Dreaming of a Disney spring break - part three COMPLETED About This Page:

[chezp]

Originally Posted by angelridout

I'm way behind on the TR, just caught up to Sea World - I've never gotten to touch a sting ray, what do they feel like?

It's hard to describe, a bit oily I want to say, but I'm struggling... it's not what you expect anyway!

[chezp]

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

Glad you got a great room--sorry about the shower! I hope it got fixed properly. I love Cirque shows and La Nouba is one of my favorites--I also love Mystere in Las Vegas!

Our favourite in Vegas is O - amazing!

[chezp]

Saturday 23 April – part one: a hidden lunchtime treasure

We were able to sleep in this morning, as for once, we didn’t have anything planned to get up for, so we wandered along to the concierge lounge when we were ready and I took the laptop to carry on writing up the trip report.

We chose one of the tables by the drinks, as they’re tucked out of the way and a bit more private. Not for long. We got the most annoying, whingeing British woman and her family turn up. Honestly, her tale of woe just carried on and on, as she complained about everything, particularly how crowded things were. Well, gosh what a shocker – it’s Easter, what the heck do you expect? This is not what I wanted to listen to at breakfast. After debating where to go today that wouldn’t have crowds ( with that one...!), they opted for a water park. Some people do make me laugh!

Having learnt my lesson from yesterday that you grab food and drink whenever you see it, as it won’t be around later, I got some mango juice and took it back to the room to put it in the fridge. I was pleasantly surprised to find that we had mousekeeping. I didn’t realise that you got it daily when you were staying on points on concierge level, so that was a nice discovery. We even got another cute offering from her....

There wasn’t much going on outside on the savannah, as they were refilling one of the watering holes.



It was time to head out, and on the way, we enquired about ADRs and were able to snag one for Restaurant Marrakesh at 12.00pm. Works for us!

After having failed to find anything much in the scrapbooking line at Disney this time around, which was a great shame I wanted to hit MouseMemories, having been so impressed with their stocks on our last trip.

It took us quite a while to get out there, although I did have some cow sightings on the way to pass the time..



When we got there, I found plenty of wonderful papers and embellishments, although to be honest, there were some papers, mainly of the national parks, that I was hoping to find there, but they were out of stock on quite a few items. Still, despite that, it was still well worth a visit.

Once I had stocked up, it was time to head back to Disney, as our lunchtime ADR at Marrakesh was fast approaching. Once again, we had a few bovine sightings to please me!



Soon we were back on property....



... and passing the Art of Animation Resort...



We headed over to the Beach Club, telling the security guy that honestly we were having lunch again at Beaches and Cream. I did say to Mark that we must look like the biggest Beaches and Cream fans in the world, as I think we’ve used that excuse for the last couple of days!

Still, it worked and we were in. We wandered through to Epcot and around World Showcase, which was amazingly quiet for Easter Saturday. Where was everyone?



We headed into Marrakesh and were seated immediately. To be honest, there was no way that we needed an ADR here. There couldn’t have been more than about 15 of us in total in here, with only a few tables in use. It’s such a shame, as every time we come here, we’re impressed with the quality of the food and today was no exception.



We did talk about it and wondered how the servers find it working here. It must be pretty boring for them at times when it’s so quiet. I could see a few loitering around with nothing to do and I felt quite sorry for them, as it’s nowhere near as good an experience as the Cast Members get in the other restaurants around World Showcase.

We did discuss ways to get more people in here and Mark came up with some good ideas, including a character meal. Just think, you could have an Aladdin meal with Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, the Genie and Jafar. Now that would be a good line-up that would bring more people in here.

We shared an appetiser of seafood bastilla, which was very nice. There would’ve been way too much for me, so I’m glad we did share it, as it was a good sized portion. It was on our table literally five minutes after we ordered it. I guess that’s what happens when a restaurant is this deserted.



For main course, I went for the vegetable couscous, which always delivers here – and it did again today. The vegetables they choose go so well with the couscous, which is a lot lighter than whenever we make it at home.



Mark had the chicken kebabs for entree and enjoyed them.



After we’d eaten all that, we were done. We got the check, which came to a stupidly low price of something like $40. This place is another that offers great value.

Restaurant Marrakesh:

Appetiser 9 9½
Entree 8½ 9
Service 7 6½
Atmosphere 8½ 8
Value for money 9 9

Average score: 8.40

Next: Impressions de France... as you’ve never seen it before!

