Skip to Content

Pros and Cons for All Animal Kingdom Restaurants

Pros and Cons for All Animal Kingdom Restaurants

Animal Kingdom has several good options for meals and is one of the best parks to eat in.

Here’s a list of Animal Kingdom restaurants to help you plan your time….

Disney World dining basics

While dining at Disney World isn’t all that different than eating in the “real world,” there are few things to know about in order to make your experience easier.

Disney groups their restaurants into two main categories: Quick Service (which is like fast food) and Table Service (which are places that are a little bit nicer, where the food is brought to you).

Here is what you should know about each:

Quick Service

  • Sometimes referred to as “Counter Service”
  • Many locations offer Mobile Order which allows you to skip the line
  • Advanced Dining Reservations are not required or offered

Table Service

Africa

Mahindi

mahindi popcorn cart africa

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Service is often quick and it’s not as busy as many nearby locations
  • Cons: Low quality snacks and coffee

Mahindi is a popcorn stand that you’ll see first thing as soon as you cross the bridge into Africa from Discovery Island. You can also usually purchase seasonal and limited-time popcorn buckets here.

mahindi popcorn cart africa animal kingdom

Harambe Market

harambe market animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: African
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Well-themed area, unique menu offerings at 4 different windows (at the food windows, you can order food from any of the either food windows if you’d like)
  • Cons: Seating is all outdoors (though it is covered) and can get really busy. If you can, split up your group between ordering and looking for a place to sit.

The Harambe Market has a wide range of African-inspired dishes. This is a good place to grab a bite if you want something healthier or lighter.

harambe market dining animal kingdom

From salads, to a rice and chicken bowl, to a ribs bowl, to a plant-based bowl, there are several options. Plus, kids can choose from a peanut butter and jelly Uncrustable, chicken nuggets, or a chicken bowl.

harambe market dining animal kingdom

The market area has a big outdoor section with tables and chairs for guests. You can also place Mobile Orders, which we always recommend taking advantage of to make life easier.

harambe market seating area animal kingdom

The theming here is on point and you can even find the famous “You Are Most Beautiful Wall” tucked back in the corner.

you are you most beautiful wall harambe market

“You Are Most Beautiful” wall location:

you are most beautiful wall animal kingdom location

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

tamu tamu refreshments animal kingdom africa

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American, African
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Often open for breakfast with variety of pastries including Mickey cinnamon rolls, serves DOLE Whip
  • Cons: Not many options

Tamu Tamu Refreshments is located in the heart of Africa.

In addition to a range of breakfast options, this is the stand to visit if you’re in need of a cold treat. You can even order pineapple Dole Whip here.

tamu tamu refreshments africa animal kingdom

There are also special Dole Whip menu items, including Simba’s Sunset (pineapple Dole Whip with strawberry), Lion’s Lair (pineapple Dole Whip topped with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum and sour apple), and King’s Cooler (pineapple Dole Whip with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum), to name a few.

tamu tamu refreshments seating area

Next to Tamu Tamu Refreshments, there’s a partially covered seating area.

Harambe Fruit Market

harambe fruit market animal kingdom africa

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Healthy snacks and Mickey pretzels available
  • Cons: This cart is in a high traffic area so it can get busy

The Harambe Fruit Market is a small outdoor stand where you can order snacks, including the ever-so-popular Grilled Corn on the Cob (with or without African spices).

Yes, the corn is messy, but we’ve heard it’s worth having the corn get caught in between your teeth.

grilled corn on the cob harambe fruit market

There is also fruit, chips, Mickey Pretzels, hot dogs, bottled beverages, and more available here for purchase.

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery

kusafiri coffee shop and bakery animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Service is often quick and it’s not as busy as many nearby locations, breakfast often available
  • Cons: Low quality snacks and coffee

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery is located across from the Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders.

It’s easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled, because this stand has some great menu items.

kusafiri coffee shop and bakery spiced potato hand pies

From breakfast options including sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit and a pistachio honey croissant, to flatbreads, to house-made chips, there are some unique offerings here that are usually pretty delicious.

