What's the best time to eat at Sanaa if we want to see the animals?

[Alice777]

I was thinking of making dinner reservation at Sanaa but then was thinking it might be too dark to see the animals (if by chance if we can get the window seat)?

Or if we do lunch, what would be the best chance (time) of getting window seat and see animals when they are not taking nap?

Thank you

 

[cmph]

We have eaten lunch at 12 and early-ish dinner around 6 (before sunset though) and saw plenty of animals both times. They appear to have animal caretakers out there during the big meal times to offer treats and keep the animals around, or else we just got lucky... but I would imagine it's more likely that they maintain a schedule for the animals. We have great photos of a gorgeous bird literally next to our window at lunch, and I don't remember seeing that kind of bird at dinner - so I would guess some animals can't be kept to a schedule.

Check out the viewing area while you're waiting for dinner (or after) to catch a different perspective too!

 

[Alice777]

We have eaten lunch at 12 and early-ish dinner around 6 (before sunset though) and saw plenty of animals both times. They appear to have animal caretakers out there during the big meal times to offer treats and keep the animals around, or else we just got lucky... but I would imagine it's more likely that they maintain a schedule for the animals. We have great photos of a gorgeous bird literally next to our window at lunch, and I don't remember seeing that kind of bird at dinner - so I would guess some animals can't be kept to a schedule.

Check out the viewing area while you're waiting for dinner (or after) to catch a different perspective too!

Thank you.

Do you think 12ish is better than between 1 pm to 2 pm?

 

[Barbydoll8]

I've done lunch there several times between 11-12 and saw animals every time. Not all animals but we did see animals. If you want a window seat, check in early and make sure you request it. There is no guarantee you'll get one but they will do their best to accommodate. Everyone gets up and kinds goes to the windows though even if it's brief.
I always try to eat anywhere in WDW at an off time for crowd levels. Sanna is not what I would call a large restaurant so an off time might be better. Say 11:30 - 11:45 or 1:45 ish.

 

[Alice777]

I've done lunch there several times between 11-12 and saw animals every time. Not all animals but we did see animals. If you want a window seat, check in early and make sure you request it. There is no guarantee you'll get one but they will do their best to accommodate. Everyone gets up and kinds goes to the windows though even if it's brief.
I always try to eat anywhere in WDW at an off time for crowd levels. Sanna is not what I would call a large restaurant so an off time might be better. Say 11:30 - 11:45 or 1:45 ish.

Thank you. My reservation is for 1:45 pm. I had made at that time for the reason you mention. Figured I have better chance of window if off time. But then I got worried it might be "nap" time for the animals....

 

[cmph]

Thank you.

Do you think 12ish is better than between 1 pm to 2 pm?

There were still animals around when we finished up around 1pm, but we weren't there at 2pm still, so I'm not sure if there is a mid-day lull when the animals nap and the trainers let them? We definitely saw the most early on, although maybe we get distracted by food easily once it arrives, LOL!

We only had a party of 2 for lunch, so we were easy to seat, although honestly - it wasn't full at lunch whatsoever. Even Memorial Day week, at that. I don't know what "normal" is during winter holidays or other super-busy times, but it wasn't crowded. Of course there are limited window seats, so they WILL try to seat you away from the window unless you ask.

I would probably switch to 11:30 if I were you and that were possible... PP and I can confirm you will see animals then, but 2ish worries me. You should beat the lunch rush slightly and get a window table easily (if you ask).

 

[Diz_Khalifa]

We ate dinner around 4:30 and requested a window seat. The animals were VERY active the entire time we were eating. Giraffes and zebras were always around with occasional animal guest star making appearances. From 4-6 should be good for dinner!

 

[Alice777]

Thank you everyone. When I put "lunch" instead of specific time, I didn't get 11:30 am. But after reading all the comments, I put 11:30 am and one came up so I immediately switched to 11:30 am.

Can't wait for November!

 

[sleepydog25]

Thank you everyone. When I put "lunch" instead of specific time, I didn't get 11:30 am. But after reading all the comments, I put 11:30 am and one came up so I immediately switched to 11:30 am.

Can't wait for November!

I believe that was a good choice. We've been there several times and always seen animals, but getting to lunch earlier than noon is never a bad idea. You're not guaranteed a window seat, and arriving at 11:30 (opens at 11) might mean you won't get one unless you wait. Still, you can see animals from most of the tables fairly easily. Sanaa is one of our favorite places to dine at the World: good food, good service, and moderate prices (relative to Disney). The bread service alone is worth any hassle one might have to get to AKV. In fact, it makes a fine meal for two if you do the full service and perhaps add a salad or soup.

 

[Alice777]

It opens at 11 am? I didn't see 11 am listed so I assume they open at 11:30 am.

 

[cmph]

It opens at 11 am? I didn't see 11 am listed so I assume they open at 11:30 am.

I would be super super surprised if all the window seats were taken by 11am reservations. But prob get there at 11:15, 11:20 just to tell them you want a window seat and beat the others who arrive at 11:30. We made a point of arriving 10-15min early just for that reason.

 

[Alice777]

I would be super super surprised if all the window seats were taken by 11am reservations. But prob get there at 11:15, 11:20 just to tell them you want a window seat and beat the others who arrive at 11:30. We made a point of arriving 10-15min early just for that reason.

Yes. We are planning to arrive early. Disney website has lunch from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. Is this incorrect?

 

[cmph]

Yes. We are planning to arrive early. Disney website has lunch from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. Is this incorrect?

If that's what the web-site says, I'd be inclined to believe it. I was just speaking in general terms... b/c I doubt any place that opens for lunch at 11 is all that busy right away!

 

[sleepydog25]

It opens at 11 am? I didn't see 11 am listed so I assume they open at 11:30 am.

It may very well be 11:30, though it was earlier the last time we went. However, I'd believe what the Disney site says. If you're there when they open, they do a brief little "show" with an African drum, clapping, and singing. It, too, is fun if quick. There already were a few parties waiting to get in at opening, and we did a walk-up. Had no issues getting in and getting a window seat. Enjoy!

 

[bumbershoot]

From 4-6 should be good for dinner!

As long as it's not winter.