For a Disney counter service (quick-service) restaurant, The Mara is one of the best on property! They are a little bit tucked away by the pool and other restaurants, but they're worth seeking out if you are staying there. For one, their menu offers some great African-inspired options, like bowls and flatbreads. If you really just want standard fare (burgers, chicken fingers), they have you covered too, but I would strongly advise going for one of their more themed offerings. Their staff is usually pretty friendly and helpful. I've never had any negative interactions. If you're dining in, they have a fairly spacious seating area, which is nicely themed to the resort itself. It's quick-service, though, so a lot of folks seem to take their food to-go. The prices are what you'd expect for Disney dining. You can find options on a budget if you're really focused on that, though. Don't skip dessert! They have seasonal rotating options, plus standard menu items that do not disappoint! I found it very difficult to decide between them, and I was always quite happy with my choices! It's a little hidden, Disney-priced, and does not have an exceptionally big menu, but what they do have is diverse, delicious, and convenient. I really do think this is one of the best counter service options in all of the Disney World Resorts! read more

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The Mara is an easy grab and go spot at this resort if you're staying on the Jambo side. They serve breakfast & lunch/dinner, close at 11PM. My main issues with the place have to do with inconsistency in sizing, as well as receiving a wrong order. After a long day at the park, the worst thing was definitely grabbing a pick up order and getting to our room-- finding out after the walk it's the wrong order-- to then walk back and they've closed the grill at 10:30pm. This + traveling with an infant was pretty defeating! I think if I stayed at this resort again I might venture off more just based off this experience. read more

You'd think a quick-service spot inside Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge would roar with flavor. Instead, The Mara served me a burger that whimpered. I ordered the classic burger and a soda, expecting at least a hearty patty -- maybe two, since the menu photo made it look like it worked out at the lodge gym. What I got was a lukewarm single patty that looked tired of existing. The bun was fine, the toppings forgettable, and the soda machine did its job better than the kitchen. The setting is nice enough -- you can grab a seat, sip your drink, and enjoy the lodge atmosphere. But the food? Sad. Just sad. Disney magic deserves better than a burger that feels like it gave up before I even unwrapped it. It's fuel, not flavor. If you're starving, it'll do. But if you're hoping for something memorable, look elsewhere in the Lodge -- or at least pack patience along with your appetite. read more

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During a recent stay at The Animal Kingdom lodge we had the opportunity to visit here for some quick meals before and after our visits to the parks. Firstly I must say that if you don't want to wait in line take advantage of ordering ahead on line through the Disney Experience app. This is true for most of the quick serve locations throughout Disney properties! Each time we went here it was a bit chilly inside the dining room but we were able to eat outside near the pool and it was quiet and very clean. Coffee is fresh and hot. Oatmeal was delicious, and also served very hot. For dinners we got the South African vegetable bowl (a few times-it was that good) and the falafel platter (also very good). Both had ample servings, was served hot. Everyone working there was friendly and attentive. But do expect anything less from Disney? read more

Great place to grab a meal while enjoying your stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. They have SO many food choices to choose from: hot, cold, grab and go, pre-packaged. Or if you are just wanting to relax with a beverage, perfect place to grab a coffee and relax on the outdoor patio and people watch. Don't forget to wear your Magic Band to pay $$$. BTW, it's a great place after visiting a Disney Park for a snack before bed. They close at 11PM. read more

I LOVE THE MICKEY WAFFLES!! Came here for breakfast twice while here on our stay. The Mickey waffles are just as I remember as a child. Super soft and pillowy and thick I love the addition of whipped cream and fruit and the side of bacon was nice! The Savannah platter was also a staple for me this trip getting in my protein before a long day at the park is just what I needed. I can't complain with this quick service dining. The staff were friendly and attentive as well. I would defintely come here again. read more

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We went here for an early dinner on a weekday so the place was pretty empty. It was quiet and really clean. The staff was nice and friendly It's located near the pool area of the Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. There were decent amount of food choices. It was African themed but they also have American food choices. I got the Harissa Spiced Beef Bowl. It's a beef stew with kale salad rice and guacamole. It was really good. And it's a huge serving. My son got the cheese flat bread which was also good. We got the cookie brownie for dessert which was delicious. It was sweet but not too sweet. The best part is that the price is pretty reasonable especially for a Disney resort. read more

