Boma's .... Too Far Away?

[TXTink]

I have heard SO much about Boma's, I really-really want to dine there! DH is a bit put off because we aren't staying at AKL, and thinks it is too far away to justify the trip.

So, I am wondering how long it would take to take a bus from AK to AKL for dinner? (it isn't open for lunch, right?) We will be going in May, so if we take an early dinner to go from the AK to the AKL, will there be enough time to get back to the AK for more park time? Or, I guess, we can always just hop to another park and end the day somewhere else.

We also plan on a down day to shop at Downtown Disney and poke around our resort, so maybe it would be best to try to go that day. We will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge.

What do y'all think?

 

[Christine]

Your best bet would be to go to Boma after your day at AK. Depending on when AK closes when you are there, you *probably* won't have time to get back. Boma opens at 5:00 p.m. It will probably take you an hour and a half to dine. Once you got back on the bus, it would probably be close to 7:00 p.m. before you got back to AK.

You could always go to Downtown Disney afterwards to walk off your dinner!

 

[Fromeurope]

It takes only 5 minutes to travel from AK to AKL by bus.
We love Boma so much, that we travel from Europe to Florida to eat there
And do some other Disney things ofcourse....

 

[YCFAN]

I just did this!! I have been wanting to try Boma for a while and I have another trip planned for next July that includes a stay at AKL so this trip I took my AK day and hopped on the AKL bus after the afternoon parade at AK. Boma opens at 5:30. My ressie was for 5:50. It only took about 10 minutes once we were out of the park to get on a bus and back to AKL and find Boma. It was definitely worth it. Everything I have heard was correct!! They have a coconut curry seafood stew that I absolutely loved and considering it felt like 115 degrees outside the fact that I would even WANT to eat hot soup was amazing!! The dessert bar was unbelievable too. I don't think you'd regret it all. We got there a little early so we just walked around and saw the animals. I'm really glad we did it and I'm looking forward to my trip next year now even more.

 

[gravel72]

Your best bet would be to go to Boma after your day at AK. Depending on when AK closes when you are there, you *probably* won't have time to get back. Boma opens at 5:00 p.m. It will probably take you an hour and a half to dine. Once you got back on the bus, it would probably be close to 7:00 p.m. before you got back to AK.

You could always go to Downtown Disney afterwards to walk off your dinner!

We are having the same delima. But I think Christine nailed it on the head ..

Spend time at AK, take a short bus ride to Boma, then take the bus to Downtown Disney. From there hang out as long as you wish, then take a bus back to your resort.

Because, you can't go back to AK at that point.

 

[TXTink]

This all sounds GREAT! I am pumped that you all think it is very doable! (I can't wait to tell DH what you all said )

If Fromeurope can make it a point to get there from The Netherlands, we should be able to fit it in while we are there! Goodness!

There is so much walking at the AK, I want to get there really hungry! So, after the meal (and over eating, I'm sure), the thought of "walking it off" is appealing!

 

[Christine]

This all sounds GREAT! I am pumped that you all think it is very doable! (I can't wait to tell DH what you all said )

If Fromeurope can make it a point to get there from The Netherlands, we should be able to fit it in while we are there! Goodness!

There is so much walking at the AK, I want to get there really hungry! So, after the meal (and over eating, I'm sure), the thought of "walking it off" is appealing!

Is this your first trip to Disney?

The reason I ask is because, while AK is on the "outer reaches" of the resorts, I wouldn't say that it is "too far" to get to. The whole of WDW is sprawling, but nothing is so difficult to get to that you need to write it off your list. Just wondering if you've been before (or your DH) because I never feel that anything is "too far."

 

[TXTink]

Is this your first trip to Disney?

The reason I ask is because, while AK is on the "outer reaches" of the resorts, I wouldn't say that it is "too far" to get to. The whole of WDW is sprawling, but nothing is so difficult to get to that you need to write it off your list. Just wondering if you've been before (or your DH) because I never feel that anything is "too far."

Nope, not the first time! We have been many times! But, I have a hard time dragging my family to AK for some reason (I, on the other hand LOVE it there)... The last time we were at WDW (in 2004), I did get my DH to spend a half day there with me while our DD's spent their time at MGM (couldn't get them there at all!), and we had a great time. So, now I think I will be able to get him to AK and then to AKL for a dinner at Boma. But, when I mentioned it, he sorta balked at the idea saying it would take too much time. Go figure!

