safari amber beer animal kingdom

Safari Amber Ale

Animal Kingdom

Homebrew , Dark Ale

Total ( ? ) 374

Unique ( ? ) 359

Monthly ( ? ) 2

326 Ratings

Global Recent Activity

Benjamin Shehan is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Satu'li Canteen

Purchased at Satu'li Canteen

Jon Tebbutt is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Harambe Market Place

Philip Puliafico is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Expedition Everest

Greg Bandish is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Flame Tree Barbecue

Kris Merritt is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Yak & Yeti Restaurant

Adam Earle is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Pizzafari

Jay Semerad is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Animal Kingdom Lodge Flamingo Pool

Ted Pocwierz is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Tusker House Restaurant

Purchased at Tusker House Restaurant

Brian Stiffler is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Tusker House Restaurant

Solid Amber Ale.

ddill is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Yak & Yeti Restaurant

Lucas Sanger is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom

Purchased at Maji Pool Bar

Eric Gsell is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Pizzafari

Melanie Landry is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Yak & Yeti Restaurant

Jen J is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom

Purchased at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Michaela Guardado is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Flame Tree Barbecue

Roger Olson is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks

Chris Hallsworth is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Fantasmic!

Purchased at Fantasmic!

Jim Bos is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Katie Cheok is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Kidani Village - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (Kidani Village)

Keith F is drinking a Safari Amber Ale by Animal Kingdom at Yak & Yeti Restaurant

Propose Edit Propose Duplicate

Loyal Drinkers ( ? )

Similar Beers

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Axe & Arrow Brewing

Schwarzer (Coconut) Anchorage Brewing Company

The Darkness D9 Brewing Company

Nightwood Grand Cru (Sparkling) The Referend Bier Blendery

Barrel Aged Strong American Black Ale • J.Carver Distillery Single Malt Rye Whiskey Inbound BrewCo

• Skip to left header navigation
• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary navigation
• Skip to primary sidebar

A galaxy of information about enjoying life, family & love to the fullest!

• Privacy/Disclosures

Disney Drink of the Day: The Elusive Safari Amber

November 6, 2014 By //  by  Lauren 9 Comments

There are many rare encounters you may experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park . I have heard that on average the park holds just shy of 2000 different animals and around 250 different species. I love enjoying a trek through Kilimanjaro Safaris or spotting the infamous Yeti on Expedition Everest, but one of my favorite sunny day experiences is tracking down this Disney Drink Of The Day.

I adore all cocktails, but at heart, I am a “beer girl” and there is something special about sipping an ice-cold, refreshing brew made especially for the Walt Disney World Resort by the Anheuser-Busch company. This American style, red lager is a crisp and refreshing medium-bodied beer with just a subtle taste of hops and citrus. A perfect accompaniment to a hot day touring the park.

You can find the Safari Amber lager exclusively throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Resort and at the Refreshment Cool Post in Epcot’s World Showcase. So, the next time you are “home” for a visit, try one out and let me know what you think. Why we’re at it, comment to tell me your favorite Disney’s Animal Kingdom attraction as well? Are you a thrill seeker? Like the animals? Or maybe a show? We want to know!

Share this:

Reader Interactions

January 20, 2015 at 2:19 pm

I’m staying at Animal Kingdom lodge for the first time soon! And I love beer. It’s probably $25/cup at Disney (slight exaggeration) but I’ll have to try it anyway!

January 22, 2015 at 1:07 pm

Haha, not quite that much, but definitely worth a try!

May 12, 2015 at 5:17 pm

I drank this more than once last week at our resort the AKL and it was only $6.25 for a tall glass, not bad at all.

May 14, 2015 at 10:37 pm

I’m so glad you enjoyed it Anne! You definitely can’t beat a Disney drink for only $6.25! Thank you for sharing.

July 11, 2016 at 1:53 pm

I loved the safari ale as well. I just wish that it was available closer to me!

July 14, 2016 at 3:49 pm

Right? I believe they have a special ale available at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort now too!

[…] Theme Park, we could order a couple of their Signature Drinks. This visit, I went straight for the elusive Safari Amber while my mom ordered the refreshing Harambe Cooler.  This tantalizing treat is a mix of Starr […]

[…] to view the sweeping savanna.  This is also one of the few places on property you can taste the Safari Amber: a red lager brewed exclusively for Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and […]

[…] 4. Yak & Yeti – Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Asia Again at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, just a few steps away, you can find another one of our favorites. This wonderful location has tasty food treats as well as drinkable delicacies. My kids love the Frozen Lemonade and I adore the Yak Attack, a blend of Mango Daiquiri, Bacardi Light Rum and Wildberry flavors.  My husband is happy sipping on one of the beer choices, like the smooth Safari Amber. […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Please review our Terms of Use , which changed on May 24, 2024.

Bar – Lounge Menu

Specialty cocktails, african margarita, lost on safari, ngumu jungle juice, harambe iced tea, import draft beer, safari amber, domestic bottled beer, assorted beer ($8.50-$11.50), specialty beer, old elephant foot ipa, victory golden monkey tripel ale, angry orchard crisp apple hard cider, jam jar sweet white wine, beyond sauvignon blanc, indaba chardonnay, the den pinotage, excelsior cabernet sauvignon, opici family sangria, full bar also available.

Guests must speak to a cast member about their allergy-friendly request. While we take steps to help mitigate cross-contact, we cannot guarantee that any item is completely free of allergens. Our allergy-friendly recipes may use highly refined oils, such as soybean oil, and/or ingredients that are processed in facilities that also process allergens. It is ultimately our Guests' discretion to make an informed choice based upon their individual dietary needs. For more information about allergy-friendly requests, ask to speak with a Special Diets Trained Cast Member upon arrival at the location.

* Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

Our plant-based menu items are made without animal meat, dairy, eggs and honey.

A Review of Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tiffins and Nomad Lounge is one of the table service restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We’ve dined there to get a first-hand experience of this high-end restaurant. Billed as a Signature Dining location expectations were set high. We admit we were skeptical. So, did Disney deliver? Here’s what you need to know about Tiffins Restaurant and the adjacent Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

1 – Location

Tiffins restaurant added a much-needed table service option to Animal Kingdom. The restaurant and adjoining, Nomad Lounge can be found behind Pizzafari on the path that takes guests towards Pandora – The World of Avatar. “Tiffin” is the Indian word for lunchbox used for travelers (also a mid-day meal).

2 – A Signature Dining Experience

Tiffins has the distinction of being a “Signature Dining Experience,” a classification reserved for Disney’s best and more expensive restaurants. More importantly, the signature dining means that the cost will be much more than a standard Disney restaurant. While it is not unheard of to have a signature restaurant in a park—Hollywood Brown Derby and Monsieur Paul come to mind, this is the first foray into fine dining at Animal Kingdom. We’ll get to if it was worth it in just a bit, but be forewarned that if you are looking to visit, know that this will be an expensive meal. Also, if you are on the Disney Dining Plan, it will require two Dining Plan entitlements.

3 – Wonderful Theming with Three Distinct Dining Rooms

The theming of Tiffins is that of an adventurer’s club and the theme of travel is everywhere. The entryway featured a global map of the world. Your menus are more like leather-bound travel guidebooks. There are three distinct dining rooms designed to resemble art galleries honoring the continents of Africa and Asia and one celebrating some of the world’s exotic animals.

The theming of the restaurant is not at all what you would expect of an in-park dining location. The theme is classy and subdued. The design of the building inside and out was simply beautiful.

4 – An Exceptional Dining Experience

The menu is inspired by the world travels of the park’s creators. The restaurant offers something for everyone flavoring influences from around the world. Our server was exceptional, courteous, and very knowledgeable about all of the dishes. His service was attentive but not overbearing. The appetizers, entrée, and dessert were spaced well apart and we had time to enjoy each course. You should give yourself at least two hours for this dining experience. You won’t be rushed and you won’t want to be! When making your plans, be sure not to schedule other experiences too close following your meal.

We began the evening with two drinks. Cindy ordered the Lamu Libation made of Starr African Rum, Cruzan Banana Rum, Guava Purée, Tropical Juices, Gosling’s 151 Rum Float. It had a very tropical taste and was very good. I, (Chad), got the Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale Draft. This African-inspired deep amber ale is brewed exclusively for Walt Disney World with sorghum and a special blend of spices including cinnamon and cardamom. I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoy fine craft beers and this held up reasonably well. It certainly wasn’t the “special” Safari Amber that is brewed by Budweiser and served everywhere under other different names.

