I think Yak and Yeti is a GREAT Restaurant, what do you all think?

[networkpro]

After hearing how great it was for YEARS, we finally tried it a few months ago and were very disappointed after all the hype. We got stuck sitting in the room by the bar and it was loud. The food was just mediocre. The sauces tasted very bottled and not fresh. Great server, but the rest of it was not worth me giving it a second shot. I can get much better food elsewhere that tastes less bottled.

We dont eat the curries or heavily sauced (well besides the Korean Short ribs) stuff. Steaks and Tuna (and occasionally the short ribs) are our usual fare. Skip the Tuna nachos, that was just a bad idea from its inception.

 

[jaklgreen]

Boma is a favorite of mine, mainly because the food is so different than what you get most places. Plus the food actually has flavor. Yak and Yeti is fine. I wouldn't say "great". I do like a few of their offerings. My problem with them is that the portion sizes are huge. I love the tuna nachos appetizer but it is enough food to be an actual meal for 2 people, not even close to an appetizer size.

 

[Weather_Lady]

Skip the Tuna nachos, that was just a bad idea from its inception.

Everyone is different: we look forward to the tuna nachos every time.

 

[jaklgreen]

Everyone is different: we look forward to the tuna nachos every time.

I like them too, but as a solo diner, they are too much for me to eat all of.

 

[Doberge]

Never been. I think I looked at the menu a couple of times; but we don’t go to AK every trip, so when we do, it’s hard to skip Tiffins/Nomad.

This is us too. We usually do go to AK every trip but usually only do Nomad and aren't in the park long enough for a second meal and when we are the second meal is usually Satuli. But we recently made two trips in one month so we denied ourselves Nomad in favor of Yak and Yeti.

Someone mentioned the rewards program and it really is great to get a table. Two parties in front of me were both directed to the app join a wait list and I was able to join the separate list for club members. Nonmembers were told something like 45 minutes and we had a table within 5 minutes.

As a tip, they give certificates both for first signing up and for one's birthday BUT the two certificates cannot be combined at the same visit. Certificates can be combined with gift cards.

 

[LittleMerman]

We went for lunch for the first time this year and really, really enjoyed it. Service was great and the food was really good. We like Tiffin's a lot more and still think AK needs another table service option, but Yak & Yeti was a solid experience.

 

[Judi8281950]

Last August was our first time there. Our server was excellent, always checking on us. The food was good, what the 5 of us ordered. Have I had better in NJ, yes. We sat upstairs which was nice, expecially since a storm came through as we ate. The downstairs got some water and they had to close the doors to keep people from running in and blocking the entrance.
Luckily, by the time we finished eating, the storm was gone but there were many big puddles.
Came home with two buddha glasses since we only ordered one drink, thanks to our server!

 

[Doberge]

We sat upstairs which was nice, expecially since a storm came through as we ate. The downstairs got some water and they had to close the doors to keep people from running in and blocking the entrance.
Luckily, by the time we finished eating, the storm was gone but there were many big puddles.

There are some very bad leaks near both the bathrooms and the check-in area. I watched them earlier this month need use brooms to push water out during and after a big storm. It fits the theme but is pretty bleh dodging the bathroom dripping and walking through the check-in puddles curious if going to slip.

 

[Judi8281950]

There are some very bad leaks near both the bathrooms and the check-in area. I watched them earlier this month need use brooms to push water out during and after a big storm. It fits the theme but is pretty bleh dodging the bathroom dripping and walking through the check-in puddles curious if going to slip.

Yes, so true. Before we left, my DIL, GD and myself used the bathroom. You had to watch where you were walking because the floor was very slippery.

 

[Baldy]

This is my favourite thing on the menu. It’s technically an appetizer but I find it’s enough for a meal.

 

[Phonedave]

Within the lens of WDW dining, Y&Y is OK. It is by no means fine dining, but then very little in WDW is.

