"Dine with Animal Specialists... an "Untamed" Lunch at Sanaa"

[dismiss]

Burnt Toast

Sent you a PM for a reservation

Hope it is available Christmas Week

Thanks Dismiss

 

[Burnt Toast]

Now that more than a couple of these have gone off, I'm hoping for at least some sort of resolution regarding the menu and my pickiness (I don't eat shrimp or chicken, though I can eat rice until the cows come home... (and make me some beef )). When I am down there, I will be on DxDDP (which I know won't cover the meal). So, with that said would I
a) be able to order my own entree alongside this meal? Foregoing the included entree?
and
b) be able to use DxDDP credits to purchase that entree? (Skipping the app and dessert that would also be included in a DxDDP meal, but $20 value > $0 value)

If the answer to a is yes, but b is no, that should still be fine. I'd have to decide if I'd be hungry enough to pick something up after. Heck, even if both are no I can swing by Mara no problem (and a walk from Kidani to Jambo may be nice with my camera).

Really, just wondering what to expect on this front.

Hrmn. What I would do is call the number referenced above in a prior post and I would speak with a Sanaa Cast Member directly for any exceptions to the menu.

 

[Burnt Toast]

There was another thread from a mother who wanted to bring really small kids (age 4 and 2 I think) to this event. I know that Dine with an Imagineer, although little kids are allowed, is not recommended for younger children as there isn't much to keep them entertained about the event. What about this animal event for little children? Might they get bored, and possibly disrupt the event for their parents and others?

I know this isn't very PC, but I don't understand why parents would want to take very small children to something that they probably wouldn't enjoy and potentially ruin the experience of folks who the lunch is designed for. Yes it's only "suggested" for ages 8 and up, but I would think anyone that has a least bit of common sense would realize that there is a good reason for this.

There are plenty of other events at the Resort that small children would VERY much enjoy (like the new "Animal Enrichment" event that's available everyday at both sides of DAKL), I just personally feel that this would not be one of them because it's a lot of adults talking about stuff that is going to go over their heads. LOL.

 

[cbg1027]

Hey Burnt,

Now that more than a couple of these have gone off, I'm hoping for at least some sort of resolution regarding the menu and my pickiness (I don't eat shrimp or chicken, though I can eat rice until the cows come home... (and make me some beef )). When I am down there, I will be on DxDDP (which I know won't cover the meal). So, with that said would I
a) be able to order my own entree alongside this meal? Foregoing the included entree?
and
b) be able to use DxDDP credits to purchase that entree? (Skipping the app and dessert that would also be included in a DxDDP meal, but $20 value > $0 value)

If the answer to a is yes, but b is no, that should still be fine. I'd have to decide if I'd be hungry enough to pick something up after. Heck, even if both are no I can swing by Mara no problem (and a walk from Kidani to Jambo may be nice with my camera).

Really, just wondering what to expect on this front.

When I did the lunch a chef came out before any food was delivered to talk about Sanaa's cuisine and ask if anyone had any special dietary requests. There was a vegetarian in our group, so they made a different entree for her with no problem.

Also, the main course that is served is from the menu - Slow Cooked in Gravy, Simple, and Well Seasoned - and has a choice of shrimp, chicken, and beef (you pick 2 meats and basmati rice or five grain pilaf). I bet they would be happy to just substitute the beef short ribs instead of chicken and shrimp for you.

Hrmn. What I would do is call the number referenced above in a prior post and I would speak with a Sanaa Cast Member directly for any exceptions to the menu.

But as Burnt Toast says....call if you want to know for sure beforehand.

 

[Cafeen]

Hrmn. What I would do is call the number referenced above in a prior post and I would speak with a Sanaa Cast Member directly for any exceptions to the menu.

When I did the lunch a chef came out before any food was delivered to talk about Sanaa's cuisine and ask if anyone had any special dietary requests. There was a vegetarian in our group, so they made a different entree for her with no problem.

Also, the main course that is served is from the menu - Slow Cooked in Gravy, Simple, and Well Seasoned - and has a choice of shrimp, chicken, and beef (you pick 2 meats and basmati rice or five grain pilaf). I bet they would be happy to just substitute the beef short ribs instead of chicken and shrimp for you.

But as Burnt Toast says....call if you want to know for sure beforehand.

Thanks. I did place a call in yesterday to Sanaa, just waiting on the return now. And thanks cbg for the first hand account, it puts my mind at ease a bit that there's a choice. I guess I'll find out the other part of the answer when Sanaa calls me back, and I'll make sure to post that info for others who may be wondering the same.

 

[wendym]

We did this today and can really recommend it!
The Animal encounter lunch at Saana was amazing. Chris from Ohio was the animal specialistand she had opened Animal Kingdom, the Lodge and Kidani Village. She talked all the way through lunch and had so many interesting stories and was willing to answer any of the questions. The chef came out to explain the food to the 12 of us and check for dietary requirements. We started with the bread service of poppadoms, nan, paneer paratha and dips, then a mixture of three salads – red and gold beetroot, watermelon and pickle salad, chickpea salad. The main course was green thai shrimp, spicy red chicken and pilau rice. Final course was chai cream, chocolate cake, and a tropical fruit kulfi. After almost 90 minutes we were led outside to meet one of the two giant tortoises – Smitch, named after one of the Chefs at Saana. We can really recommend this.
Wendy

 

[minniebeth]

We did this today and can really recommend it!
The Animal encounter lunch at Saana was amazing. Chris from Ohio was the animal specialistand she had opened Animal Kingdom, the Lodge and Kidani Village. She talked all the way through lunch and had so many interesting stories and was willing to answer any of the questions. The chef came out to explain the food to the 12 of us and check for dietary requirements. We started with the bread service of poppadoms, nan, paneer paratha and dips, then a mixture of three salads – red and gold beetroot, watermelon and pickle salad, chickpea salad. The main course was green thai shrimp, spicy red chicken and pilau rice. Final course was chai cream, chocolate cake, and a tropical fruit kulfi. After almost 90 minutes we were led outside to meet one of the two giant tortoises – Smitch, named after one of the Chefs at Saana. We can really recommend this.
Wendy

Thanks so much for your review! Sounds awesome!

