If you’re looking for a luxurious, elevated dining experience inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tiffins is hard to beat. This high-end table service restaurant has long been one of my favorites for special occasions. It’s a serene escape from the chaos of the parks, filled with gorgeous art, adventurous cuisine, and a calm, elegant atmosphere that feels worlds away from typical theme park dining.
But on our most recent visit in May 2025, while the food absolutely lived up to its reputation… the service fell surprisingly flat.
Setting the Stage: Why Tiffins?
Tiffins is nestled on Discovery Island near the bridge to Pandora—The World of Avatar. The restaurant celebrates world travel and exploration, and the theming is spectacular. From African and Asian artifacts to gallery-style displays of Imagineering sketches and photographs, it’s a feast for the eyes before you ever see a plate.
My mom and I decided to return to Tiffins for dinner during our Animal Kingdom evening, taking advantage of extended evening hours for deluxe resort guests. We hadn’t dined there in several trips—largely due to the price—but I managed to snag a last-minute reservation after canceling a previous booking at Jiko.
(One tip: Because Tiffins is on the pricier side, it’s often easier to get a reservation here than at other popular spots. If you’re looking for a high-quality, sit-down meal inside Animal Kingdom, it’s a great option to check on short notice.)
The Food: Still Outstanding
Let’s start with the highlight: the food was excellent. Truly. Every bite of our meal was beautifully presented and expertly prepared. I had a hard time choosing between two entrées (always a good sign), and my mom and I both enjoyed our appetizers, drinks, and mains.
My mom had a glass of wine, and I had a specialty cocktail, Lamu Libation (STARR African Rum, Banana Liqueur, Guava Purée with Orange, Lime, and Pineapple Juices topped with Goslings 151 Rum Float). Either way, the drinks were great, the flavors were bold and interesting, and everything was served hot and fresh. On this visit, we elected to share an appetizer, and we chose the Pineapple Glazed Pork Belly. This was so good and very rich. It practically melted in our mouths! For the entrees, Mom chose the Pan-Roasted Fish Filet while I chose the Oaxacan Pork Duo. Both entrees were excellent.
The menu has changed a bit since our last visit—there are fewer entrées than there used to be; however, there was still a good variety of options available. One item my mom really missed was the forbidden rice she’d had on a previous trip. It had absolutely blown her away, and she was disappointed to see it gone.
Still, the available options were well-curated and reflected the same international flair and culinary creativity Tiffins is known for.
The Service: Not What We Expected
Here’s where things went sideways: the service didn’t match the setting.
Now to be fair—our server wasn’t bad. He wasn’t rude or unpleasant. He took our order and brought our food efficiently. But he was clearly uninterested in engaging with us. There was no warmth, no conversation, and no effort to make the evening feel special—even though he noted my mom’s birthday when we first sat down.
In past visits, we’ve been blown away by the staff here. On multiple occasions, servers have gone above and beyond to create a magical, celebratory experience—sometimes bringing a complimentary dessert, offering recommendations, or just chatting kindly throughout the meal. That’s part of what always made the high price tag feel worth it.
This time? Nothing. And that contrast stood out sharply.
At a casual spot, I’d shrug it off. But at a signature dining location where the entrees start around $40, I expect more than basic, functional service. And after years of excellent experiences, this felt like a letdown.
The Bottom Line
Tiffins remains one of the best culinary experiences in any Disney park. The food is consistently top-notch, the setting is gorgeous, and the location is ideal for a mid-day or evening break at Animal Kingdom—especially if you’re staying deluxe and eligible for extended evening hours.
That said, our most recent visit reminded me that service matters just as much as food—especially when you’re splurging.
Would I recommend Tiffins? Absolutely—especially for foodies, special occasions, or anyone looking to escape the crowds and heat for an hour or two. But I’d go in with slightly more tempered expectations around the service, just in case.
Quick Facts: Tiffins Restaurant
- Location: Discovery Island, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Cuisine: International/Global fusion
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Reservations: Strongly recommended
- Pricing: Signature Dining ($39–$69+ per entrée)
- Discounts: Yes—Annual Passholder 10%
- Dining Plan: Accepted, 2 dining credits per entree
- Atmosphere: Upscale, quiet, immersive
