Jiko or Splitsville?

[FSU Girl]

I just made a weekend trip to Disney in March to do a trial hair and makeup for my upcoming Disney wedding. We are going to take engagement pictures around the parks after and are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Right now I have Jiko booked for dinner. We haven't been and the food looks good. I figured it would be convenient since it's at our hotel. But then I read some really good reviews of Splitsville and all the food sounds amazing. Since we'll be out and about taking pictures any, should I cancel Jiko and switch to Splitsville? I know it's not as upscale as Jiko, so I'm not sure if we'll look out of place all dressed up?

 

[crabbygal902]

I think it depends on the type of experience you want, both places are terrific in their own way.

Sit down, relaxed, romantic, fairly quiet, beautiful surroundings, stellar food: Jiko. I remember the lighting being kind of low if you're wanting to take pics here too.
Fun, busy, active, great food (especially at a bowling alley!): Splitsville. Engagement or just regular pics might be kind of fun here even if you're all dressed up but with your bowling shoes.

If the decision is 50/50 after that, staying at your hotel would be the deciding factor for me. If you're spending the day touring the parks and taking engagement photos, enjoy a nice meal at Jiko, hang out at Victoria Falls or see the animals through the night vision goggles, and then go back to your room to relax.

 

[rwdavis2]

What exactly do you want? It's not clear. Jiko is one of the best restaurants on property. Splitsville is essentially bar food, although I've read it pretty good. If it's photos you can't beat AKL.

 

[FSU Girl]

For dinner its mostly about the food, not taking pictures. I'm guessing by that point we'll be pictured out and want a rest. I really like both menus so it's hard to decide. If we did splitsville we'd definitely still be in our engagement picture clothes so we might be too dressed up? We haven't been to either restaurant before.

 

[GreatLakes]

The three AK restaurants are my top three on property so I'd personally stick with Jiko.

 

[Harambe]

I love both, but totally different places! I think if you are dressed nicely, go ahead and keep Jiko. It will be a wonderful engagement memory.

 

[KenHutch]

Do you really want to go to DS very dressed up? I think you are taking a chance on something getting ruined (clothes) by going to Splitsville. Jiko is just incredible and after a long day taking pictures its in the hotel.

 

[Dug720]

For dinner its mostly about the food, not taking pictures. I'm guessing by that point we'll be pictured out and want a rest. I really like both menus so it's hard to decide. If we did splitsville we'd definitely still be in our engagement picture clothes so we might be too dressed up? We haven't been to either restaurant before.

If it's about the food, I would say Jiko. That is a restaurant designed to be a restaurant. Splittsville is a "restaurant" in a bowling alley. Hardly romantic IMHO.

 

[Aela]

We just got back from 6 days at Disney on DxDP, and our favorite meal of the entire trip was Jiko. Their Boar app, filet, and elk dinners were all amazing.

 

[fizzymint]

Jiko is the best food I've eaten at WDW. Don't give it up!

 

[dcassetta]

Jiko has wonderful food. I have not tried Splitsville, but you mentioned this was a quick weekend trip. Getting to and from Disney Springs from AKL would take some time.

 

[FSU Girl]

Thanks everyone! You've all convinced me to keep Jiko

 

[OKW Lover]

I see the OP has already been convinced to stick with Jiko. I'd just add that these are two very different experiences and are difficult to compare. Somebody up-thread referred to Splitsville as bar food. That's pretty accurate, but I'd rate it pretty good quality bar food. But yes, Jiko would be my choice 95% of the time. Really, really good food. In fact, an excellent dining experience.

 

[patsfan101]

We just got back from 6 days at Disney on DxDP, and our favorite meal of the entire trip was Jiko. Their Boar app, filet, and elk dinners were all amazing.

Just needed to second this! When you go - definitely get the boar app and I highly recommend the filet as well!

 

[FSU Girl]

Just needed to second this! When you go - definitely get the boar app and I highly recommend the filet as well!

I was considering the boar since I've never seen that on a menu before

 

[Harambe]

Also, I just love the pressed pot of coffee. Coffee is tough for me at WDW - I'm not a starbucks fan, but Joffrey's is starting to work for me, but prior to that, anytime I could get a pressed pot of coffee and linger over dessert, I was thrilled. You can do this at Jiko!

 

[hertamaniac]

Jiko is above average, but in my mind the fun factor of Splitsville trumps Jiko. Is Jiko easy on the eyes? Of course. Is Jiko heavy handed on the wallet? Of course. Is Jiko the best restaurant on property? Not in my opinion.

Splitsville's nachos are simply the best on WDW property (and incredibly reasonable cost).

 

[smcabee]

Jiko.