The Smiling Crocodile Review: One Snack That’s Actually a Great Lunch
Thinking about trying The Smiling Crocodile? Read my honest review of the pulled pork cheese arepa, why it’s a great light lunch, and whether it’s worth a stop.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
I almost didn’t write a review of The Smiling Crocodile.
Not because it isn’t good.
Quite the opposite, actually.
It’s just that… there’s really only one thing on the menu that I think most people come here for, so I wasn’t sure there was enough to say.
Then I realized that’s kind of the whole point.
Sometimes a place doesn’t need a huge menu.
Sometimes it just needs one really good thing.
Order the Cheese Arepa
This is easy.
If you’re stopping at The Smiling Crocodile, order the Cheese Arepa.
You can get it with pulled pork or pulled chicken. I ordered the pulled chicken, and it was delicious.
Actually… “delicious” is underselling it.
It was one of those things where I took the first bite and immediately thought, “Okay… why don’t more people talk about this?”
It’s warm.
It’s cheesy.
The shredded chicken is smoky and tender.
And the whole thing is surprisingly filling.
It comes with chips.
They’re fine.
I ate them.
But honestly? I barely remember them because all I remember is how good the arepa was.
If you’ve never had an arepa before, don’t let that scare you away.
The first time I ever had anything like one was actually at Beak and Barrel at Magic Kingdom. It was a completely different filling, but I remember thinking how much I liked the whole concept.
It’s kind of like Disney decided a taco and grilled cheese should have a baby.
However you describe it…
It works.
Really well.
One of Animal Kingdom’s Best Light Lunches
One of the reasons I like The Smiling Crocodile so much is because it fills a gap.
Sometimes I want Flame Tree Barbecue.
Sometimes I want Satu’li Canteen.
And sometimes…
I just don’t want that much food.
This is perfect for those days.
It’s definitely more substantial than a typical Disney snack, but it’s also lighter than sitting down for a full quick service meal.
I also love where it’s located.
It’s literally right across the walkway from Eight Spoon Café.
So if you’re walking through Discovery Island trying to decide between the two, they’re only about thirty seconds apart.
Honestly?
You can’t really go wrong.
If you’re craving mac and cheese, head to Eight Spoon.
If you want something a little different, grab the arepa here.
Either way, you’re getting one of the better quick bites in Animal Kingdom.
Final Thoughts
I think The Smiling Crocodile is one of Animal Kingdom’s most overlooked places to eat.
Not because the food isn’t good.
Just because it’s easy to miss.
If you didn’t know it was there, you’d probably walk right past it without giving it a second thought.
I know I did.
And honestly, that’s kind of a shame because the Cheese Arepa is really, really good.
Would I tell you to skip Flame Tree Barbecue or Satu’li Canteen and eat here instead?
No.
Those are still my two favorite quick service restaurants in the park.
But that’s not really what The Smiling Crocodile is trying to be.
It’s that perfect in-between option.
Maybe you had a huge breakfast.
Maybe you’ve got a dinner reservation later that night.
Or maybe you just don’t feel like sitting down for a full meal.
This is where I’d come.
I also love that it’s right across the walkway from Eight Spoon Café.
If you’re standing there trying to decide between the two, here’s my advice.
If you’re craving cheesy comfort food, get the pulled pork mac and cheese from Eight Spoon.
If you’re in the mood to try something a little different, grab the Cheese Arepa from The Smiling Crocodile.
Honestly…
You really can’t make a bad choice.
One last thing.
I love that Disney gave this little stand something unique instead of just another hot dog or pretzel.
It feels like Animal Kingdom.
The park has always done a better job than the other parks of offering foods that are just a little different, and this is another great example.
Would I order the Cheese Arepa again?
Absolutely.
In fact, I probably will the next time I’m in Animal Kingdom.
