MARA at the Animal Kingdom Lodge?

[Disneyorl]

Our Magical trip is only 7 days away (8/24) !!!!!! We are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. What is the Mara like? Is it sort of like a food court like at the value resorts? Are the drinks separate on an island and do you walk up and order from each specialty area or do you wait in line?

Thanks so much for your help! I LOVE THIS BOARD!!

 

[madalex]

It has been a couple years, but here is what I recall. There is a place to order pizzas and other hot foods. They also have sandwiches, but I cannot recall if they are pre-made or not. There is a refrigerated section which has drinks and (I think) some cold foods, like salads. Overall, a nice place to pick up a quick meal.

 

[Harambe]

We love the Mara! But you must remember that the food (the hot items) is made to order, so it does take a few minutes to get your meals. We witness a lot of people huffin' and puffin' because they had to wait a few minutes!

One of my favorite lunches is a tub of the awesome kalamata olive hummus that they make at Boma, and sell in the refrigerated section of Mara. Then you can buy a bag of pita bread chips to go with them. You not going to find a cheaper and better lunch to eat out by the pool!

Other favorites of ours - Breakfast wrap, Chicken Tandoori pizza, fish and chips, and DS loves the chicken fingers. You can also get the (way overrated, IMO) zebra domes here.

 

[Disneyorl]

Also, do you know if they have a microwave in the seating area? We have a little one.

 

[bearzabout]

It is not as large as other food courts, but Mara offers some great different options.

There is an area to order hot food and one line forms. I like the fried shrimp dinner. Their african salad is good also. The soups are always great and a bargain too - $2.50 for a cup of butternut squash, chicken pepperpot or the soup of the day. To just order soup, I walk up directly to that area if there is no one is standing in front of it.

Make sure to pick up some zebra dome/chocolate mousse crunch in take out containers. I like the chocolate mousse crunch the most.

There are bottled drinks for sale, but I think you buy a cup and then refill at the soda station in the dining area after you clear the registers.

There is some outdoor dining, but the birds can be obnoxious. There is a TV playing cartoons for the kids in the inside dining area.

 

[wendypooh]

We enjoyed Mara too!!! The food here is really good, I especially like the African Stew!!!! They have a decent variety of items. We also enjoyed the breakfast, we are not big breakfast eaters and therefore tend to not want a big buffet, so this was perfect! Again, the hot food is made to order, and there is a refrig. case with many cold options. From what I recall, yes, there is a microwave for your use. You can purchase beverages from the cooler, or you can buy the refillable mug. We plan on eating here again for a few meals in 2 weeks!!!!

 

[Allensfan]

Do you use the counter service option on the dining plan there??

 

[WAHMto5]

Sounds great! Looking foward to trying it next month also!!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

We loved the Mara there is a hot food section and then a salad soup section. There is a cold fridge section and a breakfast coffee/donut area. The food was good and the kids meals were not to bad either. It is right next to the pool and very user friendly. The line got a little long one day at lunch but that is to be expected this time of the year. This is part of the reason we switched our November ressie to AKL from BWV. You will enjoy this place it is an upscale food court IMO.

 

[Nik's Mom]

We loved Mara! Be sure to pick up some zebra domes for dessert!

 

[mmmears]

I'm so glad to hear this from all of you. We've been worried about where to eat lunch some of the days we're staying at AKL. (But not enough to not stay there!). Since there are no other restaurants nearby, I'm so relieved to hear that Mara is a place worth eating at!

 

[ZebraDomeCrazy]

Mara isn't as large as the food courts at the All Star Resorts, but it doesn't really need to be. The hot selections are delicious, especially the soups! There are plenty of pre-packaged selections in the refrigerated section, including some nice wines (the Victoria Falls Lounge will open your bottle and give you wine glasses to take back to your room, also). Try and hit Boma, if not for dinner, then atleast for breakfast - order the Frunch - (fruit juice). And of course, get some Zebra Domes !!!! YUM!!! Have a great trip, enjoy the hotel - take some time to explore the art there, all of the corridors are full of it - Really special place. Have fun! JANE

 

[pilferk]

Do you use the counter service option on the dining plan there??

Yes you can.

 

[CPer'sMom]

We just got back yesterday from 4 days at AKL (our 4th stay there) ~~ Had a great room (Kudu trail), best animal viewing we have ever had there. We'd booked 'pool' view this time to save a bit since this was a trip planned at the last minute but were upgraded to Savannah at check-in (No, we didn't ask).

I agree that Mara has a very nice selection of food offerings. For anyone on the DDP - Mara has big baskets of items labeled "Snack Option" so it's easy to see what you can choose for that.

Enjoy your AKL stay ~~ you'll love the resort