food IS a theme park
JAMBO from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Greetings from Animal Kingdom Lodge!
We’re checking out all the latest eats and activities in this beautiful Deluxe Resort. And we have a few friends along for the ride… [Read more…]
in Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jambo House at Walt Disney World offers world-class dining, a beautiful collection of wine, and embracing warmth every day. And now, you can capture the spirit on Valentine’s Day with a special two-course prix fixe menu!
Jiko Sign
The prix fixe menu includes an entree and a dessert. The entree choices include Cocoa-Rubbed Bison and Signal Hill Bo Kap Shellfish (shellfish in a Malay curry). [Read more…]
Walt Disney World has been a destination for families since the Magic Kingdom threw open its gates back in 1971. But over the years, Disney magic has drawn in people of all ages, and today it’s completely common to see grown-ups enjoying the parks with out kids.
We thought it’d be fun to gather some ideas on how to make the most of a girls’ weekend at Walt Disney World — from tips on where to stay, what to do, and (of course!) where to eat!
Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom
Deciding where to stay during an adults-only trip can be a tough call
, and there are a few different approaches you might want to take.
If you’re looking to enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank, think about Disney World’s Value Resorts. Want to avoid the noise and crowds often associated with these massive resorts? Request a room far from the main building and pools — even on the backside of a building where you’re less likely to have noise from passersby.
See Donald and friends at the All Star Movies Resort
But if you and your crew prefer to live the sweet life, consider booking a Deluxe Resort room — which is often a decent deal when you split it 2, 3, 0r 4 ways! These rooms offer more space and higher-end finishes. Plus some of the Deluxe Resorts have added perks — like great dining options and entertainment.
In the pantheon of inspired restaurants at Walt Disney World, Jiko — The Cooking Place has been at the top and at the bottom for me over the past few years. I’ve had excellent meals there, and I’ve had ho-hum meals there. So let’s see how this one turns out!
This Signature table service spot is located on the lower level of Animal Kingdom Lodge, across from Boma, the resort’s popular African- and Indian-inspired buffet. (Incidentally, if you’re looking for AKL’s quick service restaurant, The Mara, you’ll also access that through the lower level, too.)
Jiko has been a guest favorite for years. The menu is a celebration of the many and varied food traditions of the African continent, employing high-end ingredients and traditional African components to create a unique (in Disney World anyway) dining experience for guests.
And while Jiko’s menu features a selection of meat dishes (you’ll see several examples below), vegan and vegetarian diners may be offered a variety of choices on a separate menu, so be sure to ask.
Jiko Sign
You’re likely already familiar with using the My Disney Experience website or app to book your dining reservations throughout Walt Disney World parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. But did you know that some of these restaurants also offer reservations through OpenTable.com? We’ve got all the details!
Steak Frites at Wine Bar George
Want to try booking a dining reservation through OpenTable.com? We’ve put together a list of all participating restaurants on property. While you won’t find any in-park dining on the list, there are plenty of Resort and Disney Springs restaurants available via the site.
Walt Disney World seriously rocks
when it comes to offering a wide variety of dining options, and while we often find ourselves gravitating toward fried delights like classic Chicken Nuggets and carbolicious eats like Sanaa’s Bread Service, we still like to get our veggies in. Occasionally. Okay, really only to justify eating more cupcakes, but I digress.
Still, salads have their place, and we know that a lot of our readers enjoy the freshness and healthfulness of a plate of vegetables even when in a World full indulgent options. So we’ve culled our experience and that of our instagram readers for some great table service and counter service salad options that are satisfying and delicious. Thanks to our readers and followers for sharing their favorites!
We’re starting off with the most renowned salad in all the World: the Hollywood Brown Derby Cobb Salad. This salad is an institution at the original Hollywood Brown Derby in California, and the Disney version of the restaurant has captured the original version of the salad perfectly.
Cobb Salad at Hollywood Brown Derby
Jambo from The Mara in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!
It wasn’t all that long ago that we were here, pointing out three Must-Eat Snacks at the Lodge’s Counter Service option and sipping on some new-to-The-Mara Frozen Jungle Juice. But the Jungle Juice wasn’t the only new thing we found on that visit, which is what we’re excited to share with you today.
Longtime standouts at The Mara for lunch and dinner include unique items such as African Potjie Stew and tasty Soups of the Day alongside classic Burgers, Flatbreads, and Chicken Breast Nuggets.
That said, they aren’t afraid to switch things up every once in a while — and that’s a VERY good thing! Every so often, your basic Hot Dog or sandwich gets a bit of an African-inspired twist, as is the case with two of the three new items we’re trying today.
The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge
So, come right back into The Mara with us!
The Mara gets its name from the Masai Mara National Reserve, located in southwestern Kenya on the border of Tanzania. The small food court is only accessible from outside the resort, on the lower level and near the pool. Once inside, you’ll immediately notice the ceiling artfully mimicking the tree tops and some soft ambient lighting that creates interesting shadows. [Read more…]
Heads up, Tables in Wonderland Members! Remember a couple weeks ago when it was announced that Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members would receive an increased discount at select Disney World restaurants?
Well, that good news now extends to you, too! According to wdwmagic.com, Tables in Wonderland members are now eligible for the same increased discount.
Flying Fish
If you visit any of the locations listed below during the dinner meal timeframe BEFORE 6:30 pm or AFTER 8:30 pm, you will receive a 30% discount as opposed to the original 20% now through September 30, 2017! [Read more…]
Hey, Disney World Annual Passholders, Tables in Wonderland Members, and Disney Vacation Club Members! Guess what? According to wdwmagic.com, an increased discount is now available at several Resort restaurants now through the summer (ending September 30, 2017).
The Turf Club at Saratoga Springs Resort
If you visit any of the locations listed below during the dinner meal timeframe BEFORE 6:30 pm or AFTER 8:30 pm, you will receive a 30% discount as opposed to the original 20%! [Read more…]
Wow! What a fun surprise to see so many Disney Restaurants participating in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month for 2017!
September is Orlando Magical Dining Month sponsored by Visit Orlando, and it begins with a preview week on August 25th and runs through October 1st. Magical Dining offers Orlando locals and guests the chance to enjoy the Orlando culinary scene at a significant savings: $35 for three courses at participating area restaurants. This year, the tally is over 100 restaurants offering the prix fixe dinners, which include appetizer, entree, and dessert.
In keeping with tradition, one dollar from each meal goes to support local charities. Freedom Ride and BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation are the two charities for 2017.
For a complete list of participating restaurants and Magical Dining Month menus, head over to Visit Orlando’s website. And to see all of the restaurants at Disney World and in the immediate Lake Buena Vista area, click here.
This year, an unprecedented number of Disney restaurants are participating, and we are happily surprised to see several Disney owned and operated spots on the list! Among them are The Turf Club, Boatwright’s Dining Hall, Grand Floridian Cafe, Jiko, Olivia’s Cafe, and The Wave… of American Flavors.
Inguday Tibs in Brik at Jiko
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
