Sanaa & Animal Kingdom Lodge

[DisneyMom2000000]

Thinking about doing Sanaa the first night in town. We are staying off property.

Is AKL worth checking out? How about for little kids? We will have a 5 year old and 3 year old with us. We plan to dine at 7:20, unless something comes up earlier.

 

[Hopefully]

AKL is definitely worth checking out. Take the little ones out to see the animals on the Savanah

 

[NicoleLarson]

Having eaten at most of the restauants on property, Sanaa is probably my favorite right now. I think it's well worth the trip. Sanaa is in Kidani just FYI, which is a much smaller but just as beautiful lobby. There are public viewing terraces at both resorts. I would suggest to arrive early and walk over to Jambo house, to look around At Sanaa, make sure to get the bread service, it's not overhyped at all. The kids selections are a little bit more adventurous but nothing too crazy. Just FYI, if you are going before Simbas cubhouse (kids club) closes in Jambo, July 21st ish??? You get an hour free per kid and they feed them dinner. You can stay longer, you just get charged by the hour and it's $25/ hour for 2 kids. Our kids actually prefer to go there then out to eat with us and we get some adult time.

 

[EdmondD]

Thinking about doing Sanaa the first night in town. We are staying off property.

Is AKL worth checking out? How about for little kids? We will have a 5 year old and 3 year old with us. We plan to dine at 7:20, unless something comes up earlier.

Yep! Absolutely. As @NicoleLarson pointed out, Sanaa is in the adjacent Kidani Village, while the lobby of the main building is the show-stopper of all AKL. So you'll want to give yourself time there before dinner (I would suggest before, rather than after, given the late dinner reservation).

 

[mn51]

It's one of our favorite restaurants. I agree with everything that has been said. Plus, ask for a window seat so you can watch the animals while you are eating. I've captured some great photos over the years. Hope you have a great time.

 

[DisneyMom2000000]

Having eaten at most of the restauants on property, Sanaa is probably my favorite right now. I think it's well worth the trip. Sanaa is in Kidani just FYI, which is a much smaller but just as beautiful lobby. There are public viewing terraces at both resorts. I would suggest to arrive early and walk over to Jambo house, to look around At Sanaa, make sure to get the bread service, it's not overhyped at all. The kids selections are a little bit more adventurous but nothing too crazy. Just FYI, if you are going before Simbas cubhouse (kids club) closes in Jambo, July 21st ish??? You get an hour free per kid and they feed them dinner. You can stay longer, you just get charged by the hour and it's $25/ hour for 2 kids. Our kids actually prefer to go there then out to eat with us and we get some adult time.

Closing permanently in July? We would love to do

It's one of our favorite restaurants. I agree with everything that has been said. Plus, ask for a window seat so you can watch the animals while you are eating. I've captured some great photos over the years. Hope you have a great time.

When do we make that request? When we get there?

 

[NicoleLarson]

Closing permanently in July? We would love to do

Yes, closing permanently as a kids club, July 31st. I think it's turning into a family community hall with activities and such during the pool closure this fall.


When do we make that request? When we get there?

Yes, closing permanently as a kids club, July 31st. I think it's turning into a family community hall with activities and such during the pool closure this fall.

Just ask at the hostess stand about a window table.. Only about 1/3th of the tables are along the windows.

 

[Spencer Wright]

Having eaten at most of the restauants on property, Sanaa is probably my favorite right now. I think it's well worth the trip. Sanaa is in Kidani just FYI, which is a much smaller but just as beautiful lobby. There are public viewing terraces at both resorts. I would suggest to arrive early and walk over to Jambo house, to look around At Sanaa, make sure to get the bread service, it's not overhyped at all. The kids selections are a little bit more adventurous but nothing too crazy. Just FYI, if you are going before Simbas cubhouse (kids club) closes in Jambo, July 21st ish??? You get an hour free per kid and they feed them dinner. You can stay longer, you just get charged by the hour and it's $25/ hour for 2 kids. Our kids actually prefer to go there then out to eat with us and we get some adult time.

I would like to second this! Sanaa is wonderful, as is AKL! In my opinion, the best animal viewing at AKL is right outside of Sanaa.

Also, please do not forget to check out animal viewing thats past the pool area at Kidani. It is secluded and often has remarkable animal viewing (i.e. several Okapi's). Sometimes you have to be a guest to access this area.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

You will not be disappointed

 

[mn51]

Closing permanently in July? We would love to do


When do we make that request? When we get there?

Yes. I usually grab a 5 pm reservation because getting a window seat is fairly easy at that time. You can try to call them that day and ask for a window seat for your time. Even if you cannot get a window seat, don't worry. There is an area right outside the restaurant that you can watch the animals. Enjoy as it is a great experience.

 

[DaniMoon]

It is our favorite restaurant. We are going twice over our two week stay in August. Our first visit my kids were 5&6 and they will be 10&11 this trip, we go early and enjoy the decks. We've also gone at night and used the night goggles -- but that was in the fall when it got dark early, so it was easier with kids.

 

[Magical2017]

We loved Sanaa!

 

[OKW Lover]

Thinking about doing Sanaa the first night in town. We are staying off property.

Is AKL worth checking out? How about for little kids?

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.

Don't limit yourself to just the Kidani village part of AKL. Go to Jambo house as well for a really impressive building and opportunity to see more animals.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

We LOVE Sanaa it is definitely worth checking out. You can see the animals right from the window while eating and can also go outside and view them right there. It's absolutely beautiful and not only that, the food is outstanding. One of our favorite places to go.

 

[DisneyMom2000000]

Y'all, I am so excited! Thank you for sharing your experiences!!!

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Thinking about doing Sanaa the first night in town. We are staying off property.

Is AKL worth checking out? How about for little kids? We will have a 5 year old and 3 year old with us. We plan to dine at 7:20, unless something comes up earlier.

Yes we just had our first stay at AKL this past March and our kids LOVED AKL. We did not dine at Sanaa but have heard wonderful things about it. There are multiple scenic overlooks from within the hotel as well as a patio area to see them from the ground level.

 

[dwheaton]

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is incredible to check out. My kids are now 9 and 5, and we've stayed there a few times in the past few years. It's a stunning place, and they loved it.

 

[Shoshana]

Ask to be seated in Greg's station. He's the best waiter we've ever had at Disney. Sanaa is our favorite restaurant!

 

[mckenk]

LOVE Sanaa! The Sosatie is one of my favorite entrees I have ever had a any restaurant (caveat - I also LOVE Indian food). My kids loved the Naan pizzas and paint your own cookie desserts. We will definitely be returning on our next trip!

 

[gharter]

Sanaa was really good if you like Indian style food.
At the ages of your kids, I would suggest going to Boma instead. It has really good food, is African inspired and is a buffet so there are lots of options for kids of all ages. Adventurous and non adventurous eaters will find good stuff there.