Prawn Heads & Cupcakes & Soups, Oh My! 10/5 Complete (now with my Dining Wish List)!

[emmysmommy]

Wow! I just got caught up and am totally satisfied that you have given us some AWESOME dining reviews thus far! Good job Mr. DDW!

Backing up a bit since I did arrive late to your review party....
The Wave lunch is an awesome deal when you consider the breakfast buffet is the same price without such amazing dishes. The salads sound good enought to sway me to consider that option. Too bad I didn't check it out while we were there I would definitey have chosen that over some of our other CS options. Oh, well, perhaps next time they will have this available still.

The heads on prawns at Jiko.... uhhhh... I'm glad they have an option of being served decapitated. Not sure if I want a vacant stare from a sea critter while I'm eating dinner. I love the association of the Under the Sea song with these guys - makes perfect sense to me!

I'm thinking of booking a split stay in the future at AKL since I really want to be immersed in all the food and theming that the resort has to offer. We just don't seem to get over there more than for part of a day so that way I would be able to have the time to enjoy.

Once again, Landscape of Flavor looks amazing!!! I haven't seen anything that I wouldn't eat there from your prior meal and this one. Mmmm... nan bread. One thing I may have missed confused3) have you had dessert there? Just wondering if they only serve the typical pre-packaged cake and cookie options??

I wish you well with your move back to school. Sounds like there will be competition for your time and attention since I suppose school is a priority.

Looking forward to more fabulous reviews!!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Wow! I just got caught up and am totally satisfied that you have given us some AWESOME dining reviews thus far! Good job Mr. DDW!

Backing up a bit since I did arrive late to your review party....
The Wave lunch is an awesome deal when you consider the breakfast buffet is the same price without such amazing dishes. The salads sound good enought to sway me to consider that option. Too bad I didn't check it out while we were there I would definitey have chosen that over some of our other CS options. Oh, well, perhaps next time they will have this available still.

The heads on prawns at Jiko.... uhhhh... I'm glad they have an option of being served decapitated. Not sure if I want a vacant stare from a sea critter while I'm eating dinner. I love the association of the Under the Sea song with these guys - makes perfect sense to me!

I'm thinking of booking a split stay in the future at AKL since I really want to be immersed in all the food and theming that the resort has to offer. We just don't seem to get over there more than for part of a day so that way I would be able to have the time to enjoy.

Once again, Landscape of Flavor looks amazing!!! I haven't seen anything that I wouldn't eat there from your prior meal and this one. Mmmm... nan bread. One thing I may have missed confused3) have you had dessert there? Just wondering if they only serve the typical pre-packaged cake and cookie options??

I wish you well with your move back to school. Sounds like there will be competition for your time and attention since I suppose school is a priority.

Looking forward to more fabulous reviews!!

Yay that you're back! I can't wait to hear about how your trip unfolded.

It'll be interesting to see what happens with The Wave lunch - I've honestly never seen it so busy at lunchtime, and yet, the buffet handled the crowds extremely well (I never noticed a 'line' for food). Hopefully the buffet will stick around (although I'd be happy if they continue to offer interesting à la carte choices as well).

We've never had dessert at AoA (unless the smoothies count as dessert). The gelato is a unique dessert option, and there were some interesting flavors, such as pistachio or torrone (honey & almond). There were also cupcakes and typical dessert pastries available (although the interesting macaron cupcake was gone during both of my visits), and I noticed mini cheesecakes and babycakes cupcakes available in the refrigerator. IMO, the gelato would be my choice for dessert - I could really go for some pistachio gelato right now.

Those prawns might have looked sad with their big, round eyes, but they tasted fantastic. And I'd definitely recommend trying AKL in a split stay sometime. We'd stay at AKL again (although we'd probably pick a villa over a standard AKL room - we liked the villa decor and design a bit more). The biggest problem with AKL is the transportation - getting to MK, DTD, or Typhoon Lagoon would probably would take some time with the buses. I guess it wouldn't be an issue if you use a lot of your time there to explore the resort - it's beautiful (and then you could move to a resort with convenient access to MK or Epcot).

Thanks so much! I'm definitely going to finish my reviews, even though I'll be busier and checking the site less often. This semester's going to be tougher than usual, so I'll need some Disney magic to make it through.

 

[emmysmommy]

Those prawns might have looked sad with their big, round eyes, but they tasted fantastic. And I'd definitely recommend trying AKL in a split stay sometime. We'd stay at AKL again (although we'd probably pick a villa over a standard AKL room - we liked the villa decor and design a bit more). The biggest problem with AKL is the transportation - getting to MK, DTD, or Typhoon Lagoon would probably would take some time with the buses. I guess it wouldn't be an issue if you use a lot of your time there to explore the resort - it's beautiful (and then you could move to a resort with convenient access to MK or Epcot).

