Looking for the perfect quick service, table service, or snack for breakfast at Animal Kingdom? We can definitely help with that!

We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best meals and restaurants at Animal Kingdom to help you spend more time enjoying your morning and less time trying to figure out what to eat.

Animal Kingdom has numerous table service and quick service restaurants that serve breakfast right at park opening time, along with notable breakfast snacks scattered around the park. Animal Kingdom is actually an underrated option for dining among the Walt Disney World parks.

We’ve split the guide into three categories: Table Service Breakfast, Quick Service Breakfast, and Restaurants That Start Serving Lunch Before Noon.

P.S. – If you’ll be staying at AK all day, we also have helpful guides to Lunch at Animal Kingdom & Dinner at Animal Kingdom.

Best Table Service Breakfast at Animal Kingdom

One of the best ways to start your day at Animal Kingdom is by booking an breakfast reservation at a table service restaurant which can help you get into the park early. Here’s the breakdown of both restaurants where you can do this.

Goofy At Tusker House Animal Kingdom Restaurant

TUSKER HOUSE

  • Table service, Reservations required
  • Character Dining
  • Africa
  • Between about $35 and $60 per person
  • Usually opens at 8:00 AM
  • Pre-park opening dining

Tusker House is our number one choice for breakfast at Animal Kingdom and for many good reasons. To start, an early breakfast reservation here will get you into the park before anyone else. Try reserving a breakfast time slot before or at 8am to accomplish this.

Getting an early start to the day in the park has it’s benefits, too. If you’re looking for ways to take advantage of this opportunity, take a look at our post on Animal Kingdom tips & secrets to guide you through the park.

Tusker House is also the only Character Dining location in Animal Kingdom, making it extra special. You’ll get the opportunity to meet Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Mickey Mouse himself, all dressed in their safari clothing.

Each character will come to visit each table for pictures, autographs and laughs. There is no photopass photographer for this experience though, so parents be prepared with cameras and phones at the ready.

The food at Tusker House is all-you-care-to-enjoy style. Some of the dishes you’ll see for breakfast include a Pastries Basket, Fresh Fruit with Honey Yogurt Sauce and a Breakfast Platter with Scrambled Eggs, Mickey Waffles and more. Adults will enjoy the breakfast cocktails, along with non-alcoholic beverages, coffees and teas.

Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom

RAINFOREST CAFE

  • Table service, Reservations required
  • Main Park Entrance
  • Between about $15 and $35 per person
  • Usually opens around 8:30 AM
  • Pre-park opening dining

Rainforest Cafe is a popular restaurant that has locations in Animal Kingdom and in Disney Springs. Breakfast isn’t necessarily going to knock your socks off here, but it is a great way to get into the park earlier than other guests.

You’ll find it located toward the front entrance of Animal Kingdom park, off to the left side. It’s even got it’s own entrance to the park, so you can avoid high traffic when you’ve finished your meal.

The restaurant is designed to entertain children with it’s immersive jungle theme, complete with fish tanks and animatronic tigers, gorillas, monkeys and reptiles. The menu consists of American cuisine with a rainforest theme.

Young children will enjoy the breakfast items designed for them, like the Breakfast of Bandits (eggs, bacon, toast & potato hash), Tonga Toast (think French Toast), Tuki’s Oatmeal or the Wild Waffle.

Adults will probably go more for Ozzie’s Omelette (omelette your way), Cisco & Pancho (flat iron steak with eggs) or the Breakfast Sliders (egg, bacon & cheese).

No matter what meal you end up with, expect to enter the park with a full stomach and a happy family – just don’t get caught in the Rainforest Cafe shop for long, there is far better merchandise inside Animal Kingdom!

Best Quick Service Breakfast at Animal Kingdom

Guests who don’t want to worry about reservations and would prefer to spend their dining credits or budget on lunch or dinner in Animal Kingdom still have several quick service options to choose from.

Colossal Cinnamon Roll at Animal Kingdom
Colossal Cinnamon Roll, Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Tamu Tamu Refreshments

KUSAFIRI COFFEE SHOP & BAKERY

  • Quick Service
  • Africa
  • $15 and under
  • African, American Bakery Cuisine
  • Opens with the park

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery is one of the best traditional breakfast options available in Animal Kingdom. Not only is it a great place for easing into the morning with a simple indoor dining area, but it also has delicious menu items.

The menu is full of pastries with an assortment of Muffins, Colossal Cinnamon Rolls, and Pistachio Honey Croissants. Each pair well with the Joffrey’s Coffee offerings like French Vanilla Cold Brew or a Cappucino.

For a more savory options, we like the Sausage, Egg and Cheese Biscuit. Kusafiri is definitely worth a visit for breakfast-lovers at Animal Kingdom.

