Hello everyone!
I finally got around to posting the pictures of the Boma buffet from our September trip. You can check it out by clicking here:
http://www.diningindisney.com/animal-kingdom-lodge-boma-flavors-of-africa/
Just a quick story about our dinner at Boma (which was back at the end of September.) We arrived for our 4:40pm advanced reservations about 20-minutes early and there was a little bit of a crowd already waiting so I had to stand in a short line to get checked in. We ended up waiting for about 10-15 minutes before they actually opened up the restaurant so I was able to walk through and get some pictures of the untouched buffet! (before all the hungry crowds jumped on it.) 
Of all the times we’ve eaten at Boma we never experienced buffet lines like this before. At one point, while waiting for 15-20 minutes in line for the Spit Fired Prime Rib, I looked back and counted 40 people in line! It stretched from the right side of the restaurant near the Prime Rib table all the way back to about mid-way through the dining area. Mind you this was a Sunday night, but holy cow was that a long time to wait in. It was like the “Perfect Storm” of buffets because as the night went on the crowds dispersed from the Prime Rib area and slowly moved to the dessert tables like a Hurricane moving up the East Coast. Everyone must have been eating the same things at the same time as you could see the lines forming at the next logical area of the buffet. It moved from salads, to soups, then to meats, then finally over to the coveted dessert bar. It was almost like a herd of cattle gradually moving from one area of the buffet to another as the night went on! Sure enough towards the end of dinner we looked back and the lines were building at the dessert bar!! OH NO! I will not lose out on Zebra Domes without a fight! My wife immediately dispatched me to the dessert area with orders to stand in line and not come back until I had enough desserts for both of us (well, she was much nicer about it than that but I’m in BUFFET BATTLE mode so that’s what it felt like!) I immediately walked very briskly (and yes, I contemplated running through the crowds of women and children but figured I would look like a nut and would end up knocking over a few tables which wouldn’t go over too well with the staff) to grab a plate of whatever I could get my hands on. I was in luck……..I ended up getting some tasty treats including the zebra domes, cookies, yummy fruit tartlets and a very good Peach Crumble. Success!
Looking back I’m not sure if it was the mere thought of getting to an empty dessert bar (which I now know is a near impossibility in Walt Disney World) or whether I was just locked in the moment of feeling like I was in a Buffet Battle with hundreds of other hungry people (a battle I was NOT going to lose.) But it was one crazy night at the buffet which felt more like a Hot Dog eating competition with Takeru Kobayashi to eat as much as you can as fast as you can so you don’t miss out on the Zebra Domes at the dessert bar!
I can’t be the only one who feels this way……..hmmmm……or am I ??
Bottom line is that Boma still takes the cake in my book for best buffet in Walt Disney World. Long lines or not.
Enjoy the pictures and try not to salivate on your computer keyboard too much!
Technorati Tags: Boma, Disney Dining, Buffet, Walt Disney World, pictures
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Next time you visit the
Animal Kingdom Lodge, stop in for one of the best cups of coffee in
Walt Disney World. Served at
Boma (and In-Room Dining if you’re lucky enough to be staying at the Lodge), the
Kenya AA coffee is served in a press pot and is a great start to your day for less than $7.00 per pot.
Kenya AA is considered the finest grade of coffee from Kenya and it has a very intense taste and what many call a ‘winey flavor.’ You’ll also see “world’s finest” when searching online for Kenya AA so you know it’s good stuff.
So, next time you’re vacationing in Disney, stop at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and try some of the best coffee in Disney and the world! Or, if you’re not near Disney, there are a few places to purchase online like Amazon or try your local gourmet coffee shop. Enjoy!
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Try and think of dining in Disney without the word “buffet” popping into your head. You probably can’t do it and that’s not such a bad thing. If I were a betting man, I would bet that there’s a large percentage of vacationers that hit at least one buffet while they’re in Walt Disney World. But, one thing is for sure, it’s tough to pinpoint the best buffets as all of them have their good and bad points. What’s even tougher is to give you a ‘top 10′ list since the meals can be very different so I thought it would probably be a better idea to tell you what I think are the best Breakfast buffets and which are the best Dinner buffets across the different parks and resorts. So take a look and give a few of them a try!