We usually go when we go on our family trips to WDW for a number of reasons. We always go around my birthday, so I get the $25 credit (I was a Morton's Select Club member before Landry's bought Morton's, so I ended up with a Landry's Membership, but never had to pay for it )

My one daughter has a gluten allergy, and they do a very good job there, so there is that reason as well.

Everybody in my family enjoys something there.

Yeah, it has issues and some things can be better, but you are in the middle of a theme park eating at a chain (or quasi-chain) restaurant. Given those parameters, I think it does pretty well for itself.

 

[Doberge]

I started referencing this in another thread but tell a Yak and Yeti bartender "take me to the summit" and they'll share a secret menu.

 

[G&CsMom]

Gonna have to disagree with previous posters regarding food allergies. We tried this place for the first time back in January and their lack of concern with my DD22's food allergies was appalling. I suspect gluten is the only allergy they are trained to handle given they only have a gluten friendly allergy menu. My DD22 is allergic to eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, melons, and bananas.

Our waiter was awful. The kitchen staff served her food on a gluten free bun that contained egg and had mayo. My food and my DD25's food was not good and a sad interpretation of Asian food. Even the drinks were lame. The manager was the only person who took any accountability by comping two of the 4 meals once she heard that we had to send back my DD's food because it was not allergy safe for her.

If anyone is interested, I can copy/paste my original review posted on another website. Needless to say, we will NEVER return.

 

[Eric Graham]

Gonna have to disagree with previous posters regarding food allergies. We tried this place for the first time back in January and their lack of concern with my DD22's food allergies was appalling. I suspect gluten is the only allergy they are trained to handle given they only have a gluten friendly allergy menu. My DD22 is allergic to eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, melons, and bananas.

Our waiter was awful. The kitchen staff served her food on a gluten free bun that contained egg and had mayo. My food and my DD25's food was not good and a sad interpretation of Asian food. Even the drinks were lame. The manager was the only person who took any accountability by comping two of the 4 meals once she heard that we had to send back my DD's food because it was not allergy safe for her.

If anyone is interested, I can copy/paste my original review posted on another website. Needless to say, we will NEVER return.

That was awfully harsh for a restaurant at Disney. I had been to Disney numerous times and have encountered so many wonderful staff and wonderful people at the restaurants and many many cast members, etc. etc etc. I cannot imagine the many difficult times, people and many unpleasant experiences they have encountered working with many unpleasant people at Disney. Animal Kingdom is such a fabulous place with all of the animals also. So very serene and wonderful with all of the happy animals frolicking about. How on earth can you be upset there? It is after all the Happiest Place On Earth! I started out at 14 mopping floors in a grocery store and unloading trucks. At 15, I was a busboy during a summer. I could not return the following year because I was too young to obtain a liquor license. In my state, waiters typically make $2 an hour plus tips. That's it.... I tend to be very generous with the wait staff because I have been in there shoes before many a year before. It's really difficult work!!! I felt very empathetic the few times that I went to Disney during covid with the many wonderful team members going above and beyone the many measures for the public. What wonderful examples they put forth! Good day to you...

 

[G&CsMom]

That was awfully harsh for a restaurant at Disney. I had been to Disney numerous times and have encountered so many wonderful staff and wonderful people at the restaurants and many many cast members, etc. etc etc. I cannot imagine the many difficult times, people and many unpleasant experiences they have encountered working with many unpleasant people at Disney. Animal Kingdom is such a fabulous place with all of the animals also. So very serene and wonderful with all of the happy animals frolicking about. How on earth can you be upset there? It is after all the Happiest Place On Earth! I started out at 14 mopping floors in a grocery store and unloading trucks. At 15, I was a busboy during a summer. I could not return the following year because I was too young to obtain a liquor license. In my state, waiters typically make $2 an hour plus tips. That's it.... I tend to be very generous with the wait staff because I have been in there shoes before many a year before. It's really difficult work!!! I felt very empathetic the few times that I went to Disney during covid with the many wonderful team members going above and beyone the many measures for the public. What wonderful examples they put forth! Good day to you...