Breakfast Bowl, Yak & Yeti

YAK & YETI LOCAL FOODS

  • Quick Service
  • Asia
  • $15 and under
  • American/Asian
  • Opens around 9:00am

Before or after your trip up the Forbidden Mountain on Expedition Everest, hit up this quick service stand for some great breakfast food. The Yak & Yeti doesn’t disappoint with their dinner options, and we feel they make the same effort with their breakfast dishes.

During the day they serve more Asian-inspired meals, but for breakfast they stick with the classics. You’ll find favorites like the Breakfast Bowls with eggs and sausage or English Muffins. Mix it up with a Yogurt Parfait, Fruit Salad or an order of Hash Browns.

Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwich, Tamu Tamu

TAMU TAMU REFRESHMENTS

  • Quick service
  • Africa
  • $15 and under
  • Snack Stand
  • Opens with the park

This stand is full of the sweet stuff, but also serves a delicious breakfast ever morning for park guests. Some of those early morning items include the Colossal Mickey Cinnamon Roll, Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit and a Guava and Cream Cheese Danish. 

All of these items are the same as what you’ll find inside Kusafiri Coffee Shop. These eateries are located in the same area of the Africa section, but you’ll be sitting under a covered outdoor area if you dine at Tamu Tamu Refreshments.

Throughout the day, you can come to this little stand for those famous Dole Whips either in the classic style or specially made with your choice of rum.

French Toast Sticks, Pongu Pongu

PONGU PONGU LOUNGE

  • Quick Service
  • Pandora
  • $15 and under
  • American
  • Opens with the park

Pongu Pongu Lounge is not necessarily a “lounge” in the traditional sense, but it does serve alcoholic beverages. There’s actually no place directly outside of this stand to “lounge” other than next door at Satul’i Canteen.

However, this is one of the only places serving real breakfast food in Animal Kingdom and we thing it’s spectacular! Try a Sausage and Egg Biscuit with Simply Orange Juice or get the French Toast Sticks with Milk.

Our favorite item served all day at this stand is the Pongu Lumpia – a Pineapple Cream Cheese Spring Roll, wrapping sweet flavors with a crunchy exterior.

CREATURE COMFORTS

  • Quick service
  • Discovery Island
  • Most items are well under $15
  • Usually opens with the park, or right before park opening

Our Starbucks lovers will appreciate this option. As you’re leaving Discovery Island for Africa, you’ll find Creature Comforts on the left side of the path.

It has all the usual Starbucks coffee drinks, teas and refreshers alongside Disney bakery items and La Boulange pastry treats.

If you enjoy Starbucks breakfast items like Sous Vide Egg Bites, Ham & Cheese Croissants, or a Seasonal Scone, this place will be your go-to breakfast stop.

Tiger Tail Pastry, Isle of Java

ISLE OF JAVA

  • Quick service
  • Discovery Island
  • $15 and under
  • Usually opens with the park, or right before park opening

Isle of Java is a great morning wake-up call located close to the entrance of the park at the front of Discovery Island. It’s a cozy little place perfect for your morning cup of java paired with a delectable treat.

Some of the best fresh treats here include the Tiger Tail Twist, Breakfast Biscuit or Cheese Danish.

This location has a selection of Joffrey’s Coffee, which is a nice breakaway from the usual Starbucks offerings. Try a French Roast Cold Brew or Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew to get the juices flowing.

HARAMBE FRUIT MARKET

  • Quick service
  • Africa
  • $15 and under
  • Usually opens with the park

Harambe Fruit Market is one of the only places in Animal Kingdom where you can find fresh fruit and healthy snacks. This cart seems to be made for healthy breakfast on the go, or healthy options in general.

For those who prefer a fruit-based breakfast, try a selection of Harambe’s Whole Fruits, get a Fresh Fruit Cup or order Apples with Caramel dipping sauce.

Other great options include a Simba Pretzel with Cheese dip, Cuties Mandarin 3 Pack or Mini Babybel Snack Cheese 3 Pack.

DRINKWALLAH 

  • Quick service
  • Asia & Africa
  • $15 and under
  • American
  • Opens with the park

You’ll smell this stand before you see it! Drinkwallah has delicious cinnamon-glazed nuts with assorted beverages and popcorn. The cart is great for snack time on the go, but don’t expect to get any larger meals here.

Our personal favorite menu item is the Cinnamon-glazed Pecans, which can make a great quick breakfast to take in line as you rope drop for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Animal Kingdom Restaurants That Start Serving Lunch Before Noon

We’re also including on this list all of the restaurants at Animal Kingdom that open at 11:00 AM. These locations do not have breakfast menus, but they can still be good options for guests who would like to have a late morning meal or early lunch.

SATU’LI CANTEEN

  • Quick service, Mobile Order Available
  • Pandora
  • $15 and under, with the exception of one menu item at $19
  • American

Satu’li Canteen is home to our most favorite quick service food in the park – bowls. While the assortment of chicken, beef or shrimp bowls with potatoes, rice or noodles is sure to hit the spot for a late lunch or dinner, there are a few options that could pass for breakfast.

