Because ranking the lands of Magic Kingdom by its snacks wasn’t torturous enough for us, we’ve decided to do the impossible yet AGAIN!
That’s right — we’re going to delve once more into these strange, uncharted waters of ranking all the Disney snacks we love for sheer entertainment purposes ONLY! (We not-so-secretly love most of these snacks, so it’s too hard to choose!) Let’s see how the rankings work out for all the lands in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Normally we try to keep an unbiased opinion about such matters, but there’s nothing we wouldn’t do (or EAT) for you guys!
And this time we’re doing things a little differently! Instead of talking about everything you can get, we’re only going to highlight each land’s most iconic snacks. If we don’t mention your favorite snack, it isn’t because it isn’t loved — Don’t ya worry! We just pulled some of the most popular eats from each land.
Fifth Place: Pandora: The World of Avatar
Some would argue Pandora: The World of Avatar has the best snacks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — and they wouldn’t be wrong!
But no matter how fine and mighty Pandora’s snacks may be, there simply aren’t as MANY snacks floating around the mountains of Mo’ara as there are in Animal Kingdom’s other, more plentiful lands.
Satu’li Canteen
After flying on the back of a banshee at Flight of Passage, you can refuel at Satu’li Canteen! This fast-food spot actually serves up some of the healthiest and heartiest meals in the park with their customizable bowls. But on the snacky side of the spectrum, you’ll find sweet satisfaction with the Chocolate Cake or even the out-of-this-world Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse.
Satu’li has also been known to serve seasonal variants of this iconic Na’vi treat around the holidays. They’re WAY pretty (in an “out of this world” way) and tasty to boot!
Check out our review of a seasonal Satu’li Canteen treat here.
If you’re looking for a more savory option, you can’t miss the Cheeseburger Pods at this dining location. We’ve LOVED these ever since they first were introduced. Soft, pillowy balls of steamed dough stuffed with all the great flavors of a cheeseburger? YES PLEASE!
You can order two pods with a side as a full adult meal, or PRO TIP: get the kids’ meal version, which has just one pod with a side, and it makes a very filling snack!
Check out our FULL Satu’li Canteen review here!
Pongu Pongu
Pandora’s other spot to find a bite is Pongu Pongu. This place is known for pouring up some colorful libations including the Night Blossom and the Mo’ara Margarita.
You’ll also find the polarizing Pongu Lumpia here, which you’ll either LOVE or think is just meh. This fried pineapple cream cheese snack is even a touchy subject amongst our team members!
The pineapple cream cheese roll has even disappeared from Pongu Pongu to some folks’ dismay THEN suddenly reappeared (also to some folks’ dismay) but we happen to think the Pongu Lumpia is a winner! If it’s not your speed, consider trying their COLOSSAL pretzel served with beer cheese (!!) sauce.
This pretzel is mega-sharable and WORTH IT!
Click here to see why we adore the massive pretzel at Pongu Pongu!
Fourth Place: Asia
We’re lacing up our hiking boots for the trek over to Animal Kingdom’s Asia for our next visit!
You’ll find a lot more snacks in Asia than you will in other areas of the park, and while some of them are truly spectacular, we think some of the other Animal Kingdom lands offer a wider variety of options.
Yak and Yeti Local Foods Cafe
After a long day of exploring nature trails and meeting up with some of our animal besties, nothing hits the spot like Yak and Yeti Local Foods Cafe. They’ve got lots of savory snacks including Chicken Fried Rice, Pork Egg Rolls, and even French Fries!
And for dessert, try their Mini Mango Pie or Chocolate Silk Pie…or BOTH! They’re mini pies after all!
In fact, one of our readers loves these mini desserts so much, she even tipped us off that Kroger and Publix grocery stores sell a VERY similar version of the Mini Mango Pie and Chocolate Silk Pie. So similar, in fact, we’re quite convinced they’re one and the same (and we’ve been told by the company that produces them that they are)!
DrinkwallahÂ
Wanna snack on some Cinnamon Glazed Nuts like almonds and pecans? Drinkwallah is just one of several places throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom where you’ll find this yummy afternoon boost! In fact, we felt a little weird attributing the candied nuts to Asia since you’ll find them in other parts of the park (and in other parks altogether), but we figured Asia could use the help!
Look for chips, frozen drinks, and pretzels at this joint too!
Mr. Kamal’s
After going through many menu changes throughout the years, Mr. Kamal’s currently serves Seasoned Fries with a couple of different yummy dipping sauces!
You’ll also find Chicken Dumplings with Ponzu Sauce on the menu! Sadly our beloved Samosas have left the building. But they may be back — Mr. Kamal tends to remove and return things to his menu from time to time.
See how Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries recently changed here.
Warung Outpost
If your favorite snacks are of the alcoholic beverage variety, hit up Warung Outpost for options like the Maharaja Lime Margarita! This spot used to have the Triple Yeti Blast, which was one of our favorites, but it’s not currently on the menu.
During a recent trip, we got the Margarita with a little bit of strawberry purée mixed in!
Click here to see our Maharaja Lime Margarita Hack!
