Little help-Shutters? Sanaa? Kona?

[phllymouse]

We are trying to decide on one of these:

Kona-seems convenient, using the monorail. The Poly is a nice place, but we will be there the night before at Ohana. Not sure if the menu and the restaurant is worth it. Any one?

Sanaa- We have a ressy for the night I am questioning. We have never seen the Animal Kingdom Villas. Our Ressys are at 5pm, in January we may still be able to see the animals a bit before dark. The menu looks different. The negative, it will take a bit to get to and from. Remember in January, hours are a bit limited in the parks, so all that bus riding and waiting will cut into park time. This is why we are thinking of canceling and moving it to one of the other two. Any one?

Shutters- I do not hear much about Shutters here on the forum. It looks nice. The menu seems interesting. It would be convenient because we are staying at the Caribbean beach Resort Any one?

Oh..the next day we will be eating steak at Le Cellier, if that may come into play.
Opinions would be helpful.

 

[petey]

Sanaa A Hidden Gem

I have stayed at AKL the last few times I have been to the World and really like it there. If you can get there a little early it is beautiful and relaxing to walk around. Sanaa is starting to become more popular and the menu is really
good and somewhat different. After dinner ask for a shuttle to go over to
Jambo House (another part of AKL). They have nightvision goggles like the
military uses and you can view the animals out near the pool area, and then
head inside to Victoria Falls (the hotel bar located above Boma & Jiko). It is
a nice relaxing way to end the night. If you are concerned about transportation back to where you are staying, they always have taxi's right
out front of the main entrance. Enjoy!!!!

 

[DrummerAlly]

Sanaa is amazing! Don't cancel! The food is unique and very well done, you'll be happy with the food. The service, however, is the best of Disney World that we've experienced (including some signatures). We've been twice in a row and had the same server both times (Giac.... something). He was top of the line - absolutely amazing. The restaurant is beautiful and the views of the animals are perfect. This is one of our don't miss dining places!

The first time we ate here we were staying at the YC. We took the bus from AK to Sanaa and that was great. The bus ride back was a little crazy (AKL --> DTD --> YC) but overall, worth the experience.

 

[plaz10]

We really enjoyed our first visit to Kona Cafe. But we got the teriyaki steak - and it was delicious but you might not want steak 2 nights in a row. The bread there is my absolute favorite bread ever.

Sanaa was also quite good. I got the beef short ribs and my fiance got the chicken in curry. We both really REALLY enjoyed it.

If you don't want 2 nights of steak - then I'd highly recommend Sanaa

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I think that Sanaa is one of the best non-signature restaurants in Disney World. They have a wonderful restaurant and an outstanding lounge. Their appetizers are fantastic, as are the tandoori dishes.

The food at Kona Café is pretty good, especially for dinner. The pineapple bread and honey macadamia nut butter served at dinner are fantastic, and I love the additional offerings from the Kona Island Sushi Bar. The fly in the ointment is that atmosphere is practically non-existent. It feels like eating in an airport food court because it's open to the rest of the Polynesian's Grand Ceremonial House. It can be pretty noisy.

I keep meaning to try Shutters but we never make the time to get over to the Caribbean Beach. Even the one time that we stayed at the resort, we didn't eat there. I don't think I've ever read a rave review of the place, but I suspect I may enjoy it regardless.

 

[MichWolv]

I'll echo others on Sanaa. Don't miss it. It is truly one of the best restaurants on property. A must on every trip for me now.

Kona is fine, but nothing great, except for breakfast (Tonga Toast!).

Shutters was so unmemorable that I can't really even think of anything to say about it.

 

[CaptainShortty]

I haven't eaten at Shutters or Kona but I LOVE Sanaa. Like people have said, I believe it is a hidden gem on Disney property. The food is a little different but if you're willing to be a little adventurous than you'll be just fine. The stuff isn't so far off the beaten path that you'll be eating like kangaroo or beetles or something. It's just got some different spices and whatnot. As far as viewing the animals, one of the cool things about Sanaa is that there are windows throughout the restaurant that look out right on the ground level of the savannah so you'll be able to see them while you eat. Overall, I highly recommend it.

 

[mufasa0505]

Sanaa is incredible. The food is unique, the restaurant is beautiful and you have stunning views of the animals.

I haven't eaten at Shutters. Kona was good, but we had a bad experience a few years ago and haven't been back. Server issue, not a food issue.