Best Satu’li Canteen Lunch Items for Breakfast:

  1. Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse
  2. Cheeseburger Steamed Pods
  3. Chocolate Cake with Banana Cream Topping

NOMAD LOUNGE

  • Table service
  • Discovery Island
  • Between $15 and $35 per person
  • African, Asian & Latin Inspired

Nomad Lounge is a cool and classy hangout around the back side of Tiffins, with beautiful views of the river between Discovery Island and Pandora. The small plates here are exquisite and make a nice upscale meal to hold you over till dinner.

Best Nomad Lounge Lunch Items for Breakfast:

  1. Churros
  2. Tiffins Bread Service
  3. Falafel with Garlic Yogurt

YAK & YETI RESTAURANT

  • Table service
  • Asia
  • Between about $15 and $35 per person
  • American, Asian, Chinese Fusion

Yak & Yeti is another dinner favorite of ours. If you find yourself here at the start of lunch hour, choose from one of these dishes to get your day started.

Best Yak & Yeti Lunch Items for Breakfast:

  1. Wonton Soup
  2. Pork Pot Stickers
  3. Lo Mein Chicken

FLAME TREE BARBECUE

  • Quick service, Mobile Order available
  • Discovery Island
  • $15 and under
  • American

Flame Tree Barbecue is another great option for dinner at Animal Kingdom, but if you’re coming for an late morning meal you can find a few things to satisfy your breakfast cravings.

Best Flame Tree Barbecue Items for Breakfast:

  1. 1/2 Chicken
  2. Cupcakes
  3. Cuties Mandarin Orange

HARAMBE MARKET

  • Quick service, Mobile Order available
  • Africa
  • $15 and under
  • African

Harambe Market is a walk-up counter quick service location with ample outdoor seating. Guests will enjoy the unique selection of African dishes here, most making decent meals for early lunchtime on an empty stomach.

Best Harambe Market Lunch Items for Breakfast:

  1. Grilled Chicken Bowl
  2. Simba Cupcake
  3. Uncrustables

EIGHT SPOON CAFE

  • Quick service
  • Discovery Island
  • $15 and under
  • Opens around 10:30am

Eight Spoon Cafe specializes in all things macaroni and cheese – an American favorite for children and adults alike. This little cafe offers a nice seating area for you to rest awhile before you embark on your next adventure.

Best Eight Spoon Cafe Items for Breakfast:

  1. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
  2. Mickey Pretzel with Cheese

DINO DINER

  • Quick service
  • Dinoland, U.S.A.
  • $15 and under
  • American

Dino Diner has heartier meals fit for lunch that could make for a decent larger breakfast. The main ingredients for their American cuisine include hot dogs, chili cheese and corn chips.

Best Dino Diner Lunch Items for Breakfast:

  1. Churro
  2. Dino-Rama All Beef Hot Dog
  3. Dino-Rama Chili Cheese Dog

RESTAURANTOSAURUS

  • Quick service, Mobile Order available
  • Dinoland, U.S.A.
  • $15 and under
  • American

The menu options at Restaurantosaurus scream classic American lunch, as opposed to traditional American breakfast. Expect items like burgers and fries, sandwiches and chicken nuggets.

Best Restaurantosaurus Lunch Items for Breakfast:

  1. All-Beef Footlong Hot Dog
  2. Seasonal Cupcake
  3. Macaroni and Cheese

PIZZAFARI

  • Quick service, Mobile Order Available
  • Discovery Island
  • $15 and under
  • American

As indicated by the name, expect to get a variety of pizza and pizza-like dishes here. They have some great flatbreads and pizza, as well as good salads, soups and Garlic Knots.

Best Pizzafari Lunch Items for Breakfast:

  1. Cheese Pizza
  2. Greens and Grains Salad
  3. Bug-Shaped Graham Crackers

DINO-BITE SNACKS

  • Quick service
  • Dinoland, U.S.A.
  • $15 and under
  • American

If you’re the kind of parent who doesn’t mind their children having ice cream for breakfast, this is the place to be. Aside from frozen treats, this snack stand has your classic Mickey-shaped treats that’ll do for breakfast in a pinch.

Best Dino-Bite Snacks Lunch Items for Breakfast:

  1. Freshly-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie
  2. Mickey Pretzel

MAHINDI

  • Quick service
  • Asia
  • $15 and under
  • American

Mahindi is just a glorified popcorn stand, but who wouldn’t get popcorn for breakfast at Disney? Vacation can make you do some interesting things. Despite their lack of actual breakfast or lunch food, they are the best location for retrieving those coveted souvenir popcorn buckets.

Best Mahindi Lunch Items for Breakfast:

  1. Pop Secret Popcorn
  2. Minute Maid Lemonade

STILL PLANNING YOUR DISNEY WORLD VACATION?

Take a look at our massive guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation on a Budget. You’ll find lots of tips for dining, tickets, resorts, and everything else. A trip to Disney is an investment, so make it a smart one!