Other Places to Enjoy a Snack in Asia
Enjoy a mango and wildberry flavored Yak Attack at Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages, which you can follow up with a Jumbo Turkey Leg. (Note that Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages has not yet reopened in Disney World.)
Cool your heels after outrunning the Yeti on Mount Everest with a frozen treat from Anandapur Ice Cream Truck. They serve ice cream floats and soft-serve cones with the occasional specialty treat thrown into the mix like the KiteTails Sundae that appeared for a limited time last year!
After floating down the Kali River Rapids or meeting the nearby Yeti at Expedition Everest, quench your thirst at Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks with a fruity Khumbu Icefall. This spot also sometimes sells hummus with vegetables and pita, Mickey Pretzels, cookies, and chips.
And don’t forget to get re-caffeinated at Royal Anandapur Tea Company, which is really just a fancy name for Joffrey’s. They serve loose-leaf-brewed hot and iced teas as well as chais and specialty coffee drinks!
Caravan Road is only open on heavy crowd days, but when it’s open for business, look for its Ginger Slaw Dog and Char Siu Pork!
This spot also sometimes has various flavors of shaved ice!
Click here to see an Animal Kingdom treat that’s difficult to find.
Third Place: Africa
Our next stop on this Animal Kingdom pilgrimage of snacks brings us to Africa!
Africa is where you’ll start to see Animal Kingdom’s food get more exciting, and usually there’s a good beat to munch to thanks to African artists who perform throughout the day!
Tamu Tamu Refreshments
Tamu Tamu Refreshments serves Pineapple DOLE Whip! That’s right — this spot has switched to an all-dessert offering menu which also features spiked DOLE Whip floats and some Lion King-inspired goodies including the Simba Sunset DOLE Whip and the Lion’s Lair DOLE Whip Float.
You can’t go wrong with any of the DOLE Whip offerings, although the Lion’s Lair and Scar’s Lair are both pretty sour!
Check out our review of the Lion’s Lair DOLE Whip Float here!
There’s also a Warm Brownie Sundae if you’re looking for a more chocolatey dessert.
Put this one on your list of must-gets next time you’re wandering around in Africa!
Harambe Fruit Market
Do be fooled by its innocent (and strangely healthy) sounding name. Harambe Fruit Market has plenty of salty and savory options in addition to fresh fruit cups and drinks.
This is where you’ll sometimes find the Simba Pretzel prowling around! If Simba isn’t available during your trip, there might be Mickey pretzels here instead.
Grilled Corn on the Cob is also a specialty snack here — think of it like the vegetarian equivalent to a Jumbo Turkey Leg!
Harambe Market
We’ve found the lion’s share of Lion King-themed snacks at Harambe Market recently. For example, you can check out the adorable Simba Cupcake at Isle of Java.Â
This cupcake and other themed treats first appeared last year in celebration of The Lion King‘s 25th anniversary, but so far a few of them have managed to stick around!
Zuri’s Sweets Shop
Zuri’s Sweets Shop is your one-stop sweet shop at Animal Kingdom. This spot serves up many familiar candy kitchen treats but fancified with special Animal Kingdom inspiration. Everything including Caramel Apples and Coconut Patties seems to have a safari-themed spin to them!
One of our favorites here (when it’s available) is the dark chocolate Mickey with hot chilis!
This is also where you’ll find a SPICY Caramel Apple…
…and several churro-flavored confections!
You’ll also find candy in bulk, jerky, and prepackaged popcorn in lots of flavors. Some healthier snacks are here too, like almonds, granola, and yogurt-covered pretzels. Seasonal treats appear regularly, so don’t put away those binoculars!
Other Places to Enjoy a Snack in Africa
You can find some tasty popcorn as well as souvenir popcorn buckets at Mahindi! That’s also where we recently spotted the Simba Popcorn Bucket chillin’.
Mahindi also occasionally sells Jungle Juice (sometimes known as POG Juice), which is a cult favorite made from a blend of passion fruit, orange, and guava juices. It’s well-loved and can be found at several locations around Walt Disney World!
But here’s a hint — if you can’t find Jungle Juice (or the super rare Jungle Juice Slush) at Mahindi, you can find it at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom!
Dawa Bar serves some of the best cocktails on the property! You can typically pick up a boozy Jungle Juice cocktail here too called Ngumu Jungle Juice. We love stopping by here for a quick cool-off before hopping in line for Kilimanjaro Safari.
Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery has everything we need to wake up, from sweet Colossal Mickey Cinnamon Rolls to Pistachio Honey Croissants!
And later in the day, Kusafiri serves some great savory dishes like Marinated Chicken Flatbread and Jollof Rice with Shrimp and Sausage. If you’re looking for a delicious snack that’s not your average theme park food, try out this underrated spot!
Read more about Kusafiri’s new savory dishes here!
Second Place: DinoLand, U.S.A.
We’re already to our runner-up for the best snack land in Animal Kingdom!
And whether you have realized it yet or not, DinoLand, U.S.A. is packing some serious snack heat!
Restaurantosaurus
Restaurantosaurus always seems to be celebrating SOMETHING. Specialty cupcakes appear here often, like this Maleficent Cupcake.