 

[snykymom]

We did this today and can really recommend it!
The Animal encounter lunch at Saana was amazing. Chris from Ohio was the animal specialistand she had opened Animal Kingdom, the Lodge and Kidani Village. She talked all the way through lunch and had so many interesting stories and was willing to answer any of the questions. The chef came out to explain the food to the 12 of us and check for dietary requirements. We started with the bread service of poppadoms, nan, paneer paratha and dips, then a mixture of three salads – red and gold beetroot, watermelon and pickle salad, chickpea salad. The main course was green thai shrimp, spicy red chicken and pilau rice. Final course was chai cream, chocolate cake, and a tropical fruit kulfi. After almost 90 minutes we were led outside to meet one of the two giant tortoises – Smitch, named after one of the Chefs at Saana. We can really recommend this.
Wendy

Thank you! Can't wait for October!

The only issue I have is that both this and the wine & cheese tasting at Jiko are scheduled only on Wednesdays! And since neither are to be missed, and we've only got one Wednesday, they're going to have to roll us out of there!

 

[Simba's Mom]

We did this today and can really recommend it!
The Animal encounter lunch at Saana was amazing. Chris from Ohio was the animal specialistand she had opened Animal Kingdom, the Lodge and Kidani Village. She talked all the way through lunch and had so many interesting stories and was willing to answer any of the questions. The chef came out to explain the food to the 12 of us and check for dietary requirements. We started with the bread service of poppadoms, nan, paneer paratha and dips, then a mixture of three salads – red and gold beetroot, watermelon and pickle salad, chickpea salad. The main course was green thai shrimp, spicy red chicken and pilau rice. Final course was chai cream, chocolate cake, and a tropical fruit kulfi. After almost 90 minutes we were led outside to meet one of the two giant tortoises – Smitch, named after one of the Chefs at Saana. We can really recommend this.
Wendy

Thanks! I can hardly wait until September 28th. Brandon (I think that was his name) called back and confirmed that I have that luncheon, and he also confirmed the Wanyama Safari for me (I love unexpected incentive checks from work). I thought after I hung up that I should have confirmed what we were eating at that luncheon, but it just sounds so wonderful, I really don't care what we get fed.

 

[Burnt Toast]

Thanks! I can hardly wait until September 28th. Brandon (I think that was his name) called back and confirmed that I have that luncheon, and he also confirmed the Wanyama Safari for me (I love unexpected incentive checks from work). I thought after I hung up that I should have confirmed what we were eating at that luncheon, but it just sounds so wonderful, I really don't care what we get fed.

Brandon is awesome.

 

[Cafeen]

Thanks! I can hardly wait until September 28th. Brandon (I think that was his name) called back and confirmed that I have that luncheon, and he also confirmed the Wanyama Safari for me (I love unexpected incentive checks from work). I thought after I hung up that I should have confirmed what we were eating at that luncheon, but it just sounds so wonderful, I really don't care what we get fed.

I have a call into Sanaa right now that I'm waiting for them to return, so I can easily double/triple check the menu when they call back. (Since, well, that's why I'm calling them ).

I'll see you there on the 28th (as that's my day as well!). Only about 2 months and 14 days to go!

 

[wendym]

I agree that Brandon is awesome but so are you Burnt Toast for helping us all!

 

[Burnt Toast]

I agree that Brandon is awesome but so are you Burnt Toast for helping us all!

Aw shucks... thank you very much!

 

[Cafeen]

Just got off the phone with Brandon myself. Totally forgot to ask about the menu that I said I would and I think I confused the poor guy trying to describe what I wanted to do. In the end, he did say I can request an alternative when I show up, so that may be the way, if not, I'll just stop and grab something after if I'm still hungry.

 

[Burnt Toast]

http://land.allears.net/blogs/allearsteam/2011/07/untamed_lunch_with_an_animal_s_1.html

AllEars.net review of this lunch offering. Enjoy!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Yes, thank you, I did truly enjoy. And now I have no doubt that I will LOVE the Untamed Lunch-good thing I already signed up! Besides cafeen and I, it will be interesting to see how many of us there are.

 

[zaksmom]

Any rumors of additional days for this experience?
We called as soon as we found out, before Disney announced it, and our date was Oct 26 -the only Wednesday we'll be at Disney. Wanted to do it for a birthday gift to myself. There was a party of 11 signed up for that day and another couple so they were actually overbooked. Brandon said to call back every few weeks to see if someone cancels, but I'm now considering figuring out when my next vacation will be and going ahead and reserving now! Brandon said it is extremely popular.

 

[Burnt Toast]

Yah, October 26th seems to be a very popular day. There are currently no rumors of additional days to be added.

As for DISboarders... I know that I helped book a lot of you guys, over 20 or so parties for various dates until December.

 

[Burnt Toast]

Still interested in hearing any reviews from folks that have done this lunch.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Yes, I'd be interested also. I'm trying to think of questions, but all I can think of is "Just tell me anything and everything." Too specific?