We moved onto appetizers and sampled the Signature Bread service and the Lobster-Popcorn Thai Curry Soup. Both were fantastic. The bread service was served in a tiffin and featured several different breads along with four different sauces such as hummus and a harissa yogurt that was delicious. The portions of the bread service were just about right for 3-4 people to get a taste of everything.

For our entrées, we chose the Berkshire Pork Tenderloin (served with a Huitlacoche Tamale, Hominy Succotash, Red Mole Sauce) and the Wagyu Strip Loin and Braised Short Rib (served with Rainbow Carrot, Roasted Peruvian Potatoes, Chimichurri). Again, both dishes were delicious. Both were perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. The Wagyu Strip was the best steak I’ve ever had on Disney property and is in my top 5 steaks of all time. It was perfectly and consistently medium-rare throughout (this is a lot harder to do than most people appreciate). The flavor of the meat was unbelievable and it literally fell apart in my mouth.

Desserts continued the theme of perfection. Unlike many Key Lime pies that punch you in the mouth with their tartness, the Lime Cheesecake with a green tea sponge crust had subtle flavors that worked perfectly with the light texture. Dark chocolate lovers will lose their minds over the South American Chocolate Ganache with Caramelized Banana and Cocoa Nib Tuile. It was the richest, densest, ganache I’ve ever had. It was fantastic and fantastically presented. The three small squares don’t appear at first to be much of a dessert. However, it is so rich you will find nibbles to be more than enough and the dessert is probably sharable for most couples.

5 – Nomad Lounge

Adjacent to Tiffins is a brand new lounge, Nomad Lounge. The theming of the lounge is similar to Tiffins, celebrating exploration and animals of the world. There is seating indoors, including a bar, tables, and couches. There is also a lovely outdoor seating area with couches and smaller tables and chairs for couples. There is a (partially) nice view of the water. Because of the construction of Pandora, there are construction walls spoiling part of the view. Eventually, you’ll be looking at the bridge that will take guests to Pandora.

We sat outside and enjoyed a nice breeze. The drink menu at Nomad Lounge is much more impressive than Tiffins. The lounge features many specialty cocktails. The beer and wine selection is similar and offers many choices. There are six appetizer options and one dessert option if you would like to snack while you enjoy your drinks.

We ordered two drinks. Chad again had the Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale Draft – USA (16-oz pour), which is an African-inspired deep amber ale brewed exclusively for Walt Disney World® with sorghum and a special blend of spices including cinnamon and cardamom. (It was so good at Tiffins, he needed to have it again). I, (Cindy), had the Leapin Lizard, made of Malibu Pineapple Rum and Augusta Cachaça with Orange, Passion Fruit, and Mango Juices. My drink was very delicious and I enjoyed it more than the Lamu Libation I had the previous night at Tiffins.

Nomad Lounge is certainly a new favorite hangout place for us at Animal Kingdom. It has a great atmosphere and because it’s currently tucked away off the path, it’s rather quiet. It has a much calmer feel than Dawa Bar in Africa. The Spiced Excursion Ale is a new favorite of Chad’s and since it is only available at Tiffins and Nomad Lounge, we’ll be visiting often!

6 – Final Thoughts and the Verdict

As mentioned earlier, we were excited for Tiffins but skeptical. Disney typically struggles with fine dining with most of the best restaurants on property being operated by outside management groups. However, Disney has outdone themselves this time. The atmosphere is perfect. The food was perfectly prepared and presented. The service was flawless. Make no mistake, this isn’t a park restaurant pretending to be fine dining. This is absolutely fine dining and can hold its own against some of the best/very expensive restaurants I’ve enjoyed in places such as Paris, New York or Las Vegas.

To say that Disney hit a home run with Tiffins wouldn’t be an accurate or fair statement. It was an out-of-the-park grand slam!

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.

Chad & Cindy Nykamp

Menu Monday: Animal Kingdom Beer Oases

I’d like to go though each land of Animal Kingdom like I did for Epcot , reviewing spots and providing rankings for each experience, but it’s just not possible here. You will be looking for an Oasis, not wandering through a verdant field of hops. With that in mind …

Located in Africa, right outside Tusker House . The bar represents a microcosm of the Animal Kingdom experience. The selection is sparse and lacks air conditioning but is none-the-less pleasant and entertaining. The live band is right behind you, and ample shade, cool beer, and ceiling fans can make you forget the heat. Don’t be fooled by the vast collection of craft beer bottles along the back of the bar; they are only decoration. My bartender said they were there because they “have animals on them.” The taps, however, are functional. In addition to Bud and Safari Amber, there is Tusker Lager from Kenya and St. George Lager from Ethiopia (both $7.50). It’s great to see “local” beer on tap, and in another setting both might be just average, but there is something about this bar that makes the very fizzy, honey touched Tusker Lager work. The St. George beer is inferior to Tusker but better than Safari Amber. Oh, and the bartender says the Tusker House restaurant is named after the beer. Who needs a guidebook when you have a bartender? The Dawa Bar also has a good selection of mixed drinks for your spirit-drinking companions.

Rainforest Cafe Bar

The restaurant is loud but also indoors and the bar has plenty of space, making an open spot or two likely. It’s also open for as much as one hour after park closing. Safari Amber makes another appearance here, but so do the seasonal Samuel Adams (Oktoberfest right now) and Yuengling (both $7.95). Both are better than average choices, if not particularly exotic. Being able to order off the restaurant’s menu is a plus.

A couple of carts have been added along the path running through Asia. They sell Kingfisher Premium Lager from India and Singha from Thailand, both in bottles. I have seen Singha in Asian restaurants, but Kingfisher was new to me. ( Ed. – Kingfisher is also available at Sanaa – it’s particularly good with the Indian-inspired menu there.)  It’s too bad these aren’t on tap, but if you are stuck in Asia waiting on your party to get off Everest, these are not bad options.

It turns out Animal Kingdom is not a completely barren beer desert. If you know where to look, you’ll be in no danger of thirst.

Need more advice for what to drink in the World? Make sure you check out the Walt Disney World Bars and Lounges eGuide , which will be receiving a substantial update this October.

You May Also Like...

Disney's Animal Kingdom has a wild and beautiful atmosphere, different from the other Walt Disney World theme parks. A great way…

Today is Earth Day, and it is also the 23rd anniversary of the opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom. We headed there…

Three out of the four Walt Disney World theme parks have construction currently underway at their front entrance. We recently witnessed…

In this week’s episode of TouringPlans Teaches, I’m talking about something I'm passionate about - spending a full day in Animal…

• Disney Dining: ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• TouringPlans #Everywhere: My Disney Cruise Line Info Booklet

Scott Wurzel

A native of the Mouse State, Scott has had an annual pass longer than a driver's license. He is an avid photographer in and outside of the park. Check out his other work on Flickr and his portfolio at angrymob.us .

8 thoughts on “ Menu Monday: Animal Kingdom Beer Oases ”

The original African margarita (sold about 3 years ago) and mixed and poured by the bartender was wonderful. This “new” margarita, pre mixed, is just awful. So sweet, I poured mine out after a couple sip. Go to La Cava at Epcot. Much better margaritas.

Ceiling fans at Dawa?….not so much. There is one over the bartender, but none over those seated at the bar. I couldn’t believe that they didn’t install fans during the renovation, especially considering that the location has all the comfort of an arm pit for most of the year.

Last May, in the beer cart near Expedition Everest , they did have Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout in bottles. It was a little too hot to enjoy that day though.

Whaaaaaat!? Hopefully that makes a return this winter.

Animal Kingdom is the roughest place to get beer this side of the equator and hemisphere. I’m glad they carry some beer from Africa in Dawa bar, that’s nice. However, if they just want to theme the beer around animals (as they do with the bottles behind the bar) they could get CB’s Caged Alpha Monkey or Great Lakes Rye of the Tiger. Over near Everest keeping with the Yeti theme, how about SN’s Bigfoot Ale or any of the myriad of Great Divide’s Yeti series.

The bar inside yak and yeti is pretty good. Although, the best drink there seems to be a strawberry daquiri.

