The Mara — Restaurant in Bay Lake

The Animal Kingdom Lodge consistently ranks among the top five resorts for dining, and after enjoying this establishment for two decades, I am not at all surprised by its reputation. Tonight’s experience was no exception.

In 2020, the Disney Food Blog rated this hotel as number one based on its culinary offerings. By 2024, Sanaa had earned the distinction of being the third-best resort restaurant, and in 2025, the Animal Kingdom Lodge was ranked second in the article “A Definitive Ranking of EVERY Disney World Hotel Based on Their Restaurants.”

We ordered a combination of adult and children's meals, featuring a selection that ranged from classic choices to more adventurous options, ensuring that everyone in our group found something to suit their tastes without compromise.

It is worth noting that dietary needs are easily accommodated at this location. Additionally, be sure to check the cooler, as they often have various options available there.

While we utilized the Disney Dining Plan to pay for our meal, cash payments are also accepted if that better suits your family's preferences.

Food The dishes were prepared fresh after our order was placed. The pepperoni flatbread was delightful, generously topped. The Chermoula-spiced Shrimp Bowl served as a fitting conclusion to the day, offering a more adventurous option with grilled shrimp, pilaf rice, kale slaw, cucumber-tomato salad, and chermoula sour cream. The children's meal was fresh, featuring healthy options, albeit a standard offering across the property.

Service The staff is consistently helpful in addressing any questions regarding your order or the dining plan options.

Atmosphere Although classified as a quick-service location, it stands out as one of the better options in my opinion. Guests can enjoy a diverse array of food selections, as well as both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant offers a variety of sauces and condiments that are not always readily available at...

🥙 The Mara is the perfect quick-service spot for guests staying at Jambo House—or anyone visiting Animal Kingdom Lodge and craving a fast, flavorful meal without sacrificing quality.

Tucked just off the pool area, The Mara is casual, convenient, and surprisingly delicious. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast before a park day or refueling after a late night at Boma or the parks, this spot delivers.

☀️ Breakfast favorites include the African-inspired breakfast platter, croissant sandwiches, and a no-frills Mickey waffle plate for the kids (or adults who believe in magic). Coffee is available, but mobile order is your friend here to skip the morning rush.

🍕 Lunch and dinner offer flatbreads, burgers, salads, and standout items like the chicken rice bowl, African stew, and the ever-popular grains and greens bowl. Portions are generous, and there’s always a vegetarian or plant-based option ready to go.

🍫 Dessert? One word: Zebra Domes. Yes, you can get them here individually packaged—no buffet needed! You’ll also find seasonal treats and classic Disney sweets.

🧃 Drinks include fountain beverages, coffee, tea, and some grab-and-go wine and beer options if you’re winding down for the evening.

🪑 Plenty of indoor seating plus a few shaded outdoor tables near the pool. Great for a mid-day break or a snack while the kids swim.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Mara nails the balance of convenience, variety, and quality. A true hidden gem in the world of Disney...

Ordered from my mobile phone in the disney app, with a window of 9.30pm to 10pm. We arrived at 9.30pm and clicked the "I'm here" prompt. We didnt get our food until 10.15pm at least. We saw tons of people with later orders, as well as walk-ins get their food before us. I asked at least 4 cast members about my order, and all of them assured me it was coming "soon". At 10.10pm approx, the manager on the floor just tells me they have no chicken for my bowl and to choose some substitution dish, to just look at "whatever they have and let her know". As I looked perplexed someone came into the prepping area and she said "oh chicken is here", without giving my presence a second thought. The most awkward and strange interaction with dinning so far at disney (everything else has been really great except this resort dinning experience). No apologies, no help, bad customer service all in all. My kids simply fell asleep on the table waiting. After I got my food I had to return 3 times for items they forgot, or got wrong. Also most of my food items were cold of course, as they had boxed them early and didn't bother remaking them when the chicken arrived. The food was good, barring the cold items, but the experience left us a really bad taste...