Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom: Everything You Need to Know
Rainforest Cafe is one of the most unique restaurants in all of Orlando.
In this page, we will explain what it is, what type of food & drinks they serve, what you can expect, and the best time to go.
What is the Rainforest Cafe?
Rainforest Cafe offers guests an unforgettable adventure through a jungle oasis filled with animatronics and wild-themed decorations while serving American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Diners can expect to be amazed by the lifelike animatronics, made up of various wild animals and tropical creatures that come to life during periodic thunderstorms.
It's very similar to T-Rex Cafe, but rather than being focused on prehistoric dinosaurs, Rainforest Cafe focuses on animals that can be found in our jungles in our lifetime.
The safari adventure theme extends to the menu, where dishes often have creative names inspired by the wild surroundings.
It is important to note that Rainforest Cafe has two entrances:
- Outside the Animal Kingdom park gates
- Inside the gates immediately on the left side, after passing the lockers
Theme and Layout of Rainforest Cafe
Animal Kingdom and Atmosphere
The tropical theming and jungle atmosphere is always the first thing that guests notice when they walk in, as every part of the restaurant has been carefully thought out.
Life-sized animals can be found throughout the entire restaurant next to you, above you, and in every room.
Every section of Rainforest Cafe is filled with large animatronic animals, an aquarium, and even a waterfall, creating an immersive experience that is impressive to both kids and adults.
Food and Drinks
Rainforest Cafe offers both table and bar seating.
We typically prefer bar seating to quickly get seated and order our food and drinks.
The unique part of sitting at the bar is that you'll have to select which animal legs you'll want to wear for the day by choosing your seat.
However, if we were visiting with kids or wanted to get off of our feet (and the sun) after a long day at the park, we'd definitely opt for table seating.
Menu Offerings
The Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom offers a diverse and delicious menu, featuring appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and a variety of entrees.
Whenever we visit Rainforest Cafe it's typically to fuel up with carbs to have the energy to last us the majority of our visit at Animal Kingdom.
Our go-to food options when visiting during lunch/dinner are:
- The Beastly Burger
- Blue Mountain Chicken Sandwich
These two items are delicious every single time, full of carbs, and they're very hard to mess up!
Beverages
Our go-to beverages when visiting are:
- Cheetah Rita - Premium margarita with Monte Alban Silver Tequila, Patron Citronge, Orange Liqueur, and fresh lime juice
- Dragonberry Mule - Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, St-Germaini Elderflower Liqueur, strawberry purée, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer.
Kids Menu
The Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom has got your little ones covered with a kids' menu designed for picky eaters, offering bite-sized, kid-friendly dishes that will keep them happy and satisfied, allowing parents to relax and enjoy their meal.
Options include classic favorites like chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and mini burgers.
Do You Need a Reservation?
Reservations are highly recommended but not required.
All visitors can make reservations at Rainforest Cafe via booking online or through the My Disney Experience app for parties of 8 people or fewer.
When arriving at the Rainforest Cafe, guests with reservations should check in at the host stand.
Remember to arrive a few minutes before the scheduled reservation time to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Gift Shop Inside the Restaurant
In addition to the delicious dining choices, Rainforest Cafe offers a gift shop known as the Retail Village that is connected to the restaurant.
Here, visitors can purchase stuffed animals and themed clothing, and unique souvenirs.
Are There Two Rainforest Cafe Locations at Disney?
Two Walt Disney World Locations
There are two Rainforest Cafe locations within the Walt Disney World Resort. One can be found at the entrance of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, and the other can be found in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Operating Hours For Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom?
Hours are typically:
- Breakfast – 8:30 AM to 10:25 AM
- Lunch – 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Dinner – 5:05 PM to 7:30 PM
It is recommended to check the Walt Disney World website or call (407) 939-5277 for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.
Is There a Dress Code For Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom?
There is no specific dress code for the Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom, however, it is suggested that guests dress comfortably and appropriately for the theme park setting.
Casual attire, including shorts and T-shirts, is common at the restaurant as guests often visit before or after enjoying the park's attractions.
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