So you are discounting our experience because you have never come across poor staff at a restaurant on WDW property? Firstly, Yak & Yeti is not a Disney owned and operated restaurant. I knew this going into the reservation but had read such high reviews we decided to give it a try. On a second note, I made a reservation for an off-peak time hoping staff would not be so rushed. Thirdly, I don't expect every staff member to be completely knowledgeable about food allergies but I do expect staff to take it seriously. This is something that Disney owned establishments do extremely well which is one of the reasons we REALLY enjoy vacations at WDW. My DD22 doesn't feel like an outcast trying to find allergy safe food.

And FWIW, I worked part-time as a waitress from the age of 15 at a local golf club until I graduated high school. I worked full-time as a waitress in Myrtle Beach to support myself through college while going to Coastal Carolina. I know a little something about waitressing in a tourism town and also felt the effects of a lack of customers when Hurricane Hugo hit.

I think it's important for people who have food allergies to know of my experience as well as those of others when making a choice of where to dine at WDW. And yes, it was dismal. Will never eat there again. But I am also not a jerk. We still tipped the waiter 20% of the original bill prior to the manager comping 2 of the meals.

 

[Eric Graham]

Usually, I have wonderful service at Disney. I believe I called it a restaurant at Disney if I'm not mistaken. Wasn't calling you a jerk anywhere.. Have been to Charleston many a time and love Hyman's. I almost went to College of Charleston right before Hugo but opted to go elsewhere. I believe most people in most jobs as a whole are just trying to do the best that they can. Try working in healthcare like my wife does. So awful! We also enjoy The Boathouse even though it is not part of the Disney company. The people at the restaurant are so very awesome and the food is so good there also.

 

[littleroo]

Y&Y is one of the restaurants we do every trip. Service has always been consistent and good. We all love the tuna nachos. The atmosphere is fun and weird, as it is supposed to be!

 

[Hockey89]

So you are discounting our experience because you have never come across poor staff at a restaurant on WDW property? Firstly, Yak & Yeti is not a Disney owned and operated restaurant. I knew this going into the reservation but had read such high reviews we decided to give it a try. On a second note, I made a reservation for an off-peak time hoping staff would not be so rushed. Thirdly, I don't expect every staff member to be completely knowledgeable about food allergies but I do expect staff to take it seriously. This is something that Disney owned establishments do extremely well which is one of the reasons we REALLY enjoy vacations at WDW. My DD22 doesn't feel like an outcast trying to find allergy safe food.

And FWIW, I worked part-time as a waitress from the age of 15 at a local golf club until I graduated high school. I worked full-time as a waitress in Myrtle Beach to support myself through college while going to Coastal Carolina. I know a little something about waitressing in a tourism town and also felt the effects of a lack of customers when Hurricane Hugo hit.

I think it's important for people who have food allergies to know of my experience as well as those of others when making a choice of where to dine at WDW. And yes, it was dismal. Will never eat there again. But I am also not a jerk. We still tipped the waiter 20% of the original bill prior to the manager comping 2 of the meals.

Been many many many times with my son who can't have peanuts and sesame. They could not have been better each and every time. If you read reviews about this issue, they get incredible reviews, so I'll take the review with a major grain of salt....

 

[G&CsMom]

Since memories can fade and I do not want to misrepresent my experience all these months later, I have copied my post from another website that I completed just after we returned from our trip. Yes, it is LONG(sorry about that) but I felt (and still feel) it was important for other families with food allergies to know of our experience. Feel free to "take it with a major grain of salt" if you wish but for others, I hope it gives you extra information that you might have not previously read when researching restaurants for your vacation.

"We arrived for our dinner reservation a little early and the CM said she would take us to our table in a moment. I asked if they had an allergy menu and she replied that they did indeed. I advised that we would need one. A few moments later, she motioned for our family of four to follow and she took us to our table and dropped the menus on the table. There was no allergy menu.....sigh. ...AND she had rushed away so quickly that I was unable to gesture for her return to supply the missing menu.

