Sanaa Restaurant at Kidani Village

[BridetobeDisney]

Has anyone heard anything about the new restaurant at Kidani Village at AKV? I'd like to know rumors of it's opening date and if it will be on the dining plan. If so is it a signature dining like Jiko? Jiko and Boma are my favorite restaurants at Disney so I'm excited to find out there will be a new one. The new disney.com had some info but not enough to answer my questions. Thanks!!

 

[BridetobeDisney]

bump

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Honestly, there isn't too much information out there just yet. I did here, though, that it WILL indeed be a signature just like our beloved Jiko. Woohoo!

EDIT: I have heard that it'll be a table service and I thought I read also signature. I could be wrong though.

 

[JPS439]

you might want to repost this on the DVC boards, a few people on there seem to be 'in the know' on issues such as these

 

[Tricia1972]

I agree that it may be a better fit on the DVC board. Few here keep up with the development of the new DVC resorts.

I think it's safe to say that it's far enough out that the rumors of it opening haven't even hit the dining boards yet.

Moving to the DVC forum - hopefully you get better information on it.

 

[tomandrobin]

Nothing has been made official yet, however I would expect it open at or near the same time as the overall resort....so say June.

The restaurant has not been designated as a signature table service. It has to earn that designation I do believe.

 

[disneynutz]

Nothing has been made official yet, however I would expect it open at or near the same time as the overall resort....so say June.

The restaurant has not been designated as a signature table service. It has to earn that designation I do believe.

It earns the designation by becoming popular and thus gives Disney the justification of charging higher prices and 2 TS credits.

 

[glennbo123]

Here's what was written about Sanaa in the summer 2008 edition of DisneyFiles magazine:

Ancient Spice Routes Lead To Future Restaurant

Creating a distinctive dining destination for Kidani
Village, now under construction at Disney’s Animal
Kingdom Villas, led Walt Disney World® Food and Beverage
Vice President Dieter Hannig and his team to explore the
cuisine of an often forgotten Africa.
“When most people think of Africa, they think of the
continental land,” Dieter told Disney Files Magazine. “We
showcase continental African cuisine in our existing
restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, so for this
project, we looked to the African islands of the Indian Ocean.
Places like Zanzibar, the Seychelles, the Comoro Islands,
Mauritius and Madagascar play a unique role in African
cuisine, blending the flavors of Africa, the Middle East,
Southeast Asia and India. We’re really excited to share this
cuisine in a place we’re calling Sanaa (sounds like “sauna”
and is the Swahili word for artwork), presenting the art of
African cooking with Indian flavors.”
Drawing from these islands, Dieter and his team set out
to create an immersive new restaurant embodying what
Disney dining insiders call their “big five” keys to success. For
those of you who aren’t in those staff meetings (where have
you been?), these include the gracious welcome, the elegance
and performance of service, the authenticity of the cuisine
and concept, the selection of fine wines and spirits, and the
warmth and richness of the ambience.
Further culinary inspiration for the 150-seat restaurant
came from the ancient African spice routes, though Dieter is
quick to point out that “spice” doesn’t necessarily mean that
the food will be “spicy.”
“African spices are all about flavor, not heat,” Dieter
explained. “Flavors like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla
bring a uniqueness and authenticity to the cuisine.”
Disney Files Magazine sneaked a peek at the still-evolving
menu, which includes hand-crafted breads, flavorful “taste
bite purses” filled with everything from cheese and mint to
spiced meats, and a variety of entrées either slow-cooked,
grilled over a wood fire or roasted in a traditional Indian clay
oven called a Tandoori.
Experience the cuisine for yourself next spring, when
Sanaa is slated to open its doors at Kidani Village.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I for one can hardly wait! I'm expecting great things from Sanaa! I'm guessing it will open May first when Kidani does.

 

[zulaya]

I'm freakin' excited about Sanaa! We're at AKV in early June and this is one place I will go all by myself in no one else in my family wants to.

 

[WolfpackFan]

I have to say I'm not excited about it at all. They already have two full service restaurants at AKL, Jiko and Boma - both with exotic food. Why do they need a third one? I would have much preferred a counter service restaurant like Mara.