Tusker House

Tusker House offers character dining featuring Donald, Daisy, Mickey, and Goofy in safari attire. Meals here are served buffet-style.

Tusker House Animal Kingdom Mickey Mouse safari outfit

Location type: Buffet-style character dining
Characters: Donald, Mickey, Goofy, Daisy (dressed for a safari)
Type of food: African, American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Seating Available: Indoor

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
  • Pros: Lots of good food (standard breakfast items, various African dishes available at lunch and dinner).
  • Cons: On the pricier end of restaurant prices at Animal Kingdom, service can be inconsistent.
  • Tips: This is probably the most popular dining reservation at Animal Kingdom. Be sure to book 60 days in advance, particularly if you want the much-coveted 8 a.m. breakfast reservation.

Tusker House is the only character meal at Animal Kingdom — and it’s a great one.

tusker house animal kingdom character dining

In addition to a buffet serving African dishes (with many kid-friendly choices), you get to meet Safari Donald, Mickey, Goofy, and Daisy!

safari mickey tusker house animal kingdom

This is one of the best character dining options and is super fun. You can book it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Dawa Bar

dawa bar animal kingdom

Location type: Walk-up bar
Type of food: Drinks only

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Chance to grab a domestic or African imported drink, great theming
  • Cons: No food on the menu here, but there are lots of food options nearby

The Dawa Bar is a fun spot to grab a drink, take a rest, and watch the Tam Tam Drummers and Harambe Village Acrobats.

dawa bar animal kingdom

There’s a small list of beer, wine, and cocktails available, including specialty beverages like the Lost on Safari (Starr African Rum and Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum with Pangani Punch) and the Ngumu Jungle Juice (Snow Leopard Vodka, Bols Peach Schnapps and Tusker’s famous Jungle Juice).

There is a spacious covered area with tables and chairs, too.

Asia

Caravan Road

caravan road animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: Asian
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Refreshing options especially on hot days, can get Kakigori
  • Cons: Not many options, not always open

Caravan Road is a small stand that sells shaved ice with and without alcohol.

You can even order Kakigori, which is Japanese shaved ice flavored with watermelon and sweetened condensed milk.

Kakigori can also be found at Kabuki Cafe in Epcot’s Japan pavilion.

Warung Outpost

warung outpost animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American, Mexican
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great place to grab a quick cocktail (a few margarita options are here)
  • Cons: Open seasonally

Warung Outpost is the place to visit if you’re in the mood for a margarita.

The Maharajah Lime Margarita is made with Lunazul Reposado Tequila, Triple Sec, Agave Nectar, and Lime Juice. Assorted beer is sold here, as well.

warung outpost animal kingdom menu

There is also a non-alcoholic strawberry-flavored Shangri-La Berry Freeze.

Drinkwallah

drinkwallah animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great spot to grab a snack and frozen drink
  • Cons: Limited menu, no seating

Are you a frozen Coca-Cola fan?

Go no further, because Drinkwallah has you covered. Flavors include: Coca-Cola, Fanta Blue Raspberry, or Minute Maid Premium Lemonade.

drinkwallah menu animal kingdom

You can even get them spiked with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum or Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.

Snacks are also available for purchase, like cinnamon-glazed almonds or cinnamon-glazed pecans.

Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages

yak & yeti quality beverages animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great spot to grab a snack and frozen drink
  • Cons: Open seasonally

Located next to Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe, you can order specialty beverages, beer, non-alcoholic frozen drinks, sangria, and food here.

There’s the Yak Attack, which is a mango daiquiri with Don Q Cristal Rum and wildberry flavors. You can also try the Frozen Emperor Margarita made with Sauza Gold Tequila (also available in strawberry, mango, or wildberry).

Food-wise, there are grab and go items, like pork egg rolls and chicken fried rice.

Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe

Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafe

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American, Asian
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Plenty of Asian-inspired dishes to choose from, along with a kids’ menu with more standard American fare. With big portions, this is a big bang for your buck.
  • Cons: Only outdoor seating is available and can get crowded during meal times.

This is the main Quick Service location in Asia and can be a busy one, too.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all featured. Keep in mind that Mobile Order is not offered here.

