There are a TON of new limited-time treats in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and you’ll find them now through April 22nd as part of the Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler!
Before we dive into specifics about the Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler, you should know that the specialty items available for purchase throughout the park are available to all guests whether you purchase the official Tasting Sampler or not.
However, interested guests will want to know that The Tasting Sampler — which is available for sale NOW — costs $50 and includes two digital value cards: one $50 card that can be used at over 40 outdoor food and beverage locations throughout the park (and does not expire), and a bonus $10 card that can be used at the following quick-service restaurants after 5pm from April 12-22, 2019: Restaurantosaurus, Pizzafari and Pizzafari Family-Style Dining, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Satu’li Canteen. (You’ll find instructions with the link for purchasing — which must you must do in advance — at the end of this post.)
This is not the first time Animal Kingdom has presented the Tasting Sampler. The program made its debut over the last holiday season. This “Spring Break” edition features items from the previous Tasting Sampler as well as new offerings!
So, now… LET’S EAT!!
Asia
added the Chicken Dumplings to the regular menu after the first Tasting Sampler was completed (which was great news, as these were a favorite item).
But Mr. Kamal’s Fries have received a makeover for the Sampler, as Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries served with dipping sauces.
This is kind of cool because you receive the cups so you can choose and pump your own dipping sauces from the choices of regular ketchup, Tandoori Honey Mustard, Saffron Aioli, and Spicy Kimchi Honey Ketchup.
It’s great to have such unique sauces to enjoy, since the helping of fries is huge!
The sauce highlights were the Spicy Kimchy Honey Ketchup and the Saffron Aioli. Delicious!
Across the way at Caravan Road, Tuna Tataki and Pork Bao are your options.
The chilled tuna is perfectly prepared and served with nice sticky rice.
The slaw is refreshing with its cilantro and not too sweet.
And Bao Bun fans will want to know about the shredded Pork Bao served with hoisin sauce and pickled veggies on the steamed bun.
Although we should say… while the pork itself was great, the bun wasn’t up to par, as it was super sticky and even messy.
The Smiling Crocodile has a complete specialty menu, too.
The Pastrami Beef Slider is a returning item from the holiday season Tasting Sampler.
It’s a terrific little — yet surprisingly hearty — dish, with a unique sauerkraut-kale slaw and whole grain mustard delivering even more flavor to the tasty beef.
Speaking of tasty… the Pulled Pork Street Tacos are great, with nice thick tortillas that don’t get too soft or soggy.
While the pork isn’t spicy, it still has great flavor.
In fact, we added a bit of the cheese from the Chips and Queso dish to the taco, since the queso does have a nice little kick to it!
Africa
is serving three returning dishes.
You can choose Chicken Curry, Shrimp Curry, or try both together with the Chicken & Shrimp Curry!
Dinoland, U.S.A.
Two cold treats are part of the offerings in Dinoland, U.S.A.
Scrooge McDuck’s Billionaire Bacon Caramel Sundae is served not too far from Scrooge’s very own greeting spot at Trilo-Bites!
It’s a sweet and salty treat!
But the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwich at Dino-Bite Snacks was even more of a standout.
The soft cookies are huge, and the only thing we would change is to add even more of those delicious strawberry and vanilla cake crumbs that the sandwich is rolled in!
Discovery Island
brings a selection of Italian items to the scene (most likely due to the stand’s proximity to the Pizzafari kitchen).
The Meatball Slider is a beef and spinach meatball topped with marinara and shaved cheese on a focaccia roll.
The meatball itself is quite large, and definitely shareable if you’d like to split it up to have room to try more items. The big shaves of cheese are a nice touch.
The Sausage and Peppers Pizza is, essentially, a slice of your typical Disney counter service pizza.
So, it’s not a particularly remarkable item, but the peppers are a good addition.
So, that’s it for the limited-time items in Animal Kingdom! But before we leave, here are some friendly reminders!
Friendly Reminders
FOR GUESTS PARTICIPATING IN THE TASTING SAMPLER:
Remember, the new items we’ve shown today are not the only items eligible when using your Tasting Sampler digital value card. The full list of eligible items and participating locations include items such as Pongu Lumpia at Pongu Pongu in Pandora, classic park snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn, and MUCH MORE. You can find all the eligible items by picking up a Tasting Sampler Guide.
FOR GUESTS NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE TASTING SAMPLER: These new items highlighted here are not limited to those who are utilizing the Tasting Sampler. They are available through April 22nd for regular purchase (and, in many cases, for a Disney Dining Plan snack credit).
How to Purchase the Tasting Sampler
Disney provides the following instructions and website for purchasing the Tasting Sampler: “Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler can be purchased through April 22, 2019 at noon and can be used at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park during regular operating hours. When you purchase the sampler, you’ll receive an email for each digital value card. Each email will have a barcode that can be added to your digital wallet on your mobile phone and scanned at most food and beverage locations throughout the park. For a full list of participating locations and menu offerings, visit any food and beverage location at the park. To purchase, visit Offers.Disney.com and use the code DAKDINEBONUS.”
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Will you be trying any of the Tasting Sampler items in Animal Kingdom? Please let us know with a comment!
Wednesday says
I still don’t understand this really? If you make the purchase of a $50 card, is your limit of snacks $50? Or is that one purchase good for unlimited snacks? How is that different than just buying the snacks if that’s the case?
Thank you 🙂
Michelle says
Am I missing something? Aside from the $10 extra (which is wonderful) is it just a $50 food credit and you spend it down according to the price of each item? In which case, the only reason to utilize this IS to get the extra $10 credit. Thanks!
DFB Sarah says
Wednesday, it’s essentially a $50 digital gift card plus a second, $10 digital gift card — each with its own restrictions — all for $50. You can purchase food and drink items beyond the Tasting Sampler price, too, but they’ll be out of pocket.