[Wendyismyname]

I love Morocco, but wasn't fond of Marrakesh when I tried it. I would go back again though, to try it. I really like the idea of that type of character meal, it would be a lot of fun!! They'd lose Jasmine at Akershus, but oh what a gain it would be to have Genie and Jafar!! Write an email in your persuasive way and see what happens!!

Can't wait to hear about a new way to see France's movie!

[lauriep]

I think Mark's idea of a character meal at Marrakesh is great! I, too, always feel sorry that more people don't try this place. The decor of the restaurant is so beautiful and I do always enjoy the vegetable couscous. I guess people are afraid the food will be too exotic, but it's really not. The servers are always so nice and will give an explanation of some of the decor and Moroccan traditions if asked. This is one place I've always been able to walk right into without an ADR.

[Colexis Mom]

Glad you were able to get some scrapbooking supplies! Lunch looked great!

[disney_duke]

That's almost spooky to see Epcot deserted like that, right at Easter time! Makes for some wonderful photos though with little to no people in them. I have yet to try this restaurant, but my parents rave about it. They go there every time.

[taylan1]

Great update! I am curious about you next update to come. I have to know where is Mouse Memories? I would love to find some more Disney Scrapbooking supplies!

[clio]

I've never seen EPCOT that empty during the day. Your food looks very good. Where is Mouse Memories?
Liz

[Big Baloo]

Everyone must have opted to go to the waterparks that day instead of Epcot, just to annoy the woman you saw/heard at breakfast!! Wouldn't THAT have been a hoot!
Nice picturesof the Restaurant Marrakesh. Having never been, I'm thinking it might have to go on the "to-do" list.
Looking forward to hearing about the story that goes with the picture of you and Eeyore.

[saibot0001]

WOW!! I just got caught up on your trip report and I have two words: LOVE IT!!!
I love how you rate each of your restaurant experiences and at the end of each day you give a synopsis/review of best worst etc. Such a great thing to add to a TR! I also love all of your pictures. It really feels as though I am there with you btwn the pictures and your writings!

After looking over your pictures of Tokoyo Dining, I had my daughter look over the menu there. We have ADR's for Teppan Edo, but now we are not so sure.

We also love Marrakesh and think it is a hidden treasure. We would be going back there this trip if it was not for the want to try new restaurants at Epcot and we don't have a PH. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the idea of an Aladdin character dinner. It's genius and I wonder why Disney has not thought of that. I definitely think you should write a letter with the suggestion. Plus, it would give a character meal that was not just geared toward princesses for little boys (well girls would love it too, but you know what I mean, right?).
OH, as for that little boy...YIKES! I'm surprised that did not tie for your worst experience for the day that day. It amazes me how parents are not teaching there children how to behave these days! We also have the rule that everyone sits at the table until you are excused and manners are important not just at restaurants but at home too!
Thanks for having such and entertaining TR. I look forward to reading more!

[Principessa_di_Fata]

Boy did I get behind! That's what I get for taking a short jaunt down to the beach, eh?

A few comments from earlier - that little boy needed some good discipline from some clued-in parents. Kids have their moments, no question. Meri definitely does. As a server myself, I see so many horrifically behaved children and their oblivious parents. It's a real shame, and I am seeing it more and more. It makes me worried at times, but at least I know I'm doing my best to do my part in raising a polite, (mostly) well mannered child.

I really need to make it a point to get to Marrakesh. Your photos look absolutely delicious! We had an ADR on our last visit but canceled it because we didn't go to the park that day. That'll teach us.

Last but not least - it makes me absolutely laugh that you are so unabashed about admitting you park at BC to go to EPCOT for a few hours. We do that too, when we drive. It's just easier.

And I really REALLY need to stop reading TR's before I eat...

[cubfancolleen]

Can't believe the low crowds, and on Easter weekend, no less!
What a GREAT idea to do a character meal at Marrakesh! Send that one in!
The restaurant is so beautiful, but we've only eaten there once as we found it didn't compare to Marrakesh here in DC. The chicken was quite dry. Maybe we need to give it a second try at some point.

[pamcarey]

Great update! We loved Restaurant Marrakesh the one time we tried it! The only problem is there are just SO many good restaurants in Epcot!

[cubfancolleen]

Originally Posted by pamcarey

The only problem is there are just SO many good restaurants in Epcot!

I think I'd need to spend a month at WDW to eat everyplace I want to!