Look, any morning that starts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a good one. But what if I were to tell you that there’s a way to make it even better?

Did you know that there is an absolute hidden gem of a Quick Service breakfast experience at Sanaa in Animal Kingdom Lodge? True, Sanaa is best known as a Table Service restaurant for lunch and dinner (both of which boast the famous Sanaa Bread Service). But I hope you’ll join me now to hear more about the truly unique, completely underrated, and seriously overlooked Kuamsha Breakfast at Sanaa!

Atmosphere

The first thing you need to know about Sanaa is where to find it! While The Mara, Animal Kingdom Lodge’s primary Quick Service restaurant, is located in Jambo House, Sanaa is tucked into Kidani Village, the Disney Vacation Club property at Animal Kingdom Lodge. (Don’t worry; you don’t need to be a DVC member to dine here.)

Because the service style for breakfast at Sanaa is different than that for lunch and dinner, the ordering process starts differently, too.

Rather than being greeted at the host stand, you’ll walk right into the restaurant and see a sign directing you to place your order inside the lovely Sanaa Lounge.

This is also where you’ll find the coffee bar, along with condiments and utensils to bring to your table.

Once you’ve placed your order, you’ll receive a placard to place on your chosen table so a Cast Member can find you when your order is ready.

And here is the fun part… Because it’s Quick Service, YOU decide where you’d like to sit in the main restaurant!

So if you want (nearly) guaranteed seating at one of the coveted window tables offering floor-to-ceiling views of the Savanna, breakfast here is your best chance to get it!

Although, I must admit, it was pretty darn quiet on the Savanna during my recent visit…

(Wake up, fellas! Don’t you know you’re in DISNEY WORLD?! Clearly no one’s told these guys where the coffee is….)

Anyhoo, even if the window tables aren’t what you’re after, you can just about have your choice of any of the seating areas in this truly lovely restaurant. (Sanaa means “art” in Swahili, after all.)

Stunning Table Service atmosphere for Quick Service prices? I’m telling you, Sanaa is where it’s at.

But the vibes aren’t the only way breakfast at Sanaa is elevated…

Eats

You can grab a menu to look over your options right before you enter the ordering area in the lounge.

Entrees include — but aren’t limited to — the classic Disney Bounty Platter, Banana Bread French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, and the Sanaa Breakfast Sandwich.

The Kids’ Selections include the Explorer Platter, French Toast, and of course, Mickey Waffles!

Sides including a few pastries are also up for grabs.

You can even partake in a specialty coffee or a “Sunrise Spirit.” Aaaah….

Since I’d already had a sweet coffee (hellooooo, Pumpkin Spice Season!), I ended up going with the savory Short Rib Hash.

The Braised Short Rib is plated in a skillet atop Spice Route Home Fries with roasted peppers and onions and a few dollops of an avocado crema.

I hope this picture helps to give an idea of just how beautifully tender the braised short rib is.

The Spice Route Home Fries are lightly seasoned, but by no means spicy in terms of heat. In fact, between that and the rather sparse onions and peppers, the savory meat was really the star of the show, as it should be.

I didn’t really need much of the tangy dipping sauce that accompanied the skillet since the dish itself was packed with flavor, but it did lend a subtle hint of sweetness to the savory dish. All in all, it was a lovely meal to start the day (not to mention protein-packed to keep fueled up for a good while). That said, I WILL be back to try that Banana Bread French Toast one of these days…

Overall

Between the beautiful, peaceful setting and dishes the likes of which you won’t find in many Quick Service locations around Disney World, the Kuamsha Breakfast at Sanaa comes together as a wonderful — and even decadent — experience at an affordable price. Admittedly, it does take some planning to make this work, since Kidani Village sits even beyond Animal Kingdom Lodge’s main Jambo House (not to mention that Animal Kingdom Lodge is far away from just about everywhere on Disney World property, save for Animal Kingdom park, of course). But if you are a guest at Animal Kingdom Lodge, or simply a fan of Sanaa — like us! — who would like to try all of its various offerings, I believe it’s a trek that is worth it.

Nosh or Not

Trek on over to Sanaa for Breakfast if…

• You want to enjoy a meal featuring unique dishes in Disney World (but still want access to Mickey Waffles!);
• You are staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge and have a leisurely morning planned, or want to miss some of the early morning crowds at The Mara in Jambo House;
• You have always wanted to sit at a window seat in Sanaa!

Skip Sanaa Breakfast if…

• You’ve got a park touring itinerary that you really want to stick to, since it can take some serious time to get to Sanaa;
• Honestly? ⬆️ That’s the main and only reason to miss it, IMHO!

P.S. Want to know where Animal Kingdom Lodge ranks on our list of EVERY Disney World Resort hotel? Check out our DFB YouTube video!