Ranking Quick Service Locations in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to some great dining options ranging from international cuisine inspired by the spirit of adventure to prehistoric bites and more. There are eight quick service restaurants currently open for Guests to enjoy in the Disney Park, but not all are created equally. Let’s look at the ranking of quick service restaurants and see what makes some better than others.

Satu’li Canteen

Smoked Chimichurri Braised Beef Bowl — Credit: Disney

Starting off the list as the best quick service option in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Satu’li Canteen in Pandora – The World of Avatar. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant is themed to feel like the former mess hall of the RDA which now displays an array of Na’vi art. Many Guests love Satu’li Canteen mainly for its create-your-own lunch and dinner options that offer the choice of protein, base, and sauce for customizable bites. The menu also features some creative choices like the Cheeseburger Steamed Pods – Bao Buns as well as flavorful plant-based options.

Flame Tree Barbecue

Next on the list is Flame Tree Barbecue which can be found on Discovery Island. The menu focuses on flavorful and indulgent barbecue options which are ordered at a walk-up counter. After choosing from items including St. Louis Rib Dinner, Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork, and Smokehouse Chicken Salad, Guests can enjoy their meals on a series of outdoor patios that lead down to the edge of the Discovery River. With a stunning view of the water and Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain in the distance, any meal at Flame Tree Barbecue is a memorable one.

Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes

Over in the Asia area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a quick service location that features a sampling of local delights. Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes features an array of options including Firecracker Shrimp, Teriyaki Chicken Salad, Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, and Vegetable Tikka Masala. Guests can enjoy their meals at picnic tables next to the restaurant which offer up views of the main walkway in the area, as well as glimpses of the nearby monkey exhibit. Guests can also enjoy grab-and-go breakfast options from the restaurant for convenient bites on the way to nearby attractions.

Harambe Market

Like Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes, the Harambe Market serves up a menu of eclectic bites that showcase the local flavors of the village. The marketplace itself surrounds Guests with authentic details that bring the area to life including advertisements for local business. Menu options available for lunch and dinner include a Chicken and Shrimp Rice Bowl, Beef and Lamb Kofta Pita, Chicken Caesar Salad. With shaded tables, flavorful food, and plenty of details to feel immersed in, Harambe Market is a solid choice for a quick service meal.

The Smiling Crocodile

The Smiling Crocodile is a small quick service location that features two ordering windows on a single building. Despite its small size, it outranks other quick service locations thanks to its delicious menu items that pack some serious flavor. Focusing on Mexican cuisine, the entire menu features Barbacoa Nachos, Chicken Street Tacos, Street Corn Tacos, and Chips, Salsa and Queso. Guests can enjoy these fresh options while walking through Discovery Island or opt to head to the open-air patios at the nearby Flame Tree Barbecue and enjoy the views.

Restaurantosaurus

Restaurantosaurus is still making the list even though it is slated to close soon to make way for the new Tropical Americas area, replacing Dinoland. The quick service restaurant features incredible theming and attention to detail, showcasing the humor of students from the local Dino Institute juxtaposed with the more serious demeanor of their professors. The menu focuses on American classics including All-Beef Foot-Long Hot Dog, Fried Chicken Sandwich, and 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger, but ranks lower on this list since those same bites can be found in various other locations throughout Walt Disney World.

Pizzafari

Pizzafari opened with Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998 and has since welcomed Guests with a bright and vibrant theme featuring colorful details. Each room of the restaurant has a different theme, including camouflage and bug, which are brought to life with carvings and mosaics. While the theme and décor are fun, Pizzafari falls low on the list because of its mediocre menu. Guests can pick from Italian-inspired options like Cheese Pizza, Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, and Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Sauce, but there are plenty of other locations throughout Walt Disney World that offer superior versions of each dish.

Creature Comforts

Finally, coming in at the bottom of the quick service rankings of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Creature Comforts. Honestly, there is nothing inherently wrong with this location, it’s just mainly a Starbucks, so the menu is limited to the beverages, pastries, and sandwiches that one could find at any chain location. It’s worth noting that the theming is nice, with intricate African patterns and carvings, but at the end of the day, it’s still just a Starbucks.