Animal Kingdom is a fun, family-friendly theme park with incredible wildlife to observe and awesome rides to enjoy. But what are the best quick service Animal Kingdom options? We break down the best quick-service restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in this post.
It is worth noting that Animal Kingdom have a limited number of counter service restaurants but many offer unique, tasty and good quality items.
What is Quick service?
Quick service meals at Disney typically refer to meals you order from a cashier, pick up your food from a counter then find your own seat. Another option is a table service meal, meaning you would be seated and served by a waiter.
Quick service restaurants are popular across all the theme parks because they are quick, easy and cheaper than the table service options.
Best quick service at Animal Kingdom
1. Satu’li Canteen
The newest restaurant to Animal Kingdom, found within Pandora – holds the top spot for many. Try the “Create-your-own-bowl” option here, where you select a protein, base and cause; meaning you can customise your meal to your taste – perfect for families with fussy eaters. The beef and potato is amazing but you can also try two varieties of Bao Buns. There are also many desserts on offer too if you fancy a sweet fix – the blueberry cream cheese mousse is a popular choice.
The food is of high quality and for the price you pay, you get a decent portion of food. There are great, tasty vegetarian options here too (which is lacking in the other quick services on this list), so if you want a non-meat option, this is the restaurant for you.
Also, alcohol is available here; you can try the Sangria or try the Ale.
The theming reflects an RDA mess hall which has been repurposed by Alpha Centauri Expeditions. The repurposed design gives an interesting feel to the restaurant but isn’t as well themed as the rest of Pandora – World of Avatar. Plus, the restaurant is indoors and offers air-conditioned seating which is a rarity in Animal Kingdom.
The quality and value of the food makes this place our best quick service restaurant in Animal Kingdom.
Expect to pay: $11.49 – $16.99 for entrees and around $8 for kids meals.
2. Flame Tree BBQ
Flame Tree BBQ has been a long time favourite, with smoked flavours and textures across the menu. The ribs here are fantastic – soft, tender and fall-off-the-bone quality. The menu is limited and more expensive than other quick service options but the food is tasty and better than some for the table service meals available in the park. If you aren’t a fan of ribs, try the smoked pulled pork sandwich or the chicken. The portion sizes are shareable and this is the perfect type of comfort food.
Adults can also enjoy some alcoholic beverages here, such as wine, larger, or an Orange Vodka lemonade.
The restaurant doesn’t offer indoor seating, which is one of the reasons it didn’t quite make it to number 1 in this list. There is open-air outdoor seating with views of Expedition Everest and the area is a fairly quiet area, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and noise of the parks. We personally love the outdoor seating, you can get a great view and it is a nice break away from the crowds.
However, because of the limited menu and lack of air conditioning, this isn’t recommend for those with smaller children or fussy eaters.
Expect to pay: $10.99 – $16.29 for entrees or $7 for kids meals.
3. Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe
The food here has changed over the years but offers your standard burgers and hot dogs; ideal for all the family. That being said, compare to our top two choices, Yak & Yeti’s menu options aren’t as interesting or adventurous but there are still some unique dishes on the menu. The restaurant serves Asian cuisine including Chinese and Indian flavours, so you can try honey chicken, tempura Shrimp and egg rolls, which are decent.
It is also worth nothing that this cafe is open for breakfast as well, not all quick-service restaurants in Animal Kingdom offer a breakfast menu.
Like many of the counter service restaurants, Yak & Yeti only has outdoor seating so it is best to visit the cafe in the evening, when the temperature is cooler. The outdoor seating area is fairly large too, so it is a good option if you are looking for a meal when the parks are busy and most other restaurants are full.
Expect to pay: $10 – $11 for breakfast and $12 – $16 for entrees
Full menu for Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe
4. Harambe Market
Harambe Market is located in New Harambe, offering an African inspired outdoor restaurant, following the lands focus on the undeveloped areas of this continent. The restaurant has 4 walk-up windows offering different styles of food, including ribs (which are a great alternative to the Flame Tree BBQ but with less flavour), grilled chicken bowls, sausage and Gyros.
The theming is well done, working well with the land within the park. However, it is an outdoor ‘order window’ type counter, with a limited seating area and in an area that just gets very hot. If you want to visit, aim for a quiet park day (weekdays, outside the school holidays) and stick to the evenings for a cooler experience.
Expect to pay: around $11 for entrees and $7 for kids meals
5. Restaurantosaurus
The food here is very basic; it reflects American favourites so if you are looking for a quick cheeseburger then it is not a bad option. But besides cheeseburgers, the other menu items are limited to nuggets, breaded shrimp and Cobb salad.
For this restaurant and Pizzafari, it really depends on what type of food you fancy. Neither are awful but there is nothing special about either of them.
Unfortunately, the theming in this restaurant misses the mark. Don’t get me wrong, the style isn’t awful; it is kitschy with some clever details, with random architecture and an interesting choice of music. Kids will enjoy the restaurant because of its dinosaur references too but similar to the Dinoland USA itself, it just could have been more.
Expect to pay: around $11 for entrees and $9.49 for a kids meal.
