If you are looking for a wild dining experience that the whole family will enjoy, try one of Orlando’s two Rainforest Café Restaurants. Choose from either the Animal Kingdom location or the Downtown Disney location. The Animal Kingdom location is on the left side of the park entrance, however entrance to the park is not necessary to dine. The Downtown Disney location is in the “Marketplace” area.
Your experience will begin before you even enter the restaurant. At the entrance of the restaurant, you will be greeted by a myriad of fountains, roaring animals such as elephants and crocodiles and perhaps even a few live parrots. You will already feel like you entering a rainforest! Both restaurants boast a wonderful gift shop on the way in and out where you can browse Rainforest and jungle-like souvenirs. Bright, large fish aquariums feature beautiful fish that help pass the time while you wait for your seating.
Priority seating is highly recommended, as both Rainforest Cafes are very busy. On the way in, be sure to take a peek at the unique bar stools….which are the rather cute back ends of jungle animals, such as zebras and tigers….or better yet, have a wild drink while you wait for your table.
You will be seated in one of a few themed areas. Our favorite is the “Gorilla Room.” Every twenty minutes, the Rainforest Café experiences a “thunderstorm” for your enjoyment. Thunder claps overhead, the many animals along the walls and above you start to move, chirp, grunt and howl and rain falls between the bar and restaurant area from an exquisite ceiling fountain. One other bonus: this restaurant is nice and loud, so don’t worry about bringing loud children! No one will hear a crying baby, and the restaurant is super family-friendly with a great kid’s menu and kids’ drinks.
The food selections are most abundant…everything from burgers to hearty pasta dishes. Many dishes have a tropical flair, and include mango dipping sauces or cilantro mayonnaises. Finish off with the “Volcano”, a huge brownie sundae that is presented with a thunderous cry of “Volcano” when it is delivered by your server. It will feel like your Birthday, even though it isn’t.
Finally, be sure to bring a camera with your hearty appetite. The fountains and jungle setting are wonderful for some memorable photos.