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Top 6 Reasons Why We Love Dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has something for everyone. There are fantastic shows, live animals, games, characters, family rides, and some incredible thrills. With Pandora – The World of AVATAR opening in 2017 there will soon be even more to see and do. When it comes to dining, the park has something for everyone as well. Here are the top six reasons why we love dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are many more.

6. Exotic Cocktails

The 21 and up crowd will find plenty of ways to quench their thirst at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Dawa Bar features African and specialty beers. The menu also boasts specialty cocktails with names like Lost on Safari. Nomad Lounge features more specialty drinks, some of which come in non-alcoholic versions. Head to Warung Outpost if you’re in the mood for a margarita. If you’ve always wanted to try Dole Whip with rum, that is often on the menu at Tamu Tamu Refreshments. Hiking the animal trails can take a lot out of you, so it’s a good thing that there are places at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where you can relax with a beverage for a little while.

5. Options for Various Tastes

As already mentioned, there is something to eat for everyone at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Theme park staples pizza, burgers, and chicken nuggets are sold, but you can also find Smoked Cheddar Grits, Falafel, Sweet and Sour Chicken, or All-Beef Gyro Flatbread. If you have a sweet tooth, there are fresh baked goods, ice cream, or a Chocolate Waffle. There are plenty of vegetarian options, as well as choices for those with allergies. There are so many unique dishes that you might have a hard time deciding what you want.

4. Fun Themes

Themed restaurants add to the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation, and there are some great themes to experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You’ll find colorful murals, paleontology jokes, Asian statues, “wild animals” in a rain forest, and much more. You don’t even have to enjoy a meal to soak up one special theme. Stop by Anandapur Ice Cream Truck after you’ve faced the Yeti, and really pay attention to the way that it is painted. The pictures are amazing.

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3. A Great Character Choice

If you’re a fan of character meals, then you need to make a reservation at Tusker House Restaurant in Africa. All three meals feature characters, and they are some favorites. Donald is the host, and he’s joined by Mickey, Daisy, and Goofy. They’re all dressed up, ready for a safari. Remember that characters do change from time to time, so you might not want to let your kids know who will be there until they come out. The food at Tusker House Restaurant is all you can eat and is quite good. Breakfast features the normal morning foods plus some unusual items such as Mealie Pap. Lunch and dinner feature dishes such as Peri-Peri whole Salmon and Vegetable Couscous, as well as more familiar items like Macaroni & Cheese. No matter which meal you book, you need to try Jungle Juice. This popular beverage is included with the price of your meal.

2. One of the Favorite Counter Service Restaurants

One of Walt Disney World’s most popular counter service restaurants is found in Discovery Island. Flame Tree Barbecue often makes lists of the best restaurants on property, often higher than some signature restaurants. The food is simple; pulled pork, ribs, chicken, etc. Many guests say that it’s the best barbecue found at Disney. There is outdoor covered seating, some of which has a view of Expedition Everest. Flame Tree Barbecue will be crowded at traditional meal times, so try to plan your lunch late or your dinner early if this is on your must-try list.

1. Signature Dining

You won’t find signature dining at most theme parks, but you will at Walt Disney World. The fine dining option at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Tiffins. It is located in Discovery Island, but it’s a little off the normal path so you might want to ask a Cast Member for directions. There are three dining rooms, and the food features the tastes of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. You will want to start your meal with the exceptional Tiffins Signature Bread Service. Try Wagyu Strip Loin and Braised Short Rib or Hoisin-glazed Grouper for your entree. End your meal with the beautiful South American Chocolate Ganache. Tiffins has yet to become a must-do restaurant for some guests, so if you’re looking for a relaxing hidden gem, make a reservation for your next trip.

About PaulaK

I grew up in Western Massachusetts. When I was nine my family went to Disneyland and I was hooked. I grew up, attended New England College in Henniker, NH and eventually moved to Virginia. I worked as a disc jockey, married and became a full time mom when our daughter was born. Fast forward several years. In 2010 we moved to Central Florida and my Disney obsession grew. I now work as a freelance writer and spend my spare time in the parks. Under the name Paula Brown I penned the novels Dream Wanderers and The Coffee Cruiser. I also am a co-author of Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide. I'm obsessed with Star Wars, so this is a good time to live in Central Florida. I've been a vegetarian for well over a decade, a choice that my daughter eventually made as well. While my husband still hasn't joined us fully he has given up most meats except for seafood. I was relieved to find that vegetarian dining is not difficult at Walt Disney World.