But they have several Asian beers.

There’s also a drinks only window around the corner from yak and yeti counter service. It’s pretty good.

I don’t want to be drinking in the areas with the most intense rides at AK, so I don’t know what beer there is over on the east side of the park.

But there’s definitely more options for beer than mentioned in the article. Although I don’t know of good selection not mentioned other than the yak and yeti bar. Which is always first come first serve seating.

When I visited Yak and Yeti for this article the two taps were Safari Amber and Bud Light. The menu had a couple of bottles listed, but I don’t think it was anything unusual. Unfortunately my hand written notes just mention the two taps at the bar.

My recollection is that they have a handful of bottled beers from Asia. Tsing tsaou, kirin, etc….

But in bottles.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

Join Our Mailing List

• Date Calculator
• Annual Events
• Vacation Planning
• Vacation Packages
• Money Saving Tips
• Disney Genie
• Magic Kingdom
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Blizzard Beach
• Typhoon Lagoon
• Disney Springs
• Restaurants
• Dining Packages
• Dining Tips
• Resort Guides
• Resort Tips
• Planning Tips
• Ship Guides
• Things to Do
• Cruise destinations
• Dining Options
• Disneyland Park
• Disney California Adventure
• Downtown Disney
• Universal Studios
• Islands of Adventure
• Epic Universe
• Volcano Bay
• Theme Parks

Dawa Bar Menu

Sip on South African wines at Dawa Bar in the heart of Harambe village at this bamboo bar by Tusker House Restaurant.

Dawa Bar is located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom  theme park. Find more Walt Disney World dining locations on our  Walt Disney World Resort menus  page.

Restaurant Info: American, Beverages, $ – under $14.99 per adult

Find out how you can save money on dining at Walt Disney World by using one of Disney’s Dining Plans .

Menu Date: 07/2023

Specialty Cocktails

African Margarita – Corazon Blanco Tequila, Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur from South Africa, Sweet-and-Sour and fresh Lime Juice – $14.50

Lost on Safari – Starr African Rum and Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum with our refreshing Pangani Punch – $15.50

Ngumu Jungle Juice – Snow Leopard Vodka, Bols Peach Schnapps and Tusker’s famous Jungle Juice – $15.50

Harambe Iced Tea – Snow Leopard Vodka, New Amsterdam Gin, Don Q Rum, Van Der Hum Liqueur, Sweet-and-Sour and Orange Juice with a splash of Sprite®  – $15.50

Import Draft Beer

Safari Amber – $10.50

Bud Light – $10.50

Domestic Bottled Beer

Assorted Beer – $8.50 – $11.50

Specialty Beer

Old Elephant Foot IPA – $10.50

Victory Golden Monkey Tripel Ale – $9.50

Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider – Gluten Free – $9.25

Beyond Sauvignon Blanc – $12.00

Jam Jar Sweet White Wine – $11.00

The Den Pinotage – $15.00

Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon – $12.00

Opici Family Sangria – $12.00

Full Bar Also Available

** Dawa Bar Menu and Prices are Subject to Change Without Notice **

Privacy Overview

• Book with us
• Chip and Co
• Disclosure / Privacy Policy
• Disney Addicts Group
• Live Near Disney World

• Disney Food
• Disney Cruise Line
• News & Info
• Attractions
• Deals and Discounts
• Disney World
• Planning Tips
• Souvenirs & Collectibles
• Universal Orlando

10 Best Kiosks, Bars and Lounges to Grab a Drink in Animal Kingdom

Epcot gets all the credit when it comes to unique drinking opportunities. Although theres no comparing the experience of walking through all the different countries, Animal Kingdom has a fantastic selection of both boozy drinks from places you will not see in Epcot. We’ve done the hard work for you and have found every kiosk, bar, and lounge for you to grab a drink and enjoy Animal Kingdom to its fullest.

• This is a fantastic bar to get started your day started with. There is something for everyone here with their selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and margaritas. The cocktails and margaritas are the stars, of course. You can grab an Amazon Journey  made with “Bacardi Superior, Cruzan Mango & Strawberry Rums, triple sec, fruit juices, Finest Call Grenadine”. If you’re feeling a bit blue and need some cheering up… try the Blue Nile made with “Cruzan Mango Rum, DeKuyper Blue Curacao Liqueur, Finest Call Blood Orange Sour, Sweet-and-Sour”. This is just a 2 of a great list of up to 13 Cocktails. Wondering about those signature Margs? Look out for the Blood Ruby  or the  Chocolate Kiss . Two different flavors to give you the same kick.
• Need a place to take a rest after adventuring the Tree of Life? Please head to the Nomad Lounge. Fantastic small plate options await you. Wagyu Beef Sliders ? Check.  Truffle Poutine ? Check. Tuna Poke Bowl ? Checkkkk. They also have  Churros , for you Disneyland fans that are missing home. But say you’re thirsty from walking around Discovery Island – will this have something for you? 13 specialty cocktails, 13 types of wine, 13 types of beer, and 9 non-alcoholic beverages are ready to be tried. Beer fans that like to go around the world, find beers from Thailand, Singapore, South Africa, Mexico, Japan, and Kenya all at this little lounge. As for the cocktails, it was very hard to choose one – but start with Annapurna Zing is made with “Bombay Sapphire East Gin, Passion Fruit Purée, Mint, Simple Syrup, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer and a glowing Lotus Flower”. How magical is that?
• Any true Disney World fan needs to know the place to grab a Dole Whip at a moment’s notice. Tamu Tamu provides you that service. It comes with a very difficult choice between Dark Rum and Coconut Rum . If Dole Whip is not your go-to, or you have a friend who is tragically allergic, like one of mine, enjoy a Malva Cake Sundae with Dark Rum .
• A great choice to sit back and relax with a great theme to match. Yak and Yeti provides a nice area to lounge and provides specialty drinks like the Yak Attack and the Frozen Emperor Margarita . Some beer connoisseurs come here for the Safari Amber  which can only be found in Walt Disney World.
• This is a quick-service restaurant. It should not be on this list. But I had to put it on here because of their magical beverages. The Rum Blossom makes me wish that every alcoholic beverage had bobas on it. The Mo’ara Margarita is beautiful and refreshing and everything good in the world made with “Sauza Conmemorativo Añejo Tequila, Blue Curaçao, Lime Juice, Passion Fruit Boba Balls, Glowing Unadelta Seed”. So stop by there and feel like a kid as you enjoy the world of Avatar.
• If you’ve gotten up early to beat the rush to your favorite ride, *cough* Flight of Passage *cough*, and you need something to start your morning, get your hands on the African Bloody Mary  made with “Snow Leopard Vodka, Loaded Bloody Mary Mix, and Spicy African Berbere Sauce, garnished with Candied Bacon, Celery Stalk and Carrot”. Looking for something lighter? Get  Lost on Safari (Starr African Rum, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Pangani Punch) or grab an African Margarita  (Sauza Silver Tequila, Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur from South Africa, Sweet-and-Sour, fresh Lime Juice). Both as delicious as they sound and both pack a punch!
• Caffeine is needed during a long day and Isle of Java makes sure you have access to all you need. Try a selection of coffees and frozen drinks here. If you’re only looking for a caffeine beverage with alcohol, the  Island Cappuccino  is surely the drink for you. It comes with White Chocolate and Rum, just in case you were wondering.
• A simple and humble menu, delicious snacks and simple drinks are found here. Fans of rum and cokes will enjoy a Frozen Coca-Cola . If you want something new, you can try the Coconut-Lychee Lemonade  which comes with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Lychee, and Odwalla® Lemonade. Both drinks delicious and refreshing to wander through Asia with.
• This lovely little booth has everything you need for a hot Florida day. It is known for themed margaritas such as the Kali River Mango Margarita  and the Bali Hai Strawberry Margarita – as well as cocktails. For the beer fans, feel free to try Tiger Beer Asian Lager from Singapore! There is definitely more here than meets the eye.
• An easy place to get lost in, the variety of cocktails at this bar are plentiful. Come for the Japenese Hitachino Nest White Ale and stay for the Dragon’s Breath – made with “Byejoe Dragon Fire Spirit, Mango Pureé and Pineapple Juice”. Those and many more will give you the pick-me-up you need during a day of walking at Animal Kingdom

After reading this list, hopefully you’ll now go to this fantastic park with eyes and stomachs ready for adventure. There are plenty of drinks and foods to discover! Be safe, and as always, Enjoy!

