Hassle to go to Jiko from AK?

[HappyGal]

We'd like to take to take a break on our AK day to have dinner at Jiko and then head back for nighttime activities. What's the best way to get there and is it time consuming? We'll have our car but is the bus service better? Many thanks.

 

[OhThePain]

IMO, AK is the hardest park to leave and return to and it has nothing to do with buses or parking cars. Because the park is so big, it can be a pretty long walk just to get to the gate and a long walk from the gate to wherever you would want to go to after dinner. We have planned to do it before, but we always end up deciding to not go back, even when we have eaten at RFC in front of the park.

Also, I know there are some Signatures you can get away with feeling comfortable sitting in while wearing park attire. Jiko is not one of those. I know we would not feel comfortable wearing the same shorts and t-shirt we wore all day at AK there. AKL is also the kind of resort worth spending some time in and not just going to for dinner and leaving. Maybe consider Jiko (or Boma or Sanaa) on a night where you don't have much planned.

If you are looking for a Signature meal early evening prior to the night time activities at AK, maybe consider Tiffins in AK. Then you wouldn't have to worry about leaving, heading back or feeling underdressed.

 

[kniquy]

With the park being big just plan your touring plans so that when you are finishing up you are close to the exit. Take the bus to AKL - ~10 minute ride or less and then just return to the park for the evening. I would't bother with using your car as it would take longer to get to your car, driving, parking and then walking to the resort from the parking lot. This way too if you wanted a drink or two you wouldn't have to worry about driving.

So not a hassle to get there but probably plan for 2-2.5 hours for travel back and forth and dinner.

 

[KenHutch]

Another vote for take the bus not your car and kniguy is so correct on the time plan on 2 hours + for the meal and I guess I am don't care person. I have worn the gear from a day to AK ate at Jiko's and went back to AK. I do wish I had planned better on time because by the time we got back to AK we only had about 2 hours.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If you don't need car seats, I would actually consider Lyft/uber over taking the AKL bus (which could take up to 20 minutes to show up). I would also allow at least 2 hours for dinner. If you would like a nice meal without the hassle, consider going to Tiffins instead or go to Nomad Lounge and order off of the Tiffins menu!

 

[gharter]

If you really want to go to Jiko (it's one of our favorites), it can be done but isn't easy. They do have a dress code which can make coming direct from the parks more difficult:
Men may wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional.

Women may wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.

Not permitted are tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.
As stated, expect to spend 1 1/2 to 2 hours unless you are really rushed for time.
traveling from AK to AKL, if you take the bus, add at least 30 minutes to your time as you may miss the first bus. Uber is a good choice. If we have a car, we usually drive to and from the park.
I would vote for Tiffins at the park instead.