Sanaa or DS?

[Jchiz2012]

For our arrival day, I had planned on doing DS, however we are not really looking to do a lot of shopping. Would it be a better choice to visit AKL and have a late lunch or early dinner at Sanaa? It will be me, DH and DS2 and we are staying close by at ASMo

 

[minnie mum]

Are you driving, or using Disney buses? If you have a car, it doesn't matter where you go, but if you're relying on buses, getting to DS and back to your resort is a lot easier than going to another resort.

 

[Jchiz2012]

Are you driving, or using Disney buses? If you have a car, it doesn't matter where you go, but if you're relying on buses, getting to DS and back to your resort is a lot easier than going to another resort.

We are driving

 

[clydesdale6]

I don't know what DS is and have always thought this site uses WAY too many abbreviations. However, Sanaa is AWESOME. I went last year at the recommendation of many on this site. I had a 5pm dinner time in mid-February. This allows you to see some of the animals before dark, then eat during the dark and go out and use the night vision goggles after dinner. Can you tell me what DS is now? Thanks.

 

[minnie mum]

DS is Disney Springs. The new name for DTD.

Downtown Disney.


And I agree that Sanaa is excellent. If the OP is driving, its a great choice.

 

[PatsGirl]

My vote is for Saana. I think it checks off great food for Mom and Dad and animal exploration for your child, be sure to get the activity schedule and see what might be age appropriate ~ I think there was a little musical parade once when we were there with kids banging on pots, etc. Win/Win. DS would also be fun, but 2 is a little young for most things there and there aren't really restaurants geared toward someone that young (maybe RFC or TRex but maybe not).

 

[kastoney]

We aren't shoppers either and while we've done DS and enjoyed a few meals there (Raglan Road being our favorite) I would do Sanna over anything there in a heart beat. Sanaa is one of the best places on property and it will be a great start to your vacation to not only have amazing food, but to check out the lodge and animals as well. Plus DS is crazy busy almost all the time now and I wouldn't want the hassle of crowds on day 1 if I could avoid it.

 

[HopperFan]

I would book Sanaa for a time as soon as it opens for dinner. Get there early so you are one of the first to check in and ask for a window table. Your little one will love the animals. We love the food and they have always been wonderful about adjusting a meal so my DS can enjoy as well.

 

[Jchiz2012]

Thank you for the great responses! Just got lucky, after checking several times and landed an ADR for 5:15pm at Sanaa for our arrival night! I think it will be a perfect start to our trip!

 

[BumbleB]

I vote for Sanaa too! We usually arrive at the resort early so we can stroll around outside and look at the animals. (we usually go at Xmas, so it gets dark early) We love both Sanaa and Jiko, and you can't go wrong with either. Enjoy!

 

[lustergirl]

<<< best meal I had on disney property was at Sanaa.

 

[trambach]

Sanaa was awesome. Unique experience seeing the savanna out the window!

 

[lizzyb]

I have not been to Sanaa but this thread has convinced me to book for our upcoming trip... now I need to decided on lunch or dinner. lol

 

[addiln]

Love Sanaa. thinking about going back there in August for one of our dinners if it fits in the schedule

 

[Ruth B]

We had planned lunch at Sanna but wonder if we should also find time for dinner( we are staying at AKL) is the menu different? Thanks all

 

[StirlingSilver83]

I have never been to Sanaa, we had to cancel our ADR there in 2014 bc my son got super sick at Disney and then when we went last year I couldn't get sanaa worked into our schedule and I was bummed. When we go in 2017 though I am making sure to make time for it bc I have heard amazingly wonderful things about it and even though I have not been there I would probably choose that over DS, LOL

 

[MrPTato]

Love this place!!! Recommend reservation as last time we just dropped in around lunch and no tables. Had room in the lounge but only had snacks to offer and not the full menu, which I thought was weird. Manager came over and allowed us to order off the menu and she was our server.

 

[Jchiz2012]

We had planned lunch at Sanna but wonder if we should also find time for dinner( we are staying at AKL) is the menu different? Thanks all

If you look online, there are a few menu differences between lunch and dinner.