Breakfast items include, an egg white or sausage and egg English muffin or a breakfast bowl with scrambled eggs. The latter you can also add bacon or sausage.

For lunch and dinner, choose from honey sesame chicken, Korean fried chicken sandwich, sweet-and-sour tempura shrimp, vegetable tikka masala, and a veggie burger, to name a few.

Thirsty River Bar

thirsty river bar animal kingdom

Location type: Walk-up bar
Type of food: Drinks only

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Variety of frozen cocktails, unique beers, and a full bar
  • Cons: No seating available

The Thirsty River Bar has a range of beers and cocktails.

A popular beverage served is the Himalayan Ghost: Snow Leopard Vodka, Guava and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade.

You can find Thirsty River Bar on the opposite side of the Trek Snacks. The two share a location, but one side serves snacks and the other is a full bar.

Trek Snacks

trek snacks animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Favorite frozen treats, pretzels, and popcorn available here
  • Cons: No seating available so you’ll have to take your food to another location if you’d like to sit to eat.

Trek Snacks sells your standard Disney snacks, including popcorn, ice cream, bottled beverages, Mickey pretzels, and more.

You can find Trek Snacks on the opposite side of the Thirsty River Bar. The two share a location, but one side serves snacks and the other is a full bar.

Anandapur Ice Cream Truck

anandapur ice cream truck animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great place to grab a cool snack (ice cream, bottled water)
  • Cons: Limited menu

You can choose from standard flavors, like chocolate, vanilla, or the two flavors swirled together.

anandapur ice cream truck animal kingdom

The cart also usually has a seasonal item, so be sure to check the menu to see if any new flavors are being served that day!

Yak & Yeti Restaurant

yak and yeti restaurant animal kingdom asia

Location type: Casual Dining
Type of food: American, Asian, Chinese, Seafood
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Pros: Beautiful decor, variety of delicious Asian dishes
  • Cons: Food is a little pricier, may not appeal to all palates

Yak & Yeti Restaurant is the only Table Service restaurant in Asia. Lunch and dinner are both served.

There are a range of Asian dishes, including small plates, shareables, soups, salads, noodles and bowls, and so much more.

yak and yeti menu animal kingdom asia

Choose from wok-fried Korean beef, miso glazed Atlantic salmon, vegetable lo mein, fried wontons, and mango pie, to name a few.

Dining reservations are accepted here and can be made up to 60 days in advance.

DinoLand U.S.A.

Trilo-Bites

trilo bites dinoland animal kingdom

Location type: Snack stand
Type of food: American snacks
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, snack credits only
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Fun nacho option plus floats and churros
  • Cons: Limited menu choices

Trilo-Bites is a small stand that you’ll come upon to your right as soon as you cross the bridge from Discovery Island into DinoLand.

You can order ice cream, buffalo chicken chips, fountain drinks, and alcoholic beverages.

Plus, you can find DOLE Whip here. Specifically, a twist of DOLE Whip orange and vanilla soft-serve ice cream.

Dino-Bite Snacks

dino-bite snacks dinoland

Location type: Snack counter
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, snack credits
  • Pros: Quick spot to grab a snack
  • Cons: Limited menu options and seating

Dino-Bite Snacks is located near the crocodile viewing area. It’s a small stand that also has seating.

One of the most popular items you can order are the ice cream cookie sandwiches. You can select from a range of ice cream flavors.

dino-bite snacks ice cream cookie sandwich

Sometimes there are even special seasonal flavors for holidays or celebrations.

Restaurantosaurus Lounge

restaurantosaurus lounge animal kingdom

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: Drinks
Meals Served: Drinks only

  • Menu not available
  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Pros: Secret menu for Annual Passholders
  • Cons: Basically a small room with a couple of tables

Attached to Restaurantosaurus is a small lounge.

While it is labeled as a “lounge,” this is basically a room with a couple of tables and a bar. There are a list of cocktails and beers to order.

restaurantosaurus lounge animal kingdom

Plus, there is a secret menu for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders. Just ask the bartender!

restaurantosaurus lounge animal kingdom passholder menu

For example, above is the “Pterodactyl Punch” from the secret Passholder menu. The drink features Parrot Bay, Blue Curaçao, Pineapple Juice, Sour Mix, and a floater of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.

