Viewing the animals at AKL?

[deanimal]

We are planning our upcoming trip and it looks like we'll get to Orlando a day before my parents join us. We are thinking of going to Animal Kingdom that day, since my parents say they aren't interested in visiting the park, but I was thinking of the possibility of meeting them at the AKL that night for dinner. I've just seen it in pictures, but the resort looks absolutely beautiful. However, I was looking at the menus for the signature restaurants there, and I really don't think my parents would be interested. (they like their food plain and simple, and cheap if at all possible!) I do see that there's a counter service option, though. Is there any possibility of grabbing some wraps or burgers or something and taking it out where we can enjoy the views of the savannah? I think that would be a fun way to end off a day at AK if it could be done.

 

[disnut8]

You can do that although you might have to check into taking food out to the viewing areas. Wrappers flying into the enclosures might be a problem at a resort that doesn't allow ballons or plastic straws.

 

[diznymom]

The Mara (quick service rest) has a limited menu. You might not be allowed to take the food into the viewing areas. Maybe someone will ask CMs for you before you get there.

Have you considered Boma? DH is a plain meat and potato man. He loves Boma. (Which was a shock to me). Boma has a wide range of food choices...something to satisfy the adventurous and not so adventurous eaters in the group.

 

[deanimal]

Does the seating area for Boma have good views? I couldn't tell from the pictures.

 

[carrie1626]

There are NO viewing areas within the BOMA restaurant. There is a small outdoor seating area available at MARA if you want to be outside.

 

[Raenstoirm]

We love AKL and Boma is one of our favorite must-do-every-trip places, but I dont think it works for what you are looking for. The savannah isnt great compared to the views in actual AK and honestly the "main" (off the lobby) one is pretty small. There are benches out there, but not really anywhere to eat per say and I actually doubt they would allow you to bring anything hazardous to the animals out there (like wrappers).

 

[diznymom]

The restaurants in the Jambo house at AKL have a "pool" view, sort of. They are not in the Savannah viewing areas. (The Mara, Boma & Jiko)

The Savannah viewing areas do not have places to sit and eat. We don't think you will be allowed to eat in these areas.

HTH clear things up a bit.

 

[dzorn]

If you go to Kidani the restaurant Saana does have animal viewing areas.

Denise in MI

 

[DizDays]

Kidani, steps away from Jambo, has Sanaa which is a really good restaurant. They have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the savannah. It's a very nice experience. Whether you choose to eat at Jambo or Sanaa, make sure to check out both resorts since they're side by side. They both have walk out overlooks to their various savannahs and you get great views of the animals. However, other than Sanaa, there is no place where you can eat and look at the animals at the same time.

Both resorts are gorgeous, though, and well worth the trip to check out.

 

[deanimal]

Thanks! I hadn't thought about Kidani. I'll check out the menu.

 

[madalex]

The Savannah viewing areas do not have places to sit and eat. We don't think you will be allowed to eat in these areas.

The Mara is located near the pool and there are some savannah viewing areas in the pool area as well. There are some chairs (and maybe tables: I can't remember exactly) near one of the viewing areas near the pool and no one will stop you from taking your food from the Mara over to that area to eat.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I just had a meal yesterday at an outside table at Mara - I think you would be able to eat outside by the pool and then walk along and view the animals after you finish. Honestly though I think Sanaa at Kidani can't be beat for viewing the animals if you are able to get a table by the windows. Also I think the animal viewing at Kidani is very good - I think they made some improvement with the way they designed the Savannah there though Jambo is not bad. I think the tandoori items are more "plain" and the bread service is really good at Sanaa.