Disney’s Animal Kingdom Quick Service Restaurants (With Best Options)

It’s no secret that Disney’s Animal Kingdom has the best quick-service restaurants among the four Disney Parks. Since we visit the park regularly, we dine here often. Where? Well, that’s a tough question because there are so many delicious options.

You might be surprised to find that Disney’s Animal Kingdom reigns supreme when it comes to dining options, especially quick services. They have over 25 quick-service restaurants and kiosks. So whether you’re looking for a snack, drink, or even a budget-friendly meal–this park has it!

You won’t be standing in the middle of the park arguing with the kids over options like a cheeseburger, flatbread, or an order of those infamous chicken nuggets they eat at nearly every meal for the entirety of your vacation. Who knows what they feed those chickens anyway? Don’t be surprised if your toddler is tall enough to ride Expedition Everest by the end of the trip.

I’m joking. There are plenty of cheeseburgers, pizzas, and chicken nuggets at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But why not try something different? Below, we’ll discuss each quick-service dining option at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We’ll also highlight a few of the best options that stand out from the crowd!

List of Animal Kingdom Quick Service Restaurants

Here is a list of every quick-service restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

• Anandapur Ice Cream Truck
• Caravan Road
• Creature Comforts (Starbucks)
• Dawa Bar
• Dino Bites Snacks
• Drinkwallah
• Eight Spoon Cafe
• Flame Tree Barbecue
• Harambe Fruit Market
• Harambe Market
• Isle of Java
• Joffrey’s (Royal Anandapur Tea Company)
• Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
• Mahindi
• Mr. Kamal’s
• Nomad Lounge
• Pizzafari
• Pongu Pongu
• Restaurantosaurus
• Satu’li Canteen
• The Smiling Crocodile
• Tamu Tamu Refreshments
• Terra Treats
• Thirsty River Bar
• Trilo-Bites
• Warung Outpost
• Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes
• Zuri’s Sweet Shop

Best Quick Services at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Here are our rankings for the Best Quick Services at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

• Satu’li Canteen
• Harambe Market
• Flame Tree Barbecue
• Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes
• Eight Spoon Cafe

Below, you’ll find a summary of every quick service at Animal Kingdom with photos of the menus and items we’ve tried.

Anandapur Ice Cream Truck

The Anandapur Ice Cream truck is in the Asia section of the park near the entrance to Expedition Everest. Like the rest of the park, the ice cream truck is perfectly themed.

Each side of the truck features elaborate artwork and makes an excellent backdrop for photos.

This is the best quick service at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to pick up soft-serve ice cream. They offer chocolate, vanilla, and swirl flavors. Additionally, they have a Yeti sundae and an ice cream float option that comes with a choice of a fountain beverage.

Caravan Road

Caravan Road is on the pathway between Africa and Asia. This walk-up kiosk is the best place to pick up a shaved ice dessert at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

On our last visit, we stopped to preview the menu. This quick service serves Kakigori, a Japanese shaved ice dessert flavored with watermelon and sweetened condensed milk. (There’s an option to add vodka for an additional charge.) Other flavors include watermelon, mango-passion fruit, and pina colada. Or you could order a tropical shaved ice that combines a few other flavors.

Creature Comforts (Starbucks)

We won’t argue over the best quick service for picking up a favorite coffee drink. That’s more of a personal preference. That said, coffee lovers can order their favorite caffeinated beverage from Starbucks or Joffrey’s at all four theme parks. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Creature Comforts is the Starbucks location. Creature Comforts is on Discovery Island. You’ll find it on the left side of the walkway before you reach the bridge to Africa.

Below is a list of items you can expect to find here. You can order a colossal Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll at this location! Unfortunately, we haven’t tried this version to compare it with the one at Gaston’s Tavern. But, visually, they aren’t the same.

The menu is pretty much what you would expect from any Starbucks location.

Dawa Bar

Dawa Bar is a quick-service bar in Africa outside Tusker House Restaurant. It’s the first thing you’ll run into on the left after crossing the bridge to Africa.

Related: Tusker House Restaurant Breakfast Review

Dawa Bar serves specialty cocktails like an African Margarita, Ngumu Jungle Juice, a Lost on Safari, and Harambe Iced Tea.

Additionally, this location sells imported draft beer, domestic bottled beer, specialty beer and hard cider, white wine, and red wine.

Dino-Bite Snacks

When visiting Dinoland, U.S.A., you might find yourself in full carnival food mode. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving a Mickey-shaped pretzel with a cup of cheese sauce. But is that tasty dip even real?

