Convince me about Jiko...

[Carl4628]

We are staying at the Poly and Jiko would be an out of the way trip. How is it and is it worth the trip? Thanks.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

We went to Jiko at the end of our day at Animal Kingdom Park, it was a 10 minute bus ride, and a $25 cab ride back to the Polynesian. We could have taken a bus to the Transportation and Ticket Center but opted for a faster cab ride.

Our waitress, Michelle, was wonderful. Knew all the wines and everything about the food, perfect service. The atmosphere was quiet, a little dark, but relaxing.

The food was absolutely outstanding. I had a curried soup and DW had the braised beet salad. I had the maize crusted halibut and DW had the oak-grilled filet over macaroni and cheese. Some of the best mac and cheese I've ever tasted - I almost asked for a bowl of it! The South African wine was very good, but I always order the cheap stuff. Ever look at the "reserve" wine lists at some of the WDW restaurants? $200+++ for a bottle of wine! I'm not that rich.

We definitely didn't mind using 2 dining plan credits. We were on the deluxe dining plan and needed some signature restaurants to use our credits.

There are some fun things to do there too. The lobby has a great gift shop (very big) and there is night viewing of animals (night vision goggles), a little parade, and story telling at a fire pit... just check with the resort about actual times.

 

[Chikabowa]

We ate there in 2004 and to date it was one of the best meals we've eaten while on vacation. The atmosphere was wonderful and the wine and food were amazing. Loved everything about it. My DH begs to go back, but with two little girls (toddler & baby) it just isn't worth spending $200 on a meal. In the future, when the girls get older, it will be on our "must" list.

 

[Carl4628]

Thanks for the input

 

[Lynn5700]

It is sooooo worth it!!! One of my favorite places!!!

 

[accountingbabe08]

Jiko was delicious well worth 2 dining credits IMO. Hope you enjoy

 

[cbg1027]

Very worth any extra hassle or expense!

Jiko was amazing. Everything we had was top-notch, and I plan to go back in December!

 

[aussietravellers]

We spent 21 nights at WDW the last time we went and we ate at Jiko three times. Each and every time it they were the best meals we ate at any restaurants (and we ate at 3 TS a day) whist at WDW.

I am making 3 ADR's on our upcoming trip again as it was so good.

 

[leelip1982]

Yes go it is amazing!!!! One of our favorite restaurants. We are eating there again in April. The filet with mac and cheese is the best!!!!! The taste of Africa appetizer is very good. Have a great dinner you won't be disappointed

 

[madalex]

Our waitress, Michelle, was wonderful. Knew all the wines and everything about the food, perfect service. The atmosphere was quiet, a little dark, but relaxing.

Last time we were at Jiko (Feb 2009), we had Michelle as our waitress too. She was wonderful! Very knowledgeable about the food and the wine list. She was very sweet to my daughters. She was so nice, we ended up getting her picture with our family at the end of the meal. I am going back to Jiko in a couple weeks and I hope I get Michelle as my waitress again!

 

[sghetrick]

Totally worth it. When we visit Disney we always make a dinner reservation at Jiko no matter where we were staying.

 

[E&K's Dad]

Best meal I have ever eaten in WDW! We are traveling with a large group for our next trip and I am trying to figure out how to get away from my kids for a few hours to sneak off to Jiko!

 

[SOnotLayuh]

Best meal I've ever had anywhere in my life! I have yummy pictures on my dining review - link in the sig

 

[burberryplaid]

Jiko is my favorite restaurant anywhere! If I ever have to plan my last meal on earth it would be at Jiko..well worth the extra effort to get there from other resorts on property!

 

[Golf4food]

Our meal at Jiko (only one so far but there will be more) was one of the best meals we've had anywhere inside WDW or outside in the "real" world. Our server was Ron and was the best server we've ever had and the food was all wonderful. Couldn't love it more.

 

[Hollymom1229]

Been to Jiko four times now, and will be making my ADR for a fifth visit this Friday. It is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. We love the flatbreads, especially the chef's specialties which change monthly. DH and I finally pulled ourselves away from the filet with mac and cheese on our last visit, and found more amazing dishes. The wine selection here is phenomenal, some of the best wines we've ever had. Definitely worth the trip.

 

[princessallegra]

This thread just made me so excited for our "secret" ressie for Jiko!!! I'm surprising DH with a dinner at Jiko on our last night. We're going to pay OOP because we'll have used all our dining credits already, but I know it will be worth it! Can't wait to see the AKL and try the delicious food.

 

[somethingblue]

This is a little bit off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows if the night vision goggles for watching animals are free or if they cost something? Also where to get them?

I'm eating at Jiko in May and think it would be fun to look at the animals afterward...and it might be dark out by the time we're done. Can't wait!

 

[Raecheal]

Jiko is Dbf's fav. restaurant... Our service and food was excellent.

 

[itchin2go]

AKL = yes. I think it's definitely worth a trip over there (it's not THAT far) to check it out. It's my favorite resort!

Jiko = eh. We really liked the appetizers, and it's a gorgeous restaurant, but we've never been particularly impressed with our entrees there. On our first visit there, we did try that pistachio creme brulee with the surprise at the bottom (spoiler: hidden chocolate!), and it did not disappoint.

As far as the signature dining places we've tried, Jiko is at the bottom. My hubby had THE filet, and was not impressed. I had the vegetarian entree and it was not only not good, it was poorly cooked. Jiko generally gets good reviews, though.

If I'm headed to AKL, I'd rather go to Boma, and I'm not a fan of buffets. Boma is in another league, though.