn't try to give you any perks for free!
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MoonPet
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
Day 2
Started with an early (for me) 8:35 am ADR at Olivia’s Cafe. I don’t know why I booked reservations for Olivia’s. You really don’t need them. But I guess I got swept up in the ADR craze . . . and I arrived right on time to a mostly empty restaurant. Today was the only day I used a dining credit for breakfast, other days I chose to pay out of pocket and save the credit to double up for signature restaurants.
Breakfast – orange juice, peppermint tea, and “Poached Eggs and Hash.” They are poached eggs served over sweet potato hash topped with Key West hollandaise sauce. I opted for the accompanying biscuit.
I should add that we’ve been staying at OKW since 1992 but I have never had this before. It was very good and very filling. It held me over nicely until lunch.
After breakfast I refilled my mug (novelty factor) then walked to the Peninsular Road bus stop to go back to 5020. Once there I applied head to toe sunscreen and changed into lighter clothes suitable for being at the park all day. With sunscreen applied and poncho and flip flops packed, I headed out to Animal Kingdom.
I was at Animal Kingdom for nearly the entire day, from about 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. I haven’t spent this many consecutive hours at the park in an incredibly long time. But, AK is the one park I’ve spent the least time overall in, so I used this opportunity to really get to see it. I had an opportunity to notice and appreciate for the first time many of the authentic details used in the design of the park, especially in the Asia area. I did get to see both the Lion King and Finding Nemo shows, which was something I really wanted to do. Lion King was one of the first things I did and Nemo the last, the 4:45 pm show. However, I won’t lie, the heat was so oppressive that I went into the Nemo theater at 4:15 and sat happily in the cool darkness for 30 minutes.
The bag search to get into AK was almost as intense as the one I got the night before at MK. There seems to be a push towards “we must see the bottom of your bag” and so people have to remove stuff from bags until they have a clear view of the bottom. Felt really bad for parents having to unload diaper bags . . .Not sure what was going on. There were two uniformed officers from the Sheriff’s department present as well as a two non-unformed WDW security guys milling about. They might want to hide the curly wire coming from their ear if they really want to be incognito.
Lunch was at Yak and Yeti (Namaste!), a place I’d never been before. They were packed when I arrived a little before my 1:00 pm seating! People without ADR’s were told to expect a 45 minute wait. I probably waited close to 25 minutes to be seated after I checked in (Namaste!), but that gave me an opportunity to photograph some of the decorative items. They were incredibly authentic, from the Ganesh statues in the window to the laughing Buddha to the overall décor – the strings of lights suspended over the open area. The setup reminded me an awful lot of Jean-George's Spice Market here in NYC. Yak and Yeti's decor was an interesting mish-mosh of Indian, Thai, and other South East Asian design elements (which matches the Yak and Yeti story perfectly. I love Disney!) I was seated at a table for 2 in the open area just past the bar, right behind the Thai statue (think it was a warrior). It’s the statue you see when you look up Yak and Yeti on the Disney Dining page. Where you see the family of four in the background was my table for 2.
Lunch was as follows:
First course: Seared Ahi Tuna - Chilled, sesame-encrusted ahi tuna, wasabi aioli, and sweet chili slaw. (Namaste!)
Main course: (Namaste!) Seared Miso Salmon - Atlantic salmon in a miso glaze, jasmine rice, baby bok choy and shiitake mushroom stir-fry. I actually sent this back to be held in the kitchen, as it was brought when I was only midway through my appetizer. This would be the first of many times this stay when the entrée was dropped off at the table while I was still eating my first course. Apologies were profuse (Namaste!) but it isn’t the server’s fault. When the manager stopped by I suggested that the folks bringing the food from the kitchen check the table before they drop off the entrée. Of course, this is what they are supposed to do . . .
Dessert: Mango Pie - Shortbread cookie crust, fresh whipped cream and a raspberry sauce. The best way I can describe this is that it had the texture of Key Lime Pie and was OUTSTANDING! If I lived near WDW I would purchase an entire pie to take home. (Namaste!)