Restaurantosaurus

restaurantosaurus dinoland animal kingdom

Location type: Casual Dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Offers a variety of American comfort food like burgers and chicken sandwiches
  • Cons: Can get noisy, better more unique dining options available other places in the park

Restaurantosaurus is the main Quick Service location in DinoLand. It has a bigger menu offering lunch and dinner items.

restaurantosaurus dinoland animal kingdom

You can find standard theme park fare here, like sandwiches, including hot dogs and burgers (including a plant-based one), along with chicken nuggets, fries, and more.

restaurantosaurus seating

There is also a big indoor and outdoor seating area, along with restrooms nearby.

Discovery Island

Eight Spoon Cafe

eight spoon cafe animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Great place to grab good snacks, including various types of baked mac and cheese
  • Cons: No seating, open seasonally

Across from the Adventurers Outpost (where you can meet Mickey and Minnie), is the Eight Spoon Café, another small stand that sells several food and drink items.

eight spoon cafe menu animal kingdom

From baked macaroni and cheese, to a pulled pork jelly doughnut sandwich, to baked macaroni and cheese served with pulled pork, these hearty dishes make for a great quick lunch or dinner.

The stand also serves bottled beverages and snacks like Mickey Pretzels with cheese.

The Smiling Crocodile

the smiling crocodile animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Unique options that can be a delightful change from burgers and nuggets
  • Cons: Only snack credits are accepted, closest seating is nearby at the Flame Tree Gardens

The Smiling Crocodile is near the entrance to Asia from Discovery Island.

You can order a variety of tacos at the small stand, like pulled pork, street corn, and chicken. Chips and salsa are also usually on the menu.

Flame Tree Barbecue

flame tree barbecue animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American/BBQ
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Fantastic food (try the pork sandwich, smoked 1/2 chicken or ribs) and picturesque seating areas
  • Cons: No indoor seating

Flame Tree Barbecue is the best Quick Service location in Discovery Island. The menu has a variety of choices for lunch and dinner.

If you’re in the mood for a meat heavy dish, Flame Tree has ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and more.

If meat isn’t part of your diet vocabulary, don’t worry, because there’s a plant-based Hot Link Smokehouse Sandwich that is very good.

It comes with plant-based sausage topped with a tangy mustard barbecue sauce, slaw, and crispy onions on a house-made New England-style roll.

plant based sausage flame tree barbecue animal kingdom

In addition to the food, you can usually try different non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, including frozen drinks.

Some drinks also change with the season, so always check the menu to see if there’s anything new.

flame tree barbecue disney animal kingdom frozen drink

Not only are the food and drinks delicious, but Flame Tree’s seating area is unbeatable. Granted, if it’s raining or extremely hot, it’s not the best.

But, during those lovely sunny days, you can’t top the restaurant’s outdoor seating. It’s one of the prettiest seating areas in Disney World. That’s not a joke.

Just look it:

flame tree barbecue animal kingdom

Plus, there are so many tables and chairs to choose from. There’s a seat for everyone.

Oh, and you have amazing views of Expedition Everest and the flotillas that come by throughout the day. Basically, you get a meal and a show.

flame tree barbecue animal kingdom

When KiteTails was still playing, this was also a great place to watch the daytime show. Sadly, that’s no longer an option.

Tip: Mobile Order is available here, so be sure to use if during busier dining times.

Isle of Java

isle of java animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, snack credits
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Snacks and unique drinks available (including frozen rum and coke), breakfast sometimes served
  • Cons: No seating, limited menu

The Isle of Java is located right before the bridge you take to cross into DinoLand, U.S.A.

And, yes, this is also where you can order Joffrey’s coffee.

Plus, there are other tasty treats, like a tiger tail chocolate twist, blueberry muffin, Mickey Pretzel, and more.

Terra Treats

terra treats animal kingdom discovery island

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, snack credits only
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Rarely busy, easy place to grab a snack
  • Cons: No seating available, limited menu

As you walk into Africa from Discovery Island, Terra Treats is on your right before the bridge.