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Fast, flavorful, and full of little surprises--The Mara is more than just a grab-and-go. Named after the Mara River in Africa, this spot keeps the wild flavors flowing, even when you're short on time or wrangling a toddler mid-rope drop breakfast dash. It's your go-to for breakfast before a day at Animal Kingdom, a quick bite after a pool session, or a late-night craving fix after you've stuffed yourself at Boma and swore you wouldn't eat again. (Spoiler: you will.) Breakfast? They keep it classic. Mickey waffles? Of course. Bacon, eggs, breakfast platters, pastries--all there. And for something a little different, the French toast bread pudding makes a surprise cameo now and then. Coffee is Joffrey's, and it hits just right at 7am before you hop the bus to Harambe Market. Lunch & Dinner Highlights: This is where The Mara gets fun. You've got your burgers and nuggets for the kids or comfort crew--but if you venture off the beaten path? The Braaivleis Platter: A legit little taste of the flavors you'd find at Boma, with spiced meats and a bit of adventure. Butternut Squash Soup: YES it's here. YES it's just as good as Boma's. YES you can mobile order it. Zebra Domes in the Grab 'n' Go case: IYKYK. Chermoula Chicken Bowl or Falafel Bowl (when offered): Flavor-packed and lighter for those looking to stay fresh before a safari stroll. It's indoor and outdoor seating, always clean, always chill. You might see a peacock stroll by outside. You might hear drums from the lobby. It's all part of the vibe. The Vibe: Casual but not boring. The Mara isn't flashy--it's reliable. It's the kind of spot that CMs know about, and locals seek out on chill staycations because it delivers flavor without the fuss. It's also a great place to duck into during a rainy day or park break. Cast Member/Local Pro Tips: * Mobile order is smooth and quick--no long waits unless you hit peak lunch. * Need a quick Zebra Dome fix? Skip Boma--Mara's fridge has you. * Try the Pita with Hummus or Lentil Salad if you want something light, refreshing, and different. * Great refillable mug station. Proximity to Uzima Springs pool is clutch. Quick, reliable, flavorful, and full of little AKL touches--The Mara might be quick service, but it doesn't play it safe. It's bold, it's themed, and it's got some of the best hidden gems of any resort food court. read more

This is the place you go to on whim or when hungry and don't have a reservation for any of the other restaurants. In classic food court style like fashion, the Mara is besides the pool with 3 mini kitchens: One for pizza & other forms of American, one for bowls (probably the better of the two) and one for a cafe that also sells dessert. Taste: 3/5 Ambiance: 3/5 Service: 3.5/5 Value for money: 3/5 read more

The Mara is clean, the staff is super friendly & they have an amazing menu. The ambience, for a counter service meal, is incredible! However the only issue we ran into consistently on our most recent visit was that the hot food was served barely warm. We noticed that the cook brings up stainless bins of freshly cooked hot food from the kitchen and places them in front of the food prep person who takes and creates your order. So the issue is when he is about halfway through the food he's got in front of him has started to lose heat, and if you get food from the bottom of the bowl, you're getting barely hot food. The lines were too long for us to take our food back for hot food, as we had to get to the parks. However it is something you can be aware of as you are in line! We recommend the Mara; just watch the temperature of your food! read more

The Mara - Savanna Platter & Kilimanjaro Bowl --yummy but not served hot - American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Great location right next to the pool! Personally I think it's a great spot if you don't want to get a sit down or buffet. A third of the price and you'll be comfortably full and able to walk around in the 100% humidity. Mickey waffles are my go to! $12 combo comes with 3 waffles, 2 sausages (or bacon) and berries and whipped cream. Flatbread was better than expected and chewy but crisp. 10-11:30 pm is flatbreads only, no dinner options, but a chef made fries special for a guest. Never hurts to ask! They sell premade cocktails and bottles of African wine too. Night caps! If you're poolside or staying in the resort, highly recommend! read more

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Ok so this isn't fine dining, however it's a lot less expensive than other options at the park! One day the waffles were amazing, the next day kinda stale. The chicken and rice bowl was filling and pretty good. Nice balance of starch, protein and veggies! The flatbread pizza here was pretty good for resort quick service food. We were all pleasantly surprised by it, The zebra domes are a must!!! The Jungle juice, albeit sweet is also a must have. Would definitely eat here over some of the park food especially at Magic Kingdom. read more

Food varies. From average to pretty good. The Mara was part of our Disney Quick Service plan and I like the setup minus ordering which is a bit of a pain at high traffic times. There are 3 different stations to order from - burger station, pizza station, and bowl station. It's cafeteria style ordering, or you can use the Disney App The pizza is average on the kids pizza. It's the 4" circular pizza that when I was a kids we used to microwave. They also have flat breads that are decent. Burgers are decent. Better than McDs, that's for sure Bowls are surprisingly good and are seemingly healthy. The fountain machines are a bit of a pain because they are RFID enabled. read more