They also serve Chocolate and Vanilla Milkshakes and some MEAN Chili Cheese Fries!
Click here to see our review of Restaurantosaurus!
Dino-Bite Snacks
Not too far away, you’ll find Dino Bite Snacks. This snack stand has hot fudge sundaes and ice cream sandwiches (which change often) like the incredible 50th Celebration Ice Cream Sandwich!
Seriously, we think we’ve LOVED every iteration of the ice cream sammies here, so be sure to see what flavor is on the menu when you visit!
Click here to read our review of the 50th Celebration Ice Cream Sandwich!
Dino Diner
Dino Diner is where our two snack passions often collide! Not only do they sell churros, but also Corn Chip Pie.
You can also find frozen slushies and hot dogs. This place seems to truly have it all!
Click here to read our review of Dino Diner
Trilo-Bites
If digging up dino bones has you turning into a fossil, fill your body up with this plate of awesomeness — Buffalo Chicken Chips! Trilo-Bites really outdid themselves with this snack, which is more the size of a meal!
Other less savory but equally delicious offerings include floats with your choice of fountain beverage, soft-serve ice cream in a waffle cone, or the Trilo-Bites Twist (an Orange and Vanilla DOLE Whip Float).
Read our review of the Trilo-Bites Twist!
First Place: Discovery Island
We’ve made it! We’re finally to our BIG WINNER for land with the best snacks at Animal Kingdom!
And can you believe it?! Our journey around the world (and parts unknown like that Pandora place! 😉) has brought us right back to the place where we began — Discovery Island! Even though Discovery Island is smack dab in the middle of Animal Kingdom’s action, it has some of the best eats at the park — and you don’t even have to walk very far from the entrance to get your hands on them!
Flame Tree Barbecue
Okay, we admit it…Discovery Island pretty much took the prize because of this Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Pulled Pork at Flame Tree Barbecue. We’re not sayin’ the fix was in, but seriously, how could we resist THIS MUCH gorgeous cheese???
Flame Tree also knows its way around some Onion Rings, and if you’re looking for something a little more basic, you can go with their regular french fries or cornbread! Or…ya know…barbecue.
Click here to check out the limited-edition Collard Greens at Flame Tre Barbecue
Creature Comforts
Creature Comforts is the cleverly disguised Starbucks at Animal Kingdom. Get your frappes and favorite Starbs specialty drinks along with a Colossal Mickey Cinnamon Bun!
Yep, they have a similar treat in Africa at the Kusafiri Bakery as well (that’s where it ORIGINATED!), but you can get it at Starbs, too.
Somehow, there’s still a little room left over for other pastries and sweets in the bakery cases, but nothing beats that giant cinnamon roll the size of your face!
Click here to see more specialty treats at Creature Comforts.
Pizzafari
Pizzafari might be a place you associate more with a sit-down meal, but next time hunger strikes, reach for their delicious Garlic Knots for a great snack on the go! Pizzafari isn’t our favorite restaurant…anywhere…but these are a hidden gem.
They also usually have specialty cupcakes, like the Celebrate Soulfully Cupcake for Black History Month! (This cupcake can be found at a few different locations in Animal Kingdom).
Click here to see our recent review of Pizzafari.
Eight Spoon Cafe
Another heavy-hitter of Discovery Island is Eight Spoon Cafe. This spot is often only open seasonally, but if it IS, you’ll find CHEESY NIRVANA! Allow us to introduce you to Eight Spoon’s Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork!
No, that isn’t some delicious-looking mirage — that’s a real snack! You can also order their Pulled Pork – Jelly Doughnut Sandwich, but clearly, we’re a little more partial to mac and cheese. (We previously saw that sandwich at the Smiling Crocodile, but now it lives at Eight Spoon.)
Click here to see our review of the Doughnut Sandwich.
Other Places to Enjoy a Snack in Discovery Island
The Feeding Ground operates seasonally and serves popcorn as well as frozen lemonade and a variety of more adult offerings.
On heavy crowd days, you can catch The Smiling Crocodile — which last time we saw it open was serving the Pulled Pork Jelly Donut Sandwich.
Now, it has a variety of street tacos, including pulled pork, chicken, and corn tacos.
Check out our review of the street tacos here!
Terra Treats, which is also only open at peak times of the year, has pizza slices and some specialty drinks.Â
So it never hurts to swing by these seasonal spots and see what happens to be open on your visit!
Well, friends, we DID IT! We finally ranked the lands! We hope you enjoyed this educational (and very hunger-inducing!) trip around Animal Kingdom with us today. Wondering which park we’ll rank next? You’ll just have to wait and see!
Check out our ranking of the Hollywood Studios lands by their snacks!
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Which land at Animal Kingdom has your favorite snacks? Tell us in the comments below!
Dave says
Wait, do not tell me you forgot about Isle of Java and the Tiger Tail???!!!! The twin of Cheshire Cat tail just in different colors?? Agree with the rankings by the way, lol.
Melissa says
Hoping y’all will do this with Disney Springs! I have really enjoyed these articles on the four park’s snacks.