Let’s face it: buffets can be polarizing. Even given the variety of food offered at most buffet restaurants, there are still reason some don’t prefer to eat at a buffet. Reasons may include price, dietary reasons, dislike of food cooked in bulk, sanitary reasons, and more. Niche buffets may also lead to a lack of consensus when discussing whether your group will visit a buffet or not. The MouseHouseNews.net team recently visited the only buffet restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner. We have a unanimous decision concerning whether it is worth your time.
Boma – Flavors of Africa is an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is open for breakfast and dinner, allowing you to dine in an environment resembling an African marketplace. The decor matches the resort, as you are dining in an intimate yet casual setting beneath thatched roofs. There is also bamboo throughout the restaurant, contrasting the dark hues of wood and the vibrant tables with designs that resemble African fabrics. The dining experience at Boma is certainly perfect for a casual meal, and well-suited for a date night as well.
But, what about the food? At Boma – Flavors of Africa, the name tells the story. Boma has a buffet where the headliner is the African fare served. This is where you are free to be as adventurous as you feel at the time. While the menu does rotate based on the day, you can expect to eat food such as Oak-roasted meats, Tunisian Couscous and Shrimp Salad, Tamarind BBQ Pork Ribs, Lamb and Beef Bobotie, Durban Chicken, Pita with Hummus and Coriander, Sweet Corn Pudding, Macaroni & Cheese, and so much more. If you are not at all adventurous, or are traveling with a picky eater who only wants chicken nuggets, Boma has classic American fare options for you as well.
Boma doesn’t sleep on the drinks either, as they have an impressive selection of signature cocktails, specialty beers, South African wines, and zero-proof/non-alcoholic drinks. You can also enjoy soft drinks, coffee, and Jungle Juice (POG Juice) when you dine.
For deserts, you can’t skip the highly-popular Zebra Domes! Boma has them as well as Apple-Cranberry Tarts, Toffee-Coffee Brownies, Passion Fruit Mousse, Butterscotch-Caramel Bread Pudding, and more.
Our recommendations: Save room on your plate for the Bobotie, Nut-crusted Salmon (offered on Mondays and Thursdays), Carved African-spiced Strip Loin, Peanut Rice, Mealie Bread, Butterscotch-Caramel Bread Pudding (top it with the Vanilla Sauce), and Zebra Domes. You can fill in the gaps with other items that look good to you. About the carved meats… if the meat is a little too red for your taste, ask the meat carver for a slice that is more done.
Boma – Flavors of Africa is a great option if you want to try something different, especially if you are already staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s hard to feel out of place here; you will see couples on dates as well as families dining here. Expect to pay $58 per adult for dinner (kids ages 3 – 9 pay $34 each). While it is not the cheapest place to eat, you have the opportunity to try items here that you won’t find at many other places. On top of that, it is all-you-can-eat! Advance reservations are highly recommended, as Boma is popular.
Dinner hours at Boma – Flavors of Africa are from 5:00 – 9:30 PM daily. However, if you want to experience some extra magic, try securing a 5:00 reservation. Right before opening each evening, Cast Members put on a ceremonial show in the waiting area where they play djembes to announce that it is time for dinner. Catch the show if you can, as it does immensely add to the environment! After the show, the hosts and hostesses start calling the 5:00 reservations to the dining area.
If you are on the fence about going to Boma – Flavors of Africa, it’s time to get up and do it! You won’t be disappointed. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a free Disney bus ride from any of the Walt Disney World theme parks. If you plan to visit soon, have fun! Stay tuned to MouseHouseNews.net for more dining reviews like this one.