Dino-Bite Snacks is the perfect place to pick up a treat! They have hand-scooped ice cream (Haagen-Dazs), a Dino Dig ice cream sandwich (Roar!), and several other treats like:

• Old-fashioned Hot Fudge Sundae
• Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
• Float (with your choice of Fountain Beverage)
• Freshly Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Mickey-shaped Pretzel with Cheese Sauce

Ice cream flavors are vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. A no-sugar-added ice cream option is available upon request.

Drinkwallah

Drinkwallah is the best Animal Kingdom quick service to pick up another favorite theme park food: cinnamon-glazed nuts! Can’t you smell the warm and sweet aroma just thinking about it?

Drinkwallah sits on the immediate right when you cross the bridge from Discovery Island into Asia. They serve a variety of Coca-Cola products and other snacks.

Menu items include premium ice cream novelty treats, bottled beverages, cinnamon-glazed almonds, and pecans. This is the only place to pick up a frozen Rum and Coke or a frozen Jack and Coke in the park.

If you have the time, you might want to check out some of the theming in the area. A bike cart sits on the side of the building. It appears someone is delivering sodas. Flowers are intertwined in the spokes of the tires.

If you didn’t take the time to explore, you might never know this private seating area is directly behind the restaurant. It’s for anyone to enjoy.

Eight Spoon Cafe (Best Option)

Next, we have Eight Spoon Cafe, located on Discovery Island, past the entrance to It’s Tough to Be a Bug. This location is available seasonally and tends to have limited hours during the day.

Eight Spoon Cafe serves three main dishes:

• Baked Macaroni and Cheese (served with pulled pork)
• Pulled Pork-Jelly Doughnut Sandwich
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Yes, you can get a pulled pork sandwich served on a jelly doughnut with slaw! But our favorite thing is the baked macaroni and cheese with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and pickles. It’s so good!

Additionally, this is an excellent location to pick up an order of churros with chocolate sauce or a Mickey-shaped pretzel.

Flame Tree Barbecue

Flame Tree Barbecue is one of the most popular counter-service restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This restaurant is located toward the front of the park. It is on the left when you’re headed toward Dinoland, U.S.A.

Flame Tree Barbecue serves various barbecue platters, including:

• Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler
• Ribs and Chicken Combo
• Baked Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork
• Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich
• Smokehouse Chicken Salad
• 1/2 Chicken
• St Louis Ribs Dinner
• Hot Link Smokehouse Sandwich (Plant-Based)

But what’s the best part about Flame Tree Barbecue? The massive dining area that sits behind the restaurant. Plenty of tables and chairs are spread out under pavilions and umbrellas. It’s one of the most peaceful places to enjoy a meal outdoors.

Toward the back of the seating area, you might find an empty table that looks out to this view! Even better, when the character floats come through, you can see them from this location.

Related: Characters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

We’ve tried the Hot Link Sandwich, which consists of a plant-based sausage on a sandwich roll with a mustard-based slaw. It’s a delicious meal that comes with a side of fries.

Of course, if you’re a fan of onion rings, you might like to pick up an order here. They’re crunchy and great by themselves or as a side to your meal. Whatever you decide, it’s hard to go wrong. This is one of our top choices for the best quick service at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Harambe Fruit Market

Harambe Fruit Market is a fruit stand near the entrance of Kilimanjaro Safaris in the Africa section of the park.

This fruit market is an excellent place to pick up fresh grab-and-go fruits and snacks.

They also have Mickey pretzels with cheese sauce.

Here is a look at their menu. This is the only location to pick up an order of grilled corn on the cob.

It’s one of the best treats in the park. The grilled corn on the cob comes off the grill with a wonderful buttery flavor and a spicy kick if you order one with African spices.

Harambe Market

Around the corner from the fruit market, you’ll run into Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Market. Anyone who enjoys the theming of Animal Kingdom will want to, at the very least, take a walk around this area.

A large seating area is available for anyone who wants to use it. So, if you order corn on the cob from the fruit stand, you are welcome to walk over here and find a place to enjoy it.

Chef Mwanga’s is located inside Harambe Market. They have various bowls consisting of ribs, chicken, hot links (plant-based), and a salad.

Additionally, they have a few specialty beverage options.

On our last visit, I tried the chicken bowl kids’ meal. This meal came with rice and shredded grilled chicken. For my extra side, I chose a tangerine. A small fountain drink comes with each meal.

