Where Should You Eat at Animal Kingdom?
I’ll level with you upfront. The dining options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom aren’t on the level of most other parks.
Even Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a deeper roster of good eateries.
Still, you’ll find plenty to enjoy at this park, presuming you know what’s good.
Here’s where you should eat at Animal Kingdom.
Dino Diner
I’ve never quite understood the way Disney has designed Animal Kingdom. It’s by far the largest of Disney theme parks, yet it lacks a goodly number of restaurants.
For this reason, I’m stretching a bit here by mentioning some places that you may want to skip. I’ll discuss each one when I get to them.
Still, I’d mention Dino Diner anyway because this place really only serves three things: Chili, Hot Dogs, and Corn Chip Pie.
All of them were Walt Disney’s favorites, created just the way he liked them. Of course, that makes you want to try each one, doesn’t it?
Flame Tree Barbecue
Okay, some of the stuff I list here is like a 5 out of 10 “you gotta eat somewhere” kind of deal.
Flame Tree Barbecue is a 10 out of 10 “you’re cheating yourself if you don’t eat here” kind of deal.
If you love BBQ, you’ll feel like the mothership has called you home.
By the way, don’t skip the chicken, either! It’s just as good!
Pizzafari
I mean, everyone likes pizza, right? Bad pizza is still pizza. That’s the logic I use at PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Pizzafari represents a step up from that place, but it’s still 25 steps down from Flame Tree Barbecue.
When you’re in the mood for a slice – something that happens a lot at theme parks – you’ll like Pizzafari well enough. It’s better than Sbarro’s anyway.
Rainforest Café
I’ve written some reviews of Rainforest Café that might make you believe I’m trying to tank the stock.
I really want to love this place, but the food keeps getting in the way of my opinions.
Still, I keep eating at this place due to the convenience. It’s RIGHT THERE as you enter/exit Animal Kingdom.
The convenience of the restaurant keeps causing me to go against my better judgment and eat here.
When I do, the ambiance is otherworldly. I could live here…as long as I could order food from somewhere else at the park.
In other words, I totally get why you would want to eat here. I’m the same way. Just temper your expectations.
Restaurantosaurus
A lot of what I said about Pizzafari applies to Restaurantosaurus, only for burgers and nuggets.
I happen to like the place, even though I feel like I’m under some sort of wizard’s curse whenever I eat here.
Seriously, bad things always happen. And I’m not just talking about the food.
When you want a compromise option for a group of people, Restaurantosaurus serves the bland cuisine that will ensure nobody is miserable…or that happy.
Satu’li Canteen
Now the options are picking up. In fact, I would rank Satu’li Canteen in the top three at Animal Kingdom.
For me, the top Quick Service options BY FAR are Flame Tree Barbecue and here.
At Satu’li Canteen, you also gain a bit of theming. The restaurant resides in Pandora – The World of Avatar.
Imagineers built the place with the setting in a former mess hall that now serves off-world tourists.
The downside to the premise is that it’s a giant cavern, and it can be pretty loud as well.
Still, these are small prices to pay for some of the tastiest food at the park.
Satu’li Canteen serves bowls, which admittedly isn’t everybody’s thing. Still, foodies will discover an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Also, I apologize for being repetitive when I talk about this place. Still, my wife will kill me – perhaps literally – if I don’t mention the decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse.
Tiffins Restaurant
Here’s where I offer a word of warning first.
Out of everything I discuss today, Tiffins costs the most. Disney categorizes this place as a Signature Dining Experience.
That’s a polite way of saying the menu may give you sticker shock.
Still, Imagineers built a remarkable, worldly interior that comes in several sections, each of which is achingly beautiful.
You’ll want to explore Tiffins while you dine here. It’s definitely worth the walk. Don’t worry, either. Your server is totally used to people doing so.
As for the food, it’s high-end international cuisine that admittedly isn’t for everyone. For example, it’s weird to eat Charred Octopus at a theme park.
Even so, one bite of the Butter Chicken may cause you to find religion. It’s that good.
Tusker House
The next good experience I have at Tusker House will be the first one.
Other Disney fans recount tales of euphoria while dining here. The African flavors available at Tusker House simply aren’t available elsewhere in Orlando.
Well, technically, you’ll find some places at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Still, this cuisine is challenging to find in town beyond the Disney campus.
Then, there’s the character meal. Mickey Mouse dresses like a would-be Indiana Jones and works the room, delighting guests.
So, we’re talking about great food and an even better character meal, and I hate it.
We once lost a phone here when it was 105 degrees.
Another time, an obnoxious cameraperson made us stand in line for 20 minutes for a picture we weren’t going to buy since we had Photo Pass.
The whole thing’s been a debacle for us, but that’s good news for you! We already took all your bad luck! You’re sure to have a great time!
Yak & Yeti Restaurant
FYI: I’m drooling while I type this.
I previously mentioned the two best Quick Service restaurants at the park. Here’s the best place overall, in my opinion.
Yak & Yeti’s unique Asian menu possesses a depth and sophistication that shouldn’t be possible inside a theme park.
Frankly, this place delivers a better experience than Tiffins at half the price.
When we have the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan, it’s not unusual for us to order appetizers for everyone at the table…and eat every bite.
Debates often ensue about what’s best between the Pork Pot Stickers, the Firecracker Shrimp, and the Ahi Tuna Nachos.
We’re talking about an embarrassment of riches. But, of course, that’s just the appetizers, too.
Seriously, I’d argue that there are three places you should eat at Animal Kingdom, and this is the best of them.
Most other people would throw in Tusker House as well, though.
Honorable Mentions
Finally, I want to mention two snack shacks you should keep in mind while you’re there.
Tamu Tamu Refreshments serves Dole Whips. So when Animal Kingdom gets too hot, find this place and savor Disney’s sweetest treat.
Conversely, when you want an odd but delicious snack, visit Harambe Fruit Market.
This place serves African spiced street corn, which is among the 10 tastiest things at Walt Disney World. Seriously.
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Feature Photo: Disney