Dining in Disney World can certainly be done on a whim. And we do love to grab a new treat when we see one!

However, when we have a full day planned, we like to have the best eats in mind before we get to a Walt Disney World theme park. After all, it’s important to spend our dining budget on the best Disney food. That’s why we researched all the food that Animal Kingdom restaurants have to offer so that you aren’t led astray!

Whether you are in need of a snack or meal, we’ve narrowed down everything you need to eat in Disney’s Animal Kingdom during your 2023 vacation! Come along with us to see the best eats in Animal Kingdom.

Don’t forget to check to see if the restaurant you choose has Mobile Order available. That can save you time because you won’t have to wait in line to order!

Snacks

Churros

The #1 BEST place for a snack or drink in Animal Kingdom is Nomad Lounge. Seating is limited, so you’ll want to get your name on the walk-up waitlist ASAP. That wait list typically opens at 11AM and fills up quickly.

Oh, the amazing CHURROS. Seriously, these are the best churros in Disney World.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Harambe Fruit Market in Animal Kingdom’s Africa offers up the perfect chance to grab a quick bite before adventuring on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

The Grilled Corn on the Cob — served with or without African spices — is one of our favorite snacks here!

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

Head to DinoLand U.S.A. to find one of our all-time favorite treats in Animal Kingdom: the Dino-Bite Snacks ice cream cookie sandwiches!

There’s a standard chocolate chip-vanilla ice cream option available year-round, but keep an eye out for seasonal flavors too.

Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries

We’re fans of Mr. Kamal’s in Animal Kingdom.

This spot serves Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries which are delicious on their own, but made all the better by the different sauce options you can snag.

Pongo Lumpia

You’ll find more unique eats over in Pandora — The World of Avatar when you visit Pongu Pongu.

The Pongu Lumpia is a famous snack — it’s a spring roll filled with cream cheese and pineapple, and it’s been known to be fairly divisive (the DFB team is split on this one).

Simba Sunset

Don’t miss Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Africa.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a dessert list without a DOLE Whip right?! The Simba Sunset features pineapple Dole Whip topped with a red syrup flavored with strawberry, watermelon, and coconut.

Best Desserts in Animal Kingdom

Quick Service

Baked Mac and Cheese

If you’re not careful, you’ll walk right past Eight Spoon Café and not even notice the amazing eats on the menu! But don’t worry — now you know to pay close attention to this unassuming kiosk. You’ll find it on Discovery Island, just before the bridge that leads to Asia.

Eight Spoon has two options of Baked Mac and Cheese for those looking for the iconic snack on its own or a unique option mixed up with pulled pork! The baked mac is incredibly creamy.

Cheeseburger Pods

Our favorite place to get a fast food meal in Animal Kingdom is Satu’li Canteen in Pandora — The World of Avatar.

We’re big fans of the cheeseburger steamed pods, which are basically cheeseburger-flavored bao buns! These are stuffed with Ground Beef, Ketchup, Mustard, Pickle, and Cheddar Cheese and served with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Vegetable Chips.

Protein Bowls

The menu at Satu’li Canteen also features customizable bowls that include a base (rice, noodles, potatoes, or lettuce), a protein (or fried tofu), and sauce.

Overall, if you like a create-your-own meal type of situation, these bowls are where it’s AT.

Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler

The menu at Flame Tree Barbecue has affordable, barbecue classics.

The Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler is straight up huge and fantastic. We’d even suggest splitting it between a couple of people. Because as good as all this meat is, it is a challenge for a solo diner.

You can learn how to make Cheeseburger Pods at HOME here! 

Table Service

Ahi Tuna Nachos

Yak & Yeti Restaurant serves up consistently good food. We HIGHLY recommend the Ahi Tuna Nachos. The Asian Slaw had a great crunch, and the combination of everything with the Crispy Fried Wontons was a sweet and spicy marriage made in heaven.

Obviously, if you’re not a fan of raw fish this is gonna be a hard pass for you since it’s loaded with raw tuna. But if you like fresh fish, spice, and a LOT of food, order this appetizer. It’s big enough for a meal!

Honey Chicken

Yak & Yeti Restaurant offers some w0k entrees. Made with tempura chicken, broccoli, carrots, and honey sauce, the Honey Chicken does not disappoint.

The rice is cooked well, chicken is very tender, and the honey sauce has just the right amount of sweetness.

Macaroni & Cheese

Tusker House Restaurant is one of the best-kept secrets around when it comes to Disney dining.

The mac and cheese here is iconic; it’s truly a guest favorite. It is perfectly creamy and cheesy. It’s one of the best (if not the best!) mac and cheeses in Disney World, and it lives up to its legend.

Tiffins Signature Bread Service

The bread service is excellent at Tiffins Restaurant. The bread is a crispy naan (like a tortilla chip), a pita bread (with an earthy taste), and a traditional bread that tasted like rye or pumpernickel to us.

The sauces are Red Pepper Hummus, Spicy Coriander Yogurt, and Ginger-Pear Chutney. Our favorite was probably the Spicy Coriander Yogurt (the creamy green-ish one). It tasted very fresh, and we thought it went well with the traditional bread.

Read our full review of Tiffins here.

Dining in Animal Kingdom enhances your park experience! With so many decadent sweets and delicious meals, hungry guests don’t have to settle for typical theme park food. Instead, sample some of the BEST EATS that Animal Kingdom has to offer.

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What is your go-to food at Animal Kingdom? Did we leave a favorite off our list? Chime in!

The post Everything You Need to Eat in Animal Kingdom in 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.