Can you enter the Rainforest Cafe without

[disfanforlife]

going in the Animal Kingdom? We have never been to Rainforest before and were thinking about trying it on our next visit. We are staying at AK and thought it would be nice to eat somewhere the first night not to far and not have to go into the park. I know there is also one in DTD. Are they both the same?

 

[Brian_WDW74]

Yes, you can eat at Rainforest without entering AK. It's located right outside the park entrance, on the left.

 

[lecach]

I think they may have earlier closing hours since the park closes fairly early. Not sure. I do know that after the park closes there wont be buses to get you back to the hotel. If you're driving I guess thats not a problem.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Yes, but be aware that AK probably closes at 5 or 6pm. I would think you could eat as late as 6pm and still get transportation back to your resort. If you try to take a bus over to AK that late you may run into issues though.

While I have dined at a RFC before, I've not dined at either one at WDW. I have read reviews though that say the one at AK is better. I also think the new T-Rex dining at DTD has good reviews. It is run by the same company.

One more tip. For $15 you can join the safari club. You get either a free appetizer (only a certain one ,and you must also get an entree) or 10% off each meal. Plus, after you join (and I think after you use the card) you get a coupon good for $10. The coupons are only valid for one month, but the club card can be used at most Landry's restaurants. If by chance you live near another Landry's place: http://www.landrysrestaurants.com/ Not all of their concept places qualify, and they no longer own Joe's Crab Shack. You also get 10% off any merchandise.

 

[tinks_1989]

I think they may have earlier closing hours since the park closes fairly early. Not sure. I do know that after the park closes there wont be buses to get you back to the hotel. If you're driving I guess thats not a problem.

Its is correct the restruant shuts rougly the same time well that was the case when we went in october

we went to both Animal Kingdom and Downtown disney and Downtown disney deffintly has more of an atmosphere and is open a lot later

 

[DansBride2009]

My mom and I did this one year, and I would suggest leaving a lot of time for eating at the Rainforest Cafe. I don't know if service has improved, but it took forever to get our food.

That said, we really enjoyed ourselves, we liked looking at all the people and shopping while we waited, it was a good experience. Just know it's not going to be a fast meal. We go to rainforest cafes at every city we go to if they have one; we don't have one where we live, and we love them.

Have fun ! Even though it's slow service, you should really enjoy it.

I'm not sure about park closing times either. I'd just assume like everyone else that it closes when Animal Kingdom closes.

And get a Volcano to share for dessert !

 

[aubriee]

I think they may have earlier closing hours since the park closes fairly early. Not sure. I do know that after the park closes there wont be buses to get you back to the hotel. If you're driving I guess thats not a problem.

No exactly true (unless it's changed recently)! My GD and I had an ADR there a couple of years ago for after the park closed. As we walked out that night, there were quite a few people standing around, and a CM standng there with a walkie talkie thingy. He asked us where everyone needed to go, then called a bus. Two buses arrived over at the closest bus stop at same time and he told us which bus to get on. The bus went to several resorts (that were in the same area) and dropped people off. When we left RFC there was alot of people still in there eating.

 

[disfanforlife]

Thanks so much everyone for all of the info. I did not even think about the hours. But our flight arrives at noon. So, I am sure an early dinner that evening would be great. Since we are staying at Kidani Villas couldn't we walk if the bus wasn't running or is that too far? Again haven't stayed there before.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Personally, with all due respect...if I was staying at Kidani villas, I'd make a point of eating at the new place there!! Have fun! I'm totally jealous!

 

[disfanforlife]

Personally, with all due respect...if I was staying at Kidani villas, I'd make a point of eating at the new place there!! Have fun! I'm totally jealous!

Yes, you are right and that is what I would like to do. Not sure how the kids feel about African inspired food though.....They are not the most adventurous eaters shall we say!

 

[PrincessBelle39]

Can someone tell me about the new place at Kidani Villas? We are also looking at RFC for one night and also Boma for another.

 

[Traveliz]

Thanks so much everyone for all of the info. I did not even think about the hours. But our flight arrives at noon. So, I am sure an early dinner that evening would be great. Since we are staying at Kidani Villas couldn't we walk if the bus wasn't running or is that too far? Again haven't stayed there before.

No they don't allow walking between AK and AKL.

Liz

 

[aubriee]

Thanks so much everyone for all of the info. I did not even think about the hours. But our flight arrives at noon. So, I am sure an early dinner that evening would be great. Since we are staying at Kidani Villas couldn't we walk if the bus wasn't running or is that too far? Again haven't stayed there before.

Disney would not allow you to walk from AK to Kidani Villas (traffic, alligators, no pathways, etc). However, I assure that buses will still be there waiting for people to finish eating. Disney will not leave you stranded. I've done this three different times and buses are always waiting. They may drop people off at several resorts, but with the Kidani Villas being so close, you should be the first ones off.

I agree with the previous poster though and would love to try the new African/Indian inspired restaurant at the Kidani Villas. In fact, I'm not even staying there, but plan to try it in May.