Boma or Jiko?

[ryetrga]

Help! We are taking our next trip to the World in June and staying at the Villas at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have already made all of our ADR's (eating at Le Cellier, Spoodles, O'Hana, 1900 Park Fare, Akershus for breakfast, and Mama Melrose's for the Fantasmic Dinner package). I have one more night which we would like to book. We are trying to decide between Boma and Jiko? Does anyone have any suggestions? Where would you eat? It will be my husband and I, DD9, DS7, and DS4. Thanks for your help!

 

[mickeysgirl17]

If you can afford it, I would do Jiko. I've never been there but I hear great reviews. It is more upscale than Boma though so I think your kids might be more comfortable in Boma, but kids are more than welcome in Jiko too.

 

[springandmac]

Definately Jiko! I ate there for the first time on my solo trip and it was wonderful.

Since I was dining solo I got to eat at "The cooking place" which was very entertaining and the chefs were fun to interact with.

 

[OKW Lover]

Boma and Jiko are two very different dining experiences. Jiko is a fine-dining, table-service place. Boma is a buffet place that has a lot of very different kinds of foods. It really depends on what you want for a dining experience.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Definatly Boma, I've eaten there three times, and the food has always been wonderful. Sadly I can not say the same for Jiko. The food I've had there is usually mediocre and stuff I didn't really care for, and although the service was great the first time, I had a very unattentive server the second time I ate there.

 

[Pakey]

We just returned and ate at both. We go to both each trip. We are an all adult group though. The night we ate at JIKO, the place was full but there was not one child in the place at all. It was quiet and romantic. Dinner was 2 hours for us and not once did any party coming or going have any children with them. I know that children are allowed here but you just don't see them. Many of men were in dress shirts and ties.

BOMA was full but lively and there were many tables with children.

 

[byoung]

Boma's get our vote!

 

[DisneyGirlie]

Well I've never been to Boma, so I don't know if my opinion is fair but I'd go with Jiko. I went there for the first time on my last trip and it was absolutely delicious and a great dining experience. I'm doing it again on my upcoming trip.

 

[lovetotravel07]

We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge a few years ago and did Boma's for Dinner and Breakfast our last day. I did a cooking class/demonstration at Jiko but didn't eat there.

We are doing Boma's for dinner again for sure (one of the main reasons we are staying at Animal Kingdom again! We are two adults and two older teenagers. Would it be worth the money to do Jiko as well?

 

[DISNEYmooner2008]

DH and I stayed at AKL for our honeymoon this month and ate at Boma and Jiko. We were so excited to eat at Jiko after seeing all the wonderful reviews here on the DIS. We were VERY disappointed however.... We didn't care for the food at all and our waiter was rather rude and impersonal. It just wasn't for us... Boma however was WONDERFUL!!! We ate there for breakfast and dinner and loved both!! The variety of food is so wonderful. We will certainly be eating there again even if we don't stay at the lodge.

 

[davinakb]

Boma and Jiko are two very different dining experiences. Jiko is a fine-dining, table-service place. Boma is a buffet place that has a lot of very different kinds of foods. It really depends on what you want for a dining experience.

That is it really. We've done both, enjoy both. Boma you get a lot of food for your $; Jiko is a more refined, relaxed meal. TIP: if you are into wine, they have a great SA selection. Even if you choose Boma, IIRC you can still order a bottle off the Jiko wine list. FWIW.

 

[septbaby]

It will be my husband and I, DD9, DS7, and DS4. Thanks for your help!

Given the ages of your chidren I'd say Boma would be a better family meal experience. There is a child's buffet area with "their kind of food" as well as pods with all kinds of awesome delights not found anywhere else at Disney. The atmosphere suits children and the noise they can make.

We also found ourselves in conversation with those at neighboring tables. My 6yo nephew was a bit smitten with the girl from the UK at the next table, but knew he also needed to talk to her dad so he wouldn't be mad at him for talking to his daughter. The couple on the other side of us was celebrating 25yrs. Two tables over from us got some special treatment from the Chef and received a fried Oreos tower; they shared with us! I never would have assumed such a wonderful and meal and pleasant company, but it was really nice to be at Boma.

One thing about the desserts. Many rave about the Zebra Domes; they may contain alcohol, so be sure to escort your children to that buffet and verify things with the staff at that pod. there are other items there too.

We are really looking forward to returning to Boma this trip.

 

[Tricia1972]

Jiko - hands down no contest! Better atmosphere, amazing food, and a wonderful evening.

Boma is fine, but I wouldn't replace my Jiko night with Boma.

However, with kids Boma may feel more comfortable for you. When we went to Jiko there were no kids and it has a very quiet romantic atmosphere.

 

[ellenmiele]

I say Jiko but my kids say Boma!

 

[DiznyDi]

We like the variety that Boma offers.

 

[yxe dad]

I would try and fit in both.

Jiko's food and service is the best I've had on WDW property. I even told the server that it was amazing, which I never do!

Boma, I love the different foods that they serve. Most WDW buffets tend to be rather "plain". There are a ton of different foods served right next to the chicken strips and fries if that's all your kids will eat.

I'd skip O'hana and add Boma.

But if your making me choose between the two, I'd go with Jiko!!! but it was close.

 

[Harambe]

We let our kids stay at Simba's Clubhouse one evening and they had a ball. If your kids like movies, video games, and arts & crafts, maybe they'd like a break from restaurants, and they could play and eat here.

Then mom & dad can go to Jiko. It is amazing, relaxing. And the good news would be you'd only be a short distance from the kids if they needed you.

We've been to Boma twice and just do not go for it. LOUD!!! It does have a selection for the kids, tho. I know because we ALL ate from there - chicken nuggets, macaroni, etc.

 

[exnortherner]

DW and I are grandparents and have been to Boma several times with all the kids and grandkids as well as by ourselves and we have always had a great time. The food is wonderful and there are plenty of kid friendly items to choose from. The atmosphere is informal and perfect for kids who find it hard to sit quietly for very long.

DW and I have been to Jiko by ourselves and had a wonderful meal with great service but I don't think it is the best place to bring the kids. My grandkids have great restaurant savvy, so behavior is not the issue. I just think the food and atmosphere are more fun for them at Boma.