AKV dining question

[mjc2003]

In anticipation of making some reservations for November, I am trying to formulate a plan. We will be at AKV for 4 nights, and 5 nights at BCV.

We have a decent sized group at AKV; 10-12 people. What would you recommend, Jiko, Boma or Sanaa? Any details about either restaurant would be appreciated. We are staying in Kidani, but don't care about making our way over to Jambo.

Most of our group is comprised of pretty adventurous eaters. I'm not worried about trying something new. Just trying to get a feel for what is "better", or if any of them are a "must try"?

As an aside, any other spots around Epcot for the 2nd half of the trip that you'd recommend would be appreciated. We have eaten at San Angel in Mexico, Teppan Edo, Morocco, never in Italy, France (not since I was little) or Canada. We have eaten at Kat Cora's at BWV and Flying Fish. Like Kat's place better with kids. We have also eaten at (and will at least once on this trip) the Cape May Seafood Buffet.

Thanks!

 

[Pakey]

For large groups, we prefer Boma. Jiko is pretty quiet (a lot quieter and a bit more upscale than Flying Fish); I don't feel other diners want to listen to a large group. You could be seated in the wine room away from everyone else but there's no guarantee of that. Boma has more adventurous food out of the 3 restaurants. It's pretty noisy here which is why our group (11 of us) like it.

Saana is very nice but the menu is limited. The food isn't as varied as what you will experience at Boma.

At Epcot, our group likes Biergarten the best.

 

[dianeschlicht]

While I agree that large groups might be most easily accommodated at Boma, I still think it is pretty "run of the mill" buffet fare. Jiko and Sanaa are much more of upscale themed restaurants, and Jiko is an every trip must do for us, no matter where we are staying.

 

[JWG]

Jiko for that size group will be quite the bill. We're trying it for the first time on our upcoming trip. Boma is probably the best bet for atmosphere and selection for that sized group. It is a buffet, but brings different items then you'd find at your local Old Country Buffet or Golden Corral.

For near Epcot, you've hit what we like. Teppan Edo and San Angel are a couple of favorites. Have you tried the Yachtsman at the Yacht Club? We've always wanted to and just haven't made it over there.

 

[DVC Grammy]

Are there kids in your group? Is your group usually quiet in restaurants, or a little boisterous? While Jiko is one of my favorite restaurants, it's one of the most "adult" TS places on property. It's also one of the most quiet, and less conducive to "socializing" () groups.
For a more casual atmosphere, I would definitely suggest Boma. The food is still somewhat adventurous, and yours would probably not be the only large group there.

 

[Lorelei528]

For that size group, I would suggest BOMA, there are some really interesting (and delicious!) flavors there. We ate with a group of 8 on our wedding trip and it was nice and relaxing.

I think either Biergarten or Morocco would be good for a larger group as well. We did an 8 person meal at Morocco and a 19 person meal at Biergarten and everyone enjoyed the food and we all had a lot of fun!


HTH!

 

[mjc2003]

Thanks all, we would like to try the buffet at Boma one night and either Jiko or Sanaa. It sounds like Jiko is a bit quieter but both are upscale; we have children in the group, but only one under 5 and she might be the best eater of us all...and we eat out a lot, so I'm not worried about them bothering other diners. They are very well behaved! But, maybe Sanaa would be a better choice? Is Jiko quieter and more upscale of the two?

JWG, have not tried the Yachtsman but have heard it's really good. Our in-laws want to take us out one night, maybe that'll be the spot.

Lorelei, we tried Morocco once and thought it was just ok. Not bad, not great. We'll definitely go for Teppan Edo and Mexico again. Love the crab appetizer in Mexico, might be my favorite dish in Disney.

 

[Wedgeh]

I'm a fan of all three, however I have to say Sanaa was probably the one which most exceeded my expectations. I think in combination with Boma that would be the basis for a great dining experience! In answer to your question I would say that Jiko has the most upscale atmosphere.

 

[DVCconvert]

I'd eat at all of them!

Slightly OT...but if you can, a TIW membership would proably pay for itself and more in this one trip.

 

[mjc2003]

I'd eat at all of them!

Slightly OT...but if you can, a TIW membership would proably pay for itself and more in this one trip.

But you can only get that with an AP, right?

 

[Mtnman44]

Boma for sure. We love that place and feel there is a great variety to accomodate all tastes.

I did not care for Sanaa. No complaints about service or quality, I just didn't like the food type.

The new pizza restaurant in Italy is fun and casual. We also love eating at Rose and Crown, just for something a bit different. Le Cellier in Canada is of course a popular choice and one of the better, more formal restaurants and WDW, especially if you are in the mood for a steak.

I would also throw out one more suggestion that you may enjoy quite a bit, especially with a large group. Monorail over to the Polyneisian and eat at Ohanas. Enjoyed this waaay more than expected to. Great food and atmosphere. fun "family style" eating....

We also enjoy the Garden Grill at Epcot (rotating restaurant in the Land pavillion).

