Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurant Recommendations?

[katepass72]

We are headed to WDW in March - with just a party of 2, seems like I've been able to get a reservation just about anywhere . Anyway, I've never tried any of the restaurants at AKL, but looks like I can score a reservation at any of them. Any suggestions on which one to pick or which is your favorite?

 

[BNukem]

We are headed to WDW in March - with just a party of 2, seems like I've been able to get a reservation just about anywhere . Anyway, I've never tried any of the restaurants at AKL, but looks like I can score a reservation at any of them. Any suggestions on which one to pick or which is your favorite?

They are actually all very good

 

[mindeola]

Bread Service at Sanaa is my very favorite thing to have a WDW!

I have reservations at Boma and Jiko on my upcoming May trip, but I have never eaten there before. I read nothing but great reviews!

 

[katepass72]

The bread service is the one thing I'm dying to try!! Too bad there's not a way to make the rounds to all three in a night but I don't think my stomach could keep up. Enjoy your meals!

 

[Lisa F]

I have not been to Jiko yet but between Boma and Sanaa I'd pick Sanaa. The bread service is phenomenal and I loved my main dish too. Boma is not as awesome as it used to be, at least when I went there for breakfast last time. It's still quite good but I'd pick Sanaa. Jiko gets great reviews if you are interested in trying a signature but if you're not looking to spend so much, Sanaa will scratch your AKL itch (so will Boma for that matter!)

 

[EasternShoreGal]

Have been to Boma (twice) and Jiko (maybe 10 times). Love It. Specially loved interacting with the chefs. The Tibs in Brick appetizer is a favorite of mine-a spinach mushroom filo thing with curry and apple. In fact one night I popped in just for those and a glass of wine I was craving it so much.

I can also recommend the elk entree. Had it the last time I was there (October) and it was cooked to perfection. Definitely one of my favorites on property. In fact we are headed back in April to celebrate my birthday and that is where we have dinner reservations.

 

[Dakota731]

Which restaurant can you watch the animals while you eat?

 

[David Brent]

Bread Service at Sanaa is my very favorite thing to have a WDW!

Amen sister.

 

[Marthasor]

Which restaurant can you watch the animals while you eat?

Sanaa during daylight hours. I agree with the others - they are all good! We happen to prefer Sanaa for the food and atmosphere.

 

[DeanDoug]

Which restaurant can you watch the animals while you eat?

Sanaa.

 

[DeanDoug]

We've eaten at all three multiple times and have NEVER had a bad experience anywhere. Boma is the best buffet I've ever enjoyed anywhere. Sanaa has more of an Indian flair and the animal view is magical. Jiko is very special. Enjoy!

 

[Barbydoll8]

Seriously, all of them. Even their QS location has very good food. You can not go wrong with any place to eat at AKL.
You can also order the whole menu in the bar at Sanna. Some people don't know this.

I do believe that if you are on the dining plan Jiko might be 2 TS credits. But someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I always pay out of pocket as the dining plan is way too much food for me and DH.

 

[sleepydog25]

Boma: Wide variety of foods, not overly adventurous so suitable for most tastes, generally louder as it's a buffet.
Sanaa: Yes, bread service. All nine sauces, too. Other dishes there can be quite good, as well, but we do the bread service for lunch paired with perhaps a soup or salad and wine. As it's daylight, we get to see animals. Make an ADR when they open for lunch (11:30, I believe) and you can usually get a window seat for animal viewing. Overall ambiance, service, and food are very good, and the price point, relative to Disney prices, is also excellent.
Jiko: Upscale, generally quiet ambiance, excellent service and food (and wine list!). Signature restaurant so, yes, 2 TS credits. Upscale translates to expensive, but it makes for a great place for couples or close friends to dine.

I made these comments as a way of defining what the three restaurants are like. All have been good to superb in terms of food and service; however, each venue speaks to a different kind of dining experience.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Boma - Best Buffet at WDW
Jiko - Best Table service at WDW

 

[ZoZo]

One thing I'd like to suggest is the "Dine with an Animal Specialist" experience at Sanaa. It includes lunch and you get to ask the zoologist as many questions as as you want. You also get to "meet" an animal after the lunch, and watch a training demonstration. It cost just a little bit more than a regular meal at Sanaa, and you get a great added experience!

 

[VAfamily1998]

One thing I'd like to suggest is the "Dine with an Animal Specialist" experience at Sanaa. It includes lunch and you get to ask the zoologist as many questions as as you want. You also get to "meet" an animal after the lunch, and watch a training demonstration. It cost just a little bit more than a regular meal at Sanaa, and you get a great added experience!

Do you know if this is available every day, or just a few days a week? I tried to make a reservation for our upcoming trip (I wanted it on a Saturday in April) and was told there was no availability, but the CM couldn't tell me if there was no availability because it was full, or because they just don't offer it on that day. I was wondering if I should bother calling back and checking to see if anyone cancelled.

 

[DizDaD7]

We are headed to WDW in March - with just a party of 2, seems like I've been able to get a reservation just about anywhere . Anyway, I've never tried any of the restaurants at AKL, but looks like I can score a reservation at any of them. Any suggestions on which one to pick or which is your favorite?

Quite frankly All of them...Including The QS Mara too. They are all That GOOD!

If price isn't an issue & you could only choose 1, then JIKO... All are equally good, & equally different experiences...
Boma's(buffet) *Hate calling it that- Is the best (BUFFET) on all of WDW property IMHO. Sanaa is a unique dining experience, with a special type of menu for the adventurous. Love the BREAD SERVICE!. Jiko is a top notch dining experience, and The Mara is one of those quick in n out places but serves really great food...And different.

 

[Best Aunt]

How much do you eat? At Boma you pay the buffet price no matter how much you eat. At the other two, you pay just for what you eat.

 

[dclpluto]

The bread service is the one thing I'm dying to try!! Too bad there's not a way to make the rounds to all three in a night but I don't think my stomach could keep up. Enjoy your meals!

My stomach could handle it but definitely not my budget.

 

[Dizzytime]

Just another mention for Mara because we think it's wonderful! Has so much variety in all the delicious food they offer, especially for the price, that we never get tired of eating there. Definitely one of our top choices for counter-service restaurants in all of Disney World for those days when we don't feel like making an ADR or maybe can't get one.
I know you will have a great meal at AKL wherever you choose, and sure hope you have a magical time, katepass72!