Photo: Disney

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.

Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel

• Recent Posts

• Celebrate 41 Years of Journey Into Imagination! - March 5, 2024
• 15 Fabulous Disney Crocs You Can Get on Amazon! - March 1, 2024
• Why We Love: Dockside Diner - February 27, 2024

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Unleash Your Wild Side: A Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Planning a Magical Trip: Walt Disney World with Little Ones

Beyond the Roller Coasters: Spot Endangered Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

5 Fun Facts About Disney Conservation & Animal Care 

Disney Celebrates the 90th Birthday of Dr. Jane Goodall

Get Up Close with African Wildlife on Disney’s Wild Africa Trek

Disney remembers and honors all military service members who never made...

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Disney Vacations

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom might be Walt Disney World’s most interesting park — with the best Disney ride of all. Here's how to make the most of your visit.

Having opened in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the newest of the Disney World parks , featuring a design and layout that differs from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom . Here, the emblematic Tree of Life sits in the center of a lagoon, as lands including Africa, Asia, Discovery Island, Pandora - The World of Avatar, and DinoLand U.S.A. surround it in a loop. (For easy reference, pick up a complementary Disney Animal Kingdom map in The Oasis, Animal Kingdom’s lush entrance.)

It’s also filled with live animals; winding paths lead to zoo-like displays of Sumatran tigers and gibbons playing in acrobatic displays while a safari attraction takes passengers through a 110-acre expanse of elephants, giraffes, and lions.

Unlike other Walt Disney World parks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom emphasizes conservation and actual regions of the world above Disney characters. You’ll still come face-to-face with favorites from "The Lion King" and "Finding Nemo," but will do so in an idyllic retreat that feels transportative. (There’s even a hotel, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge , with the same design aesthetic as the park.)

From coasters to child-friendly Animal Kingdom rides, there is plenty for all ages to enjoy at this Disney park, but children 3 and under are admitted for free and do not require Disney World park tickets. Summer and holidays are the busiest times to visit Disney World parks, and the same applies here at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

For everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s most interesting park — and why we think the best Disney ride is located here — read on:

Getting to Disney's Animal Kingdom

Standard parking for a car or a motorcycle costs $25 per day, while preferred parking is $50 per day. (A complimentary parking lot tram is available to alleviate long walks.) Buses from Disney hotels and non-Disney hotels, Lyft, Uber, local taxis, and Minnie Vans all operate near Animal Kingdom’s front entrance.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Hours

Disney World park hours vary throughout the year, but Animal Kingdom hours have recently changed significantly. Previously, Animal Kingdom was only open until sunset, but with new nighttime programming, the park has transformed to now close much later. Since Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to so much wildlife, it takes a different nighttime approach and tones down its lighting; expect a quieter yet still enjoyable experience after sundown.

Guests staying at Walt Disney World hotels and select hotels offering Extra Magic Hours can gain access to Disney’s Animal Kingdom before opening or after closing on select days. They can also purchase Disney tickets to events like Early Morning Magic or Disney After Hours to gain exclusive Disney World park hours within Animal Kingdom, which feature smaller crowds and shorter waits.

Purchasing Disney's Animal Kingdom Tickets

Animal Kingdom ticket prices vary depending on which day of the year you visit — a change recently introduced for all Disney World park tickets .

Most guests only need one full day at Animal Kingdom, but the Avatar Flight of Passage ride tends to have an extremely long line, so you may want to visit more than once. In this case, purchase your Disney World park tickets with a “park hopper” option, which allows you to travel between all four Florida Disney parks for one price.

How to Use a FastPass+

FastPass+ comes included (it’s free!) with all Disney World park tickets and can be scheduled at least 30 days prior to arrival — 60, if you stay in a Walt Disney World resort or hotel with benefits . FastPass+ lets guests “skip the line” during an hour-long return window on three attractions per day, and because of this, you’ll want to plan ahead.

FastPass+ for Animal Kingdom rides are offered in two “tiers.” Guests can select one attraction from the first group and two attractions from the second group. Sign up for My Disney Experience to schedule these Fastpass experiences in advance.

The Best Animal Kingdom Rides

With so much flora and fauna in this Walt Disney World theme park, it may come as a surprise that Animal Kingdom has four thrill rides. DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom provides a raucous ride back through time in search of a fabled dinosaur , and Kali River Rapids’ whitewater raft adventure is best on hot summer days.

Avatar Flight of Passage is still the most popular Animal Kingdom ride for its realistic trip through Pandora, the brilliant setting of the Avatar film series, but Expedition Everest and its roller coaster journey through the Himalayas in search of a fabled mountain yeti is our pick for the very best ride at Walt Disney World .

Kilimanjaro Safaris can’t be missed. This Disney World ride takes guests out onto a savannah in a Jeep-like vehicle to encounter real animals up-close; there is no height restriction, so everyone can take a ride.

Children will enjoy much of DinoLand, U.S.A., as its Primeval Whirl coaster and TriceraTop Spin ride — similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Disney's Magic Kingdom — provide much fun, and The Boneyard play area lets kids play and dig for fossils. Na’vi River Journey is a serene boat ride that’s good for all ages, while mischievous kids and adults will both get a kick out of It’s Tough to be a Bug! .

The Best Animal Kingdom Attractions

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Stop by the Tree of Life to witness Animal Encounters: Winged Encounters — The Kingdom Takes Flight, where stunning birds will soar overhead in a wondrous display. For more high-flying fun, catch UP! A Great Bird Adventure led by Russell and Dug from the movie "Up."

Animal Kingdom has two Broadway-style shows — "Festival of the Lion King" and "Finding Nemo - The Musical" — that are absolutely worth seeing; check Disney World park hours or a Disney Animal Kingdom map for showtimes.

Meet-and-greets include Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost, Pocahontas and others, but here, the animals are as compelling as the Disney characters. Take a break from the attractions and peruse Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek, where unbelievable creatures await.

Note: Rafiki’s Planet Watch and its Wildlife Express Train are no longer open daily. Check the Walt Disney World website for this and other Disney World park hours and updates.

Exploring Disney's Animal Kingdom at Night

Disney’s Animal Kingdom only recently began offering nighttime entertainment, but Rivers of Light provides a serene and stunning waterfront display celebrating the beauty of nature each evening. Outdoor rides like Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest provide completely different experiences when set against the night sky, and Kilimanjaro Night Safaris give a new perspective to life in the wild.

Upon exiting, don’t miss Tree of Life Awakenings. These projections are somewhat low-key, but nothing short of awe-inducing.

The Best Restaurants at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers plenty of quick-service restaurants. Flame Tree Barbecue, Harambe Market, Pizzafari, and Satu’li Canteen all have offerings that will please every member of the family.

Adults adore Tiffins , an elegant escape within Disney’s Animal Kingdom that is one of Walt Disney World’s best restaurants. If you can dine here, absolutely do. Walt Disney World dining reservations open 180 days in advance, so book early — and if you’re looking to save money, explore the Disney Dining Plan program.

Drinking Alcohol at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Cocktails, beer, and wine are sold throughout Animal Kingdom, along with Safari Amber Ale, a beer exclusive to Disney. Visit Africa for Dawa Bar, a crowd favorite with enticing drinks, or Tamu Tamu Refreshments across the way for Dole Whip with rum, a perfect summer treat. Still, the best place for drinks at Animal Kingdom is Nomad Lounge. The cocktail menu is both unique and delightful; you can’t go wrong with anything on their list.

Special Events at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney After Hours events give semi-private nighttime access to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you’re a big Pandora - The World of Avatar fan or simply want to ride Expedition Everest all night, it’s worth purchasing these special Disney World parks tickets.

The Best Animal Kingdom Hotels

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the only Walt Disney World park with a similarly themed hotel. Though it’s not located at the theme park — you’ll need to take a short bus ride to reach it — Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge retains the same level of outdoor beauty as the parks. Thanks to on-property savannahs, guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge can spot animals directly from their hotel room balcony . Head to Kidani Village, the Disney Vacation Club section of the hotel, to dine at Sanaa. Request a table by the window for a perfect view of the surrounding savannah — it’s unlike any other experience you’ll have at Disney World.