Very hit or miss service. We came here three times, once for lunch, once in the evening to get a Mickey birthday cake and once for coffee. If we stopped at lunch, I would give it five stars. It was superb. We did mobile order and it was super quick. I got the shrimp and chicken bowl and it was absolutely delicious. The chicken was very tender. Second time we came was after dinner to get a Mickey cake. The cake came out to around $40 and feeds 4-6. Again used mobile order and we were sitting there 15 minutes when I decided to walk up to inquire about the status of our cake. It was super busy (around 8 p.m.), but I also thought they were ready made. Once I asked about it, they seemed surprised I hadn't gotten it yet, went around back and got it for me. If you get a cake, check on it almost immediately, because yes, it's pretty much already made other then they add the ears. The cake is very moist and covered in mousse. It's definitely worth getting to celebrate a special occasion. Third time I almost got the name of the cast member to complain. It takes a lot for me to get angry. I got a cold brew coffee. I had my 2 year old with me and I walked up and sipped it. It tasted acidic to me, like the coffee went bad. I asked the guy manning mobile order if it was supposed to taste acidic. He didn't really know so he said they'd make me another one. He turned to the woman making coffee and said, can you make another french roast cold brew? She had seen the entire exchange and told him, I already made one. This surprised both me and him and he asked her to make another one. She continued making other coffee and then after a little bit just left. Like flat out left before making my coffee. The guy looked a little flummoxed and went over and poured me another coffee (it was literally just poured out of a container). I took a sip and it tasted exactly the same. Moral of the story, if you don't like acidic coffee, don't get the cold brew. I mentioned this to a friend and she said oh yeah the cold brew coffee here sucks. Still I've never had such a rude exchange with a Disney cast member. It was bizarre. There's a lot of seating both inside and outside. Would I come back here again, yes, would my husband, no. read more

Mara is what I would call a hidden gem amongst the many restaurants on Disney Property as they have a delicious selection of choices for either breakfast or for lunch. So for breakfast it's all about those Mickey Waffles as they actually really are good so parents don't overlook them for yourself because they are perfect for everyone as they just hit the spot when your wanting some waffle goodness! The quiche is also very yummy it's filled with bacon and cheese like you just can't go wrong with it as it's just like a mini breakfast pie! They also have lots of specialty coffees here too last time I ordered a oat milk latte with cookie butter and a chocolate Simba on top and let me say it was just soo good for the morning like writing this I'm just craving one right now! Then for lunch I've been here a few times as I always seem to find myself frequenting this resort and coming here for lunch is definitely a nice treat! Recently Mara got a new menu which includes bowls and I must say these are packed with flavors of epic proportions in all three of the varieties. My favorite has to be the shrimp bowl as that's just something that has hit the spot for me each time I've gotten it as it's packed with flavors from the tomato cucumber salad to the kale salad that comes with it to that delicious rice and flavorful shrimps, but don't count out that oak grilled chicken bowl two as it is pretty much the same as the shrimp but with chicken instead, the icing on top of it has to the that delicious zesty sour cream like it just mixes soo well with something that is already just that good! They also have a few flat breads too one pepperoni and one tomato ricotta both of which look really good as I haven't tried them but my friend who went with me had tired them as well as the veggie bowl and she said they both are super good and would totally get them again! Overall you can't go wrong coming here as they have a bunch of options for everyone some unique and some burgers and either way you slice it your going to get something yummy from some of the nicest Cast Members I've encountered in all of Walt Disney World, with that said I'm sure I'll be here sooner than later for what's just magically scrumptious in every Mara type of way! read more

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A solid place for quick meals. The decor is really nice for a quick service restaurant. We ate only breakfast and there was a wide range of food. The CMs were very helpful and talkative, It was spotless. We did see the dinner menu and it looked interesting though we were not here for any dinners. It was very for breakfasts. read more

Basic quick service location at Disney World. I did really enjoy the bowls and the falafel platter. It was a nice change of pace from fried foods. It's a good quick option if you need something easy but I definitely recommend mobile ordering because the lines were very long. read more

Solid cafeteria type food. Normally we get burgers and chicken fingers. But they have a ton of other options, pizza and muffins, and breakfast food. Etc. We haven't been here this go round for breakfast or anything fancy, but it's a good spot for a quick bite and we definitely enjoy it! read more

This place is amazingly cheap and fast for a resort dining spot. I was also surprised by how decent the food was. We've had the BBQ pork sandwich - great taste despite only being meat and bread; chicken flatbread - lots of flavors and also quite nice; chickpea salad sandwich - wait a prepared food sitting in the fridge can taste this fun? maybe has some olives or something in the chickpeas? also nice side veggies and couscous; and children's chicken tenders which comes with a side drink and choice if apple, grapes, yogurt or fries. Breakfast was less exciting for me but still decent enough. Pick up your choice if meal, then go back to your room and watch as giraffes, zebras and other herd animals stroll by. What a luxury experience! read more

