Jiko or Boma?

[Alfiegeorgina]

We have a night at AKL. We are going to do lunch the day we leave at Sanaa to eat and view the animals, so this leaves dinner to decide on.

We will have an 8 year old and a 3 year old, don't want anywhere with a dress code or anywhere the kids would be out of place. Which would you recommend? Thank you.

 

[etail]

Jiko is some of the best food at Disney but in your situation I'd take the kids to Boma. Boma as a buffet allows faster access to food, a chance to experiment or return to kid basics and still has great food. My son didn't really become a foodie to appreciate the pace and experience of Jiko until about 12. Don't forget the night viewing of animals and the story telling by the firepit...

 

[JessLUVSminnie]

FIW, on our Feb trip DH, DD, DS, and I ate at Jiko. It was the worst meal of our trip. The service from the hostess was wonderful. Our waitress was less than attentive. The food was not very good. Steaks were inedible and the sides were cold. She never even asked how our food was when she did visit the table. She just cleared plates full on untouched food. Jiko made it to our 'never again' list. We did not eat at Boma but have heard good things. The kids LOVED the naan app at Sanaa. They also loved staying at AKL and watching the animals from the balcony. Have a great time!!

 

[robndani]

We had an absolutely AMAZING dinner at Jiko in October - best service we've EVER received at WDW! Wait staff was great and everyone was so friendly and attentive! The food was outstanding and even included a little bonus "taste" of an appitizer (not much comes for free at Disney)! Hot cloths and a quick lesson as to why - so fun! They also have the 2nd largest collection of South African wines (first is in Cape Town) - see how much I learned! LOL

Boma IS another favorite of ours, but Jiko is an experience! ENJOY - you really can't go wrong with either!

 

[KateP85]

What kind of food do your kids like? If they're less adventurous, I would stick with Boma; they can try some new things, but there are still basics to fall back on. My son is quite picky and while he does like Jiko, he definitely eats more at Boma where he has more options! As long as your kids are well-behaved, they won't be out of place at either.

 

[epcotcenter1982]

Jiko is somewhere couples like to go and while there may not be a strict dress code I know when we go there in February my then Husband will be well dressed as will I. The food is divine and very high class compared to Boma. Not that Boma isn't wonderful...it is...but Buffets do limit what can be provided a bit so things are cooked to a "common" rather than what you ask.

As an 8 year old I probably would have appreciated the quality of Jiko but not necessarily anything with spices as I still am timid with certain spices.

This is the dress code for any signature including Jiko.

Dress Code

At this Signature Dining experience, Guests are asked to adhere to the dress code.


Men may wear khakis, slacks, jeans or dress shorts and collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.

Women may wear capri pants, skirts, dresses, jeans or dress shorts.

Not permitted in the dining room are tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and shirts with offensive language or graphics.

 

[brinkley07]

We have had variances in the quality at Jiko, but Boma has always been consistent for us. I love both, but with the kids I would head to Boma. Our little one prefers Boma based on the food.

 

[Anchored]

BOMA all the way! You have to roll me out of there I get so full!
My kids love it, too

 

[cleopenn]

We had a fantastic meal at Jiko last week. Our son eats like an adult so the menu wasn't an issue. However, if your group desires more traditional/familiar food, I would go with your other choice.

Our waiter at Jiko raved about Boma. He talked a great deal about the chef and the quality of the food and great selections. DH does not eat at buffets and our waiter almost had him convinced to give it a try on another night.

 

[North of Mouse]

Boma! Anyone can find 'something' to like, even children!

 

[SM101]

I love Jiko, but with the kids, Boma is probably a better fit.

 

[goofy4prez]

While Boma is pretty good, to me it's still mass produced buffet food and is not even in the same league as Jiko, which by many is regarded as one of Disney's finest. I myself choose Jiko in a landslide. But in your situation with the children Boma is a very good option and one you and the family will enjoy.

 

[anniebean]

Never been to Jiko, but out of 5 people--and not too picky either--only my son liked Boma. This has been many many years ago so maybe it'd be different now?

However, my husband and I LOVE Sanaa!

 

[snoopy352]

FIW, on our Feb trip DH, DD, DS, and I ate at Jiko. It was the worst meal of our trip. The service from the hostess was wonderful. Our waitress was less than attentive. The food was not very good. Steaks were inedible and the sides were cold. She never even asked how our food was when she did visit the table. She just cleared plates full on untouched food. Jiko made it to our 'never again' list. We did not eat at Boma but have heard good things. The kids LOVED the naan app at Sanaa. They also loved staying at AKL and watching the animals from the balcony. Have a great time!!

Couldn't agree more. My wife and I are foodies and enjoy exotic cuisine and we both felt Jiko was easily the most overhyped restaurant in all of WDW. The food was pedestrian and the service was lacking as well. Boma has some great and unique soups on their buffet, and with kids in the mix, to me it's a no-brainer to go with Boma.

 

[minnie mum]

Jiko has always been one of our favorite signatures for the quality of both their food and service. But with children of these ages, I would agree that Boma is the better choice. We still think it's the best buffet on property.

 

[Minniesgal]

We were massively underwhelmed by Boma and disappointed after all the hype. It is just a buffet with long lines and crowds and food that isn't replenished quickly enough. Very crowded, very noisy and service was awful.

We loved Jiko my favourite restaurant on property.

 

[GreatLakes]

Both are excellent. If you want the ability to try multiple things over the course of one meal go Boma. If you want a slightly better meal but less variety go Jiko. If you have never done either I'd go Boma first personally.

 

[Hopefully]

With children the ages of yours I would definitely go to Boma