Related Articles

Brush up on the unusual and best beers at Walt Disney World

Today is National Beer Day, and what better way to celebrate than by grabbing a unique and delicious brew at Walt Disney World. Check out our list of beers that can’t be missed:

• Sakura Kolsch, Crooked Can Brewing Co. – Served at Morimoto Asia, Disney Springs

This beer is a collaboration between Morimoto Asia and Crooked Can Brewing. The Sakura Kolsch, or Cherry Blossom Kolsch, is dry hopped with cherry blossom tea. This unique beer is the perfect compliment to many of the dishes at Morimoto.

• Cantillion – Served at The Edison, Disney Springs

One of the most highly coveted beers in the world, this Belgian brew is brewed only five months a year, and is cooled off and inoculated with wild yeast that floats in from the open windows. The yeast then settles in the Koelship, which uses the cooler fall and spring air to cool the wort and give the yeast its flavor. The Edison’s current selection special is the rare version Fou’ Foune, or a Lambic aged on apricots.

• Birra Frangante, Birrificio Del Ducato – Served at Maria & Enzo’s, Disney Springs

Translated from Italian as “fragrant beer,” this brew hails from Parma, Italy and borders on a Belgian pale ale style, but with more aroma and fragrance. This beer pairs well with 24 month-aged prosciutto di Parma.

• Mo’ara High Country Ale – Served at Satu’li Canteen, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This Pandoran brew features an herbal spice hop aroma with notes of caramel, toffee and nuts.

• Goose Island Bourbon County Stout – Served at Enzo’s Hideaway, Disney Springs

This original bourbon barrel-aged stout has notes of chocolate, vanilla and roasted barley, and fits right in to the speakeasy bar of Enzo’s Hideaway.

• Monarch Milk Stout – Served at Florida Fresh, Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival

This beer from First Magnitude Brewing Co. in Gainesville, Fla. is smooth and a little sweet. Dark in color, this milk stout is like the creamer in your morning coffee with just a bit of a kick.

• Violet Lemonade Ale – Served at Pineapple Promenade, Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival

This Playalinda Brewing Company beer comes from Titusville, Fla. and is perfectly sweet and sour.

• Sunshine Greetings Orange Hibiscuses Wheat Ale – Served at Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival

This beer is brewed with orange peel and hibiscus, making it light and fruity. The ale has a light pink hue with a floral aroma and light citrus notes to blend with the rosy-tart flavor of the hibiscus. A subtle malt sweetness supports the floral notes, making this complex beer easy to drink and enjoy.

• Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale – Served at Nomad Lounge, Tiffins and Thirsty River, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This African-inspired deep amber ale is brewed only for Walt Disney World with a sorghum and a special blend of spices, including cardamom and cinnamon.

• Morimoto Soba Ale – Served at Morimoto Asia, Disney Springs

This beer was launched in the spring of 2003 as part of the Signature Series of Rogue Ales with Chef Masaharu Morimoto. It features a flavor of roasted Soba that brings a nutty finish to this light and refreshing ale.

• Hawkes’ Grog Ale – Served at Satu’li Canteen, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This light, wheat ale is made by Terrapin Beer Co., and is a Golden Ale with a green color, and has flavors of citrus and wheat with a creamy finish.

• Full Sail Session Lager – Served at 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Session Premium Lager is a smooth, crisp and refreshing import-style lager with a creaminess when swished around.

• Safari Amber – Served at Dawa Bar in Africa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Stop in at Dawa Bar for this refreshing lager with a subtle citrus taste to help you cool down on a hot day.

• Stone Delicious IPA – Served at BaseLine Tap House, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This beer is very citrusy with a hint of bitterness that brings a lemon candy flavor to the surface that’s balanced with hop spice.

• Lucky Buddha – Served at Yak and Yeti Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This beer is served in a green bottle sculpted with a laughing buddha. A true Asian-style lager, this beer has a clean, crisp finish that makes for the perfect refreshment.

• Unibroue Blanche de Chambly – Served at Le Cellier in Canada, World Showcase at Epcot

This is the first beer Unibroue ever brewed with pale golden, Belgian white ale, and pairs perfectly with the fan favorite Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, or the Oatmeal Stout-Braised Short Ribs.

• Golden Road Hefewizen – Served at BaseLine Tap House at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This Bavarian-style wheat beer has hints of clove and banana on the nose from its German yeast. The beer hosts a medium body with a smooth, crisp finish.

Check out any of these beers for National Beer Day at Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Springs. For more information on other beer offerings at Walt Disney World, visit DisneyWorld.Disney.go.com/Dining .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

One Comment

Why cant every day be national beer day?! Great article!

Here’s the Best Place to Get a Craft Beer in Animal Kingdom

by Timothy Moore | Jul 15, 2021 | Animal Kingdom , WDW Blog

Are you on the hunt for a tasty craft beer in Animal Kingdom ? Skip the waiting list and high prices at Nomad Lounge and grab a delicious beer at Thirsty River Bar —and take it to go.

Animal Kingdom has no shortage of trails to walk while spotting hippos, waving to gorillas, and wishing you could swim with the otters. But in the hot Florida sun, a beer sure does make the experience all the better .

Thanks to readers like you, we’re able to keep our site free of disrupting ads. Please consider subscribing to our print edition if you’d like to support us directly, and feel free to sign up for our free newsletter so you never miss out on tips like these!

There are multiple spots to grab a beer in Animal Kingdom , but Thirsty River Bar, a hidden gem in Asia, is the number one place to get your craft beer on while spying on meerkats.

[metaslider id=”50088″]

Where Is Thirsty River Bar?

The bottled offerings at Thirsty River Bar. Photo by Timothy Moore

If you’re coming from Kali River Rapids toward Expedition Everest, Thirsty River Bar will be on your left shortly before arriving at Everest . It’s tucked away to the side, so it’s easy to overlook.

But this is one spot you don’t want to miss. In addition to the craft beer, Thirsty River Bar offers light beer, seltzers, wine, and a signature cocktail. When I was there, it was the Yeti Sunset with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, strawberry, and lychee lemonade ($13 plus tax).

The Best Beer in Animal Kingdom

The best craft beer in Animal Kingdom is easily the Old Elephant Foot IPA. Photo by Timothy Moore

I had spent the day prior sampling the finest of Disney Springs’ cocktails (and wishing I had brought a toothbrush along for the adventure), so I was ready to start my late-morning Animal Kingdom drinking with something a little hoppier and a little more bitter .

Enter the Tampa Bay Old Elephant Foot IPA at Thirsty River Bar . This hoppy but refreshing beer was one of four offered on draft ; you can also choose a Bud Lite, Kona Hanalei Island IPA, and Safari Amber, but when in Rome near Tampa …

Here’s what’s on draft at Thirsty River Bar. Photo by Timothy Moore

You can also get a few beers by the bottle , including Kona Longboard Island Lager, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and Funky Buddha Florida Hefeweizen, plus a White Claw (Black Cherry, which is admittedly the best; sorry, Mango fans).

Drinking my Beer in Animal Kingdom

The Tampa Bay Old Elephant Foot IPA was light but hoppy , with a fresh bite that was the perfect contrast to the previous day’s sugar overload. I hadn’t eaten breakfast yet in my rush to rope-drop Flight of Passage (and knock out five other attractions in 90 minutes), so this beer hit me harder than I expected .

The ABV of Old Elephant Foot IPA is 6.7% , pretty typical for an India Pale Ale. But it’s on draft, and it’s hot in Florida, so it’s so easy to drink this one too fast … like I did. So be careful, folks. It’s a jungle out there.

Other Places to Get Adult Beverages in Animal Kingdom

If you aren’t stalking down craft beer or wine, you may be more pleased with the adult beverages over in Africa; Dawa Bar is famous for its refreshing cocktails . You can also grab a DOLE Whip with rum at Tamu Tamu .

The King’s Cooler at Tamu Tamu is DOLE Whip with a twist. Photo by Timothy Moore

Over in Pandora, check out Pongu Pongu for a bioluminescent drink , like the Mo’ara Margarita, or another draft beer. Nomad Lounge is famous for its delicious drinks ; you may just have to put your name on a waiting list to get inside.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Do you have a favorite beer in Animal Kingdom? Share your Animal Kingdom drink tips on our Facebook page !