Full menu for Restaurantosaurus
6. Pizzafari
This restaurant has mixed reviews, with some people believing this is one of the worst quick service restaurants in Walt Disney World whilst others loving this spot for a quick lunch. The menu includes inventive flatbreads which are fairly tasty and great if you are looking for a pizza-like lunch.
One of the highlights of this restaurant (and perhaps a reason that so many people visit even if the food is a bit bland), is the indoor seating. The theming is bright, with vibrant colours and murals on the walls but the restaurant can be busy and loud during the day.
Expect to pay: $10 – $13 for entrees and around $7 for a kids meal
Counter service options – snacks in Animal Kingdom
The above are the best quick-service restaurants but there are many counter service options in the Animal Kingdom that don’t offer sit down areas. These are catered for those looking for a quick snack and these are the different options you have:
Africa
- Dawa Bar – This bamboo bar in the Harambe Village offers South African wines, beers and Tusker Lager, as well as speciality cocktails.
- Harambe Fruit Market – Pick up fruit, pretzels or chips from this food stand.
- Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery – Pick up pastries, fruit, yogurt or a coffee if you are looking for a quick breakfast to go or try one of there curries for an easy lunch or dinner.
- Mahindi – Enjoy popcorn or cinnamon-glazed nuts from this snack stand.
- Tamu Tamu Refreshments – This is a favourite on a warm day in the park, but get yourself a Simba Sunset featuring Dole Whip Pineapple to cool down during your day at Animal Kingdom.
Asia
- Anadapur Ice Cream Truck – Try a frosty float or enjoy a soft-serve waffle cone from this colourful truck.
- Caravan Road – Pick up a Ginger Slaw Dog or some Char Siu Pork from this Asian-inspired counter service.
- Drinkwallah – For frozen drinks, pick up a colourful beverage from this refreshment stand.
- Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks – This bar is ideal for those looking for a quick snack (popcorn, hummus and pita or sweets) whilst explore the park.
- Warung Outpost – Enjoy a icy margarita in 3 delicious flavours at this bar.
Dinoland USA
- Dino-Bite Snacks – Get some frozen treats at this dessert snack stand in near the Animal Viewing location in Dinoland USA.
- Dino Diner – Noticing a theme? Enjoy churros with chocolate sauce at this old-styled trailer.
- Trilo-Bites – This is one of our favourite snack spots, with buffalo chicken chips, draft beer and frosty floats.
Discovery Island
- Creature Comforts – This is an African-themed spot serving Starbucks coffee and Disney baked goods.
- Eight Spoon Cafe – Enjoy different forms of Mac and Cheese or a Mickey Pretzel at this popular food stand.
- Isle of Java – This coffee spot is a great choice for those looking for a pick me up or a something treat. Better still, try their white chocolate and rum cappuccinos.
- Terra Treats – If you like deep-dish pizza head here. We actually prefer the pizza here to the pizzas in Pizzafari.
Pandora – The World of Avatar
- Pongu Pongu – This is a popular drinks with a few nice breakfast items such as cream cheese spring rolls and French toast sticks. Try the Rum Blossom if you are over 21.
Animal Kingdom Counter Service FAQ
What is the best quick service meal at Animal Kingdom?
Satu’li Canteen is favourite for many because of the feature menu item; build-your-own-bowls, where you choose the protein, base and sauce to your taste.
Which Disney Resort as the best Quick Service?
Magic Kingdom’s Columbia Harbour House is the best Quick Service restaurant in Disney World (in our opinion) but this is closely followed by Satu’li Canteen, Roaring Fork in Wilderness Lodge and Flame Tree BBQ in Animal Kingdom.
Is Yak and Yeti a quick service meal?
Yak and Yeti is a quick service meal in the Animal Kingdom, found in the Asia area of the park. The menu includes flavours from China, Nepal and India.
What should I eat at Animal Kingdom?
Try the BBQ ribs at Flame Tree BBQ and enjoy a Dole Whip from Tamu Tamu Refreshments. If you are looking for something a little more healthy, create your own bowl at Satu’li Canteen whilst families may enjoy the character dining experience at Tusker House.
What is the best restaurant in Animal Kingdom?
Tusker House Restaurant is a themed restaurant with arguably the best restaurant experience for Disney lovers. However, the Flame Tree barbecue offers high quality, tasty ribs and is perhaps some of the best ribs in Disney World.
Does Animal Kingdom Lodge have quick Service?
Animal Kingdom offers a quick service option with The Mara. The menu includes American favourites as well as chicken and couscous and African stew.
What day of the week is Animal Kingdom least crowded?
Animal Kingdom sees the lowest crowds on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Do you need reservations for Yak and Yeti?
Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance and Yak and Yeti should be reserved, especially if you are visiting during school holidays, the Christmas season or visiting as a large group.
Does Yak and Yeti accept dining plan?
Yak and Yeti is on the dining plan, be sure to reserve your time 180 days before your arrival date.
Read our restaurant ratings for the rest of Walt Disney World here:
- Best Quick Service restaurants in Magic Kingdom
- Best Quick Service restaurants in Epcot
- Best Disney World Character Dining Restaurants
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