Has anybody eaten at the Rainforest Cafe?

[Julia Ann]

I fancy eating at the Rainforest Cafe when I visit in August, has anybody eaten there? Is there much difference between the one at AK and Down Town Disney? I saw it from the outside last time we were there (oct 2001) but thought you had to book etc. but it turns out that you don't.
What is it like inside - we don't normally eat in the "disney/themed" restaurants because I thought that you would need to book early and they would be expensive. Any tips?

 

[Tony Bush]

Julia,

We ate in the Downtown one in 2000 and the Animal Kingdom one last month. Both are almost identical inside, although I seem to remember that the DTD one was slightly bigger (may be my memory playing tricks though!)
We had a long wait for the DTD but you can request a table and then go off to explore the shops until your reservation time.

The one at Animal Kingdom worked even better for us as all we did was make a reservation for later when we arrived at the park in the morning (Good tip here is to make your reservation and then walk through the shop as there is an entrance turnstile to Animal Kingdom at the back - a good way to beat any crowds at the normal entrance!)

They are both themed the same inside - just like a rainforest canopy overhead with lots of animatronic animals (Gorillas, elephants etc.) There are a couple of huge tropical fish tanks as well. Every so often they have a tropical 'thunderstorm' where all the lights dim, the thunder rumbles and strobes create a lightning effect!! - It's a lovely setting to eat, and is my wife's favourite Orlando restaurant.

They are not overly expensive - our meal for 4 came to $64. (3 adults meals and 1 kids meal @$5.99) You also get a 15% off certificate for the Rainforest shop - so don't buy before you eat!!

They also have their own website -
www.rainforestcafe.com

Tony

 

[Scottish_Maleficent]

We have eaten at the rainforest cafe twice, both at DTD.
The first time was in 2000, and we had lunch. We were one of the first guests of the day and the place was very quiet. The food was great, and the service couldn't be faulted.
HOWEVER
we visited again in February last year, because we enjoyed it before so much. We were so disappointed. The service was awful, the food was just OK, and we just did not enjoy the experience at all. So much so I don't plan to visit again this year.
But we did enjoy the first time - maybe we were just unlucky last time.

 

[Mr Ed]

We ate at the AK one in dec 2001, walked straight in about 12/12:30, without a reservation, sat straight down. The service was good, as was the food & my kids(7 & 4 at the time) loved the place. The portions were on the large side. The cost was reasonable. Perfect to break up the day before returning refreshed to the park.

We have also tried the one in the Trafford Centre in Manchester and although the setting is just the same, the overall experience isn't as good, but worth a try if you live anywhere near.

Cheers
.Ed

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Last time I went was in Nov 2000 to the one at AK - we made a PS on the day at the front desk for late lunch and it was soooo much better than I was expecting. I soooo loved the crushed red potatoes...........mmmmm I must put that on my to do list for my next trip

Went to the the one in London and thought it was rubbish, service, food, ambience all sucked