The Ultimate Eating Guide To Disney's Animal Kingdom

There are a lot of places to get ice cream in Animal Kingdom. This darling little stop-in should be the only one you actually visit, though. Not only do they have a candied bacon-filled "Scrooge McDuck Billionaire Sundae," but they're also sitting on this face-sized strawberry shortcake ice cream sandwich, a dessert as cold and sweet and chewy as you could dream.

You're already in Dinoland—why not stop in for some corn chip pie? The Dino Diner gives off lovely retro vibes from a mile away and also gives out this cheesy, meaty, sour-cream-with-chive-y creation. Well, OK. They don't give it out. You have to buy it. But it's worth it, you guys.

I know I just told you to stay away from ice cream that's not sold at Dino-Bite, but this isn't ice cream—this is a perfect cookie! Ice cream carts around the park sell Lion Paws, which are shortbread-based and icing-topped treats that are absolutely worth your time. And they're big enough to share!

Toward the entrance of the park is Eight Spoon, an eatery so small you might walk right past it. If you do pass by, be sure to circle back for their mac & cheese. Listen, even if mac & cheese doesn't sound like a good idea in the oppressive Animal Kingdom heat, this BBQ pork-laden version is. The pickles cut right through any heaviness you might be worried about.

Pulled pork fries with a view! Also, the view is lovely.

My first recommendation? Sit inside. The air conditioning is great. My second? Skip the garlic knots you've seen on Instagram and go right for the classic cheese pie. It's a perfect sweet-salty and hearty mix that isn't too too heavy on a hot day.

One word: lumpia. Go get the lumpia. It is stuffed with pineapple cream cheese and luxuriously coated in sugar. It crackles when you break into it. It's extremely freaking good.

The canteen is more of a sit-down situation and has great longer tables for bigger groups. It's also ideal for those who aren't snacking their way through the parks but are instead looking to have a full meal around lunch time. The Satuli Bowl offers them that option—protein, carbs, veg, and more, all packed into one large and filling meal.

To this day I dream of this Malva cake. The cinnamon and syrup coming off this thing is simply divine. There are other desserts there, sure, but this is The One.

There's a lot going on in the Harambe Market, whether you're trolling for savory or sweet. One of its most special offerings, though, is the Most Beautiful Cake, which not only collapses into a lovely coconut flan-y puddle when you bite into it, but also looks exactly like Animal Kingdom's most famous mural.

A few steps from the Harambe Market is the Harambe Fruit Market, where corn is being grilled and slathered in spicy butter constantly. It's a satisfying snack, to say the least.

Again, skip the Insta recommendation of the seasoned fries (they're, like, extremely seasoned) and stick with the dumplings. Those bad boys are so deep-fried, you'll crave them hard for weeks.

Kusafiri is home to what is arguably Animal Kingdom's most iconic eat—the Elephant Ear. Need I say more?