There aren’t many food and drink options here. The menu isn’t that exciting either.

terra treats animal kingdom discovery island

However, if you want a quick bite, this might be a good place to try. And if you want pizza but Pizzafari is just too busy, you can order slices of pizza at Terra Treats!

Creature Comforts

starbucks creature comforts animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: Coffee and snacks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 snack credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Starbucks drinks and pastries, drinks are a great use of a snack credit (especially if you add extras to your drink)
  • Cons: No indoor seating and often very busy

If you’re looking for Starbucks, go no further. Creature Comforts is the one and only Starbucks location in Animal Kingdom.

You’ll be able to find it in Discovery Island as you walk towards Africa.

starbucks creature comforts animal kingdom

As you can see, this Starbucks is well-themed and embodies all of the Animal Kingdom vibes.

Of course, you can order Starbucks coffee and other beverages here. If you’re looking for a popular treat, the Mickey Colossal Cinnamon Roll is the way to go.

colossal mickey cinnamon roll starbucks creature comforts animal kingdom

Depending on the special occasion or holiday occurring, the icing on the cinnamon roll just might have a unique color.

Pizzafari

pizzafari sign animal kingdom

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: Italian, American
Meals Served: Lunch and Dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Lots of indoor seating, generous portions
  • Cons: Pizza isn’t great (though it may be a welcome meal for kids who want something familiar)

Pizzafari is a popular Quick Service spot that’s also a good choice for anyone who is a pickier eater.

pizzafari menu animal kingdom

You can find standard theme park food here, specifically pizzas. Choose from cheese, pepperoni, sausage and pepperoni, along with salads and a chicken parmesan sandwich, to name a few.

pizzafari animal kingdom

Because Pizzafari can get busy, we recommend utilizing Mobile Order, even more so during peak eating times.

pizzafari animal kingdom

Pizzafari has a lot of seating, including tables and chairs indoors and outdoors. If you are looking for a place to rest, cool off, and eat, you may want to try here.

Nomad Lounge

nomad lounge animal kingdom

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: African, Asian, Latin
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Beautiful decor, view toward Pandora – World of Avatar, delicious drinks and food
  • Cons: Dining Plan credits not accepted, often long waits to get in

Nomad Lounge is hands-down the one place everyone should eat when visiting Animal Kingdom. Yes, it is that good.

nomad lounge outdoor seating animal kingdom

First of all, the theming is spot-on. Secondly, there is both indoor and outdoor seating, with the latter offering views of the Discovery River and flotillas. If it’s not too hot out and you want to be able watch characters float by as you eat and drink, request a seat outside.

character flotillas nomad lounge animal kingdom

Finally, the menu is perfection. There are all kinds of small bites you can order. We especially love the churros (which are also gluten-free), Tiffins bread service, and the Impossible Sliders.

Even though it’s only listed on the Tiffins menu, you can also order the Gobi Manchurian, crispy-fried cauliflower with Manchurian sauce and green onion. You won’t be disappointed.

impossible sliders nomad lounge

As for drinks, you can’t go wrong with any of the cocktails, but we recommend the Sinaloa Sangria and Annapurna Zing (order without the glowing lotus flower for a reduced price).

If you’re more of a beer person, try the Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale Draft. This is an African-inspired deep amber ale that was brewed exclusively for Disney World.

gobi manchurian nomad lounge

There are plenty of non-alcoholic cocktails you can order, as well.

Nomad Lounge doesn’t accept reservations and walk-up capacity can fill up quickly. You can join the walk-up list in the My Disney Experience app rather than physically walking up to the host/hostess stand.

annapurna zing nomad lounge

Sometimes wait times aren’t as long as you’re told, but if this is a top priority, you’ll definitely want to plan accordingly.

Tiffins

tiffins restaurant animal kingdom

Location type: Fine/Signature Dining
Type of food: African, Asian, Latin
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credits
  • Pros: Diverse menu with delicious food
  • Cons: Unique menu may not appeal to all tastes

Connected to Nomad Lounge is Tiffins Restaurant, a Signature Dining experience where you can try African and Asian cuisine.

tiffins restaurant animal kingdom

From charred octopus as an appetizer, to shrimp and grits for a main course, to a tropical trifle for dessert, Tiffins’ menu offers items that you can’t get anywhere else across Disney World.

