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3. Mara (Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge)

Mara

Image: Disney

Mara, located on the ground floor of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, has some of the most uniquely themed foods in any of the Disney resorts.  At breakfast you will be able to find the African-Inspired Breakfast Platter that has pap (a maize meal porridge), chakalaka (a vegetable relish), and grilled tomatoes, along with scrambled eggs and sausage.  There is also bobotie "a traditional African dish with ground meat, seasoning, and an egg custard baked on top."  For lunch and dinner you will find more African favorites like African stew, curried coconut chicken soup, and pita sandwiches served with couscous.  For dessert, they even sell the infamous zebra domes that Disney fans rave about.  Best of all, all the meals are a fraction of the price of similar dishes at other restaurants in the Animal Kingdom Lodge like Boma - Flavors of Africa, Jiko - The Cooking Place, and Sanaa.

Not only does Mara have great food, but it's location alone is worth it.  The restaurant is named after the Masai Mara National Reserve in Tanzania, and it's themeing represents that, with columns decorated like ceiling high trees and murals on the walls of native plants and animals.  There is also outdoor seating that looks over the beautiful pool area.  But, if you want an even better view, you can take your food to go and find a place to sit outside by the savannah, where you can see giraffes, zebras, and other animals.  The resort is just around the corner from Disney's Animal Kingdom, so it's a quick bus trip away if you want a more relaxed, enjoyable, and African-inspired meal.

4. Beaches and Cream Soda Shop (Disney's Beach Club Resort)

Beaches and Cream

Image: Chuck Kramer, Flickr (license)

Beaches and Cream, located on the first floor between Disney's Beach and Yacht Clubs, is more well known as a sit down restaurant that serves American diner food like hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, fries, and, of course, ice cream.  What many people don't know is that Beaches and Cream also has a side window where guests can get some treats to-go.  This place is one of the best places in Disney World to get ice cream. Not only can you get the Mini Mickey Sink (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream served with just about every topping), they also serve homemade ice cream sandwiches and soda floats.

Although you can find lots of great dessert options in Epcot, Beaches and Cream is well worth the trip.  It's within walking distance of Epcot's International Gateway entrance, so it's easy enough to visit without rearranging your entire schedule.  The theming is reminiscent of a 1950's soda shop, complete with pastel colors and employees wearing old-fashioned soda shop outfits.  Not only is it a blast from the past, it's a fun place to get a traditional American sundae or root beer float.  Besides, you can always take your ice cream out to the beach and watch part of the Illuminations fireworks or just enjoy the great atmosphere.  

 
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