This was so much better than what it looks like in the photo. The chicken was well-seasoned and tender. It was exactly how most of us would want our chicken to turn out.

Tip: If you’re on a budget or know you won’t finish a full meal, consider ordering a kids’ meal at quick service locations. Of course, at table service restaurants, kids’ meals are for children ages 3-9. But at quick service locations, anyone can order one.

Since our last update, the menu changed slightly. We added a new photo above. This time, I ordered the Chicken and Shrimp Bowl. It was another win! Note that all of these components come in one bowl. But I had the cast member prepare them separately because I don’t care for tomatoes.

Isle of Java

Isle of Java is one of Joffrey’s locations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This walk-up location is located to the immediate right of Flame Tree Barbecue.

Isle of Java is known for its popular treat, the Tiger Tail Chocolate Twist. It’s similar to the Cheshire tail treat at Magic Kingdom.

Additionally, this location has frozen coke, Joffrey’s cold brew, a Mickey’s Premium ice cream bar, pretzels, and churros with chocolate sauce. Several beverages with alcohol are also available.

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery

Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery is located in the Harambe section of the park. It’s on the left before you get to Kilimanjaro Safaris.

This location offers the following items:

• Impossible Empanadas
• Marinated Pork Flatbread
• Marinated Chicken Flatbread

Some of these items come with a side of yummy seasoned housemade chips. Additionally, this location serves Joffrey’s coffee and other select beverages.

Mahindi

Mahindi is another quick service located on the side of the walkway between Africa and Asia. This location is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir popcorn bucket. Of course, stands with popcorn and other treats are set up throughout the park. You can hardly go 50 feet without running into one.

As far as popcorn buckets go, you can purchase one for $12.29. Then, you can get refills for $2.19 throughout your stay. Mahindi also has cinnamon-glazed nuts (almonds and pecans) and various beverages.

Mr. Kamal’s

Mr. Kamal’s is another quick service between the Africa and Asia sections of the park. This location is known for its seasoned fries! An order of these seasoned fries comes with curried honey mustard and Korean chili ketchup. Additionally, Mr. Kamal’s has chicken dumplings served with a Ponzu sauce.

Nomad Lounge

While technically not a quick service, Nomad Lounge is a location that takes walk-ups. If you need a break and are looking for a unique cocktail or fun small-plates style of meal, Nomad Lounge is the solution.

We’ve tried almost everything on the menu at Nomad Lounge and have no complaints.

Here’s a photo of the Chicken Manchurian I had on a previous visit. It is an exceptionally popular menu item.

Related: Nomad Lounge Review

Pizzafari

Pizzafari is the pizza location for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s located on Discovery Island to the right as you head toward the bridge to Africa.

This location sells several pizzas, a chicken parmesan sandwich, and salads. Additionally, kids’ meals are available.

Pongu Pongu

Pongu Pongu is another of front runner for best quick services at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This walk-up window is located toward the back of Pandora, World of Avatar.

Pongu Pongu is popular for two reasons-Pongu Lumpia and the Night Blossom. Lumpia is a mixture of cream cheese and pineapple stuffed into a warm spring roll. It’s super creamy and tasty. You might also want to pick up the Night Blossom, the non-alcoholic version. Or you might consider the Mo’ara Margarita or Rum Blossom.

Restaurantosaurus

Back over in Dinoland, Restaurantosaurus is a decent place to grab lunch. However, this location offers the basics, like burgers and such.

Restaurantosaurus has the following:

• Angus Bacon Cheeseburger
• Impossible Spicy Southwestern Burger
• Chicken Breast Nuggets
• Fried Chicken Sandwich
• Breaded Shrimp
• Chicken and Shrimp
• Cobb Salad with Chicken
• Foot Long Hot Dog with Chili Cheese
• Kids’ Meals

Royal Anandapur Tea Company (Joffrey’s)

This location carries a variety of coffee, tea, beverages, unique cocktails, and pastries. Those wanting to pick up their daily chai latte will want to make a special stop at this popular Animal Kingdom quick service.

Satu’li Canteen

Around here on Resorts Gal, it’s no secret that Sautu’li Canteen is our ultimate choice for the best quick service at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Not only is the food here delicious, but it’s also reasonably healthy!

Satu’li Canteen is located at the back of Pandora, World of Avatar, near Flight of Passage. They have an indoor and outdoor dining area.