Here’s what I consider the “Best Breakfast Buffets in Walt Disney World”
1. Chef Mickey (Contemporary Resort): This one is a no brainer. Chef Mickey gives you not only a great selection of breakfast foods but also gives you great atmosphere and all of the traditional Disney characters (Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, etc.) If you have kids and your family enjoys a good breakfast then make sure you make reservations for Chef Mickey. But remember, it books up fast so make your reservations as far out as possible (up to 180-days.)
2. Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge): Boma breakfast is so very different from any other morning buffet that I’m ranking it high because of the variety it offers and the outstanding flavors you’ll encounter in their selections. Starting off your morning with some West African Frunch (which is a combination of different fruit juices) is a great way to get your day going. In addition, Boma offers a wide variety of pastries, fruits and cereals to match just about any pallete. And to top it off they have a great variety of hot items from omelets, waffles and pancakes to Brioche (French Toast w/ raisins), Bobotie (a combination of corn beef, eggs, cream, potato and onion) and some superb breakfast pizzas! Oh, and did I mention the BEST coffee in Walt Disney World is served here which is the Kenyan AA served in a coffee press? Boma has something for everyone and is a must try breakfast buffet!
3. Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom): The Crystal palace breakfast is pretty much on the same level as Chef Mickey but you’ll see different characters (Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore) and have a food selection that is more traditional to the American style buffet (eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, waffles, etc.) Still, the Crystal Palace is an old favorite for those who’ve been visiting Walt Disney World for many years and as always it’s very popular so get your reservations made as far in advance as you can. The added benefit is that if you can get an early enough reservation you’ll have the priviledge of walking down Main Street USA ahead of the rest of the guests who can’t get into the park until it officially opens. That opens up some great photo opportunities in front of the castle!
4. 1900 Park Fare Supercalifragilistic Breakfast (Grand Floridian Resort): The great part about this buffet (other than the food) is that you get to see some characters that are sometimes tough to find. Here you’ll see the Alice, Eeyore, Tigger, the Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins and Pooh and it’s a great time for the kids (especially the younger ones.) Breakfast is excellent with build your own Omelets, Challah bread French Toast, Mickey Waffles, Blueberry Pancakes and tons more. A fun place for breakfast with great atmosphere. Bring your appetite!
5. Hollywood & Vine - Character Breakfast Buffet (MGM Studios): For the kids that love to watch Playhouse Disney in the morning, this is a must place to go for breakfast. A great list of characters including JoJo and Goliath and the Little Einsteins makes this a fun event where you eat pretty good all American breakfast buffet foods and dance with the characters. The food was pretty much the basics, but very good. Scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon, biscuits, Mickey Waffles, etc. Only issue was that it can get hectic and loud here so if you want a quieter kids buffet then you might want to try the Crystal Palace or 1900 Park Fare. They also host a lunch buffet here with the same characters but I’ve been told it’s not quite as good as the breakfast so check the menu items before booking this one for lunch.
6. Cape May Character Breakfast (Beach Club Resort): A very nice buffet at the Beach Club Resort with some of everyone’s favorite characters in Goofy, Minnie and Chip and Dale. Traditional American type breakfast fare and a nice atmosphere. Probably not on par with Chef Mickey or 1900 Park Fare, but a nice buffet if you’re staying on or near the resort.
