Second-guessing Anniversary Dinner ADR

[armerida]

My husband and I will be celebrating our anniversary at Disney in 2 weeks and have lots of great ADR's booked. However, I'm second-guessing our actual anniversary dinner - originally, I booked Jiko, and then later switched it to Narcoossees. I thought it might be nice to wander around the Grand Floridian, maybe catch some music and a drink before dinner, and then watch the fireworks while we dine. Contemplating switching back to Jiko for a more "special" feel to the venue, or is Narcoossee's just as special? Haven't been to either yet, menus both look good. Thank you!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I much prefer the food and atmosphere at Jiko.

 

[goofygal531]

Narcoossees is our go to special meal. We love it there.

 

[ELSA711]

Looking for atmosphere personally my husband and I stayed at and enjoyed meals @ AKL for our anniversary. We loved animals and the ambience of that resort vs the GF & fireworks etc. but it’s all a matter of taste.

 

[OhThePain]

We went to Narcoossee's a couple of weeks ago and really found nothing special about the meal. The atmosphere is fine, nothing special. The food was good, but again nothing special. The view of HEA is nice, but not really worth going out of the way for. It wasn't a bad experience by any means, but it just wasn't anything special. Also, keep in mind that Narcoossee's is not attached to the main building at GF. It is right off the boat dock to/from MK. It is a little bit of a walk to the main building. We got to GF well before our ADR time, and really enjoyed sitting on the dock for a while as the night set in, watching the boat and monorails go by.

We have had a few meals at Jiko and have loved them all. The food has more of the "wow" factor than Narcoossee's does, IMO. There are also a lot of places to view the savannahs from at AKL. You can really make a night of it just enjoying your meal at Jiko and then relaxing with a drink looking over the savannahs or sitting by the firepit. Be careful though. If you haven't been to AKL before, just going there for a meal and a little exploration will in all likely hood lead to future stays there. That is what happened to us and I know we aren't the only ones.

 

[KenHutch]

Jiko's is the best restaurant in WDW in my opinion and afterwards you can wander around the Lodge.

 

[Abby Hill]

You really cant go wrong with either, IMO. Fireworks might be a nice touch for your anniversary, but you might need to leave your table and go outside to watch fireworks. I don't mind that, but some might.

 

[rentayenta]

We are staying at AKV this August for our anniversary. I would choose Jiko. Having said that, we haven't been to the GF; it was an option for our stay but we chose AKV.

Happy Anniversary!

 

[DISNEY1975]

I wasnt a fan of either, but would lean towards Narcoossees. If you have park passes, I would highly recommend Monsieur Paul at Epcot, with views of Iluminations / fireworks (Start your meal around 8.)

 

[gharter]

I don't think you can wrong with either.
Personally I think Jikos may be one of the best restaurants at WDW. We love sitting out by the savanna in the evening.
Narcoossees is fun and you can see the fireworks.

 

[eeyoresmom]

This won't help but..... I loved my dinner at Narcoossee's but was underwhelmed at the atmosphere. Far too casual for the price of the meal. Seriously Disney, if I'm paying $70 for an entree I'd like a table cloth. Jiko itself is far more romantic for an anniversary dinner, UNLESS they seat you in that back room. The food a Jiko wad good but being sat in that back room really ruined the experience for us.

 

[gillep]

I really dislike the atmosphere of Narcoossee's, the restaurant looks so nice in pictures but in my opinion is a huge let down in person, I felt that it was very cramped and quite casual. We also had terrible food and service there, it is a one and done for us. We have been to Jiko at least 10 times and love the food, service and atmosphere. I do agree with the pp about making sure you are sat in Jiko's main dining room though, the extremely small wine room is not nearly as nice.

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

I love Artist Point... the resort is gorgeous & the food delicious. Taking the boat ride there from MK is enjoyable also.
We always stay at AKL & usually eat at Jiko. Last trip we decided we don’t enjoy Jiko’s food as much as other restaurants. We loved Sanaa’s food however.
Artist Point & California Grill remain our yearly signature repeats. But, Artist Point is my favorite.

 

[TreAntDeu]

I like Jiko a lot more personally. The lobby bar/lounge right above it is great as well. Plus, you can go look at the animals outside.

Personally, i think it is a more unique experience and better food.

 

[Frankie Nova]

My husband and I will be celebrating our anniversary at Disney in 2 weeks and have lots of great ADR's booked. However, I'm second-guessing our actual anniversary dinner - originally, I booked Jiko, and then later switched it to Narcoossees. I thought it might be nice to wander around the Grand Floridian, maybe catch some music and a drink before dinner, and then watch the fireworks while we dine. Contemplating switching back to Jiko for a more "special" feel to the venue, or is Narcoossee's just as special? Haven't been to either yet, menus both look good. Thank you!

My whole vacation is our 20 Anniversary Vaca and Narcossees is on the list . The menu looked very good. If I were to say what will be my "Anniversary Dinner" I kind of unconsciously choose California grill to give my wife her gift .
Any thoughts? Heard the firework display from there is super

 

[OneinThree]

Jiko -by a lot, like. . .not even close.

 

[Frankie Nova]

got Jiko on the list as well