Menu options include a variety of build-your-own-bowl and salad options. First, choose a protein option, then add a base and sauce. For dessert, you can pick up an order of blueberry cream cheese mousse!

Preview the Menu with Prices for Satu’li Canteen

Satu’li Canteen is also well-known for its cheeseburger pods. These bao buns are filled with a taco-like beef mixture. A serving of vegetable chips comes on the side.

Below is a bowl with a combination of shrimp and noodles. I ordered this with the charred green onion vinaigrette on the side.

Here is the cheese quesadilla kids’ meal. This is another stand-out option that strays away from the traditional burger or chicken nugget meals.

Related: Satu’li Canteen Review

Since the last time we updated this article, we returned to Satu’li Canteen. Below is a photo of the beef with noodles bowl. Again, this is a filling option that tastes delicious.

The Smiling Crocodile

Smiling Crocodile is another kiosk usually only open during higher crowd times. So it may or may not be available when you visit.

On my last couple of visits, it appeared to be closed. But when they’re open, the menu lists several taco options.

The Feeding Ground

The Feeding Ground sits near The Smiling Crocodile. This is a pretty standard quick service. However, I wanted to point out that this location sells Disney’s Animal Kingdom souvenir canteen.

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Tamu Tamu is a popular quick service at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You’ll find Tamu Tamu in the Africa section of the park close to Harambe.

Tamu Tamu is wildly popular because they offer Dole Whip. Disney fans usually know where their Dole Whip stop is in every park. They are also very eager, generally speaking, to try out the latest rendition of the non-dairy soft serve. With that said, not all menu items with Dole Whip are dairy-free.

Tamu Tamu currently offers the following:

• Simba Sunset
• King’s Cooler
• Dole Whip Pineapple Float
• Dole Whip Pineapple Cup
• Float or Cup (with Rum)
• Gorilla Falls Trail Sundae

Terra Treats

Terra Treats is a kiosk on Discovery Island. Currently, they have the following slices of pizza:

• Tomato and Cheese Pizza Slice
• Pepperoni and Cheese Pizza Slice

Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks

Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks is located toward the back of the park next to Expedition Everest.

This bar is a well-known quick service location with Mickey ice cream bars, popcorn, pretzels, and other frozen treats.

They usually offer the latest popcorn buckets and carry several souvenir cups.

Additionally, they have a full menu featuring draft beer, bottled and canned beer, wine, beverages, and specialty cocktails.

We saw the Yeti Sunset and Shimmering Green Margarita.

Here are a few featured beers.

Trilo-Bites

Trilo Bites is located on the main walkway from Discovery Island into Dinoland. This Animal Kingdom quick service has a walk-up window for ordering.

Trilo-Bites has buffalo chicken chips, Trilo-Bites Twist (Dole Whip), churros, and soft-serve ice cream.

Warung Outpost

Warung Outpost is a kiosk located on the walkway between Africa and Asia. It sits in front of Feathered Friends in Flight.

This location sells a frozen margarita called the Maharajah Lime Margarita, a Shangri-La Berry Freeze (non-alcoholic), and several other beverages and snacks.

These types of beer were available.

Additionally, you can order a hot dog and chips from this location.

Yak and Yeti Local Food Cafes

Yak and Yeti Local Food Cafes is also near the top of our list of best quick services at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Their menu features Asian cuisine, an American burger, and several plant-based options.

On a recent visit, I enjoyed the honey sesame chicken. After picking up my order, I walked to the dining area behind Drinkwallah and enjoyed it there. This is a quality quick-service restaurant with options you won’t find just anywhere.

Related: Yak and Yeti Review

Zuri’s Sweets

Zuri’s Sweets serves as the confectionery-like shop for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. So, if you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss this location. Zuri’s is at the back of Harambe, across the walkway from Harambe Market.

You’ll find massive caramel apples, giant cookies, and brownie bars inside.

Another case has fudge slices, cupcakes, and cereal treats. This is the best quick service option for delectable treats!

Final Thoughts on the Best Animal Kingdom Quick Service

Overall, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has so many great choices when it comes to quick service locations. Hopefully, this guide gave you some ideas for new places to try on your next vacation.

For more dining at Disney World, you might enjoy the following:

• Best Disney Springs Restaurants
• Best Character Dining at Disney World
• The Best Disney Resort Quick Services
• Signature Dining at Disney
• List of Disney Hotel Restaurants

In the Comments

What are your thoughts on the best quick-service restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Have you ever tried any of these places? We would love to hear about your experiences and if you agree with these choices. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.