Disney adult dining advice

[cherie]

Hi all! My husband and I are going to Disneyworld in early March. I haven't been to Disney in many years, and have never stayed on the grounds. My husband has never been to Disney EVER! We are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for two nights. I've researched adult-oriented dining, and settled on the following: For the second night I've reserved California Grill. For the first night (we arrive around 4:00?), I reserved Emeril's--two seats at the chef's table, which we were pretty excited about. But then my friend, who frequents Disney, advised me that we will not appreciate the drive to and from Emeril's at Universal from the hotel (we will have a car), since it is far and congested and annoying. She said getting around Disney is hard enough, and we'd be better off staying closer for dinner, especially since there are plenty of great restaurants in Disney. So I made a reservation at Jiko, in our hotel, for the first night instead. I've heard it's a great restaurant. And it does seem less hectic. Am I making the right choice?

 

[jpmom97]

I think if you really want to try Emerill's you should. DH and I had a car when we were at Disney and we went to Universal for the day and it wasn't so far away. We did go in the morning so I am not sure how bad traffic is around dinner time.

I have heard really wonderful things about Jiko so you probably made a great choice in restaurant. And I personally have no trouble w/ Disney trans. I have a lot of fun w/ the buses and monorail. It has never been slow or hectic to me and I have been there during Spring Break, I would think that is a pretty crowded time. I don't think it is tough getting around Disney, infact I find the opposite.

 

[jeepgirl30]

While I agree with another poster that if you really want to do Emerils then you should. However if you are doing it because lack of knowledge/comfort on Disney hotels, DON'T! There are so many wonderful places at Disney. CG is my favorite but we also enjoy Flying Fish on the Boardwalk, Ohana's, Foulton's at Pleasure Island and Rose and Crown in Epcot. There are some great dining places in Epcot I haven't been to in awhile.

I have not been to Jiko yet but would love to try it as I have heard fabulous things.

 

[Chuck S]

There are many wonderful restaurants at Disney, and Jiko is an excellent choice.

 

[ducklite]

Evening rush traffic between WDW and Universal is nothing short of Horrific IMHO. Going on a weekend *might* be a better option.

Jiko is a fabulous restaurant.

Anne

 

[cherie]

Thanks for the advice! I think maybe we'll stick with Jiko. People seem to speak highly of it, and you can't beat it for convenience on our first night when we're bound to be sick of traveling. Why make things more difficult than they have to be, if we're not compromising on quality. Thanks again.

 

[disboo]

Not only is Jiko a fabulous restaurant (9 of us had a great dinner there this past Saturday), but the AKL is a wonderful, beautiful, interesting place to stay. There are comfy little spots to sit and animal or people watch, an indoor firepit and an outdoor firepit, and lots of African artifacts scattered around. I think you'll enjoy the whol epackage.

If you do go to Emeril's, please write a report - I'd be interested in what the experience is like!

 

[cherie]

That is so wonderful to hear! I am so excited to stay at the hotel (we LOVE animals), and now, to try Jiko too. As for Emerils, we went to Emeril's Fish House in Las Vegas several years ago, and to Emerils in New Orleans about three years ago and sat at the exhibition counter. Both were very good, though I didn't love my main course in New Orleans due to the flavor of the wood plank my fish was roasted on. My DH's dinner was fabulous. And the desserts at both restaurants were standouts--one was a banana cream pie or something like that with huge chunks of banana.

 

[hercamore]

I would love to try Emeri's!


How about lunch there instead? Traffic not so bad.

herc.

 

[cherie]

That's what my friend suggested, Emeril's for lunch on our way out of town (driving elsewhere in Florida after Disney). It's a good suggestion, but we're not really big lunch eaters...so maybe not so much for us. Maybe an early dinner there on our way out of town though...could be.

 

[dischick4778]

I would suggest risking traffic and whatever else you need to do to get to Emerils. It was fantastic! I have been to both Emerils and his new restaurant Tchoup Chop (both in Universal). Both are worth every effort and penny it takes to eat there. Trust me, you won't regret it!!

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

We went to Emeril's Tchop Chop on a Friday evening in Dec. and the traffic wasn't bad at all. We enjoyed eating off property for the first time in years. I would go, if I were you. Leave a bit early if the traffic could be a concern. There are many places to walk around and see if you are early.

We have eaten at Jiko several times. It is one of our favorite restaurants at WDW. The food has always been wonderful and the service is also. We love the filet with mac and cheese. Sounds a bit funny, but this is not the stuff from the box!

 

[ppiew]

We have eaten at Emerils - and yes, it is excellent! That said, here are a few 'cons' - the traffic is horrible, day or night, the decor is absolutely nothing to write home about, it is a large 'warehouse' type of venue and is packed with people elbow to elbow and is quite noisy.
Jiko's is excellent and quite different with a great selection of South African wines. Personally, I would stay at the AKL and eat. If you don't mind the noise, Boma has absolutely fabulous food but the restaurant does cater to families hence the noise.

 

[D&R love Disney]

I've never had trouble with traffic getting to and from US/IOA. It's not a far drive and Emeril's is worth it.