by Fairy Diva
Nestled between DinoLand U.S.A. and the ride, DINOSAUR, is one of my family’s favorite counter service locations in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Restaurantosaurus. While easily overlooked, this restaurant provides great food to “dig” into, a quirky environment, and a large, cool seating area. It is sure to please everyone in your travel party. Here are a few reasons why my family loves Restaurantosaurus, and why it is always included in our travel plans when at Animal Kingdom.
The theme of Restaurantosaurus is quite unique and very quirky. The backstory, because everything at Walt Disney World has one, is that the home base of a group of Paleontology students was turned into a restaurant, so that all could view their equipment and props while eating. So that explains the chairs and gadgets on the rooftop directly above the entrance. It seems as though the group has recently been around and left everything sitting about throughout their home base. Once inside, guests are greeted with even more interesting items. Dinosaur memorabilia, maps, and other various items are spread throughout the restaurant. We notice something new with every visit. And the camper you see from the front actually contains tables that you can sit and eat at!
While the décor of Restaurantosaurus is great, the food is as well! This quick service restaurant serves a variety of foods like Angus Bacon Cheeseburgers, Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, Chicken Nuggets, Chili Cheese Hot Dogs, Black Bean Burgers and Roasted Chicken with Mixed Green Salads. Additional side items for purchase are Chili Cheese Fries and New England Clam Chowder. One of the greatest features at Restaurantosaurus is the toppings bar. A wide variety of toppings, both hot and premium, are available to personalize your meal exactly as you wish. Desserts include a warm chocolate turtle brownie and a delicious strawberry-topped cheesecake.
Kid’s Meals include Turkey Wraps, Uncrustables, Cheeseburgers and Corn Dog Nuggets. All kids’ meals are served in a Sand Pail with a Shovel. My children look forward to this meal every time simply because of the sand bucket! Keep up with your pails and shovels and use them across the path at The Boneyard, a play and dig area for kids. Additional information on The Boneyard is here.
While one of the most popular quick service locations at Animal Kingdom is Flame Tree Barbecue, and rightly so because the food is delicious, Restaurantosaurus is a great change of pace when you are not feeling barbecue or would simply like to dine indoors, with air conditioning! The seating area is quite large and holds many visitors, so finding a table isn’t usually too difficult. The location next to DinoLand U.S.A. and DINOSAUR keeps you immersed in the theming of the area.
Overall, my family loves Restaurantosaurus. We try to plan either lunch or dinner here during our day at Animal Kingdom. The dinosaur theme and sand pails win my kids over, and my husband is a huge fan of the toppings bar. The variety of menu items pleases everyone. Restaurantosaurus counts as one quick service meal credit if you are using the Disney Dining plan. If you haven’t dined at Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, give it a try. I am sure you will “dig” it as much as my family does!
