A Review of Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney's Animal Kingdom

By Nick

We all have our favorite attractions at Walt Disney World. Rides or shows that are a must every trip. There are also beloved eateries that we frequent more often than others, and of course favorite foods we eat on every visit.
But there are those restaurants that you really enjoy while eating there, but for some reason or other, you don't get back to for a very long time.
In Walt Disney World, there are sooooo many options that these really great food spots just get lost in the sauce, so to speak.
One of these spots is Flame Tree Barbecue in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

We ate here on our first trip back in September of 2006. Every time we pass it, I say "That was some great barbecue, we really need to get back there." and then proceed to go elsewhere, sometimes to another restaurant in Animal Kingdom, or more often to another restaurant in a different park, or even back to our resort for a bite.

On our trip in January, I consciously made the decision to eat at Flame Tree.

The menu is not overly extensive.

I had the 1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs which were $11.69. They were as good as I remembered them. Tender and juicy. I love a good cole slaw, and this is very good. The beans were delicious as well.

Barbie had the Smoked Chicken Salad for $9.49, which she described as okay. She wished she had gotten the ribs after trying mine!

Prices are reasonable, and the portions are large enough to share.
They accept Tables in Wonderland and are a quick service credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

There are several spots to sit, each offering a relaxing and cool spot to escape the heat, which really wasn't an issue in January.

The grounds are lush, and well themed with fountains and statues.

The condiments bar is conveniently located in the pavilion where we chose to sit, which is the same place we sat way back in 2006.

By the water, it offeres a great view of Expedition Everest.

There are a few pavilions by the water if you want to get a different vantage point of Everest.

Another wonderful thing about sitting by the water, you might have an encounter with local wildlife!

So, will we return to Flame Tree Barbecue? Yes, certainly. But it still isn't a must do every trip.

This article was originally posted on the Disney Musings Blog, which Nick co-writes with his wife and friends.

Grab a Quick Bite at Kusafiri Coffee Shop in Disney's Animal Kingdom

by: Nick

Disney's Animal Kingdom has just opened, and you are rushing to get on Kilimanjaro Safaris, but your party of adventurers is hungry.

Luckily there is a spot to get a quick bite. Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery is located steps away from the entrance of Kilimanjaro Safaris.

You can grab a breakfast wrap, cinnamon roll, freshly baked pastries, assorted cereals, milk, yogurt, fruit, juice and specialty coffees.

I like to ride the Safari, and then grab a "light snack" before taking another ride.

This is the Elephant Ear pastry.

 

 

Nick co-writes the Disney Musings Blog

Disney's Animal Kingdom's Restaurantosaurus

By: Nick Maglio, co-writer of the Disney Musings Blog

 
Restaurantosaurus is a quick service restaurant located in the Dinoland USA section of Disney's Animal Kingdom, themed as a “dorm” where paleontology students live and dine, when they aren't digging for fossils nearby. It looks like it was cobbled together with various pieces of other buildings and even an Airstream Trailer.

 

The themeing here is extensive.

The menu is fairly limited, with Hot Dogs, Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches and nuggets. Kid's Picks are Turkey Wraps, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and a Cheeseburger, and come in a plastic pail with a shovel. For dessert there is chocolate mousse and cheesecake in a glass.

 

My wife had the Macaroni and Cheese Hot Dog, creamy Macaroni & Cheese and tasty Bacon Bits top our delicious Hot Dog, served in a fresh Bun with your choice of Apple Slices or French Fries. It was very tasty, but with too much bun.

 

I had the Grilled Chicken Sandwich, a grilled Breast of Chicken topped with a Tomato, Garlic, and Basil Relish and Cheddar, served with choice of Apple Slives or French Fries. This was delicious, and I would absolutely get it again.

There is a fixins bar. I am not at all sure what all is in this, as there was a couple of covers over part of the bar when we were there.

Each room is cluttered with items they have managed to dig up, both out of the ground, and, apparently from junk shops and flea markets.

 

You can even eat in the trailer, which apparently is a highly coveted area.

There are clever puns throughout, and even notes and a bulletin board to read, with notes between "students".

 

The restaurant even has it's own soundtrack, with such songs as "It's the End of the World as We Know It" by R.E.M. and "Walk the Dinosaur" by Was (Not Was).

This a really great place to get out of the heat, or to head to during a sudden shower, as there is plenty to look at. And the food is pretty good too!

This article was originally posted on the Tips From the Disney Divas and Devos Blog, where Nick is a contributing writer.

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