Question about The Mara

[jesusluvsu2005]

We'd like to eat here for a counter service when we're visiting the Animal Kingdom. How hard is it to get from the Animal Kingdom to the AKL? Is it in the park? Thanks!
God bless,
Amanda

 

[TDC Nala]

The Lodge is not at the park and it is not within walking distance. If you do not have a car, you should take a bus from Animal Kingdom Park to Animal Kingdom Lodge.

There are several counter services in the Animal Kingdom itself if you do not want to leave the park.

 

[jesusluvsu2005]

Will that take very long (to do the bus)? I'd really like to eat there but also hate to take away too much park time, kwim?
Thanks!
God bless,
Amanda

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't think they have anything there you can't get in the park. If you want to see the lodge, that's another thing.

The bus ride itself takes about 10 minutes. It's waiting for the bus that can be tricky. You can catch one at the stop, or you might have to wait 20 minutes for one.

 

[jesusluvsu2005]

I'm wanting the chicken pita with couscous and dh is wanting the double cheeseburger. I can't find the pita on any other CS there and I don't remember seeing the burger either. It would be neat to see the lodge also. Would it be faster if we drove to the AK and then the lodge? Or about the same? Thanks so much!
God bless,
Amanda

 

[720L]

AK and AKL are about 5 minutes away from each other.

 

[disnut8]

I'm wanting the chicken pita with couscous and dh is wanting the double cheeseburger. I can't find the pita on any other CS there and I don't remember seeing the burger either. It would be neat to see the lodge also. Would it be faster if we drove to the AK and then the lodge? Or about the same? Thanks so much!
God bless,
Amanda

If you drove to Animal Kingdom, you will have to deal with the tram from your space to the front of the park. And then back again to go to the Lodge. And then drive over to the Lodge. And park and walk to the lobby. And then back again. And you would have a three hour parking pass.

If you left your car at Animal Kingdom and took the bus, you would have to walk to the Animal Kingdom Lodge bus stop, wait until that bus gets there (I've never waited more than 10 minutes), board and be at the Lodge in 10 minutes. You'd be dropped off close to the lobby and you have no time limit.

In this case, I think taking the bus is going to be better.

 

[nytimez]

The Mara is OK -- but I don't think it's worth going out of your way just to eat there.

 

[TDC Nala]

The Mara is OK -- but I don't think it's worth going out of your way just to eat there.

I agree with this. Boma and Jiko are a different story but neither serves lunch.

However, the OP seems to have specific dishes picked out that she wants.

 

[Ron_G]

I agree w/ the others here, Mara is more for onsite guests to grab a quick bite or snack. Hardly worth the hassle to get there from the park.

 

[PatriciaH]

They have some of the soups from Boma at the Mara (different ones each day.) The falafel is great too. They also have Zebra Domes. We go there for dinner sometimes

 

[720L]

The Mara is my favorite resort food court because: it is usually not busy and is a lot quieter than any food court I've been in. I like the food selection, there are a few different things you can only get there. If you want to see AKL and have the time to spare, I think this is a great idea instead of spending a lot of money on Boma or Jiko.

 

[jesusluvsu2005]

Thanks everyone! I will consider going somewhere else but I'll just see where that day takes us when we're there. I really would like to eat there but we'll see. Thanks!!
God bless,
Amanda