Thanks so much! I'm definitely going to finish my reviews, even though I'll be busier and checking the site less often. This semester's going to be tougher than usual, so I'll need some Disney magic to make it through.

I would definitely stay there for a night or two and just focus on the resort and AK and then move on to an Epcot resort and/or monorail resort. That way I guarantee time spent and enjoyment of the AK area.

Just let me know if you need for me to write a note to your professors letting them know that you are pretty popular around here and to give you a break!!! Ok, I suppose that won't work so we'll take what we can get.

I do appreciate the time that it takes to do this - especially given your schedule.

Take care!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I would definitely stay there for a night or two and just focus on the resort and AK and then move on to an Epcot resort and/or monorail resort. That way I guarantee time spent and enjoyment of the AK area.

Just let me know if you need for me to write a note to your professors letting them know that you are pretty popular around here and to give you a break!!! Ok, I suppose that won't work so we'll take what we can get.

I do appreciate the time that it takes to do this - especially given your schedule.

Take care!

Sounds like a plan! Plus, staying at AKL would give you a perfect opportunity to enjoy the restaurants there (perhaps Jiko? ).

I wonder what my accounting professor would think if he received a note from you. Seriously - I might not know how to allocate an overhead cost, but I could help him plan a comprehensive WDW dining itinerary!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

On the 16th, once again I made it to the Mara at 7am for breakfast (since EMH would begin at Blizzard Beach at 8am). After having nightmares about Summit Plummet (which I was mentally preparing myself to ride), I knew I wanted to savor my 'last meal'. And that's where the Mara and its African-inspired breakfasts entered the picture!

Last time, I tried the Mara's breakfast platter. This time, I ordered the bobotie, which came with pap and chakalaka.

I thought this was another great CS breakfast. The bobotie had a firm texture and a pleasant sweet-and-savory thing going on (thanks to the meat and the interesting spices, such as cinnamon). Combined with the sweet, slightly acidic chakalaka and the warm, almost buttery pap, this meal left me satisfied as I drove off to Blizzard Beach.

Every morning (in a pseudo 'rope-drop' event), Blizzard Beach chooses someone to take the first plunge of the day on Summit Plummet, while everyone else in the park looks on. Fortunately, I wasn't that guy (since that sounds like a lot of peer pressure! ). However, as soon as the park opened, I hurried to the Green Slope and practically ran up the stairs. The less time I had to think it over, the higher the likelihood that I would actually make it on Summit Plummet. In the end, I was the first regular guest of the day to make it to the top, and after apprehensively peeking over the ledge, the lifeguard told me, "It's not that bad". Trusting her, I went down the slide - it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. Summit Plummet, while fast, was a lot smoother and more pleasant than I imagined - I really liked the "gliding" feeling.

I quickly ran back up the stairs and made it back to the top - only two people were in front of me, so there basically wasn't a wait. I happily told the lifeguard that she was right, and then I slid down again.

Summit Plummet is extremely fun (and it's the second tallest and fastest free-fall slide in the world! It was #1 when it opened, which is pretty cool for a Disney ride ). However, it's extremely short, and during the day it typically has wait times of an hour or more. That's a lot of time to bake in the sun and question your decision to ride this thing. As such, if you're interested in riding Summit Plummet, I highly recommend arriving before park opening. I got on Summit Plummet three times during EMH, and I still made it to DHS in time for regular park opening at 9! Not surprisingly, park opening is the best time to make it onto the big slides - then you'll have the rest of the day to leisurely relax in the wave pool and lazy river.

As Kryssa and Stacey used to say (before the Top 7 Must Sees was shortened and reworked), "The water-powered wedgies are free with admission!"

 

[Lisa29]

Wow, I have been away far too long. 21 pages of a new report???!!! I am just on page 22 of the last one! I imagine I will get to this report when you finish your next one!

Re. the Olympic opening ceremony (in case it wasn't mentioned), it started so late UK time so that it was dark and all the lighting effects would stand out.

Great reviews as always, I am a fussy water but your descriptions make me want to try everything except the spicy stuff!

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

I appreciate your Mara review. I want to try and run by there one morning on our F&W trip this fall.

I was also interested in your summit review. I have never been very interested in the Disney water parks before, as we have an acceptable water park near my home, and there are so many other things in Orlando I want to explore.

Maybe I should reconsider.

