We all know about the upcoming addition of Avatar Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as well as the Rivers of Light Evening Spectacular.
Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
But today, we’re also hearing news of more expansion coming to other areas of Animal Kingdom — including new eating options!
New Africa Marketplace May Include Counter Service Dining Option
that construction is underway on an expansion to the Harambe Village area of Africa. The development is taking place in an area that was previously backstage. When completed, the new area, called Africa Marketplace, will provide additional retail space and will include a new walkway connecting Africa and Asia. Welcome news, right? After all, it can become crazy crowded in this area, with only one way in and out. Africa Marketplace will be located between Kilimanjaro Safari and Mombasa Marketplace.
Africa Marketplace Concept Art, Courtesy WDWMagic.com
But we are most excited about new eats, of course! And it’s being reported that Africa Marketplace will also include a brand new counter service location, Harambe Marketplace. The new restaurant will feature multiple ordering windows and will offer African-inspired cuisine.
Other New Dining Options Coming to Animal Kingdom?
There is also a rumor that work has begun on another restaurant at Animal Kingdom — this one located in Discovery Island. Pizzafari may soon share its location with a new table service spot, as construction has begun to convert and expand the space. We are still awaiting news of the name and menu of the new restaurant, and all of this information is subject to change.
Pizzafari may be getting a Table Service neighbor
We are also hearing rumors about a possible expansion to Flame Tree Barbecue — and that would be welcome news! It’s pretty normal to see crazy long lines at this popular eating spot, which offers some delicious and hearty barbecue fare.
A Bigger Flame Tree Barbecue? Yes, Please!
Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog and we’ll bring you more details as soon as we have them!
Exciting news about this beloved Park!
What do you think of an expansion to the eating options within Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Leave us a comment and tell us what you hope to see at these two new restaurants!
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Wow! Can’t wait. Animal Kingdom has long been our favorite park for a great day out.
We love Animal Kingdom! I can’t wait experience all of the new restaurants and attractions.
My husband and I heard these rumors directly from a chef working in AK when we were there in September!
It’s about time, while I love Animal Kingdom we tend to get everything we want to done in a couple of hours on small crowd days, I’d love something new for a change
I really loved Tusker House when it was a counter service spot. If the new place has the same standards for fresh and original food, it’s bound to be my favorite!
I’m glad to hear there will be a new table service spot. I think AK is sorely lacking in that department now, but with the probability of the park now being a “full day” park after the expansion, I think another table service restaurant will be a must have with so many more people looking for dinner options.
Now, a member of the “Senior Citizen Class” I find it exciting that Animal Kingdom is expanding in so many neat ways! I especially look forward to the two new “sit down” type of restaurant….sure will add much to that park, and I now enjoy the “rest” that sitting down to eat provides!!
While more is not always good, this sounds like good news to me!
I love AK and African food. Any additions they make, while keeping favorites, would be great for us!
I’m looking foward to see the new restaurants in Animal Kingdom ! I would like to see there some skweres, a delicious pasta and some good kids options too.