DINNER at Jiko or Sanaa - animal viewing, food, etc.

[snoopy352]

DW and I are going in Feb for our anniversary. We like the menu at both places - we are doing the deluxe DP and have the credits to do Jiko. However, I read elsewhere that if you go to Sanaa you can get the night vision goggles and go outside and see the animals. Factoring in the menu, food quality, dining experience, and animal viewing, what do you recommend?

(And does Jiko offer this animal viewing too? If so, we have our answer!)

Only going to AKL for one meal so going to both is not an option.

Thanks!

 

[Pakey]

Sanaa does not have night vision goggles; the animals are not on the savannah after dark. Sanaa does have windows where you might get a table and see some animals if you are dining during daylight hours.

Jiko has no animal viewing at all from the restaurant.

I enjoy both restaurants, we have gone to both of these on our last 3 WDW vacations. Jiko is quieter and darker inside, the meal portions are smaller, they have an excellent wine selection. For a romantic dinner, I'd pick Jiko over Sanaa. Food quality wise and service wise, I've found them to be equal. We prefer Jiko due to the wine selection.

 

[DEA]

In addition to the excellent points made by the PP, I would offer the following: Sanaa is, IMO, the best 1TS restaurant on WDW property. Jiko is a very good signature restaurant, and, again IMO, the most romantic restaurant at WDW, with the exception of V&A. You are not going to go wrong with either choice.

The food has been very good at both places for me on my visits. Jiko has some especially compelling South African wines. Sanaa is a little more adventurous in their use of spices and the fusion of Indian and African flavors.

If you go before sunset, I'd lean a little toward Sanaa in order to get the animal viewing experience, but after sunset, I'd go to Jiko for the romantic atmosphere.

Enjoy your meal, whichever one you choose!

 

[minnie mum]

I must agree with Pakey. None of the ALK/AKV restaurants offer night vision goggles. Sanaa is the only restaurant where it is possible to see the animals from a window table (provided you dine before it gets dark).

So choose the restaurant based on the menu. Either one will be a lovely meal. Jiko will have a quieter, more "adult" atmosphere, and really does have a good wine cellar.

If you want to see the animals via night vision goggles then go outside at Jambo House after dinner. There will usually be CMs at a couple of the viewing spots with the goggles.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Jiko, even if it is daylight. Assuming you go to the AK anyway, you'll see all the animals you want. And even if you don't, you can still see some animals by just walking out to the observation area behind the AKL.
Animal viewing is nice, but not at the expense of a better meal---

 

[TDC Nala]

The restaurants don't offer goggles, but after you eat at Jiko, you can go out and use them at AKL. Has nothing to do with the restaurant, as you can't see the savanna from the restaurant at all. The resort will have a schedule for such things, and you don't have to be a guest at the resort to do it. I'm pretty sure AKV doesn't do a night vision goggle session.

 

[madalex]

I'm going to WDW next month, staying at AKL and will be having dinner at both Jiko and Sanaa during the trip. I've been to both many times and really enjoy both of them.

That being said, for a romantic, adults-only meal, I much prefer Jiko over Sanaa due to the better food and service, great wine list and quieter and more relaxed ambience.

 

[JJ in wonderland]

DH and I ate at Jikos on our honeymoon last summer and we found the food and atmosphere very nice. I have never been Sanaa (but I have only heard good things about it), but we are big food people and enjoyed Jikos immensely. Hope that helps, Hope you have a great anniversary!

 

[Glendamax]

I love the atmosphere at Jiko's. Dress up a little, and be prepared for a nice upscale meal. You can do Sanaa or Boma anytime, wearing anything. But Jiko is just wonderful treat!