6. Sanaa

5. Jiko – The Cooking Place

Image: DisneyThe two expert sites have a schism on the best eatery in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom area of Walt Disney World. Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge hosts Sanaa, the Table Service restaurant with impeccable Indiana flavors. The twin hotel, Jambo House, is home to Jiko – The Cooking Place, a Signature Dining establishment. Let’s be honest that you can’t go wrong with either one. From my perspective, the primary difference is the price since Jiko costs a bit more. It’s also better for folks who love wine pairings, as it’s one of the best wine-and-dine places on the Disney campus.

Eater is a bigger fan of Sanaa. The reviewers there compliment the menu here, emphasizing its spectacular dunking options. Plus, they love the sneaky hot spices used in several dishes. Trip Advisor actually agrees. They list Sanaa as the ninth-best restaurant at Walt Disney World and #33 in Orlando. That puts it in the 99th percentile in the city. It’s somehow not the best Animal Kingdom Lodge eatery, though. That title goes to Jiko – The Cooking Place, which Trip Advisor readers rank as the sixth-best restaurant at Walt Disney World and #16 overall in Orlando. So yeah, the food in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom area is exquisite. In fact, we still have another entry to go, giving this region three of the top six!

4. 50's Prime Time Café

Image: DisneyIn 2015, Eater unveiled an entire section of their site dedicated to dining at Walt Disney World. It was frankly unkind in many ways, criticizing most restaurants for their mediocre menus. Like every Disney guest, however, they did fall in love with the theming at one establishment. They relished their experience at 50's Prime Time Café, noting that the food, service, and décor are all exceptional.

While Eater clearly didn’t love a lot of meal options, they had their best experience here. I was amused by this in that literally everyone I know who has ever visited Walt Disney World has had something similar happen. Whether people love the trip or not, at least one restaurant’s theming leads to an unforgettable meal experience.