Offsite restaurants near AKL?

[il-gander]

Does anyone know which offsite restaurants are relatively close to the AKL? We're booked there for two nights prior to our cruise on the Magic in October. I have a feeling DH will balk at the "total immersion" concept of just getting there, using Disney transportation and visiting Disney restaurants. We will have a rental car. Any ideas to help me prepare for all possibilities ?

Carla

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

AKL seems very "non Disney" to me. If someone doesn't like to be immersed, this is the best choice. We stayed there in March and I loved it. I can understand where your DH is coming from. I hesitate to take a Disney cruise for that reason.

I am afraid I don't know about off site restaurants. So why did I answer your post, you ask? IMHO opinion if you miss eating at either Jiko or Boma at AKL, you are missing some of the best food in Florida, not just WDW. It is right there, no bus required!

 

[ducklite]

I have to agree, there are excellent restaurants at the AKL. But if you *must* go off-site, head for Route 192 and turn right. There are a dozen or more chain type restaurants without hitting the terrible traffic and congestion you will run into if you turn left.

Anne

 

[Phrank40]

AKL is very close to Route 192. Look at a map and you will see there is a connecting road, something like Shelbourne Road I think, which runs from near AKL to Route 192. You can go from AKL to 192 in just a few minutes with hardly any traffic.

Phrank

 

[il-gander]

Thanks for the tip on Rt 192 - that sounds good if we *have* to go somewhere offsite. Yes, Boma is wonderful - I have eaten there when I was in Orlando for a conference, but the rest of the family hasn't. We'll probably do dinner there the night we arrive.

How is Mara for a quick lunch? I was thinking of going to Chef Mickey's in the morning the day of MNSSHP and then just coming back to AKL to spend the day exploring the lodge, finding Hidden Mickey's, swimming, etc. - a nice restful day before the party.

Carla

 

[Straitlover]

From memory, if when you leave AKL, take a right on Sherbeth Rd to 192. Takea right on 192 and there is Magic Mining Co, Outback Steakhouse, Giordinos, Carrabas (I think). Fast food wise, you name it: Chic Fila, BK, McD's, etc.

 

[snoopy]

There is a Carabas on 192 that we ate at when we stayed at AKL this summer. We've also been there on other trips. Its consistently outstanding, better than any Italian restaurant you will find on property.

But I gotta say, it would be a crime to stay at AKL and not eat at Boma. I'm not a buffet person, but that was the best buffet I have ever had. Yum! I'm getting hungry just thinking of it.

When we stay at WDW resorts, we usually mix it up -- go offsite for a couple of meals, and eat at our fave onsite restaurants too.

 

[UKDEB]

I also agree that Jiko and Boma are both 'not to be missed', but another option is the Gaylord Palms. From AKL head east on the Osceola Parkway, past Pop Century (which will be on your left) and Wide World of Sports (on your right). GP is on the right, just past the intersection with the I-4.

We've eaten at all three restaurants and wouldn't hesitate to return to any of them.

Sunset Sam's Fish Camp (seafood ) is partly set on the sailboat in the Key West section of the hotel. We ate there for lunch, but from what others say, dinner is better.

Villa de Flora is a mediterannean themed buffet (breakfast, lunch, dinner) in 'St Augustine'. We've only eaten lunch here, but it's very good as buffets go.

We love the Old Hickory Steakhouse (Everglades section) and ate there for the third time a couple of weeks ago. Both the setting and the food are outstanding, but it isn't cheap.

The Gaylord Palms is worth a visit, even if you don't want to eat there. It's a 5 minute drive from AKL. Check it out here.