Splitsville Luxury Lanes At Disney Springs – More Than A Bowling Alley

2021 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Menus, Photos, and Reviews

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Will Reopen On July 2, 2021 At Disney World

[metaslider id=”53772″]

Latest Posts

Today in Disney History, 2001: Magic Carpets of Aladdin Opens at Magic Kingdom

6 must-haves i always carry in my park bag as a disney expert, what is it like to stay at the walt disney world dolphin, dining at 50’s prime time café: comfort food with a kitschy vibe, 7 choices you’ll regret making in disney world, 5 surprising facts about dumbo the flying elephant, posts by timothy moore, authored by timothy moore.

Enjoy FREE SHIPPING on orders over $100. Dismiss

• The Secret Way to Get a Dole Whip Drink at Starbucks
• Worst Disney World Tips You’ll Ever Hear
• 7 Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know About Pirates of the Caribbean
• The Best Disney Bar That No One Talks About
• The Disney Dude Ranch That No One Talks About
• The Gross Reason Disney World’s Liberty Square Has No Bathrooms

DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation

The lounges of animal kingdom at walt disney world.

Posted by: Brittany DiCologero August 20, 2019

Disney’s Animal Kingdom may be known for its impressive animal attractions, immersive rides, and unique dining, but it’s also home to some of the best bars and lounges at the Walt Disney World Resort. With grab-and-go drink kiosks all over the parks, outdoor seating areas with live entertainment, and quiet places to relax indoors, Animal Kingdom’s lounge scene offers something for everyone.

[google_ad]

1. Safari Bar

The first lounge guests pass on their way into Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Safari Bar located inside the Rainforest Cafe. Here guests can sip on beer, wine, and specialty cocktails all while surrounded by the tropical rainforest the restaurant is known for. 

• Beverages: Standouts on the beer list include Funky Buddha Floridian Hefeweizen and the Orlando Brewing I-4 IPA, especially for guests looking to try something more specific to Orlando during their trip. Wines from around the world are also offered alongside specialty cocktails like the Panama Punch (Don Q 151 Rum, Myer’s Original Dark Rum, Peach Schnapps, 99 Bananas Liqueur, Crème de Cassis, orange and pineapple juices) and signature martinis like the Blood Ruby with Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Patron Citronge Orange Liqueur, Finest Call Blood Orange Sour, and lime. 
• Food: If you do decide you need a bite to eat, the Rainforest Cafe in Disney’s Animal Kingdom typically has availability for walk-ups to dine in. As a result, this is a great spot for a last-minute dinner on your way out of the park or on those busy trips where you weren’t sure what you’d find for table service reservations. 

[google_ad_btf] 

2. Dawa Bar

Located right outside of Tusker House in Harambe Village, the Dawa Bar is a fan favorite! The festive atmosphere in the middle of the village means live entertainment takes place nearby throughout the day and it’s easy to take a break from the bar to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris or stroll through the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. 

• Beverages: Stop at the Dawa Bar for a cold beer (and try the Tusker Lager or Safari Amber to stick with the spirit of Animal Kingdom) or try one of the specialty beverages the bar is known for. One of the most popular is the Lost on Safari, with Starr African Rum and Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum with the Dawa Bar’s own Pangani Punch, and another top notch choice is the Tikiti Punch (Snow Leopard Vodka and watermelon lemonade), perfect for a hot day in the park!

3. Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages 

This lounge is easy to miss, but worth the stop if you’re grabbing a bite to eat at Yak & Yeti or simply looking to take a break while wandering through Asia. You can find this walk-up window adjacent to the seating area of Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe.

• Food: In addition to some tasty beverages, you can grab Asian chicken wraps and sides of egg rolls to snack on right at the drink window. 
• Beverages: Like most stops around Animal Kingdom, you’ll find Safari Amber and Beso del Sol Sangria, but specific to this location does have a specialty cocktail you’ll just have to try– Yak Attack, a mix of Mango Daiquiri, Don Q Cristal Rum, and wildberry juices.

4. Nomad Lounge

If you are planning a 21+ trip around Disney’s Animal Kingdom this last lounge is something that you must add to your itinerary! The Nomad Lounge is located right next to the park’s signature dining location, Tiffins Restaurant, and stopping in for a drink is a great way to relax with a signature dining-like atmosphere and sample some small plates from the menu. Before diving into the food and drinks, take a look around the space– even if you sit outdoors it’s fascinating to see all of the details that Disney Imagineers put into the restaurant’s design. 

• Food: Sliders, charcuterie, and poutine are some fan-favorites for eats at Nomad Lounge, but be sure to browse the full menu during your visit- it has one of the more extensive menus in terms of food at a Disney lounge! 
• Beverages: For drinks, browse the lounge’s lengthy beer and wine list or opt for a specialty cocktail. We recommend trying the Annapurna Zing (Bombay Sapphire East Gin, passion fruit purée, mint, simple syrup, and lime juice topped with ginger beer and a glowing lotus flower or the Spice Trader Classic (Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Dolin Vermouth Blanc, lemon juice and strawberries topped with soda water. If you have members of your party who aren’t drinking (or who are underage) Nomad Lounge also has the largest selection of “mocktails” in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. 

About Brittany DiCologero

Related Articles

Dedicated Cast Member Goes Above and Beyond to Get the Crowd Excited For the Parade In This Viral Video

May 28, 2024

The Disney World Rule You Probably Don’t Know You’re Breaking

Beloved Disney World Offering Ends, Park Emptied

the disney food blog

food IS a theme park

Read the Latest Posts

Looking for something?

Get the dfb newsletter.

STAY CONNECTED

Review: Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 22 Comments

Last week, I had the pleasure of heading to Walt Disney World for a super quick jaunt around the parks.

And while there, I decided it was high time to stop by one of my (and yours!!) favorite spots in Animal Kingdom, Flame Tree Barbecue .

Flame Tree Barbecue consistently gets rave reviews from Disney food fans as one of the top — if not the top — counter service spots in all of Walt Disney World. I was anxious to see if it still lived up to my fond memories…

Located in the Discovery Island section of Animal Kingdom, you’ll find this colorful restaurant adjacent to the entrance to Dinoland (which is awesome, and you should totally go there). And as the name clues you in — they specialize in barbecue, with meats that are smoked right in the “Flame Tree Barbecue Smokehouse.”

Flame Tree Barbecue Sign

Normally, you see lines snaking back from the ordering area — note the cow-line ropes in the picture. But it was shockingly not busy when I got there late in the afternoon (around 4:30pm). See? I told you those Disney Dining Tips are for real! 😉

Flame Tree Barbecue -- Outside View

The set up is your standard Disney counter service situation, with multiple ordering stations and pick up lines. You won’t find any automated kiosks here…yet!

Ordering Kiosk

For guests who aren’t familiar with smoked meats and the pink color that the meat takes on due to the process, you’ll find these signs. You can be sure that your meat is thoroughly cooked, even though it may appear pink inside.

Sign Regarding Smoking Process

Once you’ve chosen your food, be sure to take a look around at the fantastic themeing that Imagineers have dreamed up for this corner of Animal Kingdom. The surroundings here depict the Circle of Life (i.e. animals eating other animals…seriously) and you see it everywhere.

Circle of Life on Lanterns Featuring Owls and Rabbits

With the bright, cheerful colors, what’s actually happening in the carvings and pictures might escape your notice. But look closer, and you see that predators and their frightened prey are pictured in carvings and statues throughout the various pavilions. It’s a fascinating combination of the whimsical and the slightly disturbing. OK…really disturbing if you really thing about it. 😉

Decor with Circle of Life Theme

While we are on the subject of decor, this is a great time to mention the unique seating situation at Flame Tree. You may not realize how extensive the seating areas are at first glance, but if you follow the paths through the jungle and off to your left, you’ll find lots of interesting places to enjoy your meal.

And some of these spots are really gorgeous. This is what I really, really love about dining at Disney. It’s about so much more than the food (which is usually pretty good.) Where would you ever go in the United States to find such a lovely fast food destination? This spot by the reflecting pool is among my favorites.

