Giraffes at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • On Dec 27, 2025
    Katherine from VA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    If i land at mco at 6:35 and am staying at animal kingdom lodge where should i eat dinner the first night?

    Jambo, Katherine, and welcome to planDisney!

    Your stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is just around the corner, and I'm sure you're counting down the days. With its incredible theming and stunning savannas, this resort is truly a sight to behold. Just wait until you step inside that jaw-dropping lobby! I promise it will take your breath away. 

    Of course, one of my favorite things about Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is the FOOD, so I'm super excited to help you plan your arrival-day dinner! Since your flight lands in Orlando at 6:35 PM, your stomach will probably be rumbling by the time you hit the ground. Remember that you'll also need to allow time to collect any baggage and make your way to The Most Magical Place on Earth, so it will probably be pretty late by the time you arrive at your resort. 

    Since you'll be arriving late and HUNGRY, I highly suggest "staying local" and eating right there at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. As far as I'm concerned, the resort offers some of the best food on property, so you're definitely in for a treat! But while you'll find several great table-service restaurants at the resort (don't sleep on the Indian-Style Bread Service at Sanaa!), I always avoid advance dining reservations on arrival day. There are just so many things that could make you late, and stressing about cancellation fees on the first day of vacation is nobody's idea of fun! 

    Instead, I suggest heading over to The Mara for a quick arrival-day dinner. This popular quick-service location offers plenty of delicious options for dinner and late-night dining, and is generally open until around 11 PM. You can even mobile order your meal ahead of time through your My Disney Experience app, so you won't have to wait another minute to feed your hungry belly.

    After a good night's rest, you'll be all ready for an early reservation at Boma - Flavors of Africa! This buffet-style breakfast is the perfect way to kick off your magical Disney World vacation!

    Katherine, I hope you have a wonderful stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, and that you're wild about all the dining options at this beautiful Walt Disney World resort! If you have any more questions, you know where to find us here at planDisney!

    See ya real soon,

    Allison

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Meet the Panelist: Allison, New Jersey

Hello, I'm Allison. I'm a wife, mom, and writer with a lifelong love of Disney magic! Like Belle, I’m a book-loving dreamer who’s always ready for the next adventure...especially if it involves castles, pixie dust, and Mickey-shaped treats! To me, every Walt Disney World vacation is a story waiting to be told, and I can’t wait to help you write your most magical chapter yet! Learn More About Allison

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