The Mara - Chocolate cupcake with pudding in the middle. Amazing icing and little round crunchies - American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

I was torn between a three and a four because it's truly a three and a half but I just couldn't round up. The food choices are solid but really nothing over the top. The Mickey waffles at breakfast or a salad choice, especially the kids portion which is plenty to feed an adult. Lots of unique dishes however it just misses the mark on being anything close to four or five star rating. read more

Great quick service spot at Animal Kingdom Lodge! We always came here for breakfast during our theme park days, and it was pretty good and reasonably priced! I always got the breakfast croissant sandwich and they come with a large portion of tater tots on the side. We also got a pizza flatbread, chicken tenders, and one of the rice bowls for dinner once. Super quick and easy spot for food. read more

We went over to eat at Mara one night when we wanted quick service and they were able to accommodate for my allergies. I had the vegetable bowl which has African spiced vegetables in a stew with rice and a kale salad. My mom had the shrimp bowl and we shared some fries. We both enjoyed our food and would go there again to eat these items. read more

The Mara - South African Vegetable Bowl - American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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My absolute favorite quick service restaurant in WDW. I always make it a priority to come here whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I just love how you can get zebra domes here whenever. I'm just disappointed they no longer serve African Stew! That was my favorite! I always dine in and the ambiance is excellent. The cast members always keep it clean. read more

The Mara - Breakfast Mickey Waffles with side of sausage - American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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This gem is located in Jambo House at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. For a quick-service restaurant at Disney, this place was truly outstanding! You can get Disney classics such as Mickey waffles and chicken strips, but it's the Mara-specific offerings that stood out to me. The Oak-grilled Chicken Bowl was my favorite. It's such a refreshing change from typical Disney food. Everything was well-seasoned, and I loved how fresh the veggies were. The Mara also has a great selection of desserts, including those infamous zebra domes. If you need snacks or beverages, you can find those here as well. The seating area is very spacious and clean. You can mobile order ahead of time for both dining in and take out! read more

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Breakfast platter number one has all you need to start the day. One sausage, one slice of bacon, an egg, a Mickey Mouse shaped waffle, and tater tots. It may not seem like much, but it satisfies your hunger. And there is always a table ready for you too eat. read more

The Mara - Breakfast Platter number 1 - American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

The Mara is a quick serve restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I heard they had gluten free Zebra Domes and asked a staff member when I entered. They went to the back and came out with allergy-marked Gluten Free Debra Domes! These Domes feature an Amarula Mousse with a chocolate bottom for the gluten free version. Perfect dessert for after a meal! There is a lot of seating inside and some outside to enjoy your dessert. read more

The Mara - Gluten free Zebra Domes - American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

The falafel bowel was so good and tasteful & the zebra dome was so yummy..The price was affordable & the taste was amazing. read more

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Shrimp was well cooked and not fishy tasting and I love the light dressing on the bowl. Overall very good kind of reminded me of a Greek version of a halal food truck. Service was happy and pleasant. Very nice animal theming and chill lighting. read more

The Mara - Combination Bowl - American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Decided to take my daughter to Animal Kingdom Lodge so she could see some animals and figured we could have lunch there. The Mara was the only option open. It's a counter service restaurant with a smattering of options. I ordered a bacon cheeseburger and my daughter ordered a falafel platter. We each picked up a soda. I was going to order the pulled pork sandwich but the guy at the register said the burger was better. Although the place wasn't busy, it took a long time to get our food. You have to order on an app or at the register and then wait to be called. My daughter went outside to snag a table while I waited. We ate outside by the pool. The staff outside were cleaning the area continuously, which was nice to see. My burger was good, it was a typical burger with lettuce, tomato & onion. My daughter said her falafel was good but a bit bland compared to the halal places in our neighborhood. I am guessing this place was a bit better pre-covid. Honestly, the prices were outrageous, but you expect that at Disney. read more

Great quick service at Animal Kingdom Lodge! They have flavorful African inspired dishes as well as burgers and flatbreads. Don't forget to grab some zebra domes! read more

