Jiko schedule inquiry

[The_Big_Goof]

I wanted to know if anyone had experience with dining at Jiko. I have an ADR at Jiko at 530 pm on the night of my visit to Disney After Hours. I did this because it is the only night Jiko fit in our plans and I have been dying to try it. I plan on getting to AKL around 5 pm so that I make sure I am seated promptly at 530 or earlier. I don't want to "rush" dinner, but I have no interest in making it a 2 hour experience either. Do I have enough time to go to Jiko for dinner and still make it to DAH around 7 pm for a FP to PP 615-715? Not the end of the world if I miss the PP FP, but I would be disappointed if I showed up to the park later than 730. Any information is greatly appreciated.

 

[Simba's Mom]

We recently dined at Jiko, and ironically our reservations were also at 5:30. We didn't get done until around 7:00, but we had dessert and kind of lingered a little. Otherwise, as I remember, you should be OK if you plan on dessert elsewhere.

 

[The_Big_Goof]

We recently dined at Jiko, and ironically our reservations were also at 5:30. We didn't get done until around 7:00, but we had dessert and kind of lingered a little. Otherwise, as I remember, you should be OK if you plan on dessert elsewhere.

Appreciate your response. We are using the dining plan so we will be having dessert, but if we get out by 7 I will be happy. That would give us 30 minutes to get to MK by 730 using an Uber or a Lyft (if necessary) which should be plenty of time. Was the restaurant crowded around 530? I am wondering if arriving early is even necessary.

 

[supersnoop]

They open at 5:30. It should t be crowded.

 

[crabbygal902]

Have you considered eating at Jiko’s bar? We had apps and beverages there recently and enjoyed it very much. We had the same food and atmosphere as the other diners when we didn’t have time for a full meal.

Your current plan may work on paper, but there are so many moving parts that have to align: getting seated earlier rather than later, rather quick service in a place that is normally more relaxed, quite a bit of travel time from AKL to MK and possibly waiting on the bus, perhaps skipping dessert or apps.

 

[OKW Lover]

You can do Jiko in two hours. Be sure to let your server know at the start that you have time pressures so that they can keep things moving. Otherwise, its normally a bit longer meal than that.

 

[The_Big_Goof]

Have you considered eating at Jiko’s bar? We had apps and beverages there recently and enjoyed it very much. We had the same food and atmosphere as the other diners when we didn’t have time for a full meal.

Your current plan may work on paper, but there are so many moving parts that have to align: getting seated earlier rather than later, rather quick service in a place that is normally more relaxed, quite a bit of travel time from AKL to MK and possibly waiting on the bus, perhaps skipping dessert or apps.

I had not considered that... We are actually on the Disney Dining plan, so we are using dining credits to dine, so we don't really have the option to dine at the bar, but I will keep that in mind for our next trip!

 

[The_Big_Goof]

You can do Jiko in two hours. Be sure to let your server know at the start that you have time pressures so that they can keep things moving. Otherwise, its normally a bit longer meal than that.

Excellent, it sounds like it could theoretically work out. Thank you everyone for your responses.

 

[Zipears Fan]

I would have an Uber ready to go. Jiko is great, but part of enjoying a meal at any nicer restaurant is not feeling like you're against the clock. I'd hate for the stress/fear of you not making DAH in time affecting your Jiko experience.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would have an Uber ready to go.

Mmm, I don't think that's how Über works.

Try:
Download the Lyft (and set up an account) if you haven't already.
Get to AK a little early.
Have Bell Services add the MInnie Van code.
When ready to head to MK, try ordering a Minnie Van (s/b worth the price, to get dropped off with the buses).
If no Minnie Vans available, order a Lyft. Either get droped off at the TTC or GF and take the monorail, or at the Contemporary and walk.

 

[brandoko]

I would honestly try and do Jiko maybe on a night where you're less pressed for time. It's definitely worth sitting down and enjoying it without being stressed. The entire AKL is a great experience in and of itself. And if you go early enough, they'll let you tour the restaurants and such. Totally worth it.

 

[smsmsw]

Honestly, I would try and do Jiko on another night. I wouldn't want to be stressed about the timing of everything. I think you could be done at Jiko by 7pm, but I would be concerned about everything working out with transportation to MK.

 

[Hisgirl]

We love Jiko and honestly, it is worth you having a quiet enjoyable evening, taking in the atmosphere, appreciating the professional wait staff, savoring each bite of that delectable beef short rib (lord help mercy!). We have eaten there at least a dozen times and it's not a fast meal.

As you have it planned now, I can see you bouncing in your seat, watching the clock, sweating as your food is taking longer than you want.

If I were you, I would push back the FP or move the dinner to another night. It's fine dining. This does not sound fine. It sounds stressful.

 

[Allison]

You can do Jiko in two hours. Be sure to let your server know at the start that you have time pressures so that they can keep things moving. Otherwise, its normally a bit longer meal than that.

Except they don't have 2 hours. The reservation is at 5:30 and they would like to be in the Magic Kingdom by 7 and no later than 7:30.

Personally, I would not want that kind of window to enjoy dinner because it would stress me out but that is just me.

 

[The_Big_Goof]

This always happens when I plan these Disney trips - I want to do everything and don't want to miss a single thing, and in the process I forget to stop and realize its a vacation and I should take time to enjoy what I'm doing! I think my problem is I can't just live at Disney so I could do everything as often as I want... Haha.

 

[TiggerManiac]

Appreciate your response. We are using the dining plan so we will be having dessert, but if we get out by 7 I will be happy. That would give us 30 minutes to get to MK by 730 using an Uber or a Lyft (if necessary) which should be plenty of time. Was the restaurant crowded around 530? I am wondering if arriving early is even necessary.

To save time, place the dessert order when you order your entree. That should help speed things up a little bit.

 

[gharter]

If everything goes smoothly, its possible.
Personally, we prefer to have a leisurely evening meal and not rush through it.
As others have suggested, look at the menu ahead of time so you have an idea of what you want. Place the entire order together and let your server know your time limitations.
I would consider taking Uber, Lyft or a taxi. There are usually taxis waiting outside the resorts waiting.
If you don't mind walking, you might consider being dropped off at the Contemporary and walking to MK. It took about 15 minutes for us to walk. That may be faster than waiting for the monorail or boat depending how busy it is when you go in the evening.