I Love This Disney World Restaurant, But You Definitely SHOULDN’T Go There

I LOVE Disney World — but there are some places at the resort I won’t always recommend…

Between all the incredible attractions and unforgettable entertainment, sometimes the food can get overlooked — but we’re not gonna let that happen! We LOVE highlighting Disney World’s restaurants, both good and bad. When it comes to Disney World eats, not every location is made equally, and I think you should skip my favorite restaurant for a few reasons. 

It can be difficult to pick a favorite restaurant because there are so many elite spots at the theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs — but one of my top favorites for years is Sanaa!

This table service offers great views, delicious food, and a break from the parks. It serves up African- and Indian-inspired dishes and is located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s a popular spot, but I can almost always find a table when I need one. With that said, Sanaa isn’t for everyone.

If you’re not an adventurous eater, Sanaa probably isn’t for you! They have classic dishes like Samaki Upma Peri Peri, Butter Chicken, Zanzibari Vegetable Curry, and more! These dishes are familiar to a lot of people around the world, but if you have a more Americanized palate, these meals might not be your cup of tea.

One hugely popular item is the Sanaa Bread Service, and I believe it’s reason enough to go to this restaurant. But if it doesn’t look appealing to you, you might have a harder time finding something to enjoy. The AllEars team and I think the food here is amazing, but definitely for a more adventurous palate.

Another reason to consider skipping Sanaa is time-related. If you’re going at night, you’re missing out on one of the best parts of the meal! Sanaa has massive windows along the restaurant walls that let you look out into the savannah at Animal Kingdom Lodge — which is PACKED with live animals.

I have been lucky enough to get a seat by the windows several times and have seen giraffes, zebras, birds, and more up close! It’s a highlight of this restaurant for me, but if you go too late at night, you can’t see the animals in the dark. Often, they will go back to their homes backstage once the work day is over.

The view isn’t the only reason you should go to Sanaa, but it is a big factor, especially if you have kiddos who love live animals.

Finally, I think you should avoid going to Sanaa because I don’t want it to get too popular! 

This restaurant has been a favorite of mine and my family’s for years! If the secret gets out that it’s so amazing, we wouldn’t be able to get in as easily. Is that selfish? Yes, it is, and I really don’t mind saying so. I adore this spot and, if you decide to go, I hope you will, too.

Luckily for us, even if you decide to go but can’t get a seat, you can always order it to go! I’ve done it many times, and it is the best experience. You can even get the bread service! I’ve eaten it in bed watching Disney movies, and I don’t think there’s a better feeling in the world.

Sanaa might not be for everyone, but it certainly is for me! Don’t forget to keep following AllEars for more Disney restaurant tips and tricks.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

REVIEW: I Will Literally NEVER Stop Talking About This Disney World Hotel Restaurant

What’s your favorite Disney World restaurant? Tell me in the comments!

Comments (1)