The Rainforest in Animal Kingdom? Yes, Please.

Have you ever wanted to dine under a starlit rainforest sky while surrounded by elephants, tigers, and birds? At Rainforest Cafe, you can because the jungle’s wild side comes to you! We recently stopped by Rainforest Cafe for breakfast at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see what was cookin’, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Find out here!

Atmosphere

Get ready to have a wild time inside a vibrant jungle atmosphere at Rainforest Cafe. This restaurant is lively and immersive, with lush greenery, “animated” animals, and the sounds of rain and thunder rolling through the restaurant intermittently — all under a twinkling starlit sky, no matter what time of day you visit.

The menu is just as adventurous as the surroundings. There’s something for everyone, from hearty burgers and sandwiches to fresh seafood and crisp salads, often with a tropical twist. Shareable appetizers and desserts, including the iconic “Sparking Volcano,” make it easy to turn your meal into a full-on feast.

Although there are two Rainforest Cafe locations at Disney World, the one at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is unique for a couple of reasons. Not only is it the only location where you can opt to grab breakfast, but even though it’s located on the park’s property, you actually DON’T need park admission to dine here. That’s a win/win if you ask me!

Sure, some people wonder how it stacks up against the local mall locations, and waits can get a bit long but there are ways to avoid that by grabbing a dining reservation online to help you skip the standby wait. And let’s be honest — the kids absolutely love it. Between the immersive decor and the playful animals, it’s a dining experience that’s as much about fun as it is about food.

But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?!

Menu

The menu here is fairly extensive, boasting multiple categories of main entrees and sides so you can truly find something for everyone to enjoy while dining here. You’ll start off with a few traditional breakfast plates and skillets…

…before moving on to a few more heartier options (which honestly has our mouths watering just reading through it.)

If you’re looking for something a little extra there’s a few healthier sides to choose from as well as sides and small plates for those looking for slimmer portions.

There’s even a wide array of options for kids to pick from…

…as well as a few beverages, smoothies, and extra kicks to get your brunch started in the morning!

And for you coffee drinkers, don’t worry — there’s plenty here to fuel you for the day ahead.

And now, onto the main event — the food!

Drinks

To drink, we picked up the Brazilian Freeze for about $7.00.  This is a smoothie made with coconut, pineapple, raspberry puree, and banana blended with ice.

The best way we can describe this smoothie is “safe”, and that’s not a bad thing. It was a nice, thick smoothie with a slight tropical kick to it, but nothing that would turn off picky eaters.

Eats

First up, we grabbed the Breakfast of Bandits for $17.49. This is made with two eggs prepared your way with a choice of bacon, sausage, or country ham. Served with breakfast potatoes and toast.

So, continuing the theme from the smoothing, this was a relatively safe breakfast meal, similar to offerings from, say, a Waffle House. The eggs were a bit plain, with that “bagged” taste you’ll get with fast food eggs. We’d probably add some salt and pepper to them just to add some flavor. The potatoes and meat options were solid additions and complemented the eggs well enough.

Still raging from a wild appetite, we knew we needed to grab one more plate! So, we ordered the Chicken and Waffles for $18.49. This dish is built with a Belgian Waffle, buttermilk fried chicken, country gravy, and two eggs prepared your way.

The chicken was a boneless breast covered in a brown gravy-like sauce. The piece was lightly breaded, tender to cut, and we really enjoyed this dish.

For the side options, we opted for scrambled eggs. They were fine, but a word of warning: The chicken was served directly on top of them, so if you’re not a fan of different foods touching each other/mixing together, this may not be for you.

The waffles were cut into pieces, served on skewers with cups of fruit and powdered sugar. The waffles themselves were fine, though some better-flavored syrup would have been nice.

Nosh or Not

This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if…

• You need an easy, last-minute reservation. While other Disney 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 World dining. If you find yourself wanting to grab a bite without the wait times, head here!
• You need something familiar. Let’s be honest, sometimes you don’t want a meal “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!
• You’re traveling with kids or big groups. The over-the-top theme is actually a win for many. Kids are entertained by the animals and effects while adults sip cocktails in peace. It’s a strong choice for multigenerational families or larger groups with different tastes.

You should skip this Disney World spot if…

• You’re already overstimulated from the parks. 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 meal… this probably isn’t what you want.
• You only want to spend this much money if the food is mind-blowing. While the menus here are solid, don’t expect culinary fireworks. It’s tasty, reliable, and satisfying, but not going to compete with the best food experiences at Disney World — not even close.
• You despise 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.

Overall

It’s easy to rag on the Rainforest Cafe locations at Walt Disney World when compared to some of the property’s other dining options. However, there’s no denying that this is a good spot to have on your radar if you’re traveling with a picky eater or two who crave a safe, familiar meal.

In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!

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Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments!