Lunch at Sanaa – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney is known for some of its fantastic food and experiences. I wanted to try a few popular Disney World resort restaurants during a spring trip to Orlando, Florida. Even though we weren’t planning on visiting any of the Disney theme parks, I booked a lunch reservation at Sanaa.
Sanaa is located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village. It offers a unique dining experience as exotic animals roam the Sunset Savanna outside the restaurant window while you dine on African cooking with Indian influences.
We arrived at the resort a little early to walk outside to see the animals before our dining reservation. Because we had a reservation, we had no trouble parking at the resort. We briefly explored this beautiful resort before our 1 pm reservation. We walked outside to an animal viewing area of the Pembe Savannah, where a knowledgeable cast member, greeted us and answered our questions about the animals.
We were not seated at a table directly beside a window but still reasonably close, under the large tree in the middle of the restaurant. From our table, we could see the animals that roamed around just outside, all of the large windows that line one wall of the restaurant.
Children under the age of 10 are considered adults, which was disappointing to our 10-year-old, who had to order off the adult menu. However, he did try something new and enjoyed his meal. All of the kids tried new things. We ordered the Indian-style Bread Service, which has 5 different breads and 9 Accompaniments (dips, as we told the kids). All the kids tried the bread and sauces (avoiding the spicier fare).
The kids went pretty simple with their meals and ordered naan cheese pizzas. Jude ordered the Sanaa burger topped with spiced mustard and goat cheese. He removed the goat cheese. Joe ordered the Mishkaki, which is a Gingered Braai Beef Kabab with Kenyan Mukimo and Braised Greens. I ordered the Potjie Inspired, where I got to select my Journey, braised beef, and my Harvest, Lentil Dhal (pictured).
All of the kids’ meals came with a choice of dessert, and the 3 younger boys selected the African Shield Dessert, which was a shield-shaped cookie with icing “paint” that you decorated yourself, and also a chocolate cake topped with ice cream.
Because Jude was too old for the kid’s menu, we let him order an adult dessert he and I shared, the African Triple Chocolate Mousse. (pictured) It was delicious!
It was a pricey lunch, but the food was excellent, an experience we will remember for a long time. Our food was terrific, the service was excellent, and the view was spectacular. If you get the chance, I highly recommend trek to Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village to eat at Sanaa.