Food at Yak and Yeti was very good, although it’s nothing I haven’t had before (except the mango pie). That said, if I was at AK around lunch time I would certainly go again. I do wish they would add Thai Iced Tea to their menu though.
If you haven’t noticed, they were pretty liberal with the Namaste! I wonder if half of the diners even knew what that meant.
I admired people who were pounding down drinks at the bar. It was so hot…I can’t imagine drinking alcohol and not passing out instantly in this heat.
I was just about to leave Yak and Yeti when, you guessed it, the skies opened up. Change shoes, put on poncho, go see tigers, and then ten minutes later the sun comes out full force again. You’ve got to love central Florida in August.
Of course I stayed in AK longer than planned and when I dragged myself to the bus stop I knew my Narcoossee’s dinner wasn’t happening. I was too hot to be hungry at the moment and I was too gross to go straight to GF. While waiting for the bus back to OKW I used my iPad to cancel my ADR and did some surfing of what was available later on. I was able to snag an 8:45 pm ressie at San Angel Inn (EPCOT), a favorite of mine! Went back to OKW, showered, and laid down for a little while.
Headed back to EPCOT a little after 8:00 pm. Lovely dinner at San Angel, even got the same table as last time (table at the lagoon railing, first table outside prep area). I was treated to great entertainment when the table next to me dropped their designer sunglasses in the lagoon and wouldn’t be able to return tomorrow to get them – you can see my photos for the outcome.
Dinner was as follows (I had the exact same thing last time, I actually like the new menu):
First Course: Tacos de Pato
Duck meat marinated with tamarind sauce on flour tortillas, topped with avocado, pineapple and chives
Main Course: Sirloin con Chile Relleno
Grilled beef sirloin with chile ancho sauce served with a beans and cheese stuffed pepper, poblano rice and fried plantains. (And yes, that cheese stuffed pepper is SPICY! Made the outdoors seem positively cool!) The main course was served less that five minutes after I received my appetizer, and, once again, for the second time that day, I kindly asked that they hold my entree until I finished my first course. Had the identical conversation as I did when in Yak and Yeti when the server and manager came to apologize. I totally understand that the food is brought from the kitchen, by a different person, who isn't keeping an eye on the table. I wouldn't be surprised if the food delivery operates on a timer system. However, I don't think it is unrealistic to make a U turn when you are approaching the table and see the guest(s) still eating the first course. Sure, it might mess up the "timing", but this is about the guest experience, no? As I did this afternoon, I asked the manager to maybe consider going over this procedure (they aren't supposed to drop off entree until table is cleared and/or guest is finished) at the next all hands meeting for the benefit of all.
Dessert: Flan
Vanilla custard in caramel, topped with roasted almonds.
Tonight was EMH at EPCOT until midnight, so I couldn’t resist staying. I walked on to a few of my favorite attractions and commandeered my own boat at Living With the Land. I had a lot of fun with the “dispatcher,” promising to try my best to steer the boat safely back and got a hero’s welcome at the end of the attraction. There was a lot I could have done – there were almost no lines to take pictures with the characters, but it was a long day. I spent time walking around the nearly empty park and enjoying the Innoventions Music Loop. I didn’t leave EPCOT until just about midnight, but of course, once I got back to OKW I was still wired from being out and about. As a result I didn’t get to sleep until nearly 1:30 am . . .
I promise I’ll keep working on the trip report . . . more to follow when I have more uninterrupted time . . . And if you have any questions, please ask!
Started with an early (for me) 8:35 am ADR at Olivia’s Cafe. I don’t know why I booked reservations for Olivia’s. You really don’t need them. But I guess I got swept up in the ADR craze . . . and I arrived right on time to a mostly empty restaurant. Today was the only day I used a dining credit for breakfast, other days I chose to pay out of pocket and save the credit to double up for signature restaurants.
Breakfast – orange juice, peppermint tea, and “Poached Eggs and Hash.” They are poached eggs served over sweet potato hash topped with Key West hollandaise sauce. I opted for the accompanying biscuit.
