New Dining Experience at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jiko Starting June 30

Jambo, everyone! Are you ready for an all-new dining experience at Jiko — The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?

With the release of the live-action Lion King coming July 19, along with the 25th anniversary this year of the original movie, it’s no surprise that this new offering is a three-course meal inspired by… The Lion King!

The menu will feature dishes themed around The Circle of Life: Nants’ Ingonyama, a story celebrating Simba’s journey through life. And while you dine, live musicians will help to further set the scene by playing African melodies and music from The Lion King soundtrack.

You’ll kick off your dining experience with the “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” starter, which symbolizes Simba’s playful and joyous childhood as well as his desire to be king. The dish includes young cedar creek clam malata, potatoes, pomegranate, and a bone marrow finish.

Next, will be the main course, the Be Prepared dish, which was inspired by Simba’s courage to persevere through trials and the eerie elephant boneyards. You will get to choose from two options, the Bone-In Ribeye with hibiscus, nettles, and fregula or the Lobster Sosatie which includes shrimp, red squid, mussels, and fragrant rice.

Hakuna Matata will be the final, dessert course. This dish celebrates balance as Simba grows up and learns what it takes to be king. This dessert includes caramelized orange, chocolate choux, and playful foliage.

You will finish off the delectable evening with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” a selection of friandeses and teas. You will also have the option to add a choice of two levels of wine pairings for an additional cost.

This dining experience begins on June 30 and will only be offered for a limited time. The set menu will only be available during dinner at Jiko — The Cooking Place and costs $65 per person (tax and gratuity not included).

For reservations call 407-939-3463 or visit the Walt Disney World website.

What’s your favorite dining experience at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!