Kids - Jiko and California Grill

[PrincessBelle39]

We are now planning on doing both Jiko and California Grill for dinner. One of the meals we will take the kids with us and for the other they will go to Simbas Clubhouse. We are staying at AKL. I'm just not sure which one would be best to take them to. I've looked at the kids menus and both look fine. Any suggestions from anyone that has taken their kids to either or both?

 

[TDC Nala]

Just as a matter of convenience, it would be much easier to send them to Simba's while you're at Jiko.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

I should add that they will be 7 and nearly 5.

 

[Leanne1977]

There is no way my boys(8 and 6) would want to miss out on the Cali Grill, its their favourite restaurant!
We are also planning on doing both of them but we will be dining without our children at Jiko. They will be spending the evening with my MIL.

This is our first visit to Jiko so I can't tell you how family friendly it is but you will be very comfortable dining as a family at the Cali Grill.

 

[webray]

Just as a matter of convenience, it would be much easier to send them to Simba's while you're at Jiko.

I agree. Either way would be fine, there are always kids at both.

Just remember, these are laid back meals, no rushing. Kids have to sit still longer than usual in these restaurants.

 

[ajleone]

I would definitely say bring them to Cali Grill- That way you can all watch the fireworks from the restaurant viewing area. We had a blast with that and our kids loved it!!

 

[PrincessBelle39]

Sounds like CG is the way to go. I was just a bit worried about it being a later night. But they do get to sleep in the next morning as it will be our last night before we cruise. So we don't have to be up and out at a park the next morning.

 

[maidenfairy]

Here's a funny story about CG. We ate there with our then 5yr DS. He loved it, and was so excited to get the gummy sushi for dessert. Two bites in he starts to gag on a gummy then proceeds to puke all over the table. Needless to say my DH tipped extremely well. He is now 7 and says he wants to eat there again, this time no puking.

We ate at Jiko last Dec. and the service was amazing! Our server treated our children like princes. They loved it. She even got them to eat all of their veggies. If I could have taken her home I would have in a second.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

Here's a funny story about CG. We ate there with our then 5yr DS. He loved it, and was so excited to get the gummy sushi for dessert. Two bites in he starts to gag on a gummy then proceeds to puke all over the table. Needless to say my DH tipped extremely well. He is now 7 and says he wants to eat there again, this time no puking.

We ate at Jiko last Dec. and the service was amazing! Our server treated our children like princes. They loved it. She even got them to eat all of their veggies. If I could have taken her home I would have in a second.

Oh you poor thing. I feel for you. I'm really hoping we have a meal memorable for other things. I'd love to take the kids to both meals but they really want to do one of the childcare clubs and since we are staying at AKL Simbas Clubhouse seemed the one to go with. I do think they will enjoy eating someone nice though. They do like the idea of what they call 'being fancy.'

 

[natlovesarielpins]

i LOVE CALIFORNIA GRILL, THATS ALL =0)

 

[Golden Rose]

We've taken our son, now age 4, to Cali Grill 3 times and to Jiko twice. He likes Cali Grill much better. He likes the food better, and he loves the fireworks. I don't think he'd say he loves either, however; the Coral Reef is his favorite, because he loves the aquarium.

We're taking him back to both in May, and I'm expecting he'll still feel the same way. (Of course, we're still taking him with us to both. He's gone to nice restaurants his whole life, and he's usually very good.)

 

[Colleen27]

We haven't tried Jiko (or Flying Fish or Citricos) but of all the signature restuarants we have tried, my kids enjoyed California Grill the most. The view is fabulous, the food is excellent, and the observation deck is perfect for a little walk if the kids get restless. While kids don't seem out of place at any of the signature restaurants, California Grill has more to keep them amused than the others.

 

[Redwitch]

I'd take them to Cali Grill. The atmosphere is not "signature" (IMHO.) The open layout makes for a noisy environment and the firework viewing means lots of children. Jikos has a more formal atmosphere and is quieter. There are children there as well.

 

[Uncleromulus]

That's just about how I see it as well. CG is much the better spot for the kids.