I should add that we’ve been staying at OKW since 1992 but I have never had this before. It was very good and very filling. It held me over nicely until lunch.
After breakfast I refilled my mug (novelty factor) then walked to the Peninsular Road bus stop to go back to 5020. Once there I applied head to toe sunscreen and changed into lighter clothes suitable for being at the park all day. With sunscreen applied and poncho and flip flops packed, I headed out to Animal Kingdom.
I was at Animal Kingdom for nearly the entire day, from about 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. I haven’t spent this many consecutive hours at the park in an incredibly long time. But, AK is the one park I’ve spent the least time overall in, so I used this opportunity to really get to see it. I had an opportunity to notice and appreciate for the first time many of the authentic details used in the design of the park, especially in the Asia area. I did get to see both the Lion King and Finding Nemo shows, which was something I really wanted to do. Lion King was one of the first things I did and Nemo the last, the 4:45 pm show. However, I won’t lie, the heat was so oppressive that I went into the Nemo theater at 4:15 and sat happily in the cool darkness for 30 minutes.
The bag search to get into AK was almost as intense as the one I got the night before at MK. There seems to be a push towards “we must see the bottom of your bag” and so people have to remove stuff from bags until they have a clear view of the bottom. Felt really bad for parents having to unload diaper bags . . .Not sure what was going on. There were two uniformed officers from the Sheriff’s department present as well as a two non-unformed WDW security guys milling about. They might want to hide the curly wire coming from their ear if they really want to be incognito.
Lunch was at Yak and Yeti (Namaste!), a place I’d never been before. They were packed when I arrived a little before my 1:00 pm seating! People without ADR’s were told to expect a 45 minute wait. I probably waited close to 25 minutes to be seated after I checked in (Namaste!), but that gave me an opportunity to photograph some of the decorative items. They were incredibly authentic, from the Ganesh statues in the window to the laughing Buddha to the overall décor – the strings of lights suspended over the open area. The setup reminded me an awful lot of Jean-George's Spice Market here in NYC. Yak and Yeti's decor was an interesting mish-mosh of Indian, Thai, and other South East Asian design elements (which matches the Yak and Yeti story perfectly. I love Disney!) I was seated at a table for 2 in the open area just past the bar, right behind the Thai statue (think it was a warrior). It’s the statue you see when you look up Yak and Yeti on the Disney Dining page. Where you see the family of four in the background was my table for 2.
Lunch was as follows:
First course: Seared Ahi Tuna - Chilled, sesame-encrusted ahi tuna, wasabi aioli, and sweet chili slaw. (Namaste!)
Main course: (Namaste!) Seared Miso Salmon - Atlantic salmon in a miso glaze, jasmine rice, baby bok choy and shiitake mushroom stir-fry. I actually sent this back to be held in the kitchen, as it was brought when I was only midway through my appetizer. This would be the first of many times this stay when the entrée was dropped off at the table while I was still eating my first course. Apologies were profuse (Namaste!) but it isn’t the server’s fault. When the manager stopped by I suggested that the folks bringing the food from the kitchen check the table before they drop off the entrée. Of course, this is what they are supposed to do . . .
Dessert: Mango Pie - Shortbread cookie crust, fresh whipped cream and a raspberry sauce. The best way I can describe this is that it had the texture of Key Lime Pie and was OUTSTANDING! If I lived near WDW I would purchase an entire pie to take home. (Namaste!)
Food at Yak and Yeti was very good, although it’s nothing I haven’t had before (except the mango pie). That said, if I was at AK around lunch time I would certainly go again. I do wish they would add Thai Iced Tea to their menu though.
If you haven’t noticed, they were pretty liberal with the Namaste! I wonder if half of the diners even knew what that meant.
I admired people who were pounding down drinks at the bar. It was so hot…I can’t imagine drinking alcohol and not passing out instantly in this heat.