 

[happy2012]

Thank you for the pics & info on the LM rooms @ AOA. The distance was one of the things I was nervous about. Last year we stayed @ CBR, so we are used to the extra walking. But your description sounds good! & the pics have got me all excited for it! The palms look like they are...under the sea! Love the details Disney puts into everything. I was thinking you were going for the fish @ Landscapes. Glad it was good again!!

Madagascar Vanilla Beans in Jiko's cheescake.... So want to try Jiko!!!


I was thinking, you should do a BEST of the BEST @ WDW. You have been to so many restaurants!!! That would make for a fantastic FUN REVIEW. Think about it.

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Hey there Mr. DDW! Just caught up on all your reviews and am loving them all, of course! I definitely want to check out that Wave lunch buffet sometime! Looks wonderful. It was so great to see you and Brenda and I cannot wait to hear more!

 

[basketlacey]

DDW. - love your reviews! You are making me sorry I didn't dine at Jiko when we were at AKL last year. Your food looks amazing! I drooled over the menu when we were there but with 3 kids plus the extended family, it wasn't the right choice. Dh and I should have snuck off though!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Wow, I have been away far too long. 21 pages of a new report???!!! I am just on page 22 of the last one! I imagine I will get to this report when you finish your next one!

Re. the Olympic opening ceremony (in case it wasn't mentioned), it started so late UK time so that it was dark and all the lighting effects would stand out.

Great reviews as always, I am a fussy water but your descriptions make me want to try everything except the spicy stuff!

Very cool about the Opening Ceremony - I think they did a great job with it. And I hope you enjoy the previous (and current) dining report!

I appreciate your Mara review. I want to try and run by there one morning on our F&W trip this fall.

I was also interested in your summit review. I have never been very interested in the Disney water parks before, as we have an acceptable water park near my home, and there are so many other things in Orlando I want to explore.

Maybe I should reconsider.

I think The Mara would be a very nice choice for a more unique CS breakfast. Plus, the hot food starts coming out at 7, which leaves plenty of time to make it to a park.

And IMO, the water parks are definitely worth it! Maybe not every trip, but I think they're both absolutely worth visiting at least once. The slides are exhilarating, the wave pools are great, the themes are both incredibly done, and overall they're a fun change from the theme parks.

Thank you for the pics & info on the LM rooms @ AOA. The distance was one of the things I was nervous about. Last year we stayed @ CBR, so we are used to the extra walking. But your description sounds good! & the pics have got me all excited for it! The palms look like they are...under the sea! Love the details Disney puts into everything. I was thinking you were going for the fish @ Landscapes. Glad it was good again!!

Madagascar Vanilla Beans in Jiko's cheescake.... So want to try Jiko!!!

I was thinking, you should do a BEST of the BEST @ WDW. You have been to so many restaurants!!! That would make for a fantastic FUN REVIEW. Think about it.

If you got used to the walking at CBR, I don't think the Little Mermaid room location will be a problem at all! And you're right about those palm trees - it's cool to see how Disney 'shapes' them to establish an especially aquatic atmosphere.

That cheesecake at Jiko was wonderful - so light, fluffy, and flavorful. Plus, as a signature restaurant, the menu there is constantly changing. I have faith that whatever dishes come next will also be fantastic!

As for a "best of the best", I definitely have some true favorites at WDW. A few of them are going to come up in this report.

Hey there Mr. DDW! Just caught up on all your reviews and am loving them all, of course! I definitely want to check out that Wave lunch buffet sometime! Looks wonderful. It was so great to see you and Brenda and I cannot wait to hear more!

Yay, you're home! I hope you had a great trip (and I'm looking forward to more of your updates, whether from the August 2011 trip or the most recent one).

It was so cool meeting you in MK! Very nice job recognizing Brenda, and I'm happy I was there at the right time. More reviews are coming up soon!

DDW. - love your reviews! You are making me sorry I didn't dine at Jiko when we were at AKL last year. Your food looks amazing! I drooled over the menu when we were there but with 3 kids plus the extended family, it wasn't the right choice. Dh and I should have snuck off though!

I'm sure you'll make it to Jiko eventually! The higher it goes on your list, the more likely that you'll finally schedule a meal there. I think Jiko would be a very nice choice for a date night.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

From Blizzard Beach, I made my way over to DHS in time for park opening. After a few fun rides, I was feeling hungry, so I headed to Sweet Spells for a treat.

As mentioned in my July review, Sweet Spells is currently one of the places where you can find the carrot cake cookie. I think this snack used to be exclusive to the Writer's Stop, so it's nice that they've made this snack available in a convenient location on Sunset Boulevard.

