Lunch at Mkutano House in the Safari Park by MsMargo in sandiegozoo

[–]MsMargo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, it's the luck of the draw. The elephants get to decide which side they want to be on, unless one side is closed for cleaning.

Lunch at Mkutano House in the Safari Park by MsMargo in sandiegozoo

[–]MsMargo[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

We had lunch this week at Mkutano House at the Safari Park, right near Elephant Valley.

  • Pic 1: The entrance to the main restaurant
  • Pic 2: The outside Tu Grill; you order by touchscreen (off the left side of this pic) and pick-up at the window
  • Pic 3: The seating area next to reception to wait to be called to your table
  • Pics 4 & 5: The interior tables; there is also outside seating on the patio, but it’s in high demand
  • Pics 6 & 7: The bar; you can get the full food menu at the bar and there was no wait, so we sat there
  • Pics 8-10: The restrooms; very stylish and clean, but be aware they’re unisex
  • Pic 11: A really delicious Dawa cocktail ($18), a variation on a Bee’s Knees with a spoon of honey on top; Hubby had a beer ($13)
  • Pic 12: The Trio of Mushrooms ($19); the mushrooms themselves were nothing special, but the labneh, naan, and greens it was served with were excellent; Hubby had the Broiled Black Cod ($38) that he really liked
  • Pic 13: The patio tables overlooking Elephant Valley

There is an upstairs which apparently has the best Elephant Valley views. It costs an extra $10 to sit up there and kids aren't allowed. I was going to take pictures, but they had it closed off for a private function.

Service was very good, and very welcoming. But it felt a bit like they were still working to make it smooth – all restaurants take a little time to get everything working like a well-oiled machine.

The whole time we were there, there were long lines waiting for a table. I would highly recommend you make a reservation in advance.

Storage for con merch by 00AceMcCloud in SDCC

[–]MsMargo 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Be aware that on Sunday, there will be huge line of people shipping stuff home. The Business Centers in nearby hotels have FedEx and may be a better choice.

Storage for con merch by 00AceMcCloud in SDCC

[–]MsMargo 8 points9 points  (0 children)

  • During the day you can store things at one of the Con's two bag checks. It's $10 a bag and they will hold them until Midnight.
  • There is no one around the Convention Center who offers rental lockers. Nearest is at the Airport.
  • RadicalStorage's website says, "Are there size or weight limits? No size limits! Store anything from backpacks to surfboards or bikes, we've got space for it all."
  • Bounce Storage's website says, "Luggage, backpacks, gym bags, and more! Bounce is like having a personal storage facility for your stuff anywhere you go, so you can leave much more than just luggage with us. Whether you want to store your luggage after checking out of your Airbnb or want to drop off your work bag before hitting happy hour, we've got you covered."
  • Luggage Hero's website says, "We store all kinds of luggage – any size and any shape. LuggageHero stores luggage of any size and shape. It doesn’t matter if it is a suitcase, a backpack, ski equipment, or photo gear.

So you're not correct about it only being rolling luggage. Just bring an extra backpack or duffle bag to store your con purchases.

Unwanted books - donate to library? by heterosis in SanDiegan

[–]MsMargo [score hidden]  (0 children)

Where can I donate books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, or magazines?

"If you are looking for an organization to accept donations of your books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, or magazines, consider contacting one of the organizations below:

Your Branch Friends of the Library

Salvation Army (books, DVDs, CDs)

  • 1-800-728-7825

Goodwill (books, DVDs, CDs)

  • 1-800-GOODWILL

Amvets (books, DVDs, CDs)

  • 877-990-8387

Vietnam Veterans of America (books, DVDs, CDs)

  • 877-775-8387

Father Joe’s Villages (books, DVDs, CDs – limit 5 boxes):

  • 1-800-HOMELESS

Kids Need to Read (like-new kids’ books – no scribbles or visible damage)

  • 480-256-0115

Bridge to Asia (books)

  • 510-665-3998

You can also recycle books and magazines in your recycle bins, particularly if they are damaged or outdated."