I am hoping that Expedition Everest will be open when we go in May, then I think I will be able to get DD's there as well. Then we could cap off our day at Boma. Doesn't that sound good?

With all that has been written here, I think DH will be more open to the idea.

Thanks!

 

[disnut8]

Expedition Everest will more than likely be open in May. And I agree with everyone else about going to Boma after a day at Animal Kingdom. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy the grounds at the Lodge. I couldn't get my daughter-in-law out of there. The gift shop is not a typical Disney shop - it does have the regular souviners but the other options are very nice. Excellent place for a meal and if your husband doesn't like it, I'd be totally surprised.

 

[moopdog]

This thread has answered many of my questions as well - so thanks. But, I just made an AR this morning for Boma on Sunday 9/25, and it is for 4:40... someone on this tread said they open at 5:30, so what's the deal??

Also, if we decide to go to Donald's breakfast do you think we'd be too full to eat at 4:40 again?

If we go for breakfast and then do Boma's, is there a place "in" AK that my littlest one can take a snooze (train ride that lasts long enough for example)?

 

[TXTink]

Expedition Everest will more than likely be open in May. And I agree with everyone else about going to Boma after a day at Animal Kingdom. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy the grounds at the Lodge. I couldn't get my daughter-in-law out of there. The gift shop is not a typical Disney shop - it does have the regular souviners but the other options are very nice. Excellent place for a meal and if your husband doesn't like it, I'd be totally surprised.

Yes, I am hoping Expedition Everest will be open, and like you said, it should be. Our DD's will go if that is the case!

I just know DH will love the food, with everything I have been reading on here about it. It sounds wonderful! My DH isn't usually grumpy about doing or trying most things, so his reaction sorta surprised me when I brought this up. I am thinking he thinks that the AKL is going to be further away than it obviously is. We have never been there. So, after I tell him what you all have said, I think he will be more receptive to the idea. (He might as well be, because we are going! )

You are also right with the idea of going early to give us enough time to enjoy the resort before the meal. The more I think about it the more excited I get. I think I will pop over to Deb Wills site and print off a menu, then we can drool over it tonight after I tell him what all you said!

 

[YCFAN]

5:30 was when I was told it opened when I made my ADR. I believe I've also seen that posted on Deb Wills site but I'm sure they probably open at different times depending on what part of the year it is. I think AK closes at different times of the year also. If they've booked you an ADR for 4:40 then don't worry about it. I'm sure they'll be open and it will be well worth the effort. BTW, there was only two of us this time and we were seated in a very nice area at the back of the restaurant by the window that overlooked plants and foilage. Very nice.

 

[Fromeurope]

When we had dinner at Boma in January we had a 5 pm PS. We arrived early at 4.30 pm and were seated in about 5 minutes. The restaurant was already open at that time. I was very surprised, because I thought it opened at 5 pm, but obviously it doesn't So there is nothing wrong with a 4.40 pm PS.
And TxTink I am sure you wouldn't regret it. Animal Kingdom Lodge is a beautiful hotel to visit, even without the food

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I thought it opened earlier than 5, too, so I'm not surprised by the early PS time. Just think...you get all the food from the buffet nice and fresh!
My suggestion? Get to AKL a bit earlier, check out the lobby, have your little one take a snooze there. Everyone else can check out the resort (esp. Arusha Rock overlook). They have really comfy chairs in the lobby, and TV's!

 

[Christine]

This thread has answered many of my questions as well - so thanks. But, I just made an AR this morning for Boma on Sunday 9/25, and it is for 4:40... someone on this tread said they open at 5:30, so what's the deal??

Also, if we decide to go to Donald's breakfast do you think we'd be too full to eat at 4:40 again?

If we go for breakfast and then do Boma's, is there a place "in" AK that my littlest one can take a snooze (train ride that lasts long enough for example)?

I think Boma has varying hours. When I went in June (on a Thursday) I got a 5:00 p.m. seating and that was right at opening. I had to make sure I left AK at 4:30 p.m. (we had or own car). I bet on Sunday's they open earlier because a lot of people like to eat early on Sunday's for some reason. I know a lot of our local restaurants start serving dinner at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday's versus 4:30 p.m. on the other days.

We've been out of naps for a long time now so I can't help you there.