Date Night ideas?

[TheFloatingBear]

Long-time lurker and I decided that today is the day I finally post a question since people here seem to have a lot of good ideas...

We have an upcoming trip in April, our 5th in about 8 years, a split stay with the second part being AKL. Every trip, we have done a date night splurge, some more ambitious than others. For example, last year it was drinks at the Poly, a few rides at MK, and dinner/wishes from CG.

This year, we've scheduled it for our second night at AKL. We're having dinner as a family at Boma the previous night. At this point, I have dinner for 2 scheduled for Jiko. We've never stayed at AKL, or eaten at either restaurant. I know the two restaurants are different - one a buffet, one a signature, but will they be too similar, if that makes sense? Should we try an early dinner at Yak & Yeti - I've heard AK is pretty in the evening? Stick with Jiko but head over to Epcot or DHS for fireworks after? Dinner in Epcot? I know AKL is a little more remote than some of the resorts, so not sure heading to a park will work as well? Any thoughts would be appreciated - thanks!

 

[Lisa F]

I would not pick Y&Y over a signature... unless money was the only factor of course. I think you might find some similar flavor profiles and less used spices at both, but a sit down prepared to order meal is worlds apart from a buffet, even the best buffet at WDW. For a signature romantic dinner I don't think any of the park restaurants will have the same atmosphere as at the resorts... and I like the idea of drinking it up at the AKL. I'm a total sucker for fireworks so that is probably what I'd do

 

[ddluvsdisney]

If we're doing a date night.... We usually do Narcoossees or CG because I love watching wishes during or before dessert. If you've never been to Narcoossees I'd give it a try. It smaller than CG and a little more romantic imo.
Whatever you choose to do I'm sure it will be magical.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Jiko and Boma are very different. I really like Jiko and think it's a good choice for a date night! However, if you want to get away from your resort and do a couple of things that night, I would suggest dinner somewhere on the Boardwalk (we love bluezoo! Kimono's too, if you like sushi), perhaps watch some of the entertainment on the Boardwalk and then Illuminations. If you do this, I would suggest taking a cab back and forth from AKL.

It may be a long shot, but Tiffin's and Rivers of Light may be open by the time your trip rolls around. If they are, I would consider eating at Tiffin's and seeing the show. It looks amazing and it will be right in AK, so very close to AKL.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

I would not pick Y&Y over a signature... unless money was the only factor of course. I think you might find some similar flavor profiles and less used spices at both, but a sit down prepared to order meal is worlds apart from a buffet, even the best buffet at WDW. For a signature romantic dinner I don't think any of the park restaurants will have the same atmosphere as at the resorts... and I like the idea of drinking it up at the AKL. I'm a total sucker for fireworks so that is probably what I'd do

I agree about soaking up the atmosphere at the AKL! My son is not a big fireworks fan, that's why I was trying to work in some fireworks perhaps after an early dinner, maybe Illuminations or Symphony in the Stars - we've heard that's amazing!

If we're doing a date night.... We usually do Narcoossees or CG because I love watching wishes during or before dessert. If you've never been to Narcoossees I'd give it a try. It smaller than CG and a little more romantic imo.
Whatever you choose to do I'm sure it will be magical.

Thanks! I hadn't thought of Narcoossees - It would be great to watch Wishes from there!

Jiko and Boma are very different. I really like Jiko and think it's a good choice for a date night! However, if you want to get away from your resort and do a couple of things that night, I would suggest dinner somewhere on the Boardwalk (we love bluezoo! Kimono's too, if you like sushi), perhaps watch some of the entertainment on the Boardwalk and then Illuminations. If you do this, I would suggest taking a cab back and forth from AKL.

It may be a long shot, but Tiffin's and Rivers of Light may be open by the time your trip rolls around. If they are, I would consider eating at Tiffin's and seeing the show. It looks amazing and it will be right in AK, so very close to AKL.

We've never done a Boardwalk datenight - that could be fun! And it would put us close to either fireworks. I would LOVE it if Tiffin's and Rivers of Light were open - that would be fantastic! But I have a feeling we may be traveling a little early, at least for Tiffin's - although I'm hoping at least we'll see ROL in April! Thanks for all the great suggestions!

 

[brinkley07]

Narccoossee's has become our go to restaurant this year. Pair it with the fireworks either from the restaurant, the park, or the Poly beach and it would be a winner in my book. However, AKL is our go to resort and we love everything about it. Jiko and Boma are vastly different and I wouldn't hesitate to do both in the same trip. I will say Narccoossee's has been steady in all aspects, but Jiko we have had some major misses with and haven't been back as a result. Go with your gut as our opinions are just that and yours may differ. Have a great time!