This was my first time ordering a carrot cake cookie in several years. What did I think of it?

I loved it. The shredded carrot pieces visible throughout, the occasional sweet golden raisin, and the perfect amount of cream cheese frosting - it all culminated in an incredible snack.

Plus, since I found a nice table at the nearby Sunset Ranch Market, I got to demolish this treat while enjoying a beautiful view of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, with some relaxing music from the 1930s and 1940s playing in the background. I just love Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard at DHS, and this snack break gave me a perfect opportunity to soak in the atmosphere.

From DHS, I eventually found myself in Epcot, where this snack caught my eye.

A pineapple-coconut cupcake at Sunshine Seasons!

As you probably know, I haven't been the biggest fan of Disney cupcakes in the past. However, I think I discovered the problem - the frosting is usually too sweet or too flavorless for me. As such, I removed most of the frosting and dug in.

The cupcake itself consisted of yellow cake (no filling) with a subtle coconut flavor. I didn't taste as much pineapple as I would've liked, so I used the two pineapple pieces on top to add some freshness and acidity. The frosting tasted like vanilla to me, and it was too sweet for me. However, I enjoyed this cupcake enough that I ended up getting several more cupcakes throughout the trip.

At this point in time, the snacks were truly on a roll: the soups at the Mara, the fantastic carrot cake cookie, the gateway cupcake () - everything was good. Would the snacks continue to impress throughout the trip?

Before I can answer that, I have a lunch at San Angel Inn to discuss.

 

[jmm476]

I'm so glad you reviewed your snacks. I had thought that I would get the carrot cookie in a few months, but I have textural issues with raisins. Guess I'll stick to starring roles cupcakes for my DHS snacks.

Can't wait to hear about SAI. I've been seeing some good reviews here lately.

 

[jabead]

Yummy, carrot cake cookie! Last trip I decided to finally try a Starring Rolls cupcake for my DHS treat. I was a little disappointed, so I think I'm going back to getting the cookie next time.

Your cupcake though, I'm not so sure about. While I'm okay with sweet frostings, I am not a fan of coconut flakes. Oddly though I love the flavor of coconut...like say for instance, pina coladas. I guess, like jmm476 and raisins, it's just a textural thing.

And YAY that you finally went to SAI! I can't wait to hear about your lunch there. I hope it was a good one.

 

[krhst25]

On the 16th, once again I made it to the Mara at 7am for breakfast (since EMH would begin at Blizzard Beach at 8am). After having nightmares about Summit Plummet (which I was mentally preparing myself to ride), I knew I wanted to savor my 'last meal'. And that's where the Mara and its African-inspired breakfasts entered the picture!

Last time, I tried the Mara's breakfast platter. This time, I ordered the bobotie, which came with pap and chakalaka.

I thought this was another great CS breakfast. The bobotie had a firm texture and a pleasant sweet-and-savory thing going on (thanks to the meat and the interesting spices, such as cinnamon). Combined with the sweet, slightly acidic chakalaka and the warm, almost buttery pap, this meal left me satisfied as I drove off to Blizzard Beach.


As Kryssa and Stacey used to say (before the Top 7 Must Sees was shortened and reworked), "The water-powered wedgies are free with admission!"

I am always looking for something different to try- the bobotie sounds yummy!

About the wedgies-- LOL. I always laugh at people "adjusting their suits" after using the slide- too funny.

The carrot cake cookie is on my "must try" for December.

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

One thing I have always felt about Disney cupcakes is that they are just generally "too much". Too large, too much frosting, too sweet, etc. I think they would benefit greatly from being half, or even a quarter, of the size. They wouldn't be nearly as overwhelming.

 

[Disneyfreak616]

The carrot cake cookie is one of my all-time favorite Disney snacks! Golden raisins and cream cheese frosting are a dangerous combination, but oh so good. I tried that cupcake at Seasons this trip, and was equally impressed with it! The fresh pineapple was a great addition.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Tracerr00]

After being gone for a week I've finally caught up with your reviews! Yay for another great Jiko review! I so want to try Jiko that it's moving up to number one on my list now. And those desserts look excellent.

And I'm jealous of your carrot cake cookie! I'm sure I will mention it when I write more about our dining experience but the heat really does a number on my appetite. It stifles my appetite a bit but it also makes me hungry for things I wouldn't normally eat (such as the day I eat packaged veggies and dip from the cooler at POR for dinner). I went into the Writer's Stop and I wasn't hungry but I really wanted a carrot cake cookie, but I knew that if I carried it around with me that the filling would melt. So I didn't get it.

