One place I always try to include in my regular dining rotation is Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge- Kidani Village.
Walt Disney World has an abundance of restaurants to fit any desire at any given time.
Whether you’re thinking corn dog nuggets from Casey’s Corner at Magic Kingdom Park, or if you’re wanting something more upscale like California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you can likely find it at Disney.
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What is Sanaa at Disney World?
Sanaa is an African-inspired, table-service restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge- Kidani Village.
The restaurant is popular with Disney fans, families and solo travelers because of its location near Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
I love going to Sanaa as a mid-day break from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park via Disney bus or by my own car if I plan on moving to a new park after lunch.
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What is the vibe like inside?
The restaurant is normally very quiet and calm, making it a great reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.
Once you actually get inside Sanaa you’ll instantly notice the floor to ceiling windows that look out onto the Savanna at the resort.
While dining you can observe some of the animals that call Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge- Kidani Village home, such as giraffes, zebra, and Ankole cattle.
While you can request a window seat, you may need to wait a little longer for other guests to leave if you want a prized location.
How do I get a reservation to Sanaa at Disney?
There are a few ways to get a reservation at Sanaa. The first is the most obvious and it’s to make a reservation through the My Disney Experience app or online at the Walt Disney World website.
This is the easiest way to make reservations for any restaurant that you know you want to dine at while on vacation.
If you can’t secure a reservation online or through the app (as the reservations are sometimes very limited day-of), then you’ll need to make your way to the restaurant when they open at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast and ask the hostess if there’s anything available.
These reservations are easiest to get if you’re actually staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge- Kidani Village or Jambo House since you’re already within the hotel gates.
Is there bar seating at Disney’s Sanaa Restaurant?
At Sanaa there is a small, but welcoming bar that has first come, first served seating.
There are just a few tables and a small bar, but this is a great spot to dine if you can’t get a reservation for the restaurant.
The bar does serve the entire Sanaa menu throughout the day, so the only thing you’ll really be missing out on is the view of the savanna.
The Sanaa menu is quite diverse and includes plenty of items that everyone you’re traveling with will enjoy, from adventurous eaters to those just looking for something more mainstream with a twist.
Breakfast at Sanaa
Breakfast at Sanaa is slightly different than lunch or dinner because you don’t need a reservation. The breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Some of my favorite breakfast items include the savory Sanaa Breakfast Sandwich, which is an African inspired breakfast dish of sorts with House-made Naan Bun Sandwich with an Over-easy Egg, Canadian Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, and Chermoula Mayonnaise.
For something sweet consider the Banana Brûlée French Toast, which is a delightful French toast topped with Banana Chantilly Cream and Brûléed Banana.
Breakfast is available to eat in the restaurant or be packed up to-go to eat in your room, out on one of the overlooks, or even outside at the pool.
Lunch at Sanaa (My Preferred Dining Time)
Having lunch at Sanaa is pretty casual, but the menu is anything but casual. Those looking for an appetizer to share (or eat on your own, I won’t judge) should get the Indian-style bread service.
The plate comes with five different house-made, traditional Indian breads including naan, onion kulcha and paneer paratha.
The bread service at Sanaa also comes with nine different dips and sauces.
This is easily one of the most ordered items on the menu and you’ll likely see most tables enjoying this at lunch and dinner.
The lunch menu also includes items like butter chicken, a burger with goat cheese and spiced mustard, and tandoori chicken.
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Dinner at Sanaa
Many of the same items that are available at lunch are available at dinner.
The later dinner service also includes menu items such as a grilled New York strip with vegetables and roasted potatoes, and a sustainable fish with citrus butter and rice.
Recommended: 8 BEST Restaurants in the Magic Kingdom YOU CAN’T MISS!
Does Sanaa at Disney take any discounts?
Sanaa currently offers a 10 percent discount to Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members.
Does Sanaa at Disney offer mobile order to-go?
Yes, Sanaa does offer mobile order to-go for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
To do this, you’ll go through the same process as mobile ordering in the parks for meals, then pick up your food at the Sanaa bar.
This is also a great alternative if you can’t secure a dining reservation.
Top Tips for Your Visit to Sanaa at Disney World
- Don’t be afraid to ask your server for their suggestions. They know the menu well, and can guide you if you have questions about some of the African or Indian flavors.
- Consider getting dessert to-go and taking it out to one of the overlooks at the resort to enjoy while watching more of the animals
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My Final Thoughts and Review of Sanaa
I hope this dining review of one of the best Disney restaurants helps you have a fantastic vacation. Below is my final rating for this spot.
Final Score and Review for Sanaa Restaurant
- Ambiance: 8
- Food: 9
- Prices: 8
- Drinks: 8
- Service: 10
I give this restaurant a 8.6 out of 10 on the ThemeParkHipster dining scale and I know you will definitely enjoy it too!
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About the Author
Megan is a theme park expert and frequent traveler to magical places. She covers all things Disney and Universal and runs marathons for fun.
She thinks you can tell a lot about someone by the name of their signature lipstick, and hers is NARS Dragon Girl.
(Original Article Date: October 25, 2021/Updated by Editor on July 6, 2024)