Disney World has no shortage of iconic restaurants; however, they are not all equal in the eyes of Disney fans.
Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom
From castle dining with princesses to meals inside space stations, it’s easy to assume that every Disney dining experience is great. But sometimes, in the land of $35 burgers and months-long dining waits, the most surprising meal can come from a place you thought you’d never step foot in. So here we are, and I’m about to recommend a Disney World restaurant that’s often shrugged off, joked about, or skipped entirely: Rainforest Café. Yes, that Rainforest Café.
We’re talking specifically about breakfast there. You might be thinking, “They have breakfast?!” It does! In fact, both Rainforest Café locations at Disney World, one at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and one at Disney Springs, are open for breakfast. And to be honest, the menu is way better than you might expect from a restaurant with robotic gorillas and indoor thunderstorms.
Rainforest Cafe
The Menu
On the breakfast menu, you can find Omelettes, Banana Fosters Pancakes, Steak & Eggs, and even Tonga Toast. They also serve up some cocktails like Jungle Fever and mimosas. It’s a fairly traditional breakfast menu, but that’s part of what makes it work so well.
Rainforest Cafe
What We Love Here
1. You Can Usually Get a Reservation (or Walk In)
While other Disney breakfast hot spots are booked solid weeks in advance, Rainforest Café is often a same-day success. You might even be able to walk in, which can feel like a rarity in the world of Disney dining lately. If you find yourself wanting to grab a bite without the wait times, head here!
2. Reliable, Familiar Food
Let’s be honest, sometimes you don’t want breakfast “with a twist.” Rainforest Café offers straightforward, filling, and comforting food that most people in your party will enjoy, without the risk of overly fancy ingredients or flavors. This is sure to be a crowd pleaser for everyone, including even the pickiest of eaters and kids!
3. Great for Kids or Big Groups
The over-the-top theme is actually a win at breakfast. Kids are entertained by the animals and effects while adults sip coffee in peace. It’s a strong choice for multigenerational families or larger groups with different tastes.
Rainforest Cafe Bar
Things to Be Aware Of
1. It’s Still a Rainforest Café
The ambiance is loud, the animatronic animals can be startling if you’re not ready for them, and the gift shop exit is very much a thing. If you’re hoping for a quiet, relaxing breakfast… this probably isn’t what you want.
2. Food Isn’t Mind-Blowing
While breakfast here is solid, don’t expect culinary fireworks. It’s tasty, reliable, and satisfying, but not going to compete with the best Disney food experiences.
3. Inconsistency
Among Disney fans, the Rainforest Café is often dismissed as a generic chain, and for lunch or dinner, that criticism is fair. We’ve had good food here, but we have also left feeling disappointed.
Rainforest Cafe in Disney Springs
You Should Try This On Your Next Trip If…
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You are a family with kids who will love the immersive theme
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Guests who want a hearty, familiar breakfast before a park day
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Last-minute planners who couldn’t snag a popular breakfast reservation
In the dining area
You Should Maybe Skip If…
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You are adults looking for a calm, quiet, or romantic breakfast
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You are a foodie who wants unique or upscale dishes
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Guests who are in a hurry for rope drop, as the service can be slower than quick-service spots
Sign outside
Rainforest Café may never top a Disney dining list, and honestly, it probably doesn’t deserve to… at lunch or dinner. But for breakfast? It earns a quiet spot as a surprisingly solid choice, especially if you’re looking for something easy, filling, and family-friendly. For more Disney World dining tips, follow us at DFB!
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Eaten there several times. Menu is very limited…but ok.
I used to love Rainforest Cafe as a kid!
But as an adult, my sensory overload buttons tend to be triggered a little more easily, so it’s not really the spot for me anymore. But I do love a good breakfast!
We love RFC! We’ve been to the one at AK more often than the one at DS, but we enjoy them both. I will say this – in our experience, if you want RFC merch, the one at DS is ironically often the better choice. I guess the one at AK sells their merch out faster. But RFC is very affordable for a Disney table service restaurant, and the portion sizes will fill up your hungriest party member. There is something for everyone on the menu. One of my best RFC memories was having breakfast on a slow day – our server left a carafe of coffee just for me (which probably meant less hassle for them too 😊). I was so happy. I made my fam take a photo of me with the coffee.