After waiting at the table for quite a while, our waiter came by to greet us. We asked for an allergy menu and he said "sure." He returned several minutes later with waters and.......no allergy menu. We ordered our drinks and requested the allergy menu yet again.

At this point, my allergy DD was getting hangry and I told her to start looking at the regular menu to get an idea of what she wanted to order and we would see if it could be modified.

The waiter returned again after several more minutes with the allergy menu (cue the angels singing) but no drinks. OK. Fine. He left. DD decided she wanted the Kobe beef burger and was happy to see that it was listed on the allergy menu but it was served on an Udi's bun which we knew is a no go for her.

The waiter returned and we ordered. My husband ordered a bowl of wonton soup and the Kobe burger. DD24 ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala. I ordered the Bang Bang Calamari and the Pork potstickers.

I advised the waiter that my DD21(who also has special needs thus I usually order for her) was allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, bananas, and melons. I related that she wanted the Kobe beef burger with NO BUN as it is not safe for her. He said no problem. He asked "What type cheese would you like on your burger? Oh, wait, does cheese have egg in it?" She chose cheddar and answered that no, cheese does not contain egg.

Now, I know not everyone has allergies and that some waitstaff is going to be more knowledgeable than others but SERIOUSLY?? Does cheese have egg in it? Come on now. The management staff at this restaurant is obviously not even making an attempt to educate the waitstaff. It's a choice. Seems the waitstaff isn't the only uneducated staff...

Our drinks finally arrived. They were ok. Nothing special.

Eventually the food arrived at the table. I am sure you have already guessed by this point but indeed, my DD's burger arrived at the table on a bun AND with mayo...... We immediately said we cannot accept this burger as she is allergic to the eggs in the bun and would need a new burger. The food runner apologized and took the burger back.

Very quickly a manager arrived at the table to profusely apologize and stated that they take allergies "very seriously" and this should not have happened. I find her statement to be somewhat funny and hollow words because it was obvious that the management does NOT take allergies seriously. Neither the hostess nor the waiter nor the kitchen staff had demonstrated any sort of "seriousness."

A few minutes later, the manager hand delivered the allergy safe kobe burger sans the bun and mayo. She apologized again and announced that my daughter's meal would be comped as well as any appetizers or desserts to compensate for their mistake. This was kind of her and greatly appreciated.

Now, as far as the food itself.....my husband's wonton soup arrived with his burger. The soup he said was just ok. His burger was very tasty and his fries were crisp and just the right amount of salt. My DD's burger and fries were also good. My DD24 said her chicken tikka masala tasted more like butter chicken and was ok but not what she was expecting. My calamari was nothing special and the potstickers were below average. I didn't even finish eating them. The filling had little flavor, the sauce was not balanced, the dough was somewhat stiff though I had ordered them steamed. I have had much better from my local restaurants.

I really had high expectations as many on these boards have raved about Yak and Yeti and it was not an easy ressie to score. The food was mediocre at best and the service was just all around disappointing. We will never go back. Sorry this was so long winded but it really made that big of a negative impression on us all. I knew going into this that it was not a Disney owned restaurant and probably should have just chosen somewhere else to eat. Lesson learned."

 

[jaklgreen]

Since memories can fade and I do not want to misrepresent my experience all these months later, I have copied my post from another website that I completed just after we returned from our trip. Yes, it is LONG(sorry about that) but I felt (and still feel) it was important for other families with food allergies to know of our experience. Feel free to "take it with a major grain of salt" if you wish but for others, I hope it gives you extra information that you might have not previously read when researching restaurants for your vacation.

"We arrived for our dinner reservation a little early and the CM said she would take us to our table in a moment. I asked if they had an allergy menu and she replied that they did indeed. I advised that we would need one. A few moments later, she motioned for our family of four to follow and she took us to our table and dropped the menus on the table. There was no allergy menu.....sigh. ...AND she had rushed away so quickly that I was unable to gesture for her return to supply the missing menu.