Honorable Mention: Trail’s End Buffet (Fort Wilderness Campground), Maya Grill (Coronado Springs)
Here’s what I consider the “Top Dinner Buffets in Walt Disney World”
1. Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge): Boma is in a class of it’s own. It is one of the most popular buffets in Walt Disney World as it has a very wide selection of foods that you won’t find at any other buffet, either at home or in Disney. The Chefs do a great job of incorporating an African flare into the selections as they use a lot of the native herbs, spices and recipes that many are not accustomed to here in the states. In my opinion Boma is a really great buffet for just about anyone who likes to try different things. The array of different salads and soups, a carving station of different wood roasted meats, great side items and desserts to DIE for make this place a winner in my book. The biggest problem is that the main dinner items are so good that you forget to leave room for dessert! The atmosphere is very unique and the staff are always very nice and eager to please. Truly a very good restaurant for the entire family. And by the way, the kids section of the buffet has Chicken Fingers, Mac and Cheese, etc so don’t be afraid the kids won’t have anything to eat.
2. Chef Mickey (Contemporary Resort): It’s really a tie for the award for best dinner buffet in Walt Disney World. Boma in my view is probably the best ‘Non-American Fare’ buffet but Chef Mickey takes the cake for the overall award. The food is tremendous including favorites such as Spice Rubbed Prime Rib, Oven-Roasted Bone-in Ham, Tamarind Glazed Salmon and a great selection of dishes incorporating chicken, turkey and pasta (depending on the day.) The accompaniments are equally as good with, among others, the popular Pamesan Mashed Potatoes and Garlic Steamed Broccoli Polonaise. The kids will love their side of the buffet as well which has chicken, pizza, mac and cheese, and some other kid pleasers. And, last but not least, save room for the after dinner Sundae and Dessert Bar with soft serve, cakes, pies and cookies! Add in Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Chip and Dale and it’s a great time with great food and a buffet that can’t be missed. Reservations for normal dinner times (5-7pm) can be tough to come by some make the reservations well in advance!
3. Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom): Inspired by the original glass and iron building erected in London over 150 years ago, Disney’s Crystal Palace has become one of the most popular dinner spots in the Magic Kingdom, where you’re joined by Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet for a great time and great food! Although it can become quite crowded, there’s a reason and it’s mainly the food. Everything from Prime Rib and Roasted Turkey at the carving stations to seafood and pasta make this buffet one of the best in Walt Disney World. Bring your appetite and have fun!
4. Biergarten (Germany-EPCOT): You’ve got to love a restaurant where it’s Oktoberfest EVERY DAY! This place puts on a great show and the food is fantastic. Just about every kind of sausage you could think of is represented in some fashion mixed in with other favorites such as roasted chicken, roasted pork, salmon and much more. And, after dinner you’ll be amazed by the great desserts which includes Black Forest Cake, Bavarian Cheesecake, and the popular Apple Strudel. You’ll certainly walk (or roll) out of this buffet very very full.
5. Cinderella’s Gala Feast at 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian Resort): Just as the breakfast is one of the best buffets so is the dinner. The characters you’ll encounter are a little different (you’ll meet Cinderella, Prince Charming, Suzy & Perla and the Fairy Godmother) but the dinner is equally as good. They have an excellent lineup including Prime Rib, Turkey, Salmon, Curry Chicken and Lasagna matched with some great accompaniments, soups and starters. Atmosphere is very nice and ‘elegant’ at 1900 Park Fare and it’s a nice evening for the entire family.
6. Cape May Cafe Clam Bake Dinner Buffet (Beach Club Resort): Don’t let the name confuse you. Yes, this is a really nice buffet for the seafood fan but it has much to offer the land lubber. The Cape May Cafe Clam Bake is located within the Beach Club Resort which is across the waterway from the Boardwalk Resort and it’s what I consider a hidden gem. For the seafood lover you’ll find such things as Clams with Garlic Butter, Mussels with Roasted Tomato Butter, Peel & Eat Shrimp and the fish of the day. On the other side you’ll find a Prime Rib carving station along with BBQ Ribs and a selection of accompaniments, salads and soups. So, if you have a few members of your party that love seafood and some that don’t then definitely give this one a try as it has something for everyone.
Honorable Mention: Trail’s End Buffet (Fort Wilderness)
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Ok, you’re walking around the Magic Kingdom and it’s about 2:00pm and you don’t have dinner reservations until 7:00pm because everything was booked up. You’ve got to find a snack somewhere in one of these magical lands to tie you over but where do you go? Do you reach in your pocket for that stick of gum hoping it will get you to dinner? Hardly. How about the screaming kids who can only eat so many Cheerios? I think if you try one of these tasty Disney snacks (ranked in no particular order) you’ll definitely be in good shape!