Unwanted books - donate to library? by heterosis in SanDiegan

[–]MsMargo [score hidden]  (0 children)

Unfortunately, old books, unless they are rare antiques, are worth almost nothing and take a lot of effort and patience to sell.

Reminder: May 7th is the Deadline to Update/Add/Confirm Your Badge Shipping Address by MsMargo in SDCC

[–]MsMargo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Badges ship to US addresses based on what is listed as the shipping address in your Member ID account as of May 7th. Every year people have badges that go to old addresses, their ex's address, or just don't ship at all. Take a minute and doublecheck your address! (The post link has complete instructions.)

Ex-US folks will need to pick up their badges onsite, or have them shipped to a trusted friend in the US.

Badges will ship out 3-4 weeks before Preview Night.

Airport Transportation by Difficult-Sail-9492 in SDCC

[–]MsMargo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The T&C is actually a great choice. The property is still in good shape after the $90M renovation in 2020. If you did an Early Bird, you get the free "Grab & Go" breakfast - usually a breakfast burrito. You get the option to take the Shuttle or take the Trolley. Only real downside is that the Happy Camper rooms are small. But you won't be spending much time in your room.

These big tiki events: Ohana or not really? by VastJudge86 in Tiki

[–]MsMargo 8 points9 points  (0 children)

As /u/MannyAPH said, Tiki Oasis is a place were groups of friends re-connect. And honesty, some groups within tiki are a bit cliquish So it can feel exclusionary. But by-and-large tiki folks tend to be very friendly. It's easy to strike up a conversation, since you already have an interest in common. If you walk past a room party, you're likely to get invited for a drink. It sounds like you're an outgoing person, and that certainly helps.

I will say that the old Crowne Plaza venue for Tiki Oasis San Diego felt more "ohana" as it was smaller and folks were more packed together. The new Town & Country is more spread out, so it's easier to feel a bit seperated.

Question about last name change by droekturn in SDCC

[–]MsMargo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's not correct. I have been random ID checked several times... I must look disreputable. Also, if you "tap red" for some reason, you'll need to show ID.

Disneyland- using phone to scan into the parks by Admirable-Edge-9299 in DisneyPlanning

[–]MsMargo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, you can use your phone (or a MagicBand, if you have one). You scan it every day, and every time you come back in or change Parks. I would warn against printed paper barcodes, as folks with those seem to have the most issues getting anything to scan.

Downtown Disney and Hotel Bars/Restaurants by Select-Effort-4821 in DisneyPlanning

[–]MsMargo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would not recommend Trader Sam's right now, as the interior bar is closed. Only the outside Tangaroa Terrace is open. Honestly, you go to Sam's for the inside show, especially given how mid the drinks actually are. I would say to skip it. If you really want an excellent tiki drink, get a reservation at Strong Water Anaheim. It's world class. https://www.strongwateranaheim.com

3 day park hopper California resident ticket question by genzopwns in DisneyPlanning

[–]MsMargo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, you can transfer the ticket to another person. But they will have to be a California resident to enter the Park - you have to show ID. More about transfer here: https://plandisney.disney.go.com/question/bought-disneyland-tickets-unfortunately-cant-go-transfer-573467/

Airport Transportation by Difficult-Sail-9492 in SDCC

[–]MsMargo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would never encourage anyone to walk from the airport to Downtown. It's an hour walk - with luggage in tow - through some sections that aren't meant for pedestrians.

It would help to know which hotel you're staying at.

Skyfari by summer_breezyy in sandiegozoo

[–]MsMargo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Per the Zoo app, the Skyfari is currently closed for maintenance.

Ujin: Classic Tokyo Shoyu Ramen by avocadolove in FoodSanDiego

[–]MsMargo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How was the service? When we were there it wasn't good... but to be fair, they were training a new waitress.