 

[DVCconvert]

But you can only get that with an AP, right?

Yes, but if one person has an AP, the dining discount with TIW extends to cover 10 people per party. And at 20% it can really add up depending on your useage of TIW. You may want to evaluation the extra cost of the AP over the ticket you plan on buying, and the dining/drinks savings. It may be worth it to you.

Here's more info on TIW
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneydiningexperience.htm

 

[mjc2003]

Boma for sure. We love that place and feel there is a great variety to accomodate all tastes.

I did not care for Sanaa. No complaints about service or quality, I just didn't like the food type.

The new pizza restaurant in Italy is fun and casual. We also love eating at Rose and Crown, just for something a bit different. Le Cellier in Canada is of course a popular choice and one of the better, more formal restaurants and WDW, especially if you are in the mood for a steak.

I would also throw out one more suggestion that you may enjoy quite a bit, especially with a large group. Monorail over to the Polyneisian and eat at Ohanas. Enjoyed this waaay more than expected to. Great food and atmosphere. fun "family style" eating....

We also enjoy the Garden Grill at Epcot (rotating restaurant in the Land pavillion).

We had a reservation at Ohana last trip and had to cancel b/c my daughter was sick. Thanks for the reminder; we have been meaning to try it, and have heard great things. We'll definitely make a reservation there.

As for Sanaa, I need to look at the menus I guess. We're definitely going to do Boma one night and then a few of the adults might try Sanaa or Jiko, I'll leave it up to the group.

Yes, but if one person has an AP, the dining discount with TIW extends to cover 10 people per party. And at 20% it can really add up depending on your useage of TIW. You may want to evaluation the extra cost of the AP over the ticket you plan on buying, and the dining/drinks savings. It may be worth it to you.

Here's more info on TIW
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneydiningexperience.htm

Wow, so 20% off one bill for a group our size could get me my money back on the TIW card. Well worth it. I am confused, it's only for table service, and they automatically add the gratuity? Not that it matters, we'd leave a gratuity anyway; so they basically cover the gratuity and a few bucks more? Is that the idea?

We will be eating at Boma, Sanaa or Jiko, Teppan Edo, Mexico, Poly, and Cape May Cafe--Each time with a minimum of 6 people. Seems like a no brainer!

 

[hakepb]

We had a reservation at Ohana last trip and had to cancel b/c my daughter was sick. Thanks for the reminder; we have been meaning to try it, and have heard great things. We'll definitely make a reservation there.

As for Sanaa, I need to look at the menus I guess. We're definitely going to do Boma one night and then a few of the adults might try Sanaa or Jiko, I'll leave it up to the group.



Wow, so 20% off one bill for a group our size could get me my money back on the TIW card. Well worth it. I am confused, it's only for table service, and they automatically add the gratuity? Not that it matters, we'd leave a gratuity anyway; so they basically cover the gratuity and a few bucks more? Is that the idea?

We will be eating at Boma, Sanaa or Jiko, Teppan Edo, Mexico, Poly, and Cape May Cafe--Each time with a minimum of 6 people. Seems like a no brainer!

It is mostly for table service (some cs @ values, ssr and DAK park because they used to not have TS) and yes it is mostly a magical "let me cover the tip (without it costing me a cent) for up to 10 people and you save 2%, too" card

Plus TIW is good for 12-13 months so it may be useful on your next trip.

 

[DVCconvert]

....Wow, so 20% off one bill for a group our size could get me my money back on the TIW card. Well worth it. I am confused, it's only for table service, and they automatically add the gratuity? Not that it matters, we'd leave a gratuity anyway; so they basically cover the gratuity and a few bucks more? Is that the idea?

We will be eating at Boma, Sanaa or Jiko, Teppan Edo, Mexico, Poly, and Cape May Cafe--Each time with a minimum of 6 people. Seems like a no brainer!

Yes and 18% grat is auto added...but it sounds like you'd beable to take advantage of the discount quite a few times....another perk is free valet parking (if you show your dining reciept upon departure)....I'm hoping you buy this as it will save you $$...and, it will give me the chance to not say "I told you so" yet once again!



Sounds like you're going to have a great trip!

 

[Mjkre]

It is mostly for table service (some cs @ values, ssr and DAK park because they used to not have TS) and yes it is mostly a magical "let me cover the tip (without it costing me a cent) for up to 10 people and you save 2%, too" card

Plus TIW is good for 12-13 months so it may be useful on your next trip.

Sorry to hijak your thread, but how is TIW good for 13 months? We will also be there in late November and go back at the same time each year.

 

[Tinkmom]

In my experience the TIW card is always valid for AT LEAST a year. Seems like last time we got one we rec'd it at the beginning of November and it was valid through the end of December the following year.

If you tend to go at the same time each year, then that would be worked so that the overlapped month or so is during the time of your trips!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Jiko hosts the dinner for the Wayanama safari, and that group was rather large and talkative when we were there. I wouldn't rule out Jiko for your group! I prefer Jiko's food over Boma's.