Table Next to Reflecting Pool

If it’s shaded seating that you prefer, you’ll find several open-air pavilions like this one. Protected from the sun and cooled by ceiling fans, the spots are very pleasant, even during the heat of summer. But if it’s super cold outside, you may prefer a restaurant with indoor dining spots — Flame Tree is all outside.

Seating Pavilion

But on a quiet day like this one, there was no better place to relax and enjoy our lunch than in this shaded spot by the water, which offered a fantastic vista of Expedition Everest in the distance. Framed by trees, the view just doesn’t get any better than this.

View of Expedition Everest from Waterside Dining Pavilion

While I really love showing you all the beautiful details about Flame Tree’s setting, it’s time to turn our attention to the other big star of the show — the food!

Because this is a barbecue place, it’s just sort of a given: your top choices are going to be meat-centric. All the traditional standards are here: St. Louis-style ribs, chicken, and pulled pork figured prominently in the line up. (You can see my review of the pulled pork sandwich here !)

The day that I visited, I really only noticed one option, the Fruit Plate , that would have been appropriate for my vegetarian friends. (More vegetarian options would likely be available upon request.)

Menu -- Entrees -- Click to Enlarge

There are a couple of sides that are big enough to share, as well as some on-theme options for the kids, like a Baked Chicken Drumstick .

Menu -- Kids' Meals, Sides, Beverages, and Desserts -- Click to Enlarge

A limited selection of beer and wine are available too. Check out the fun taps. 🙂

Safari Amber is specially brewed for Disney, and you’ll find it at both Animal Kingdom as well as Animal Kingdom Lodge (the picture below was taken during a visit to Sanaa .) While it’s a more interesting option than Budweiser, we haven’t found it to be anything super special. It does make for a great pairing with barbecue, though!

Safari Amber on Draft at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge's Sanaa at Kidani Village

Because of the completely open and spread out nature of Flame Tree’s seating, you’ll find condiment stations located at the seating pavilions, rather than near the ordering area. This makes it much easier to find a seat before fetching your sauces and napkins.

Condiment Counter

Meats are smoked but not necessarily “sauced.” You can add just the right amount of sauce so that your meal is to your liking (extra for me!)

Ketchup Dispenser

There are a couple of different varieties of barbecue sauce available, but they’re both fairly traditional options.

Regular Barbecue Sauce Dispenser

I love the Sweet and Spicy Sauce , with that little kick it provides!

Sweet and Spicy Barbecue Sauce Dispenser

It’s nice to mix them together in just the perfect ratio for a custom sauce experience. 🙂 If you’d like to try your hand at recreating that signature Flame Tree Barbecue sauce flavor at home, check out our Flame Tree Barbecue Sauce Recipe ! You’ll swear you’ve been transported.

Sweet & Spicy and Regular Barbecue Sauce

I was really excited to try the new-to-me Mandarin Orange Lemonade during this visit — it’s one of the new lemonade flavors that’s been spotted at the Animal Kingdom dining locations.

It has more flavor than regular lemonade, and the beverage was a nice match for the smokey-sweet barbecue we were consuming. I really enjoyed this, and would gladly have gone back for more!

Mandarin Orange Lemonade

Having tried the Pulled Pork Sandwich and 1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs on a previous lunch visit , we decided to go with a few other options this time.

I always like variety, so I opted for the Ribs and Chicken Combo , featuring a quarter of a rack of ribs and a quarter chicken. This platter is served with two sides — Baked Beans and Cole Slaw .

Chicken and Ribs

Since it tends to be lean, Barbecue Chicken can be a tricky thing to make because it becomes dry so easily when smoked. Unfortunately, I found that to be the case here. While the flavor was good, there was no juiciness to the meat because of the extended “low and slow” cooking time. Lots of sauce helped the situation, though.

Chicken -- Up Close

The Ribs , on the other hand, were tender, moist, and delicious. Ah, you have to appreciate the goodness of fat when it comes to meat!

Ribs -- Up Close

Now, let’s talk Turkey. Sandwich , that is. According to the menu, the sandwich is made with turkey breast that is smoked on-site.

Turkey Sandwich

The sandwich does boast a lovely House-Made Cranberry Mayonnaise, which will be a winner if you’re a mayo fan. The sweet and creamy combo worked well with the salty, smokey meat. It also stood up nicely to the hearty, multigrain bread. The tomatoes were kind of weird, though.

Turkey Sandwich Cranberry Mayonnaise -- Up Close

Still, you can see that they weren’t stingy with the sauce — even if they could have included a little more turkey.

Turkey Sandwich -- Up Close

The sandwich was just okay. I think the next time we are craving a turkey sandwich, we will stick with The Earl of Sandwich or another special spot we found on this trip! I can’t WAIT to tell you about the World’s best turkey sandwich…coming up on DFB soon!

As for desserts, we tried the Key Lime Mousse on a previous visit. Since I’m not a big fan of the gelatinous green goo that appears on top of the parfait, I don’t really recommend it.

Key Lime Mousse

Instead, I suggest you head over to Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery to snag a Paw Print Brownie or White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake (oh how I love you, Elephant Cupcake!) if you fancy something sweet to end your meal.

Although the chicken was a bit dry and the turkey sandwich a little chintzy, I still think that Flame Tree Barbecue offers some fantastic food value. With slow-cooked meats that are akin in quality to some table service spots, you’ll get a good meal here without having to wait or pay a tip. The sides are delicious as well, and I appreciate the interesting option of the Mandarin Orange Lemonade.

But when you factor in the incredible themeing and beautiful seating area, Flame Tree becomes a can’t-miss counter service destination for your Disney World trip. With spectacular views and thoughtful touches, a meal here really is a feast for the senses. And that’s not something you can say about every counter service experience you have, to be sure.

What’s your favorite food find at Flame Tree Barbecue? Share your thoughts in comments below!

TRENDING NOW

While we were walking through EPCOT the other day, we started to notice something ODD....

Starbucks is running a "Summer App-y Days" promotion where they're dropping new deals on the...

You need to check out these eight Disney-inspired tiki mugs from Target!

Hey, y'all. We're sorry we have to bring you this sad Magic Kingdom news.

Currently, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is ongoing, but that will be changing VERY...

We're telling you about one of our best kept Disney World secret spots (and you're...

The "experts" have spoken and boy do they have BIG Feelings about Disney's expansion plans!

Wreck-It-Ralph is coming to Tokyo Disneyland!

Two NEW dishes debuted at Pym's Test Kitchen recently!

There are going to be some massive changes coming to EPCOT on June 10th, 2024!

This Magic Kingdom original will be closed for a portion of June.

NEW Disney Happy Meal Toys have landed at McDonald's!

We're trying out some specialty, limited-time EATS at the Typhoon Lagoon After Hours Event: H2O...

Let's break down the huge problem with Disney World's cheapest hotels (and it's not what...

We've put on our foodie review hats and rank ALL the snacks in Fantasyland! 

We know it might seem super random, but there are actually a few very good...

Trade out your current bag for a more festive look with some Disney flair!

Don't make our mistakes! These are the Disney World purchases we regret!

Whether you like Disney, Pixar, or Star Wars, there's a LEGO set for everyone.

EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival starts in a few months, and we're REALLY expecting these...

February 25, 2013 at 12:03 am

Considering the theme for the decor, I’d expect it to be a relatively vegetarian-hostile place.

February 25, 2013 at 1:14 am

Actually, I have been reading and noticing that Animal Kingdom is working on their vegetarian dining. I always found it ironic that an animal and conservation themed park would have so few foods without a face! 🙂 the chicken salad can be purchased without the chicken if I am correct and you also have cole slaw and onion rings as vegetarian options.

February 25, 2013 at 4:38 am

Flame Tree has always been a favorite of ours. Sadly on our last trip, we were a bit disappointed. The meats didn’t seem to be smoked as much as they seemed to be the remnants of a 5 alarm fire. I agree with AJ’s assessment of the chicken on our last trip. Quite dry. I must say I was a bit unhappy seeing the picture of the turkey sandwich. I love that sandwich and my memory of that sandwich had substantially more meat between the slices of bread. As with all restaurants at WDW, 1 bad experience doesn’t disqualify a restaurant forever. Hopefully we will have better luck on our next trip because this spot is typically a big winner!!!

