Animal Kingdom is one of the largest parks within the famous Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida. After you’ve explored its seven areas of themed attractions, you will want – and need – something to eat and drink.
Thankfully, there is a myriad of dining options to choose from in the Animal Kingdom. In this article, we will focus on its quick-service establishments.
We will start by highlighting the top five quick-service restaurants in Animal Kingdom, then provide a comprehensive list of all twenty-five establishments of this type within the park. We will conclude with two restaurants that are my personal favorites – Yak and Yeti and the Satu’li Canteen. Let’s begin this amazing – and delicious – journey!
Top 5 Animal Kingdom Quick Service Restaurants
Want to know the top quick-service restaurants in Animal Kingdom right away? Then, follow along as we explore five incredibly special eateries. You will not want to miss the unique and delicious eats that they offer!
1) Flame Tree Barbecue
This restaurant is a huge favorite amongst Animal Kingdom visitors, and with good reason. At this establishment, you will find all things barbecue-related – pulled pork sandwiches, St. Louis rib dinners, and rib, chicken, and pulled pork samplers, to name a few.
Savor these eats alongside coleslaw, baked beans, and a Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Cupcake if you want dessert. And you can enjoy this rib-sticking meal (no pun intended) on Flame Tree’s patio, which gives guests an amazing view of Expedition Everest.
2) Harambe Market
This unique, authentic-looking eatery is styled after an African open-air market. Step up to one of the market’s four windows to order your food. And what you order there is sure to be tasty. Try the Chicken or Beef and Lamb Gyro, or the ribs, chicken, or roasted vegetable bowl.
You can wash down all this goodness with coffee, a fountain drink, or one of the many alcoholic options available at the market. Harambe Market offers many unique drinks such as the Leopard’s Eye or the Tusker Lager that are definitely worth a try. One thing’s for sure: don’t skip out on this one-of-a-kind restaurant!
3) Restaurantosaurus
This fun, quirky restaurant is run by staff and students of the nearby Dino Institute. The students decorated the dining rooms with items and props in a variety of themes to give guests a good laugh. You can even eat in a booth inside an old Airstream trailer parked outside the restaurant.
Expect hearty eats at Restaurantosaurus, for burgers and the like feature prominently on its menu. Chow down on an Angus Bacon Cheeseburger, 8-count Chicken Nuggets, or a Grilled Chicken BLT Sandwich. With good food and an off-the-wall atmosphere, this restaurant is a dining option you definitely need to try!
4) Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks
This food truck, parked within sight of Expedition Everest, truly has it all. If you want a snack, then choose a Mickey Pretzel or Hummus with Vegetables and Pita. If a dessert is what is calling your name, then be sure to try the Frozen Lemonade Cup or Nestle Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar. But if a drink is what you want, then Thirsty River clearly has you covered. Nonalcoholic options include the Flying Yak or Freshly Brewed Joffrey’s Coffee. Want something spiked? Then sip on the Himalayan Ghost, Dragon’s Breath, or Victory Golden Monkey Draft. No matter your hankering, Thirsty River is sure to satisfy it!
5) Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafe
Located in Asia, this eatery is a true jewel! Savor a variety of Asian and Asian-inspired food here, including egg rolls, fried rice, and teriyaki beef bowls. If you aren’t in the mood for Asian fare, then try the ample breakfast menu that this restaurant offers.
The colorful, Eastern ambiance of Yak and Yeti is another huge plus. Don’t miss out on this eatery – it is truly the whole package!
What is Quick Service Dining?
In the Walt Disney World resort, quick service dining refers to cafeteria-style or counter-service eateries rather than sit-down establishments with full table service.
Guests at quick-service restaurants order or choose their food and then pay for it at the counter. Thankfully, these places usually offer eating areas nearby for patrons to sit down and enjoy their food.
Kiosks, food trucks, and small food stands qualify as Animal Kingdom quick service dining as well. All these types of establishments are a great options for a speedy snack, lunch, or even dinner. They are especially helpful if you are trying to save money…or have a horde of hungry kids to feed!
List of All of Animal Kingdom’s QS Locations with Descriptions
Apart from the top five quick-service restaurants we have already mentioned, there are many establishments offering speedy, delicious food and drink that you will want to try at Animal Kingdom. Here is a comprehensive list of all the quick services eateries in the park. Be sure to enjoy as many as possible!
Anandapur Ice Cream Truck
Be sure to grab a frosty treat from this colorful, Asian-themed ice cream truck!
Caravan Road
This kiosk is the perfect lunch spot for Asian vegetarian cuisine. It also offers an array of seasonal offerings you won’t want to miss out on.
Creature Comforts
Be sure to head to this cutely named, African themed shop for your midday Starbucks coffee and baked good pick-me-up!
Dawa Bar
If you’d like a drink at a bamboo bar, then go no further than Dawa. This bar offers specialty wines and beers, including the Tusker Lager and Jam Jar Sweet White Wine. It also mixes up specialty cocktails with fun names, such as Lost on Safari and Harambe Iced Tea.
Dino-Bite Snacks
Grab an ice cream sandwich or hot fudge sundae at this retro, Ice Age-themed eatery!
Dino Diner
This fun dinosaur trailer offers yummy drinks and snacks like frozen lemonade and churros with chocolate sauce.
Drinkwallah
This quirky little establishment provides resort guests with snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks like the vibrantly colored Frozen Blue Raspberry Beverage.
