Disney’s Animal Kingdom doesn’t quite contain the quality food reputation of Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom, and especially (especially [especially]) Epcot. Well, Animal Kingdom didn’t have a reputation for half its life. But the park has definitely gotten better in recent years and with Avatar on the way things are looking up for the park whose fortunes turned around as soon as the animal conservation revolution began last decade. Something has remained the same however:
Flame Tree BBQ being easily the most underrated quick-service spot in Disney World.
It doesn’t have the glowing reviews of Sunshine Season, doesn’t have the local legend status of Captain Cooks, and doesn’t have the visit-if-you-enjoy-suffering success of Cosmic Rays. Yet it has superb scenery, plenty of open space, and a killer menu that runs quite deep. Good picture-taking opportunities and good barbeque? Doesn’t happen enough in Florida.
My lunch was no big deal: just some baby back ribs using a special rub made in-house, a fruit platter with honey yogurt, a huge platter of massive onion rings, and of course some vodka lemonade to top it all off. Yes, I am fat.
There is a major lack of awesome barbeque in Florida which is a southern rarity considering what you can find in Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Nonetheless, the ribs here are fall-off-the-bone, and contain a rub that is never intense but heavy and filling enough to satisfy, with a smoky touch and a smooth finish. The ribs here are some of the few quick-service items that can just as easily find its way into a fine dining place.
The fruit platter is perfect for those that are avoiding the bbq calories. Mix of grapes, cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple, and more, it feels like a dish straight out of the Caribbean because of its mix of freshness and quantity at a minimal price. This is absolutely perfect for those seeking a light lunch that won’t bog them down during the three-mile hike known as a full day in the Animal Kingdom.
Lastly, the onion rings here are among the best you’ll ever eat in Central Florida. Seriously. The onions are massive, the batter is flavorful with a light sweet kick, and the portion is large enough to almost guarantee that you won’t finish if you accompany it with an entrée. The wildlife seems to be aware of its awesomeness because the birds roam these flame tree streets in search of scraps.
Disney World in recent years had taken quite a liking to alcohol as we’ve seen a heavy increase in alcoholic options in Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and especially Hollywood Studios. Even Magic Kingdom has alcohol----much to my dismay. That being said, I will temporarily forgive Disney for their shenanigans that would make Walt Disney frustrated because their vodka lemonade is the amazing mix of refreshing and eye-opening that occurs with the best of mixed drinks. It’s not too aggressive, but not too light either. Quenches the thirst and provides the kick we all seek in good mixed drinks.
Bottom Line: Animal Kingdom doesn’t have many good dining options, inside and outside (as it’s far away from…everything). But Flame Tree BBQ is hands-down the top spot to visit when you reach your inevitable hunger stage in the seventh most-popular park in the world. Good food, big portions, nice scenery, great smell, and an overall nice relaxing period in between periods of watching animals do animal things. If you do have the privilege of visiting the Animal Kingdom, this should be your go-to spot for lunch….and dinner.
Final Verdict: Recommend
Flame Tree BBQ
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Lake Buena Vista, FL
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