Opinions please: Jiko vs. DTD possibilities

[WDWMaiselFamilyWDW]

This is somewhat of a dining dilemma crossed with a logistics dilemma...

We will be staying at SSR in January. I have always wanted to try Jiko and have reservations there for DH and myself with my DS6 and DS4 at Simba's Club. This would be our "parents' night out".

To do Jiko, we will likely take a cab from SSR to AKL, put the kids in Simba's, walk around, grab a glass of wine at the bar, dine at Jiko's, stroll a bit more, then get the kids from Simba's and take the cab ride home to SSR.

Option 2, which involves less running around, would be to get a sitter at our SSR villa while DH and I enjoy drinks/dinner/shopping on foot or by boat at either Turf Club or a DTD eatery. The bonus here would be no cab fare and already-sleeping children when we got home!

Are there any DTD eateries that would make ditching my Jiko plan worthwhile? Or do I make my Jiko dream come true? TIA!!

 

[Tricia1972]

I would stay with Jiko! It's my favorite*, and we make it a point to do it once per trip as our adult night out.

We stay at SSR and took the cab the first time and had a rental car the second time. We left the kids with "Parents Night Out" and they have been fantastic both times.

I am not helping am I? Giving more possible scenarios vs a solution.

No matter what you do - you can't go wrong.

*Victoria & Albert's is my 'real' favorite - but Jiko is my favorite place that we can afford to go to.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Jiko is absolutely amazing and DH said he would gladly go out of his way to eat there.

We ate there last month for the first time and had the most incredible meal ever

 

[Pakey]

Get in-room babysitter at SSR, take cab to and from Jiko and enjoy an excellent meal.

 

[WDWMaiselFamilyWDW]

Thanks everybody! I don't know why I hadn't thought of just nixing Simba's and leaving the kids at SSR while we do Jiko. I guess I thought they'd enjoy Simba's, but they won't know what they're missing! That plan gives us the best of both worlds I think.

We could even cab back to DTD to enjoy more adult time before walking home to SSR.

Perfect! I am looking forward to Jiko!

 

[blanq]

Get in-room babysitter at SSR, take cab to and from Jiko and enjoy an excellent meal.

This plan gets my vote, but I personally wouldn't be opposed to taking the Disney transportation to get to/from AKL. Jiko is amazing and hands down beats out any restaurant at DTD.

 

[pixie08]

This plan gets my vote, but I personally wouldn't be opposed to taking the Disney transportation to get to/from AKL. Jiko is amazing and hands down beats out any restaurant at DTD.

Agreed! Akl has some of the best bus transportation! We just love Jiko!

 

[disney aviator]

Whatever you do with your children, go to Jiko! Nothing at DTD can compare to the food and the atmosphere there.

 

[Bigwally]

Have no fears JIKO will be worth the effort.
Make sure you treat your selves

As you sit at the bar try an exotic drink like the Hangin' Out in Cape Town or the Mount Kilimarita (if they are still on the menu) and order the flat bread with dips = you will swear you have been transported to another place.

Regardless of what your entree is ask the server for one of the appropriate South African wines Red or White - some of them you cannot get anywhere else at Disney

Enjoy
Bigwally

 

[onelilspark]

As you sit at the bar try an exotic drink like the Hangin' Out in Cape Town or the Mount Kilimarita (if they are still on the menu) and order the flat bread with dips = you will swear you have been transported to another place.

When I was at Jiko at the beginning of Oct, the Mount Kilimarita was still on the menu! And the server recommended it (wasn't sure between 2 drinks...) So I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon...and it was a great recommendation from her.

And here's another vote for Jiko being a favorite! That trip in October was mainly for F&W so my friend and I only did one sit down restaurant...this was our choice! I love it!

 

[Leota]

Whatever you do with your children, go to Jiko! Nothing at DTD can compare to the food and the atmosphere there.

I couldn't agree more. Jiko really is spectacular. Their wine list alone is worth the trip. Plus, just walking around AKL with your Honey is an event all it's own. DH & I find it very romantic.

 

[WDWMaiselFamilyWDW]

DIS'ers are the best! Thanks for all the recommendations. I am so looking forward to this. I almost shortchanged myself but you guys brought me to my senses! I doubt the DH will complain about fabulous wine, food, and atmosphere!

Jan can't come fast enough...

 

[tinks86]

JIKO'S its fantastic!!! You def won't regret it!!!

 

[OKW Lover]

I can't think of any DTD restaurant that would be a nicer dining experience that Jiko.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

JIKO.

Wanted to add if you want a GREAT dining review of Jiko check out MickeyNicki's dining reviews.
It will eliminate any doubts you have and make you want to be eating dinner there NOW.