Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge: Restaurant Review

Boma at Animal Kingdom restaurant review

We weren’t even supposed to eat at Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I mean, it’s always a great idea to eat at the restaurants when you stay at a deluxe resort at Disney World. Originally, we were going to grab a quick breakfast at Mara so we could rope drop Animal Kingdom. But my friend just raved about the zebra domes. So, we decided to indulge in the Boma breakfast on our down day. It was totally worth it.

Boma isn’t just another Disney buffet. They offer so many options that will please the standard breakfast crowd. But they also add some traditional African dishes into the buffet for more adventurous eaters as well. Plus, there are Simba waffles. How can you say no to Simba waffles?

Quick Snapshot

Jump to Section

Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House
Cuisine Type: African-inspired buffet with American options
Price Range: $$–$$$
Dining Plan Accepted: Yes – 1 table service credit
Character Dining: No (but check out the animals on the savannah!)
Reservations Recommended: Yes
Mobile Check-In: Available
Atmosphere: Warm, inviting, family-friendly with a unique look
Best For: Families, foodies, large groups, and picky eaters alike

Overall rating: 5/5 for food and 5/5 for the experience!

Where It Is and How to Get There

You’ll find Boma inside Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s downstairs from the lobby (take the elevator down), and located just across the hall from Sanaa, another fabulous table service dining option.

You don’t need a park ticket to eat at Boma. If you want to dine here and aren’t staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boma is perfect for a no-park day or a break from craziness that is the theme parks. But getting there can be a little time-consuming if you’re relying on Disney transportation. Plan on at least 45 minutes, maybe more, depending on where you’re coming from. We grabbed a Lyft that morning and were seated with time to spare.

First Glance & Atmosphere

The space is earthy and warm. The inside of the restaurant has carved wood, curved archways, and light fixtures that look like they belong in an art museum. Oh, and it also has some of the African art that is sprinkled throughout Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s busy, for sure, but not in a “scramble for your spot at the carving station” kind of way. There’s an open kitchen, which adds some energy, but the vibe stays relaxed.

Honestly? It’s one of the more peaceful meals we had during our trip.

Our server was genuinely lovely—smiling, chatty, and fast with the jungle juice refills (which, let’s be honest, should be reason enough to go).

The Food: Breakfast

We did Boma breakfast buffet, and I was shocked by how much I loved it. I figured it would be mostly standard stuff: Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, maybe some fruit. Nope.

The Simba waffles tickled my fancy for sure, and I’m still thinking about the cinnamon rolls. But the unexpected star? That banana bread pudding with vanilla sauce. If there had been a to-go container nearby, I’d have filled it and walked out with zero shame.

Other hits:

Goat cheese and tomato salad (don’t knock it).

Smoothies. For real. They made smoothies!

Hearty potatoes spiced just enough to be interesting.

Creamy cheese omelets were perfect. Just enough cheese to make them super creamy without being too rich.

POG juice—or jungle juice here—a glorious blend of passion fruit, orange, and guava.

Cottage cheese and fresh fruit, for the folks who prefer a lighter start.

It’s got plenty of the basics for picky eaters, but if you’re even a little adventurous, there are gems hiding all over that buffet line.

Dinner at Boma: A Whole New Adventure

We loved breakfast at BOMA. But I hear that dinner at BOMA is next level awesome. There is a totally different food lineup, and somehow, it’s even more highly rated!

Menu standouts:

Turkey bobotie – savory, eggy, rich. Not what I expected.

Sweet corn pudding – creamy and lightly sweet.

Shrimp salad – cold, crisp, a nice break from the heavier stuff

Green beans with garlic and soy sauce.

The carving station meats, especially the pork ribs, were incredibly tender.

Tunisian couscous, basmati rice, and warm rolls for balancing things out.

How’s the Service?

Even with the restaurant mostly full, we never felt rushed. Plates were cleared quickly, drinks were topped off without asking, and our server actually explained several of the less familiar dishes without sounding like she was reading from a script.

She even brought out a surprise bo’mosa flight (three mini mimosas with different juices) for us to try. That felt like a fun, personal touch—not something you’d get at every buffet-style restaurant.

The Price & Value

Breakfast ran us about $39/adult and $23/kids, dinner costs $58/adult and $34/kids. Not cheap, but considering the selection of food and the quality, it felt like a good call.

It’s one of the few table service restaurants on the Disney Dining Plan that only uses one credit but still gives you that “special meal” feeling. If you’re paying out of pocket, just know you’ll leave very full.

Also: It’s ideal for large groups. There’s literally something for everyone—yes, even your cousin who only eats beige food.

Is It Kid-Friendly?

Totally. There are Simba waffles, pancakes, cereal, fruit, and a bunch of kid-approved basics. But it also gently encourages kids to try something new.

They had plenty of high chairs and changing areas nearby, and the energy level was perfect for families.

There are no characters at Boma. But, if you decide to eat here, set aside time to walk around the outdoor savannah area and look for animals. Your kids (and you) will love that!

Should You Make a Reservation?

Yes. Don’t wing it here. Breakfast especially books up fast because so many people stop in before heading to Animal Kingdom. I’ve seen dining reservations open up last minute, but it’s not something I’d count on.

Best move? Book that early breakfast slot (around 7:30–8:00 AM) and then hit the park right after.

Final Thoughts

I’ve eaten at a lot of places across Disney World property, and Boma stands out in a big way. It’s flavorful, unique, and doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard. It just works.

Would I go again? Absolutely. I’d pick Boma over Tusker House any day, especially if you want great food without the noise of character interactions.

What to try if it’s your first time:

Zebra domes
Banana bread pudding with pecan praline sauce
Jungle juice
Turkey bobotie
And anything coming off that carving station

Only thing I’d skip: Probably the black-eyed peas. They were fine. Just didn’t wow me.

If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a hidden gem—something beyond the parks—Boma might be your new favorite too.

Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge: Restaurant Review

Quick Snapshot

Where It Is and How to Get There

First Glance & Atmosphere