February 25, 2013 at 5:52 am

My wife is a vegetarian, and there’s really nothing here for her. Yes, you can get a salad, but with the exception of a few beans, there’s no protein in that. So even though I love the ribs, we don’t eat here often. Pizzafari gets more of our business in AK.

February 25, 2013 at 6:38 am

In our trip last November, this was our first meal in WDW. Our whole family loved this place and thought the food was amazing. The chicken was very tasty and not dry. The sitting area was beautiful. It was the first meal of a amazing trip to WDW.

February 25, 2013 at 7:58 am

My husband and I both had the salad when we visited last summer. It was just too hot that day to have a hot lunch! The salad was really tasty – sweet, cruchy and tangy and the chicken was generously portioned and moist (not just from the dressing). I enjoyed the salad a lot more than I expected to! I totally agree about those gelatinous desserts, we had one over by the Dawa Bar too, ugh. Cupcakes FTW!

February 25, 2013 at 8:19 am

We like it a lot. However, with so many sides and nice size portions it can be a circus juggling act to get to the seating areas especially with the stairs and wrapping paths.

February 25, 2013 at 9:36 am

LOVE Flame Tree BBQ. It’s definitely your best bang for the buck (and you really like good smoked BBQ). I will say this though, Safari Amber is NOT exclusive to Disney. The exact same beer is served as Hogs Head ale over at Universal in the WWOHP.

February 25, 2013 at 10:59 am

I always think about eating here, but hesitate wondering if the food is the same served at Fairfax Fare in Hollywood Studios. The meat was disappointing and the beans were overly spicy. Is it totally wrong to assume Disney would prepare counter service bbq at two locations completely differently?

February 25, 2013 at 12:12 pm

I have eaten there once, and I might have been on a bad day. I will admit that I’m PICKY when it comes to ribs, but I didn’t think they were great. Too dry. I might try again, however.

February 25, 2013 at 12:23 pm

We love Flame Tree. I think you get a lot for your money. The quality has never let me down. My only complaint is it’s outside dining. Sometimes after walking all day it nice to eat in the AC.

February 25, 2013 at 3:39 pm

can the lemonade be chosen as the drink element when using a quick service dining credit or would it cost an extra snack credit?

February 25, 2013 at 4:37 pm

I was very disappointed on my only visit to Flame Tree – not only did I feel that it didn’t live up to my expectations of at least decent food at a Disney park, I felt it was below average of what I could find just about anywhere that serves BBQ. Maybe I went on a bad day, but my ribs and chicken were dry and tasteless and the beans were practically inedible. I will give it another try based on your review.

February 25, 2013 at 5:24 pm

Flame Tree is a #1 must-do dining event for my family when we are at WDW. We LOVE it. The Smoked Chicken Salad is the best salad that I’ve tasted on any Disney property, hands down!

February 25, 2013 at 5:38 pm

They need to bring back the corn bread.

February 25, 2013 at 9:51 pm

My husband and I always split the combo plate and have more than enough food. It is our favorite counter service restaurant out of all the parks.

February 25, 2013 at 10:20 pm

Safari Amber is also available at the African Outpost in Epcot.

February 25, 2013 at 10:52 pm

We happened to eat at the Flame Tree today. I was surprised with how juicy the ribs were. We attended the big bbq competition on Saturday in Haines City and I prefer flame tree’s to some of the ones we tasted there. We ate at 12:30 and had almost no line. There were plenty of tables available and we enjoyed dining on the water. The beans had a bit more spice than I usually like, but the coleslaw balanced it well. I was happy to see that the flame tree lived up to the memory I had of dining there years ago. I also liked that they give the Tables in Wonderland discount there. I saved $5 on two meals.

February 25, 2013 at 11:11 pm

Sometimes i just order a wine and head down to the tables next to the lake,GREAT view of Everest!! Extra magic hours at night makes the view even better.

February 28, 2013 at 9:54 am

LOVE LOVE LOVE Flame Tree!!! I had never dined there until our last trip in October. I was floored by how great the food was!! Thanks for this review….and bringing back a great food memory!

February 28, 2013 at 6:04 pm

I’ve stopped there a couple times, most recently in July 2012. Maybe I’m just uber picky when it comes to BBQ, but I tried the ribs on one occasion and the pork sandwich on another, and found both of them to be relatively flavorless. It’s definitely not on a par with, say, Arthur Bryants, Oklahoma Joe’s or Jim Neely’s Interstate BBQ. For my money, if I’m stuck at Animal Kingdom and have to eat, I’d prefer to hit up Yak & Yeti. If I’m just looking to sit, it’s Dawa Bar all the way.

December 5, 2015 at 4:09 pm

On a scale of 1 to 10 how spicy is the BBQ rub they put on it? I am not a big fan of spicy. I don’t mind a hint of it, but I also don’t like my mouth being on fire either. Thanks 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED

Drinking at Disney

  Animal Kingdom

Animal  Kingdom is a great park for drinking. There's a  great  full service bar up in Africa, A nice frozen drink stand over by Flights of Wonder, and good beer is available at all of the counter service food places.  

We recommend doing  Expedition   Everest early in the day before the serious drinking begins. Kali River Rapids however is much more fun after a few drinks.

Dawa Bar   

Location:   Africa (outdoor bar, next to Tuskers Buffet)  

D.A.D. TOP PICK         Read Our Review

Bottled Beers  -  Miller Lite, Bud Light, Coors Light,  Corona , Heineken, Yuengling, Bass Ale, Tuskers   Draft Beers  - Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, Safari Amber

Specialy Cocktails:   We Recommend the  Harambe Cooler  - Light rum, Myers dark rum & fruit punch;  Rum Runner  - Creme de banana, blackberry brandy, Myers & fruit punch;     Lost on the Safar i - Light rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, fruit punch   Frozen Pina Colada , Frozen Strawberry Daquiri   Bloody Mary  - Wild or mild

Quality Beverages   

Location: Asia   (in The Yak & Yeti)

Beer  - Foster's Oil Can, Kingfisher Lager,  Harbin , Kirin Ichiban Light, Singha, Tiger, Tsingtao, Asahi Super Dry, or  Sapporo .   Draft Beer  - Bud light or Safari Amber

Wine     - Beringer White Zinfandel, Yellow Tail Shiraz, Ecco Domani Pinot Grigo, Blackstone Merlot, Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc, Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay.

Lots of specialty drinks including : Emperor Margarita  - Jose Cuervo Gold, and Grand Marnier;  Yak Attack  - Mango daiquiri, Bacardi light rum, and wild berry flavors.

Flame Tree Barbecue   

Location:   Discovery   Island  by   Dino   Land

Draft Beer  - Bud Light or Safari Amber Specialty Brew

Frozen Lemonade Stand     

Location:  Between Asia and  Africa.    

Harambe Popcorn    

Location:  Africa

Budweiser or Bud Light.

Pizzafari      

Location:  Safari   Village

Draft Beer  - Budweiser or Safari Amber Specialty Brew.

Wine  - Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Merlot

R estaurantosaurus      

Location :  DinoLand  U.S.A.

Draft Beer -  Bud Light or Safari Amber Specialty Brew

S afari  Turkey       

Location :  Safari Area

Bud Light 

Rainforest Café   

Location:  Main Entrance of the Theme Park 

Features The Mushroom Bar - Full Bar

Tusker House Restaurant

Buffet Full Meals    

Location: Africa

Full service Bar

      Dawa Bar

    Quality Beverages at the Yak

   The view from Flame Tree BBQ

   Indoor Seating at Pizzafari

Navigation Menu

• Magic Kingdom
• Animal Kingdom
• food-and-wine festival

Make a free website with Yola

• Attractions
• Where to Stay

Bookmark with:

• StumbleUpon

What are these?

• Animal Kingdom
• Disney's Boardwalk
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Downtown Disney
• Magic Kingdom
• Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Dinoland USA
• Discovery Island
• Rafiki's Planet Watch
• Africa Kids Discovery Club
• Harambe School
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
• Harambe Fruit Market
• Harambe Popcorn
• Kusafiri Coffee Shop
• Tamu Tamu Refreshments
• Tusker House Restaurant and Bakery
• Duka La Filimu
• Mombasa Marketplace
• Ziwani Traders
• Africa Character Greet
• Advertising
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Acknowledgments
• Windsor Hills, Kissimmee
• Windsor Hills Premium, Kissimmee
• Emerald Island, Orlando