Rainforest Cafe vs Boma? Or is this RC any better than the rest of the chain?

[RockyMtnMaria]

I'll tell you right off that I am prejudiced towards Boma because I've been in RC's in several other parts of the country, and haven't had a decent meal there for quite a while. We go every now and then for the children, but last time even they weren't all that interested. BUT... I am thinking that as hot as AK is supposed to be, it might be a nice long AIR CONDITIONED break before we head back out for the parade.

We currently have a 6pm ressie for Boma, but I was thinking of moving it to 1:30 so we could get out of the heat for a while. If we do this, we would probably stop back at AK for our last morning, which is currently free time.

Is there something special about the Rainforest Cafe here? Is it different or better than the others in the chain? And would I be wasting too much travel time going to AKL and back? We could just go back to the POP instead, but I would think it would take longer.

 

[java]

Nothing different than the rest of the chain IMHO. Except a longer wait LOL!

 

[Disneyfriend]

I'd stick with Boma. It's a fabulous dinner, and a very unique one. Plus, Boma is open only for breakfast and dinner - no lunch.

Now, Boma is truly unusual. I don't find it overly spicy, but one should probably be a slightly adventurous eater to go there. If you and/or the rest of your family is a strictly "meat and potatoes only" type eater, I'd recommend you consider skipping Boma.

However, we thought it was one of our best meals from our last trip, and probably the best buffet meal we've ever been to. My kids (7 and 10 last trip) found plenty there to keep them happy. But, again, if you're looking for nothing but chicken fingers/hamburgers/meatloaf, there's probably not a huge reason to go to Boma's for dinner.

Another option (though slightly expensive) would be to go to RFC for a lunch break. Maybe have an early light lunch there and cool down - let the kids soak up the atmosphere. Most kids do enjoy the atmosphere of the Rainforest Cafe. Then keep your Boma reservations as well.

HTH,

Disneyfriend

ps - I'm going to PM you; I think I might recognize you from another board . . .

 

[pilferk]

I have to say, I'd go with Boma's too, provided you and your family are even slightly adventerous eaters. As the previous poster said...you're not gonna find a lot of "comfort foods" on the buffet. But what you will find is trully remarkable stuff. I agree, it's the best buffet I've ever eaten at and a stupendous meal, overall.

The zebra domes on the dessert menu are worth the price of dinner, themselves. But they're just a star amongst stars. The mango vinagrette dressing, the Chicken Salad with Chili and Cilantro, the Chicken Corn Porridge Soup, the Potatoes with Afritude, and EVERYTHING over at their meat station....to die for. And those are just some of the standard highlights, and that's just dinner. Breakfast is just as good (Frunch!!!). It's making me salivate just thinking about it all.

The Rainforest? You could get the same, or better, quality food at any sit down family style place (Applebees, Chili's, etc) in the country. And, fyi, we ate at the AKL version and, IMHO, the best reason to eat there...the air conditioning...was nice, but working no where near well enough to make it a worthwhile stop. Maybe it was just "on the fritz" that day, but it was still humid and somewhat sticky inside.

 

[dee slack]

does anyone know if there are dishes without meat at Boma's? I'm not too bothered about true meat-free /vegetarian dishes - I'm totally fine to fill up on veggie side dishes if they have a few to choose from.

 

[pilferk]

LOTS of them (meat free). Grains, starches, and veggies aplenty.

I wouldn't count on them being "vegan" meals, which you say you're not real worried about, but certainly LOTS of choices for no meat stuff.

 

[Nasus]

Definitely Boma! I have 2 very picky eaters and they loved it. The squash soup is delicious, well I liked them all!
Susan

 

[Michelina]

I vote for Boma as well, the RC at AK is no different than one you'd find at the mall. We ate one of our worst meals ever at WDW there. Even though we had a PS, there was a very long wait to get in and service was very rushed. This was probably 2 or 3 years ago so things might have changed by now.

 

[RockyMtnMaria]

Thanks! We will definitely stick to Boma. I didn't realize that they were closed for lunch. We will need to find other ways to cool off. I didn't realize that The Lion King was air conditioned (it was hot when we were there in Nov. so it must have been off) so maybe we can just go see it multiple times!

 

[dee slack]

thanks pilferk and nasus that's good to know and less embarassing than asking if we can look at the food before we decide whether to eat there or not!!! Will definately include it in our ADR's when it's time.
Thnks again!
Dee

 

[DisneyConvert]

We have a RC not too far away in Central Jersey.
It's ok. The reasonably boring food, slightly higher prices and gift shop gauntlet seem to make up for the slight entertainment value of the decor.

We've been to Boma twice during our last few visits to WDW and have been consistently pleased. The CM's are fun, the decor is interesting and attractive, the food is diverse and tasty.

If you're at AK, I'd go Counter Service and enjoy a fine meal (especially for the $$) at Tusker House or Flame Tree. IMO, these are two of the best CS deals at WDW.

 

[Disney owl]

Don't think you can compare the 2

Boma is miles better

Only eaten at RFC at AK once & in no rush to eat ther again. Very overpriced IMHO>

Great shop though

 

[flamestarrdust]

I haven't even been to Boma to do a comparison for you. However I can say after going to RFC, your best bet is to go to Boma. I did not like the food from RFC at all. Definitely not worth the price.

 

[ryley26]

Another vote for Boma love the food. DSIL is a vegetarian and she goes every year with us and loves it.

 

[dee slack]

Another vote for Boma love the food. DSIL is a vegetarian and she goes every year with us and loves it.

thats so good to know - will definately be making ADR as soon as the time comes.

 

[Schucraig]

Go to Boma, without a doubt!