Truth be told, I actually wanted to have dinner at Ohana at the Polynesian Resort. Unfortunately, even weeks in advance, we were unable to get a reservation for Ohana. So... we used Disney's online system to get a lunch reservation at Yak & Yeti and noted that it was our anniversary.
We arrived at Animal Kingdom a little early and picked up a pair of Happy Anniversary buttons at Guest Services. We also added funds to a Disney gift card to pay for lunch. We actually wanted to use our Disney Visa Rewards Dollars. Unfortunately, Yak & Yeti is not a Disney-owned restaurant and therefore does not participate in the program.
We cheerfully checked-in at the Yak & Yeti podium for our celebration lunch. Soon we were escorted to the worst table in the entire restaurant. Although the restaurant was not full, we were seated right outside the kitchen. All we could hear were pots and pans clanging and the roar of the kitchen staff, not to mention the swish of all the servers speedily passing our table. Not exactly the romantic lunch we had hoped for.
As we waited for our drinks to arrive, I seriously contemplated walking out. I just had a bad feeling and I should have listened to my gut. Instead, we politely requested if another table might be available. We were moved to the other side of the room downstairs. The restaurant has two floors, and I understand from other reviews that upstairs seating is preferred.
By now, we've interacted with two "cast members" in the lobby plus two different servers. Not one acknowledged our anniversary (despite the buttons and note in our reservation).
On to the meals. Since this was a celebration, we were prepared to splurge a little.
Appetizer
We love pot stickers. Unfortunately, we did not care for the version served at Yak & Yeti. Mostly because the soy lime dipping sauce was bitter. I did like that we were given the option of "steamed or seared". We chose "seared" but they were hardly pan fried. In fact, there were barely warm either. They were brought to our table by a kitchen staff member (who actually was the only person to say, "Happy Anniversary"). I much prefer the pot stickers at Ohana and at Lotus Blossom Cafe at China Epcot. The price for 5 pot stickers was $8.50.
Main Course
If you read this blog, you know that I love ribs. Thankfully, my favorite place for ribs at Animal Kingdom are from a counter-service restaurant because the baby back ribs served at Yak & Yeti cost $26. The hoisin bbq sauce was yummy, the ribs were extremely tender and meaty but they were barely room temperature. Sides included a scoop of chicken fried rice (just OK with almost no chicken) and a sweet chili slaw. I didn't try the slaw, but my husband did. He didn't think it was very good.
My husband ordered the Shaoxing Steak and Shrimp. Yak & Yeti get points for presentation with this dish. The skirt steak was thin, but tender. The jasmine rice was nothing special. The shrimp could have been a lot better. They weren't as "cleaned" as much as they should have been for being tempura battered - especially for the $26 price. The side of stir-fried veggies were OK and the chili plum dipping sauce was tasty.
Dessert
We had seen raving reviews about the fried wontons dessert at Yak & Yeti. The cream cheese stuffed pockets of dough were served skewered with pineapple and a with side of ice cream. The description also said they would be drizzled with a honey vanilla. The pineapple was sour and the drizzle was more of a puddle. They were good, but not particularly special. They cost $8.
The grand total for lunch at Yak & Yeti with drinks (non-alcoholic), tax and tip was about $90. Was it worth it? Not really. Will I go back? No. I don't mind over-paying for meals at Disney if in return I have a magical experience and quality food.
Yak & Yeti is lacking in the magical Disney experience department. I don't think I've ever spent $90 on lunch for 2 (at Disney or anywhere else) and I don't anticipate that I will do it again any time soon.
I should note that Yak & Yeti also offers a counter-service restaurant at Animal Kingdom. I might return to the fast food option to try crispy honey chicken.