1. Citrus Swirl (Sunshine Tree Terrace - Adventureland): This is one of those Disney treats that will go down in history as ‘an oldie but a goodie!’ On those hot summer days the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland is one of the places that we head straight to as you cannot beat the all natural Florida orange juice that makes up this delicious treat. The frozen orange juice is good by itself but it’s even better with that swirl of vanilla soft serve wrapped around it! You are not a true Walt Disney World fan unless you try this timeless treat in the Magic Kingdom.
2. Funnel Cake (Sleepy Hollow - Liberty Square): There’s just something about the funnel cake at the Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square that makes you crave them. Some may say ‘I didn’t come all the way to Walt Disney World for a funnel cake’ but you’ll quickly find out this DISNEY funnel cake is so much better that the local carnival or fair ones you get at home. Stop by in the morning and have one for breakfast or try it as a snack. YUM!
3. Peanut Butter Brownie Mousse (Pecos Bill - Frontierland): Ok, a year or so ago we stopped in Pecos Bill on our first day of vacation and we hogged out on Burgers and Chicken Wraps and since we were lucky enough to have the Dining Plan, we also got dessert. Well let’s just say I should have saved room for this Chocolaty-Peanut-Buttery gift from the sweet gods! WOW…it almost hurts your teeth it’s so sweet. You’ll definitely need something salty after this treat so save some french fries to chase this sweet snack.
4. Rice Krispie Treats (Main Street Bake Shop): We’re not talking your regular run of the mill Rice Krispie treats here, we’re talking about the ones with the ICING ON TOP! Last Halloween my brother and his wife told us that we had to try out the Halloween Rice Krispie treats with orange icing and we were immediately hooked! These things are the best so grab a few for the hotel room when you get the munchies.
5. Dole Whip Soft Serve (Aloha Isle - Adventureland): Although not quite on the level of the Citrus Swirl, this refreshing treat does rank up there for the perfect treat on a hot summer day. How can you go wrong with Pineapple Juice, cream and sugar?!?! This one is easy to whip up at home too so look for the recipe in a separate article.
6. Popcorn (Treat Cart - Main Street USA): Ya know the popcorn that you get in a bag and that you cook in the microwave at home? The popcorn in the Magic Kingdom is a THOUSAND times better than the microwave kind! It’s almost like Disney has special corn kernels that pop just right in the Florida sun with just the right amount of salt that makes this so much better than anywhere else outside of Disney. It’s the perfect treat for the kids while sitting on the curb waiting for Spectromagic!
7. Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich (Sleepy Hollow - Liberty Square): Disney took the idea of the regular ice cream sandwich and ‘kicked it up a notch’ by using fresh, soft, right out of the oven chocolate chip cookies to make this one of the best Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches you’ll ever have. You can also find them on Main Street but I thought that while you’re already back in Liberty Square trying number 2 above (Funnel Cake) you might as well get one of these delightful treats!
8. The Mickey Bar (Ice Cream Carts): Last but certainly not least…….You can get this very popular ice cream treat just about anywhere in Walt Disney World but I had to mention it as one of the top treats in the Magic Kingdom. There’s something special about walking around this park with a Mickey Bar in your hand. It brings back memories for the older Disney fans of being young again and I think that’s what the Magic Kingdom is all about. If you don’t get at least one Mickey Ice Cream Bar while you’re there (or if you’re like me you’ll get ONE PER DAY while you’re there) then you won’t know what you’re missing.
You can’t go wrong with any of these great snacks so have fun and enjoy!
Best Disney Food Citrus Swirl Dole Whip Funnel Cake Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich Magic Kingdom Mickey Bar Peanut Butter Brownie Mousse Popcorn Rice Krispie TreatsSubscribe to the DiningInDisney.com RSS feed!
