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!
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!