Review of the Lunch with Disney's Animal Program, 3/14/06

Deb in IA

Knows that KIDS are better
Joined
Aug 18, 1999
Messages
12,607
We were there a week ago. It is only offered on Tuesdays, and runs from noon to about 2 pm (we were there until about 2:20).

We were in a small private dining area in Jiko, at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Our family, me, DH, DD Jennifer age 14, and DS Mark age 10 were at one table, along with another diner, who, by chance, happened to be from Iowa also! She was a high school sophomore (Jennifer is a freshman) and lives in Bettendorf, Iowa, which is about 60 miles from us! The other table had 2 older couples and another gentleman.

Our speaker was Dr. Anne Savage, a conservation biologist and primatologist at the Convervation Station at AK. She spoke on a variety of topics, including working with native Columbians on the conservation of natural habits of the cotton-top tamarin, reversible contraception for hippos, nesting habits of sea turtles, and her most recent research into primates in Nepal for the development of the Yeti in the Expedition Everest ride. Very interesting talk. She paused at several spots to allow for questions, and was very friendly and approachable. Even our 10 year old son was comfortable with asking her a question about the sea turtles.

There were two tables, with about 5 people per table, and Dr. Savage alternated between the two tables.

But the food was amazing! I have one of our menus:

African Breads and Dips- Pita Crisps, Flaxseed Naan, and Whole Wheat Lavosh, with Moroccan Chermoula, South African Shagh Dhal, and Kalamata Olive Hummus----Organic Field Greens with Carrot-Buttermilk Dressing----Maize-crusted and Pan-roasted Halibut with Vegetables of the Moment, and North African Harissa (HOT!)----Jiko Winter Sorbet----Oven-roasted Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato and Potato Gratin, with Mushroom Ragout----Pomegranate Macerated Fruit Salad with Homemade Yogurt

The halibut and the pork tenderloin were delicious! The kids even did pretty well with the food, and the only change I requested was lemonade for them instead of iced tea, which the wait staff handled with no problem. The assistant chef came out and introduced each dish, and gave a bit of an explanation about the ingredients. He can even do any special diet requests, as one of the people in our group announced that she was gluten and lactose sensitive.

There is a wine pairing that you can order with the food, but we did not do this.

All in all, it was well worth the $65! Amazing food and very informative program! I spoke to the program coordinator afterwards, and they really wanted people to come to this program! It is relatively new, and I think they want it to be successful! They said that there are several different speakers that rotate this event, so if you go, you may learn other things about Disney's animals!
 
So was it a power point presentation? Any other kids there?? We were thinking about this with our 11 and 9yo but our 9yo is a PIA when it comes to food and I don't like the thought of 65$ for "salad". Now if they had scallops she would eat her weight in them.....
 
Yes, it was a PowerPoint presentation. No kids menu, but you may ask for substitutions -- I know the chef made special accmodations for the gluten and lactose sensitive person.

The reservation person told me it was "recommended" for ages 12 and up, and the only other "kid" there was the 15 year old at our table (who came by herself). Our 10 year old is pretty well behaved and eats just about anything (EXCEPT the salad!) and did well.
 
So it's only on Tuesdays, huh? 12-2pm? Do you make ADRs like normal or do you have to call AKL or what?

Thanks for all the details you can offer! I think my family would love this.
 

Yup. Only on Tuesdays, so far.

You book this through WDW-DINE, not AKL. But be careful. Since this is a new program, be sure the agent knows what you are talking about.

When I called to book this, the reservation person had no idea. She first told me that Jiko was not open for lunch, only dinner. WRONG. I again told her that this is a SPECIAL PROGRAM. Then, she tried to book me for dinner on Tuesday at Jiko. NO, I told her, this is a lunch program on Tuesday only at Jiko. She calls a supervisor, and finally pulls up the right event. Then, as she is scrolling through her computer, she says, "I am supposed to get all the names in your party, but I don't think I need that . . .", to which I respond, "YES, actually, you DO need that. We will be receiving personalized menus, and they need our names!"

Good luck!!!
 
Do you have to be staying at AKL to participate? I would love something like this.
 
Maleficent13 said:
Do you have to be staying at AKL to participate? I would love something like this.
Nope. Open to anyone, as far as I can tell. We were staying at VWL.
 
do you know if there is any kind of set down rotating program( like first week so and so, second week so and so) or is it just who ever happens to be available? my daughter is a vet tech so probably would love to hear the vet if possible

and it probably is not included on the ddp even as 2 ts.
 
Thanks for the reviews. I haven't heard of this program before, but it sounds great. :)
 
jann1033 said:
do you know if there is any kind of set down rotating program( like first week so and so, second week so and so) or is it just who ever happens to be available? my daughter is a vet tech so probably would love to hear the vet if possible

and it probably is not included on the ddp even as 2 ts.

I don't think it is on the Disney Dining Program, but we did not do DDP, so I'm not for sure.

The speakers may be assigned according to availability. I know that Dr. Savage said she was going to be out of town in a few weeks . . . she was going back to Columbia to continue her reseach with the cotton-top tamarins.
 
Deb is ther a choice of Entree or do you get a little of everything???

TIA!
Sue
 
Thanks for sharing, I will have to carve out some time for myself to go. Dh will have to had a DD and Dh afternoon!
 












Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE


New Posts





DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest DIS Tiktok DIS Twitter DIS Bluesky

Back
Top Bottom