Also, I think your new title should be Prawn Heads, & Cupcakes & Wedgies! Oh My!

 

[basketlacey]

I love that carrot cake cookie. I try and pick one up during the day and save it for Fantasmic! I will try and remember that there is a second place to grab one!

I have to admit that I feel the same about the cupcakes and honestly many of the cupcake bakeries outside of WDW. I like frosting but I don't think it should be sickeningly sweet!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I'm so glad you reviewed your snacks. I had thought that I would get the carrot cookie in a few months, but I have textural issues with raisins. Guess I'll stick to starring roles cupcakes for my DHS snacks.

Can't wait to hear about SAI. I've been seeing some good reviews here lately.

Well at least you know about the raisins now. WDW has so many snacks - I'm sure you'll be able to find a few that are exactly what you're craving (and without any raisins).

Yummy, carrot cake cookie! Last trip I decided to finally try a Starring Rolls cupcake for my DHS treat. I was a little disappointed, so I think I'm going back to getting the cookie next time.

Your cupcake though, I'm not so sure about. While I'm okay with sweet frostings, I am not a fan of coconut flakes. Oddly though I love the flavor of coconut...like say for instance, pina coladas. I guess, like jmm476 and raisins, it's just a textural thing.

And YAY that you finally went to SAI! I can't wait to hear about your lunch there. I hope it was a good one.

Starring Rolls cupcakes are a different sort of monster entirely. Even though I largely got over my issues with Disney cupcake this trip, I didn't bother making a stop at Starring Rolls. Those cupcakes are a little too rich and decadent for me!

And if you're not a fan of coconut flakes, you won't like my second cupcake very much either.

SAI was very good overall, and I would be happy to go back! Although I had a strange experience with the dessert (although it was largely my own fault) - you'll just have to wait and see.

I am always looking for something different to try- the bobotie sounds yummy!

About the wedgies-- LOL. I always laugh at people "adjusting their suits" after using the slide- too funny.

The carrot cake cookie is on my "must try" for December.

The bobotie (along with the pap and chakalaka) was a unique and tasty CS breakfast!

And you're so right about the speed slides - Humunga Kowabunga, Slush Gusher, and especially Summit Plummet seem to be well-known for their unintended side effects. I think it's a bigger issue for girls, though.

I highly recommend the carrot cake cookie - as far as DHS snacks go, it's currently at the top of my list!

One thing I have always felt about Disney cupcakes is that they are just generally "too much". Too large, too much frosting, too sweet, etc. I think they would benefit greatly from being half, or even a quarter, of the size. They wouldn't be nearly as overwhelming.

I like your idea about shrinking the portion size. The only problem, however, is that I would expect the portions to shrink while the cost would probably remain the same. Removing the frosting definitely helped me make a bigger dent in the cake itself (and there were two or three Disney cupcakes that I actually finished entirely! ).

The carrot cake cookie is one of my all-time favorite Disney snacks! Golden raisins and cream cheese frosting are a dangerous combination, but oh so good. I tried that cupcake at Seasons this trip, and was equally impressed with it! The fresh pineapple was a great addition.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I can see why you like the carrot cake cookie so much now! It really hit the spot, and it wasn't too sweet (which I think stems from the fact that there wasn't too much frosting). And that cupcake also had some delightful flavors - it was nice and fruity.

After being gone for a week I've finally caught up with your reviews! Yay for another great Jiko review! I so want to try Jiko that it's moving up to number one on my list now. And those desserts look excellent.

And I'm jealous of your carrot cake cookie! I'm sure I will mention it when I write more about our dining experience but the heat really does a number on my appetite. It stifles my appetite a bit but it also makes me hungry for things I wouldn't normally eat (such as the day I eat packaged veggies and dip from the cooler at POR for dinner). I went into the Writer's Stop and I wasn't hungry but I really wanted a carrot cake cookie, but I knew that if I carried it around with me that the filling would melt. So I didn't get it.

Also, I think your new title should be Prawn Heads, & Cupcakes & Wedgies! Oh My!

Yay for Jiko moving up on your list! There's so much delicious food on the menu - Jiko is one of the Disney restaurants that I miss most when I'm home (since there aren't a lot of restaurants around here that incorporate South African flavors!).

Sorry that you didn't get to enjoy a carrot cake cookie this trip - hopefully next time the climate will be more conducive to enjoying one of these snacks.

And I love your version of the thread title! The only reason I won't change it is that I want to keep the syllables aligned with the famous quote (about lions and tigers and bears).