Reservations are accepted here up to 60 days in advance.

Oasis

Rainforest Café

rainforest cafe animal kingdom

Location type: Casual Dining
Type of food: American, Asian, Chinese, Seafood
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 table service credit
  • Pros: Extensive menu with a variety of American and tropical dishes
  • Cons: Chain restaurant, can be noisy and crowded, especially during peak hours

You’ve probably already heard of Rainforest Café, because there are locations across the country.

We don’t recommend taking time to eat here, since it’s not exclusive to the park. Plus, Animal Kingdom has some of the best dining on property — both Quick Service and Table Service.

rainforest cafe sign animal kingdom

Yes, the life-size animals inside the restaurant and the rainforest noises (anyone else jump every time the thunderstorm starts?) are unique, but Animal Kingdom has way more unique food and drink options.

rainforest cafe dining room

But, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that Rainforest Café has a massive gift shop and fun areas for photo ops.

Tip: If you exit through the gift shop, you can enter into the Oasis here rather than using the main entrance.

Pandora – World of Avatar

Pongu Pongu

pongu pongu pandora

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: African
Meals Served: Breakfast and snacks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Unique and creative drink menu, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options
  • Cons: Limited food menu, mainly offering quick breakfast items and snacks and the surrounding area can get very busy.

Satu’li Canteen

satu'li canteen pandora

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American, African
Meals Served: Snacks and drinks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Unique and customizable menu with healthy options all inside a completely immersive Pandora-themed atmosphere
  • Cons: Can be busy, leading to long wait times, and limited options for picky eaters

Satu’li Canteen is the main Quick Service restaurant in Pandora. It’s also one of the best Quick Service locations at a Disney World theme park.

We recommend ordering one of the available protein bowls (beef, chicken, shrimp, or tofu). These also come with a base and a sauce, if you’d like.

The bases include: red and sweet potato hash, rice and beans, hearty salad, or noodles (non plant-based).

satuli canteen protein bowl

The sauces include: charred green onion vinaigrette, black bean vinaigrette (non plant-based), or creamy herb sauce (non plant-based).

steamed cheeseburger pods satuli cateen

The menu also features Cheeseburger Steamed Pods – Bao Buns, along with a kids version. The kids’ menu even has a hot dog wrapped in a parker house dough or a cheese quesadilla.

For dessert, the Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse with fruit curd is a popular menu item.

You can Mobile Order, which you should definitely take advantage of during peak eating times.

satu'li canteen seating area pandora

Tip: If you don’t want to wait in line at Pongu Pongu for Hawkes’ Grog Ale or Mo’ara High Country Ale, you can order both of these from Satu’li Canteen. Better yet, you can even Mobile order the beers!


So, where will you be eating during your trip? I’d love to hear what you’ve decided to do in the comments.

The following products and services give us a commission on sales.

Get our free Quick Start Guide

Have our guide delivered right to your inbox with our 6-step Disney World planning process to make it less overwhelming. Snag our free guide ➡️

Take our course

Check out our course that will help you learn all about Walt Disney World planning with dozens of videos and downloadables for each step along the way. Get access now ➡️

Our recommend travel agency

We partner with Small World Vacations, Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacations Planners in business since 1996. Get a quote now ➡️

Want to stay deluxe on a moderate budget?

It’s 1 of our top fave ways to save! By renting DVC points, you can stay in deluxe accommodations for a fraction of the price. Check availability ➡️

Private car service

Quicksilver Tours will transport you in style. They assist with luggage at the airport, provide car seats, and include a free grocery stop. Book your car ➡️

Need a stroller, wheelchair, or scooter?

Buena Vista Scooters is a company with a great reputation who offers in-person resort drop off and pick up of strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs. Book your rental ➡️

Amazon recommendations

Check out our Amazon shop with trip essentials we love. Start shopping ➡️

WDW Prep merch

Get WDW Prep merch to show off your Disney knowledge (especially fun for spotting others during your trip!). Check out the WDW Prep merch shop ➡️

Heather Thomas