Nervous about Boma...

[kgulley]

Trying to plan our 1st trip to WDW. Our 2 kids, 6 and 3 absolutely adore every animal the spot so I think a dinner at BOMA would be absolutely amazing for them...the thing is, being out first trip, I do not want a restaurant that is too "different" in terms of food...but I am pretty sure the atmosphere can't be beat. Could anyone offer advice, reviews etc. Is there anyplace where I can see the BOMA menu?
Thanks.

 

[AnninIowa]

Here's a link to the menu: http://allears.net/menu/menu_bomadin.htm

The great thing about Boma is that there are a TON of choices, and there are quite a few things on the kid's part. While Boma wasn't my favorite in terms of food (I like very plain food), I was glad to have tried it and I left stuffed. The desserts alone are worth it!!

 

[kgulley]

do you think Boma is worth it for the atmosphere/animals...or do you think we might be better off at a more mainstream restaurant?

 

[Lostgirlz]

We loved Boma, and there were any people with children also waiting to be seated it is very popular, and the food is awesome. They have normal things chicken, and such also. Also prime rib. I say go it was good.

 

[jiminy14]

Your children will love the AKL. The entire hotel has something to offer. There are neat little corners where you will find CMs from their native countries talking about what life is like back home. You can also go out to Arusha Rock and look through the night googles to watch the animals in the dark.
As for Boma, it is one of our favorite restaurants. There is something for everyone and the chef is very accommodating as far as special requests. You will find at least five different soups, all kinds of salads and sides, and entrees such as prime rib, salmon, and Durban chicken. The children's "pod" has spaghetti and meatballs, chicken fingers, french fries, and mac and cheese.
As posted before, it is worth the trip for the desserts alone. On any given night you will find fresh fruit, paw print brownies, zebra domes, banana bread pudding, fruit tarts, cookies and more.
The only downside is that the restaurant is very crowded and noisy. I would also suggest that you eat earlier in the evening as they tend to run out of some of the more popular desserts as the evening progresses.

 

[TxRabbit]

I am not sure...it sounds like you may think that you can eat and watch animals. For the sake of expectations, I just want to point out that Boma does not overlook a savannah. The windows overlook the pool area, and if I recall correctly, you will see more landscaping than pool.

The restaurant is nice, it is not a typical buffet restaurant. It has an open kitchen so you can see all the chefs hard at work preparing the food. With the open kitchen and the buffet, the restaurant can definitely get a bit noisy. The food choices are plentiful and there will definitely be something for the kids to enjoy, whether it is stereotypcial "kid food," fried chicken strips, pasta, marinara, meatballs, etc., or something else, meat, chicken, soup, salad.

Check out the thread with pictures of food:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1346838

Post #3 is an index. People really like Boma so there are plenty of pics to look at.

While you are at AKL, you can certainly see animals. The resort is beautiful and would be nice to walk around and enjoy. Depending on when you visit, you could sit by the outdoor fireplace for story time, participate in the little parade around the lobby (the kids grab an African musical instrument from the gift shop and parade around), and the aforementioned night vision viewing.

I wouldn't be nervous...go and enjoy!

 

[madalex]

You kids might surprise you. Rather than steer them to the standard fare, suggest and help them try some of the "different" dishes and maybe they will like them. You never know.

 

[Stacerita]

I think they will really enjoy it. The first time I took the sweetpea there I was pretty nervous on if she would like it or not. And if there were enough things for her to choose from that weren't "different". It turns out that this is one of the places that she asked to go back to on our following trips. Who knew? There is a huge selection of things to choose from. Some very unique, but others that were just different enough. Plus there is a nice kids area with chicken strips and fries. The place itself is really nice, not a typical buffett. But you do need to leave the restaurant to see the animals. I'm sure you guys will have a great time.

 

[AnninIowa]

The above poster is right - the restaurant doesn't overlook a savannah. Either before or after you eat, you can stroll around the resort and find viewing areas to see the animals.

 

[4littleboys]

I would also suggest that you eat earlier in the evening as they tend to run out of some of the more popular desserts as the evening progresses.

I am going for the first time in January 2008 and we have and ADR for 8 pm at the end of EMH - should I change that? Dessert is my favorite - will I miss out?

 

[TaraPA]

Both of my DSs are picky eaters & both loved Boma! They stuck to the basics - chicken fingers, prime rib, mac & cheese, cookies & brownies, but they loved the fact that they could have as little or as much of whatever they wanted. Boma has been my favorite meal ever in all of WDW. I love to try new things & there was so much to choose from. I left stuffed but wanting more! If you get the chance take the Culinary Tour that AKL offers at 4pm every day. They show you around Jiko & Boma, and you get free appetizers to sample as well. The chef walked us through the entire Boma buffet & explained some of the traditional African dishes.

 

[TaraPA]

I am going for the first time in January 2008 and we have and ADR for 8 pm at the end of EMH - should I change that? Dessert is my favorite - will I miss out?

I don't think that's too late at all - we left there around 8pm & they were still cooking in the kitchen (it's an open kitchen) and putting new/fresh food out constantly.

 

[4littleboys]

I don't think that's too late at all - we left there around 8pm & they were still cooking in the kitchen (it's an open kitchen) and putting new/fresh food out constantly.

Thanks! I can't wait to try it all!

 

[goofy4tink]

I am a real meat and potatoes type girl, and Boma is one of my favorite restaurants in WDW. My dd, 13, is incredibly 'choosy' about what she eats..mostly pizza, hot dogs, grilled cheese, burgers, chicken strips, and mac and cheese. She has no problem at all finding food that she likes at Boma. Although we pay adult prices for her, she still eats from the kids section.

 

[LocustPoint]

My husband and I are both very picky eaters and we finally went to Boma's the last time we were in the World. It is now our new "must do each time we go restaurant", your children will definately find enough to eat.

Mary

 

[Lynne M]

There are some unusual dishes, and there are some common foods that might be seasoned differently than you're used to. But the vast majority of food is easily recognizable and easily enjoyed by anyone. Don't be put off by the fancy names.

It's a buffet, so you can just take a small portion of something if you're not sure you'd like it. A great opportunity to try some new things.

Just as an FYI, you can't see the animals from Boma. I believe it looks out on the pool area. If you want to see some critters, walk straight to the back of the lobby, and then out the doors. You can walk down to some animal viewing areas.

 

[eemmie1]

Can adults eat off of the kids buffet?

 

[byoung]

We love Boma's, believe you will also.

 

[Amyg]

Can adults eat off of the kids buffet?

Adults can eat ANYTHING off the buffet including the kids stuff.

Love this buffet!

 

[Lynne M]

Can adults eat off of the kids buffet?

Yes, and kids can eat off the adult buffet.