I was just about to leave Yak and Yeti when, you guessed it, the skies opened up. Change shoes, put on poncho, go see tigers, and then ten minutes later the sun comes out full force again. You’ve got to love central Florida in August.
Of course I stayed in AK longer than planned and when I dragged myself to the bus stop I knew my Narcoossee’s dinner wasn’t happening. I was too hot to be hungry at the moment and I was too gross to go straight to GF. While waiting for the bus back to OKW I used my iPad to cancel my ADR and did some surfing of what was available later on. I was able to snag an 8:45 pm ressie at San Angel Inn (EPCOT), a favorite of mine! Went back to OKW, showered, and laid down for a little while.
Headed back to EPCOT a little after 8:00 pm. Lovely dinner at San Angel, even got the same table as last time (table at the lagoon railing, first table outside prep area). I was treated to great entertainment when the table next to me dropped their designer sunglasses in the lagoon and wouldn’t be able to return tomorrow to get them – you can see my photos for the outcome.
Dinner was as follows (I had the exact same thing last time, I actually like the new menu):
First Course: Tacos de Pato
Duck meat marinated with tamarind sauce on flour tortillas, topped with avocado, pineapple and chives
Main Course: Sirloin con Chile Relleno
Grilled beef sirloin with chile ancho sauce served with a beans and cheese stuffed pepper, poblano rice and fried plantains. (And yes, that cheese stuffed pepper is SPICY! Made the outdoors seem positively cool!) The main course was served less that five minutes after I received my appetizer, and, once again, for the second time that day, I kindly asked that they hold my entree until I finished my first course. Had the identical conversation as I did when in Yak and Yeti when the server and manager came to apologize. I totally understand that the food is brought from the kitchen, by a different person, who isn't keeping an eye on the table. I wouldn't be surprised if the food delivery operates on a timer system. However, I don't think it is unrealistic to make a U turn when you are approaching the table and see the guest(s) still eating the first course. Sure, it might mess up the "timing", but this is about the guest experience, no? As I did this afternoon, I asked the manager to maybe consider going over this procedure (they aren't supposed to drop off entree until table is cleared and/or guest is finished) at the next all hands meeting for the benefit of all.
Dessert: Flan
Vanilla custard in caramel, topped with roasted almonds.
Tonight was EMH at EPCOT until midnight, so I couldn’t resist staying. I walked on to a few of my favorite attractions and commandeered my own boat at Living With the Land. I had a lot of fun with the “dispatcher,” promising to try my best to steer the boat safely back and got a hero’s welcome at the end of the attraction. There was a lot I could have done – there were almost no lines to take pictures with the characters, but it was a long day. I spent time walking around the nearly empty park and enjoying the Innoventions Music Loop. I didn’t leave EPCOT until just about midnight, but of course, once I got back to OKW I was still wired from being out and about. As a result I didn’t get to sleep until nearly 1:30 am . . .
I promise I’ll keep working on the trip report . . . more to follow when I have more uninterrupted time . . . And if you have any questions, please ask!
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MoonPet
- Fantasyland Theater Projectionist
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
To the extent possible, I try to order menu items that are things I would never make myself (too lazy) or don't know how to make. If you gave me a slab of pork belly I wouldn't have a clue as to what to do with it . . . however, in expert hands, AMAZING! I could have made a meal of the sardines and bean hummus...and the duck egg with the potato . . . I'm positively drooling at the memory.Amy wrote:Cool ~ nice details of your meal at Citrico's. Sounds like it was quite tasty
That is cool that you look like you fit in so well that you would be a CM. Too bad they didn't try to give you any perks for free!
I guess I was dressed a bit corporate (actually the same dress you see in the photos I look at the D23 presentation) hair was a conservative bun, and I wasn't rocking any crazy accessories, so I probably did meet the parameters of the WDW dress code. I guess it is rare to have a solo diner at the signature restaurants who is a guest.
Imagine, me as a CM. One can always dream . . .
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Amy
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
You are giving us a great trip report moonpet! I don't mind traveling or dining solo but I guess that probably is a bit unusual at the resort. Did you decide to just take a few days off for yourself?
