Restaurants near AKL

[harrowgirl]

Hubby and I are looking to have a date night. We are staying at AKL. We are unable to get childcare at Sandcastle (BC) or at Lilo's (Poly) so we have to use the daycare at AKL. We are not very adventurous eaters, and looking at the menus at Jiko, Sanaa and Boma, they don't really appeal to us. We do have a rental car. We aren't sure how my son will do at the childcare...we think he'll be okay, but are concerned if we go too far it will take us an hour to get back if there is a problem. Of course, being at AKL, we are kind of out of the way. I'm thinking a hotel restaurant might be better as we can probably get to the actual restaurant easier.

Any recommendations for us?

 

[msb578]

If the dining plan isn't a factor, I'd suggest taking advantage of Camp Dolphin at the Swan/Dolphin. Kids get 2 free hours in the program there when adults purchase an entree at Il Mulino, Shula's, or Bluezoo. We'll be trying this next time. We just haven't decided which restaurant yet.

 

[Barbydoll8]

There are a TON of restaurants on 192 just west of AKL. If you come out of the lodge and turn right just past the guard gate, that will be Sherbeth Rd. Follow that straight to 192. Either riding east or west you are bound to run into something you will like there. Everything from McDonald's to Outback etc.

this place gets good reviews:
https://giordanos.com/our-locations/kissimmee/

I would second the choices in the Swan/Dolphin and boardwalk area. ESPN club has good pub/American food.

 

[L&Lfan]

We love the AKL restaurants but we are "adventurous" eaters, even though we don't actually consider their menus to be such. They're fairly dumbed down for the "typical" American palate.

 

[erinch]

Jiko is a very romantic date night space. And, without a child along, would give a chance to stroll the grounds, enjoy the night vision goggles and linger for a drink in the lounge. You would not spend time traveling and worrying about if you'll be called back. If you are meat eaters, either the filet or the short rib are wonderful, and alternate sides, such as a baked potato, are happily accommodated. My two cents!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If the dining plan isn't a factor, I'd suggest taking advantage of Camp Dolphin at the Swan/Dolphin. Kids get 2 free hours in the program there when adults purchase an entree at Il Mulino, Shula's, or Bluezoo. We'll be trying this next time. We just haven't decided which restaurant yet.

Even if you have the dining plan, you can still use Camp Dolphin, you just wouldn't get the two hours free if you eat elsewhere. It's still cheaper than Sandcastle Club and Lilo's. You will still be within walking boating distance of all the EP resorts, DHS and EP.

 

[minnie mum]

Have a look at the menus, either via Disney Dining or Allears.net, for the restaurants in the Epcot area resorts. If you're only interested in plain American food, then maybe Yachtsman or Shulas would be safe enough for you. They're both steak houses. If you have a car, it's only a 10 minute drive.

 

[harrowgirl]

Unfortunately I do not think that we can use Camp Dolphin as my understanding is they take the kids to another location to eat. My son has autism, and is a flight risk. He is fine in a day care type room setting, and it is my understanding the other clubs have fairly secure entrances so children cannot get out without being alerted - but I would not trust him in a setting of 10 kids to 1 adult at a restaurant.

 

[cedricandsophie]

I would highly recommend Jiko. Sounds like u would feel better staying close and I'm not sure what you saw on menu you didn't like. There is a great filet as well as a good chicken dish. I usually have a couple appetizers which are all good. Although things may sound a little exotic they really aren't. We havE been to Africa and this is a very Americanized version. I could live on their naan bread appetizer. And the South African wine list is exceptional.

 

[erinch]

Our son, when little had anaphylactic food allergies and out of control asthma. he was safe at Simbas, and there was much less drama to go to Jiko. which made it woderful.

 

[nemofans]

I am not an adventurous eater, but I really liked Jiko. We have eaten there a few times.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

Have a look at the menus, either via Disney Dining or Allears.net, for the restaurants in the Epcot area resorts. If you're only interested in plain American food, then maybe Yachtsman or Shulas would be safe enough for you.

Good phrasing. I want to remember that.

 

[ElizabethG]

The Rainforest Cafe is located at Animal Kingdom park. You don't need a park ticket to eat there. That may be an option for you.

However, I love the restaurants at AKL!

 

[kastoney]

As others have said relook the menus at Jiko and Sanaa. They really are some of the best restaurants on property and you can certainly find some more Americanized items on both menus. Plus you can't beat being that close due to your concerns. Barring those I'd suggest heading to AK and trying Yak and Yeti. It's asian food done very well and may be a bit closer to what you are willing to try

 

[Princess Kendra]

Hubby and I are looking to have a date night. We are staying at AKL. We are unable to get childcare at Sandcastle (BC) or at Lilo's (Poly) so we have to use the daycare at AKL. We are not very adventurous eaters, and looking at the menus at Jiko, Sanaa and Boma, they don't really appeal to us. We do have a rental car. We aren't sure how my son will do at the childcare...we think he'll be okay, but are concerned if we go too far it will take us an hour to get back if there is a problem. Of course, being at AKL, we are kind of out of the way. I'm thinking a hotel restaurant might be better as we can probably get to the actual restaurant easier.

Like someone else said, there's plenty of chain restaurants on 192. There are also numerous dining options at the Swan and Dolphin. And we love eating at the monorail resorts.

But if you want to stay close to AKL, I would say maybe take another look at Boma! It's a buffet, and they have tons of different kinds of food, so you can pick and choose. They have "African" food, but they also have plain "American" food for those less adventurous. We took my elderly parents there once, they are definitely NOT adventurous eaters, and they can't handle anything spicy. They were able to find plenty of options to choose from, and had a great time! And Boma also has a ton of desserts, if you are into that sort of thing!