Best Spots to Enjoy Breakfast at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And nowhere is this truer than at Disney's Animal Kingdom. For several reasons, including the unrelenting Animal Kingdom heat and the park's terrain, I always eat a good breakfast before touring this park. And there are a few good places to fuel up when you're at the Animal Kingdom.

Breakfast at Disney's Animal KingdomBreakfast at Disney's Animal Kingdom

If you're looking for a great sit-down breakfast at the Animal Kingdom you can't beat Tusker House. This character breakfast buffet is sort of "off the radar" when it comes to character meals, but with its delicious food and incredible themeing, this spot rivals any of the more popular character meals in our book.

At Donald's Safari Breakafst you'll enjoy a buffet with traditional items including scrambled eggs, Mickey waffles, yogurt, cereals, and more. The buffet also includes spit-roasted ham, corn beef hash with cornbread topping, beef bobotie, coconut sweet potato casserole, and more. You'll want to make Advance Dining Reservations for this meal!

Buffet at Tusker HouseBuffet at Tusker House

The Animal Kingdom is also home to several quick service spots for breakfast including the recently-opened Creature Comforts, which is the park's Starbucks location.

Here you'll find the traditional Starbucks fare including coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, and more in addition to Starbucks brand pastries and even some Disney cupcakes. And yes, we think cupcakes are an acceptable breakfast item when you're on vacation!

Sweet treats from Creature Comforts StarbucksSweet treats from Creature Comforts Starbucks

Another great coffee shop at the Animal Kingdom is our personal favorite, the Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery located near Kilimanjaro Safari. Here you'll find delicious quick breakfast treats including a hot breakfast wrap with eggs, sausage, spinach, and goat cheese, Danish, yogurt, muffins, a colossal cinnamon roll that serves TWO, and more.

This is also a great place to find "real" coffee (other than Starbucks) and the menu also includes iced coffees, juice, bottled water, espresso, and cappuccino.

A cinnamon roll for two at Animal KingdomA cinnamon roll for two at Animal Kingdom

Now if your breakfast of choice includes a Bloody Mary we have the perfect spot to stop: the Dawa Bar. This fan-favorite spot serves up four incredible Bloody Marys each morning starting at 9 a.m. The drinks include: the Discovery Island Bloody Mary, the Dawa Bloody Mary, the Asian Bloody Mary, and an African Bloody Mary.

We think any of these would be delicious to sip on as you enjoy the shaded area around the bar, watching the crowds flow into the park.

Bloody Marys from the Dawa BarBloody Marys from the Dawa Bar

If you find yourself heading toward Expedition Everest first thing in the morning make sure you stop by the Royal Anandapur Tea Company cart for a quick breakfast. (Or maybe wait until AFTER you ride the coaster...that might be a better plan!).

Here you'll find a unique menu of specialty teas (hot and iced!), coffees, chai, lattes, espresso, and assorted pastries. This is one of our favorite spots to stop in the morning not only for the tea selection but because the area is one of the most gorgeous parts of the Animal Kingdom.

Frozen Chai at Royal Anandapur Tea CompanyFrozen Chai at Royal Anandapur Tea Company

So the next time you're at Disney's Animal Kingdom at rope drop and you find yourself in need of breakfast before your adventure, you'll find several great spots for sustenance.

What's your favorite place to find breakfast at the Animal Kingdom? Leave us a comment and let us know.

Many thanks to the Disney Food Blog for use of their photos.

Kristen K. wrote on Mon, 07/27/2015 - 17:07:

Kristen K.'s picture

I want a frozen chai! That sounds/looks amazing.

Melissa W. wrote on Tue, 07/28/2015 - 14:27:

I love the Frozen Chai! I would love to do Tusker House sometime.

Bob.P wrote on Tue, 07/28/2015 - 15:13:

Bob.P's picture

Do you know if items at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery count as Snack exchanges on the DDP?

Trish wrote on Tue, 07/28/2015 - 15:20:

Trish's picture

I still hate that they discontinued breakfast at Pizzafari. It was the only place to get "non sweets" for breakfast at AK. I don't have kids so don't want to spend the money on a character dining every time we go to WDW especially since we're passholders.

Kristen K. wrote on Wed, 07/29/2015 - 22:19:

Kristen K.'s picture

Bob - Yes, they should take DDP.

Trish - I'm with you. Don't forget that the new Starbucks location does offer breakfast sandwiches to go.

rhul wrote on Thu, 07/30/2015 - 21:27:

rhul's picture

While technically not a character breakfast, another sit-down breakfast option is the Rainforest Cafe at the entrance to AK. It is on the Dining Plan for 1 table credit. Approximately $20-25 per person out of pocket. Unfortunately they don't take Tables in Wonderland. And some may find it a bit much to deal with that early in the morning. ;-)

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