Eight Spoon Café
Do you adore mac and cheese? Then you cannot miss this eatery, which sells cheesy delights such as Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Shrimp and Sweet Chili Sauce.
Flame Tree Barbecue
This amazing restaurant offers hearty portions of meat and chicken dinners with coleslaw and baked beans. For lighter fare, be sure to check out Flame Tree’s array of fresh salads.
Harambe Fruit Market
Pick up a wide variety of fruit at this stand for one of the healthiest snacks imaginable!
Harambe Market
This unique, themed open-air plaza serves food with both an African and non-African flair from its four walk-up windows.
Isle of Java
This cutely named coffee shop sells standard caffeinated fare, as well as specialty beverages such as Island Cappuccino and Captain Morgan’s Original Spiced Rum.
Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
Want breakfast or lunch on the run? Then be sure to stop at this eatery, which sells everything from curries to freshly baked pastries to Spinach and Feta Quiche.
Mahindi
Standard snacks such as popcorn buckets, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, await at this roadside hut in Africa.
Pizzafari
Enjoy pizzas, salads, pasta, and the like in this restaurant, whose dining room walls are graced with vibrant murals and mosaics.
Pongu Pongu
This popular drink stand in Pandora – the World of Avatar offers an array of drinks to satisfy your taste buds!
Restaurantosaurus
This quirky, humorous establishment offers hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and more with a dinosaur flair. Wash down your edibles with beverages such as Safari Amber beer.
Santu’li Canteen
This former RDA hall showcases Na’vi art and culture. It offers beef, chicken, shrimp, and even tofu bowls to please every palate.
Tamu Tamu Refreshments
Be sure to bring your sweet tooth to this dessert-only eatery, which offers goodies like the Simba Sunset and Malva Cake Sundae with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Terra Treats
This adorable stand-in Discovery Island is the place to find drinks, pizza, and unique options such as the Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcake.
Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks
Getting the munchies? Be sure to stop here to find the perfect snack. This eatery also offers an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to slake your thirst.
Trilo-Bites
This little kiosk sells drinks and creative snacks like buffalo chicken chips and Bugs ‘n Grubs, a deliciously awesome combination of vanilla soft-serve ice cream; cookie crumbs; gummy worms; and a chocolate bug, all tucked into a waffle cone.
Warung Outpost
Do you dig margaritas? Then head to this margarita stand that offers three delicious flavors – Maharaja Lime, Bali Hai Strawberry, and Kali River Mango. Mix all three together for a taste sensation!
Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafe
This Himalayan-themed cafe offers resort guests a wide array of Asian food to feast upon. Everything from teriyaki beef bowls to fried rice to egg rolls is available on its menu. If your littlest picky eater doesn’t fancy Asian food, then take a peek at the kids’ menu, which features simpler fare.
Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages
Once you’re done eating at one of the Yak & Yeti cafés, head to their beverage-serving counterpart to enjoy a variety of drinks, including the Yak Attack and Safari Amber on tap.
I am indebted to Walt Disney World’s website for much of the information presented in this article. To learn more about all the dining options that Animal Kingdom has to offer, follow this link:
My Favorites
Last but certainly not least…let’s talk about a couple of quick-service restaurants that deserve special recognition. I have visited Animal Kingdom many times, and these restaurants stand out from the rest as my absolute favorites!
Yak & Yeti
Located in Asia within the Animal Kingdom, this restaurant features a sit-down area with full table service and a counter service option. The quick-service side of this establishment clearly has a lot to offer its guests.
It sells a variety of Asian and Asian-inspired foods that are quite tempting. Included on its menu are the Asian Chicken Wrap, Teriyaki Beef Bowl, and Chicken Fried Rice. Be sure to round out your meal with a Mini Mango Pie and a Beso Del Sol Sangria.
The atmosphere of Yak and Yeti is remarkable as well. The building and all its décor are Asian-themed. When you walk in, it is clear that Disney spared no pains to make you feel like you’ve entered a Sumatran temple. The outdoor seating area even sports a dramatic water fountain. Be sure to stop at Yak and Yeti for great food and a great experience!
Satu’li Canteen
If you love Avatar, then you must visit Pandora in Animal Kingdom – and eat at the Satu’li Canteen. This quick-service restaurant is the RDA’s former mess hall that has been transformed into an eatery that celebrates the culture of the Na’vi people. The indoor and outdoor eating areas of the Satu’li Canteen are filled with one-of-a-kind Na’vi objects and artwork.
The food is as unique as the setting – and quite delicious as well. Indulge in the Chopped Wood-Grilled Chicken Bowl or the Satu’li Sampler Platter – a delectable create-your-own meal of meat, bases, and sauces, served with vegetable slaw and beverages. Speaking of beverages, be sure to try the Pandoran Sunrise or the Dreamwalker Sangria. You can even take your drink to the next level by buying a Glowing Unadelta Seed to enjoy and take home with you later. Without a doubt, Satu’li Canteen is not to be missed!
Conclusion
Just because you need a quick meal at Disney’s Animal Kingdom doesn’t mean that the meal can’t be tasty or served in a fun, unique environment. As we have seen, there are plenty of quick-service restaurants that meet all these criteria. From the little Harambe Fruit Market stand to the large, well-decorated Restaurantosaurus café, there is sure to be something that suits your fancy. Have lots of fun at Animal Kingdom…and savor all the flavors these quick-service restaurants have to offer!
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