An almost empty park and getting to listen to the Innoventions loop?! Wow ~ awesome ending to your day!
Sad that we won't get to hear about Narcoossee’s...that is one of the other restaurants that I am curious about...it is just so fun to say
An almost empty park and getting to listen to the Innoventions loop?! Wow ~ awesome ending to your day!
Sad that we won't get to hear about Narcoossee’s...that is one of the other restaurants that I am curious about...it is just so fun to say
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NaCler
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
Namaste! Excellent detail-filled report so far, MoonPet! Keep it coming.
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Mouseoholic
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
Moonpet, I am loving your trip report. I am also glad to hear they are renovating OKW. We stayed there in '08 and it was in need of some attention then. Thanks for sharing your pictures too!
Can't wait for the next installment.
P.S. What did the resort mug look like? Anything special? I am waiting for the day that they go back to the actual resort (with resort logo) mug. I think those days are long gone but am curious still the same.
Mouseoholic!
Can't wait for the next installment.
P.S. What did the resort mug look like? Anything special? I am waiting for the day that they go back to the actual resort (with resort logo) mug. I think those days are long gone but am curious still the same.
Mouseoholic!
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Amy
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
I'm curious about the resort mug too. From what I could see online it looks like a fairly standard plastic travel mug with the smaller bottom sized to fit into a car cup holder. I wonder if it holds less than the ones we got on our last vacation 10 years ago ~ those were big mugs!!Mouseoholic wrote:...P.S. What did the resort mug look like? Anything special? I am waiting for the day that they go back to the actual resort (with resort logo) mug. I think those days are long gone but am curious still the same.
Mouseoholic!
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Mousekedude
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
Great reporting, MoonPet! Incredible detail! I would probably have to work so hard to remember and write all that down, that I wouldn't even enjoy the trip! 
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kcarts
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
Can't wait for more. I traveled alone to WDW in January but was meeting with friends once I got there. I was solo for the first and last day I was there and wondered if I could do a whole week there by my lonesome. I look forward to reading the rest of your report to see what you did!
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MoonPet
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
The refillable mug was generic to all of the resorts, although you did have a choice between a red, yellow, or black handle. I know I brought it home. I'll snap a photo when I discover where I put it.Amy wrote:I'm curious about the resort mug too. From what I could see online it looks like a fairly standard plastic travel mug with the smaller bottom sized to fit into a car cup holder. I wonder if it holds less than the ones we got on our last vacation 10 years ago ~ those were big mugs!!Mouseoholic wrote:...P.S. What did the resort mug look like? Anything special? I am waiting for the day that they go back to the actual resort (with resort logo) mug. I think those days are long gone but am curious still the same.
Mouseoholic!
I'm so sorry I haven't had a chance to work on the trip report everybody. I've been swamped with work. I promise I haven't forgotten, and will continue to work on it one piece at a time.
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Amy
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
Thanks! I'm sure we all understand what it is like to be busy! When you get around to it, we'll take it
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Future Guy
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
Excellent report so far! And I love your pictures, especially the ones of the Tree Farm.
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MoonPet
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
The Tree Farm was the only place on the tour where we were allowed to take photos, so I may have gone a bit overboard. That said, I love the organization of the greenhouses!Future Guy wrote:Excellent report so far! And I love your pictures, especially the ones of the Tree Farm.
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MmeLeota
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
Fabulous report so far MoonPet!!! I'm really appreciating the details of your meals too as I have not been to any of those restaurants.
I got to spend one day alone at DL once, and though I missed having DH around (since we tend to act like kids), it was kind of relaxing just to go wherever the day took me.
I got to spend one day alone at DL once, and though I missed having DH around (since we tend to act like kids), it was kind of relaxing just to go wherever the day took me.
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Mousekedude
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Re: MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20
Looking forward to the continuation of the report, Moonpet. I understand what it's like to be busy. I haven't had time to work on my shadowbox project in weeks! Get to it when you can, and I hope you find your mug.