Nomad Lounge Review (Why We Continually Return to this One Spot)

Nomad Lounge is one of the most charming places to unwind at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Between the lounge’s unique menu items and extraordinary cocktail list, there’s something for everyone.

In this review of Nomad Lounge, we’ll preview some of the menu items we’ve tried to date. Additionally, I’ll provide a few tips for dining here.

Since we’re talking Walt Disney World, don’t let the word lounge scare you. This location is family-friendly, offering multiple kids’ meal options.

Nomad Lounge is located on Discovery Island before you get to the bridge that enters Pandora, World of Avatar. It sits adjacent to Tiffins, the signature dining restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Related: Tiffins Restaurant Review

Seating for this location is first-come, first serve. However, when it’s crowded you might have the option to join a walk-up list. If so, a cast member will text you when your table is ready.

Nomad Lounge has indoor and outdoor seating. In the photo below, you can see the wrap-around deck which serves as the outdoor dining area.

When the weather is pleasant, we prefer to sit on the deck. I have enjoyed more experiences here since the lounge opened than my pocketbook would like to admit.

But I don’t regret any one of them.

Inside, Nomad Lounge is just as pleasant. If you’re visiting on an exceptionally hot day or happen upon a rare cold day, you might prefer to sit inside at a table or the bar.

There are a few high-top tables that can accommodate a larger group.

When the Florida weather is cooler than either of us would like, you’ll find me inside, where it’s warm and cozy.

For many, the drink menu at Nomad Lounge’s drink menu is part of the allure. This location is well known for its signature drink menu.

Below is a list of a few popular cocktails.

• Hightower Rocks–Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, watermelon, sweet and sour, lime juice
• Tempting Tigress–Russell’s Reserve 10 yr Bourbon, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Tamarind syrup, and lime juice.
• Snow Leopard Salvation–Snow Leopard Vodka, Belle de Brillet Pear Liqueur, mint, lime juice, and ginger beer
• Lamu Libation–Starr African Rum, Cruzan Banana Rum, guava puree, tropical juices, Gosling’s 151 Rum Float
• Jenn’s Tattoo–Ketel One Vodka, Watermelon juice, hibiscus, and lime juice
• Annapurna Zing–Bombay Sapphire Gin, Passion Fruit puree, mint, lime juice, ginger beer, and glowing Lotus Flower

As a person who rarely indulges in a cocktail, Nomad Lounge offers one cocktail that keeps me coming back. That drink is the Hightower Rocks which comes with a watermelon garnish.

Basically, the Hightower Rocks is a light and refreshing watermelon margarita. There isn’t much alcohol involved. So, I seldom feel as though I’ve enjoyed an alcoholic beverage when I order it.

On another visit, I tried Jenn’s Tatoo, which is pictured below.

After taking my first sip, I found myself laughing because it wasn’t too different from the Hightower Rocks. However, after reviewing the menu again, I realized the ingredients were similar.

I will say that Jenn’s Tattoo wasn’t quite as sweet and sour as the Hightower Rocks. The drink’s profile resembles a flavored soda taste, while the Hightower leans more toward a margarita.

On another visit, I enjoyed the Hisbiscus Henna, a non-alcoholic beverage. Lately, I tend to order more items off the non-alcoholic menu and have been exceptionally pleased with the variety.

My Hisbiscus Henna had the perfect balance of sweet and sour. It is another refreshing drink option, which is perfect for a hot day.

It reminded me of the Skipper Sipper I often order at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, another excellent option. That location is at Disney’s Polynesian.

Food-wise, Nomad Lounge offers several tasty treats. You can easily make a small meal or a snack.

Sometimes we order multiple items to share. Often, we’ll have a late lunch or early dinner here.

Unlike the cocktail menu, you can expect the food options to change regularly. That said, I have seen several items come and go over the years.

On my most recent visit, I ordered the charcuterie board. This item consisted of cured meat, bread service, almonds, brie, goat cheese, and a rilette.

A charcuterie board is usually right up my alley, and this one did not disappoint. I thought all of the options were delicious and would happily order it in the future.

Unfortunately, these satay chicken skewers are not available at this time. But I felt they were a fantastic option providing a little protein without a lot of carbs.

On another visit, I tried the Impossible Sliders with yucca fries. Who knew that yucca fries were so good?

When they came to the table, the yucca fries were a nice, crispy golden color. They almost reminded me of potato wedges, but they were significantly lighter.

Additionally, the sliders were excellent. While I’m not crazy about so many quick services at Disney offering a plant-based burger instead of other vegan options, I appreciate the slider with veggie slaw topping here.

If you are looking for another plant-based option at Animal Kingdom that doesn’t include a “burger” in the name, try the spicy tofu bowl at Satu’li Canteen.

Related: Satu’li Canteen Review

Another item that I love at Nomad Lounge is the Chicken Manchurian Nomad Bowl. Here’s my order.

The menu describes this item as steamed rice, red cabbage Kimchi, ginger-scallion oil, and Crimini mushrooms. This bowl made for a perfect meal. I loved the crunchy noodles along with the mildly-spiced chicken.

Additionally, I’ve had other items here that are not pictured. Those items include a cheese board, regular sliders, and bread service.

As of late 2022, we see the following new or returning items:

• Tuna Poke Bowl
• Honey-Chili Glazed Pork Belly
• Cuban Frita Sliders
• Churros
• Bread Service

I haven’t heard anything about the Cuban slider yet, but those churros have a good reputation. They come with two sauces–vanilla crema and coffee cream anglaise.

Kids’ Meals at Nomad Lounge include:

• Grilled Shrimp
• Grilled Beef Skewer
• Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Thigh
• Impossible Bunny Chow

Several allergy-friendly items are available along with additional sides. You can preview the entire menu here on Disney’s site.

You may have also notice bread service on Nomad’s Lounge. While this bread service is okay, it should not to be confused or compared with the amazing bread service at Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Lastly, I wanted to mention that the deck at Nomad Lounge offers stunning views of the Discovery Island River. The view is another perk when selecting an outside seat.

Since the character cruises are still available, you might see them sail by during your meal.

Your children might even want to stay a little longer in hopes of seeing a few more.

And I bet you won’t mind, not one bit.

Hopefully, this review of Nomad Lounge was helpful in planning your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For more places to dine at Animal Kingdom or the neighboring Lodge, you might enjoy these other articles:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Quick Service Locations
• Yak and Yeti Review at Disney
• Jiko, The Cooking Place
• Boma Breakfast Review
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurant Guide

In the Comments:

Have you dined at Nomad Lounge before? What was your experience? Below, share with us what you think about this review of Nomad Lounge and why.