 

[Debs Hill]

I think it would be nice to have a sit down restaurant and a counter service...but I will wait to pass judgement until I see the menu for Sanaa!!
Debsx

 

[kenman]

Here's what was written about Sanaa in the summer 2008 edition of DisneyFiles magazine:

Ancient Spice Routes Lead To Future Restaurant

Creating a distinctive dining destination for Kidani
Village, now under construction at Disney’s Animal
Kingdom Villas, led Walt Disney World® Food and Beverage
Vice President Dieter Hannig and his team to explore the
cuisine of an often forgotten Africa.
“When most people think of Africa, they think of the
continental land,” Dieter told Disney Files Magazine. “We
showcase continental African cuisine in our existing
restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, so for this
project, we looked to the African islands of the Indian Ocean.
Places like Zanzibar, the Seychelles, the Comoro Islands,
Mauritius and Madagascar play a unique role in African
cuisine, blending the flavors of Africa, the Middle East,
Southeast Asia and India. We’re really excited to share this
cuisine in a place we’re calling Sanaa (sounds like “sauna”
and is the Swahili word for artwork), presenting the art of
African cooking with Indian flavors.”
Drawing from these islands, Dieter and his team set out
to create an immersive new restaurant embodying what
Disney dining insiders call their “big five” keys to success. For
those of you who aren’t in those staff meetings (where have
you been?), these include the gracious welcome, the elegance
and performance of service, the authenticity of the cuisine
and concept, the selection of fine wines and spirits, and the
warmth and richness of the ambience.
Further culinary inspiration for the 150-seat restaurant
came from the ancient African spice routes, though Dieter is
quick to point out that “spice” doesn’t necessarily mean that
the food will be “spicy.”
“African spices are all about flavor, not heat,” Dieter
explained. “Flavors like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla
bring a uniqueness and authenticity to the cuisine.”
Disney Files Magazine sneaked a peek at the still-evolving
menu, which includes hand-crafted breads, flavorful “taste
bite purses” filled with everything from cheese and mint to
spiced meats, and a variety of entrées either slow-cooked,
grilled over a wood fire or roasted in a traditional Indian clay
oven called a Tandoori.
Experience the cuisine for yourself next spring, when
Sanaa is slated to open its doors at Kidani Village.

I was wondering if there was any concept art for sanaa in the magazine or anywhere else?

 

[SunnieRN]

Just out of curiosity sake, where would you fill your mug at kidani if you were on the Dx or Cs dining plan? Having to go all the way to Mara seems silly. From what I read it doesn't sound like the pool bar will have a drink refill station either.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I can't wait to eat dinner here. If it's anywhere as good as Jiko I will love it.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I have to say I'm not excited about it at all. They already have two full service restaurants at AKL, Jiko and Boma - both with exotic food. Why do they need a third one? I would have much preferred a counter service restaurant like Mara.

Well, I for one would not exactly call Jiko "exotic" food, and I HATE the offerings at Mara, so I'm really glad for another table service place!

 

[tjkraz]

Just out of curiosity sake, where would you fill your mug at kidani if you were on the Dx or Cs dining plan? Having to go all the way to Mara seems silly. From what I read it doesn't sound like the pool bar will have a drink refill station either.

Since there is no Counter Service dining at Kidani, I think you can count on there being a fountain dispenser either at the pool bar or around the gift shop. They will probably have pre-made sandwiches and salads in the gift shop as well, along with the usual assortment of grocery items.

 

[famsen]

I don't mind a new table service restaurant at all.
I just want to mention that although I absolutely LOVE AKL (especially Boma) as it is right now, to me the worst thing about it is the counter service eatery. The Mara is horrible. I've seen better decor in a high school cafeteria. I've eaten better food in a high school cafeteria for that matter. I would love AKL and AKV to each have better counter service places.

 

[lugnut33]

I'll be there opening day and hope to secure a reservation at Sanaa, as long as it opens with the hotel.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Well, I for one would not exactly call Jiko "exotic" food, and I HATE the offerings at Mara, so I'm really glad for another table service place!

Haven't eaten at Jiko yet (haven't stayed at AKV yet but will in June) but I agree on Mara. We went to Boma on our early Dec trip and I was not impressed with it either. It was OK but not much above that. I've heard GREAT things about Jiko. It's on my "make ADRs" for June (about the ONLY thing we plan and only because you have to in order to sit down anywhere for real table service).

I'm expecting big things at Sanaa. We shall see. Most of the resturants at WDW, even the "Signature" ones, aren't much to write home about IMO but I'm sure I'm alone in that feeling too.