After waiting at the table for quite a while, our waiter came by to greet us. We asked for an allergy menu and he said "sure." He returned several minutes later with waters and.......no allergy menu. We ordered our drinks and requested the allergy menu yet again.

At this point, my allergy DD was getting hangry and I told her to start looking at the regular menu to get an idea of what she wanted to order and we would see if it could be modified.

The waiter returned again after several more minutes with the allergy menu (cue the angels singing) but no drinks. OK. Fine. He left. DD decided she wanted the Kobe beef burger and was happy to see that it was listed on the allergy menu but it was served on an Udi's bun which we knew is a no go for her.

The waiter returned and we ordered. My husband ordered a bowl of wonton soup and the Kobe burger. DD24 ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala. I ordered the Bang Bang Calamari and the Pork potstickers.

I advised the waiter that my DD21(who also has special needs thus I usually order for her) was allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, bananas, and melons. I related that she wanted the Kobe beef burger with NO BUN as it is not safe for her. He said no problem. He asked "What type cheese would you like on your burger? Oh, wait, does cheese have egg in it?" She chose cheddar and answered that no, cheese does not contain egg.

Now, I know not everyone has allergies and that some waitstaff is going to be more knowledgeable than others but SERIOUSLY?? Does cheese have egg in it? Come on now. The management staff at this restaurant is obviously not even making an attempt to educate the waitstaff. It's a choice. Seems the waitstaff isn't the only uneducated staff...

Our drinks finally arrived. They were ok. Nothing special.

Eventually the food arrived at the table. I am sure you have already guessed by this point but indeed, my DD's burger arrived at the table on a bun AND with mayo...... We immediately said we cannot accept this burger as she is allergic to the eggs in the bun and would need a new burger. The food runner apologized and took the burger back.

Very quickly a manager arrived at the table to profusely apologize and stated that they take allergies "very seriously" and this should not have happened. I find her statement to be somewhat funny and hollow words because it was obvious that the management does NOT take allergies seriously. Neither the hostess nor the waiter nor the kitchen staff had demonstrated any sort of "seriousness."

A few minutes later, the manager hand delivered the allergy safe kobe burger sans the bun and mayo. She apologized again and announced that my daughter's meal would be comped as well as any appetizers or desserts to compensate for their mistake. This was kind of her and greatly appreciated.

Now, as far as the food itself.....my husband's wonton soup arrived with his burger. The soup he said was just ok. His burger was very tasty and his fries were crisp and just the right amount of salt. My DD's burger and fries were also good. My DD24 said her chicken tikka masala tasted more like butter chicken and was ok but not what she was expecting. My calamari was nothing special and the potstickers were below average. I didn't even finish eating them. The filling had little flavor, the sauce was not balanced, the dough was somewhat stiff though I had ordered them steamed. I have had much better from my local restaurants.

I really had high expectations as many on these boards have raved about Yak and Yeti and it was not an easy ressie to score. The food was mediocre at best and the service was just all around disappointing. We will never go back. Sorry this was so long winded but it really made that big of a negative impression on us all. I knew going into this that it was not a Disney owned restaurant and probably should have just chosen somewhere else to eat. Lesson learned."

I have worked in food for many, many years, and so I have seen the evolution of people. Sadly, parents are not teaching their children basic life information anymore. There was a time when most people had general knowledge about food because their parents taught them. They would see mom and dad cooking the food and knew what went into things. That started going away in the 90s though.
IDK what happened, if it was because moms all went to work too, but parents stopped imparting knowledge on their children and I find that extremely sad. I don't think that any restaurant manager would assume that a person thinks eggs go into cheese and so they would never bring that up to tell them otherwise.
We need to stop blaming the restaurants and putting it where it belongs, on the crappy parents. And it will only get worse as those who are clueless are breeding more clueless kids.