This is my favorite quick service restaurant of the Disney resorts I've stayed in. We usually stay at Polynesian or Grand Floridian, and this had a much better selection. However, it still didn't have any "real" food that I wanted to eat. I'm vegetarian, and the menu is more a burger and fries type deal. But, their dessert case, OMG!!! So good! So many things I wanted to try! And the Nyala brownie is one of my favorite desserts I've ever had! I got one a few nights I was there. The staff there is also very nice. One night I got the zebra domes that are talked about so much (I am not a fan), and I got a Nyala brownie because I loved it so much! The people in front of me were on the dinning plan, so they were explaining which meal was for which person, etc. When I got up to him, I said I wasn't on the dinning plan. He jokingly said "you're on the dessert plan? I'm on that, too!" I will say, I wish they had some kind of wine that wasn't African. They are insanely marked up, and if I was spending that much on wine, I wanted it to be something I liked. As a tip, there's a few stores at Disney Springs that sell the Once Upon a Vine wines. Get one of those and bring it back. And make sure you go to Mara and get a Nyala brownie!!! Yum! read more

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The Mara is a quick service place at Animal Kingdom lodge. Prices are very reasonable and the food was a ok. There were many tables and you can order at the restaurant or do mobile ordering. I got the Thanksgiving plate and while it wasn't as fresh as home made, it was better than I anticipated. read more

The Mara - Thanksgiving meal - American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This is one of my favorite quick service places. The choices are unique and offer options more than waffles (we do love them though). It is quite casual and I love that you can get takeout. Perfect for a pre park breakfast or a late night dinner ! read more

Great quick service option at the animal kingdom lodge. Tip get the zebra domes here. read more

The Mara - Breakfast Platter - American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

As the quick service food option at Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Mara is a convenient place to eat. Only minutes from our room. You can order meals or grab packaged or premade items off shelves and check out quickly. There's also a coffee bar. Plenty of room to sit comfortably and eat. The dining room is spotless. You can't go wrong. read more

Super delicious for a disney hotel quick service! The staff is amazing and very kind. Lots of fresh options here. Outdoor seating is lovely. read more

The Mara - Oak-grilled Chicken Bowl with hummus - American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Convenient quick service option at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's located near the pool. For me, lunch was a toss up between the falafel platter or Tamarind Barbecue Pork Sandwich. I chose the latter because I was worried the falafel might be too dry and I'd walk away disappointed. Glad I chose the pork sandwich! It was generously sized with juicy pork oozing from every corner of the sandwich. I inhaled it so fast that I completely forgot to take a picture. Whoops! There's also various desserts and pastries if you're craving something sweet! FYI: Disposable drink cups have a sensor at the bottom which limits you to three refills within two hours of original purchase time. There's also a 3-4 minute wait BETWEEN refills. Prices are very reasonable especially considering you're at a Disney Resort. Lunch/dinner $8-13 and kids meals are $7ish. read more

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If you're staying at AKL, the Mara is such a nice reprieve from the standard American food options across Disney. One can only eat burgers and fries so often before either feeling gross or getting constipated. We ended up getting Mara pretty often and even picked up mobile orders to bring with us to Magic Kingdom. The highlights: - Combination bowl: shrimp and chicken on rice with kale slaw and cucumber tomato salad. So refreshing and just what I needed for a Chipotle-style bowl that was veggie-heavy. The rice always tasted kind of undercooked, but the tender chicken and shrimp made up for it. - Fire roasted tomato and herbed ricotta flatbread: the roasted tomatoes gave this flatbread a very heavy tomato flavor, which I loved as someone who prefers my pizza with extra red sauce and easy on the cheese. - Ancient grain power bowl (breakfast): farro, quinoa, berries, greens, sweet potato, and egg. Don't be deceived by the healthy, boring look - this was a very tasty contrast to the other heavy meals we'd been eating. I don't know how they dressed this thing, but once I took a bite, I couldn't stop from finishing it. - Mickey waffles with berries and bacon: tastes as it sounds. Mickey waffles are fun and the dough they use reminds me of mochi. It's a little gummy and gives the waffle a nice chew. read more

Really unique and more authentic flavors for the theme of the Resort. Zebra Domes are a must!

It is a nice foodcourt for the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We were on a mission to find the famous zebra domes and we heard they were sold here. We knew that they are served at the Boma, but I was worried about eating at a buffet with my peanut allergy. Because we had reservations for Jiko for dinner, we wanted to order them a la carte and try them before our reservations. We found them in the bakery portion of the food court. The zebra domes are sold in a container that contains four zebra domes. A zebra dome is a piece of cake with mousse and covered in white and dark chocolate. They are very sweet, and maybe over-hyped. Overall the Mara is a good place to stop and get some food to eat. When we went, it was around 5 and there were very few people there. There was plenty of seating and the cast members were very nice. In the future I would come back to try other things on their menu, but I do not think I would order the zebra domes again. read more

The Mara - Zebra Domes - American Near Me - Orlando, Florida