The Animal Kingdom Table Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World

After a busy morning or afternoon of exploring the amazing animals, attractions, trails, and shows in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, it’s very easy to work up an appetite. Luckily, the Animal Kingdom has a wide variety of dining options throughout all areas of the park, from salty snacks and quick bites to a full-service meal in signature restaurants. The choices can easily be overwhelming, especially on an empty stomach!  If you’re interested in sitting down, resting to your feet, and enjoying a longer meal in full air-conditioning, then a table-service restaurant is for you.  Are you ready to have a wild time at lunch in the middle of a rainforest, or would you rather enjoy dinner with Donald Duck and his pals in an African market? Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers appealing restaurant options for every appetite and dining style, and the theming is so impressive that there’s really no wrong choice. Be sure to make an advanced dining reservation, as these eateries are all very popular. When you’re ready for a dining adventure, here’s what the Animal Kingdom has to offer.

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1. Rainforest Café

It’s easy to spot the colorful sign for the Rainforest Café upon entering Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but this lively restaurant can be entered from outside the park as well. It’s truly a jungle in here, with a noise level to match! Tables are arranged under a rainforest canopy, and guests can watch the antics of audio-animatronic elephants, gorillas, tropical birds, and other jungle animals. There are also aquariums filled with tropical fish throughout the dining area. A simulated thunderstorm occurs on a regular basis, so be sure to watch how the animals react. The menu offers a wide range of classic American fare, including pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, and beef, chicken, and seafood entrees. Save room for dessert, because the Volcano brownie can feed several people and is delivered to your table by enthusiastic servers shouting VOLCANO! The restaurant also offers seating at the bar, and the bar stools creatively resemble animal legs! After your meal, a large gift shop awaits filled with toys and Rainforest Cafe- branded apparel. Reservations are definitely recommended at this popular place, and having a Landry’s Select Club Card will get you priority seating.

2. Tusker House

Journey further into the park and enter Africa, a bustling area filled with savory scents and energetic music. Perfectly themed into this land is the Tusker House, a buffet overflowing with tasty African and American dishes amidst a unique and colorful marketplace. Better yet, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and a few of their pals outfitted in their safari gear join guests for photos and autographs. Whether you’re dining at the Tusker House for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the menu offerings are delicious and the character interaction is one of the best in Walt Disney World.

3. Tiffins Restaurant

If you’re ready for a change of pace, head for Tiffins Restaurant on Discovery Island and become immersed in a special club for exotic travel. The word Tiffin refers to a light Indian lunch and the stacked containers that the meal is served in. Both African and Asian cultures are represented here in the elegant menu offerings and in the artwork gracing this signature-dining restaurant. Start off your meal with the bread service or the chickpea falafel, and then try the braised short rib or the pan-seared halibut. The guava mousse and the chocolate ganache round out the meal with a sweet finish. Tiffins is a must- do dining choice that offers a tempting menu in a sophisticated atmosphere of travel and discovery. For small plates and delicious drinks, check out the Nomad Lounge right next door to Tiffins.

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4. Yak & Yeti Restaurant

Guests entering the Yak & Yeti restaurant in Asia find themselves in a quaint travelers’ inn located in the village of Anandapur. Make sure you check out the unusual carvings, statues, and furniture that dot the two floors of the restaurant, allowing guests to become immersed in the culture of Northern India and Nepal. Meals are inspired by pan-Asian flavors, with a familiar dish for everyone. Favorites include the pork pot stickers and won-ton soup, along with the honey chicken and coconut shrimp. Ask for a window seat upstairs for a lovely view of the Asian village below. The specialty drinks are not to be missed, including the popular Yak Attack and the Pink Himalayan.

5. Special Dining Packages

Make sure you get a great seat at some of the magical shows at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by taking advantage of convenient dining packages. A Tier 1 package includes a three-course meal at Tiffins, reserved seating at the Festival of the Lion King show, and a guided safari tour through the African savanna. The Tier 2 package includes the three-course meal plus the special seating. Another option includes enjoying a meal at Tiffins or the Tusker House and receiving reserved seating at the Rivers of Light nighttime spectacular.