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Hey Howdy HAA Everyone!

Welcome back to Happily Adventures After! 

We’re thrilled to have you here for this week’s edition of HAA Disney: Give me a Review. We’re thrilled to have you join us for this week’s edition of HAA Disney: Give Me a Review, your virtual concierge for all things Disney! Just like the “Hey Disney” feature with Alexa at Walt Disney World, we’re here to sprinkle a little magic into your planning. Whether you’re gearing up for a trip to Disney World, Disneyland, or the Disney Cruise Line, or you’re looking to uncover the best dining and hotel options, we’ve got you covered with honest reviews and insider tips.

Today, we’re diving into our experience at Resturantosaurous at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We were eagerly anticipating our dining experience at this quick-service spot, ready to enjoy its unique atmosphere and classic Disney fare. From the dinosaur-themed decor to the quirky student “field camp” vibes, everything looked promising. We couldn’t wait to see if the food and ambiance lived up to the hype!

Before we begin, as many of us know, and may be saddened but excited about, Dinoland USA is closing. This means Restaurantosauous will also be closing. So, this review will serve as a few things! I wanted to get this review in for those of you who are traveling down to Dinoland USA within the next week for it’s full operation, and those who may experience the quick service restaurant while it is operational. I also wanted to do this for nolestagia sake!

What is Restaurantasauous?

Restaurantosaurus in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a fun, family-friendly quick-service spot located in Dinoland U.S.A. The restaurant’s dino-themed decor, featuring fossils, dig-site equipment, and quirky student memorabilia, creates a playful atmosphere that feels like a paleontologist’s field station turned into a dining area. The menu offers a range of classic comfort foods like Angus burgers, chicken nuggets, and mac and cheese-topped hot dogs, with lighter options like a black bean burger. Guests can also indulge in a create-your-own-sundae bar or enjoy a Wildberry Mango Rum Lemonade. Beyond the food, the immersive theming and attention to detail make it a must-visit for Disney fans.

The Incredible Backstory

We know I love a great back story and it is part of the reason on why I think Dinoland USA is so incredible! So I had to share. 

Restaurantosaurus in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is set in the Dinoland U.S.A. area and features a whimsical backstory that adds to its charm. The story imagines that a group of college paleontology students, while working on digs in the area, created a makeshift dining spot filled with quirky memorabilia from their fieldwork. Over time, this DIY diner evolved into Restaurantosaurus, with playful decor that includes fossils, trinkets, and remnants of their “studies.” This fun and lighthearted backstory aligns perfectly with the theme of Dinoland U.S.A., which is designed to feel like a roadside dinosaur attraction, complete with games, exhibits, and educational experiences.

Incoming Extinction

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is saying goodbye to Dinoland U.S.A. as part of a phased transformation, paving the way for a new land inspired by the “Tropical Americas.” This new area will feature immersive environments inspired by the cultures, flora, and fauna of Central and South America. The first phase, starting on January 13, 2025, will see attractions like TriceraTop Spin close, while Restaurantosaurus, the popular dinosaur-themed quick-service restaurant, will remain open for now. Although the final date for Restaurantosaurus’s closure is still to be confirmed, it is expected to close during later phases of the transition. Guests can still enjoy the unique theming and classic American bites at Restaurantosaurus before the transformation fully unfolds.

What We Ordered

Via the My Disney Experience App, we Mobile Ordered the following; 

• Kids’ Macaroni and Cheese Meal with French Fries and Kelloggs Bug-shaped Graham Crackers for $8.99 USD
• Chicken Strip (4 piece) Meal with Fries $10.99 USD
• Fountain Beverage (Coke) for $4.79 USD
• French Fries with Cheese for $6.49 USD

Final Total Cost

• Total Cost Before Discount: $31.26 USD
• Total Cost with 7% Tax: $33.45 USD
• Total Cost in CAD (1.40 CDN rate): $46.83CAD

Experience and Service

Our experience at Restaurantosaurus was fantastic from start to finish! We mobile ordered around 11 a.m., right as lunchtime began, and despite the busy time, the process was quick and efficient—our meal was ready in just five minutes. The friendly and helpful cast members guided us through the pick-up process with ease, making everything seamless. The fun, fossil-inspired decor and quirky “field station turned diner” theme added a lot to the atmosphere, especially when we sat in the airstream bus area. Even during peak lunch hours, there was plenty of seating, and we had no trouble finding a spot. Overall, the quick service, excellent theming, and attentive cast members made Restaurantosaurus a highlight of our day at Animal Kingdom.

The Meal

Our meal at Restaurantosaurus was a big hit with our group! We enjoyed a mix of classic quick-service items, including the Kids’ Macaroni and Cheese Meal with French Fries and Kellogg’s Bug-Shaped Graham Crackers ($8.99), a four-piece Chicken Strip Meal with Fries ($10.99), a Coke fountain beverage ($4.79), and a side of French Fries with Cheese ($6.49). The food was exactly what you’d expect from Disney’s quick-service spots—comforting and satisfying. The mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the chicken strips were perfectly cooked. The surprise side of French Fries with Cheese was a fantastic addition, even though we hadn’t seen it on the mobile order menu. The Kids’ meal’s bug-shaped graham crackers were a fun, nostalgic treat that reminded us of Scooby Snack cookies. While we did find the prices a bit steep, as is common at Disney, the quality and portion sizes made it worth it, especially for a quick and satisfying meal during a busy park day.

Pros and Cons of Dining at Resturantasaurus

Pros

1. Efficient Mobile Ordering
   
2. Fun, Immersive Theming
   
3. Kid-Friendly Menu Options
   
4. Ample Seating Availability
   
5. Cheese Fries Delight
   

Cons

1. Higher Prices for Quick-Service Meals
   
2. Limited Menu Variety
3. Not Part of the First Phase of Dinoland U.S.A. Closures
   
4. Theming May Not Appeal to All Guests
   
5. Limited Availability for Cheese Fries on Mobile Ordering
   

Overall Experience

Our experience at Restaurantosaurus in Disney’s Animal Kingdom was a memorable part of our day. While the prices were a bit high, they were in line with standard Disney quick-service dining, making it fair for what we received. The food, including classic items like chicken strips, mac and cheese, and fries, was well-prepared and comforting, especially with the addition of cheese sauce on the fries and a cold Coke—a favorite Disney tradition for us. What made this meal truly special was the fun, nostalgic atmosphere, knowing that Dinoland U.S.A. will soon be transformed. It felt like a piece of Disney history, and dining in the quirky airstream bus added to the immersive experience. Overall, it was a tasty and enjoyable stop, and we’re glad we made time for it on this trip!

Overall Rating

4.25 out of 5

I’d rate Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom a solid 4.25 out of 5. The food was classic Disney theme park fare—think chicken strips and mac and cheese—well-prepared and satisfying for a quick-service meal. The fun theming, designed like a quirky paleontologist’s camp with dinosaur decor and airstream bus seating, made the experience memorable and immersive. Mobile ordering was a breeze, and the friendly cast members made the process smooth. While the price—about $47 CAD for an adult and kids’ meal—was steep, it’s in line with Disney pricing and worth it for the unique experience. With Dinoland U.S.A. on the way out, we’re glad to have enjoyed Restaurantosaurus one last time before it’s gone.

Join the conversation on our blog and podcast as we continue to explore and share the magic of Disney. Your stories and insights enrich our community, and we can’t wait to hear about your adventures. Stay tuned for more tips, updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at all things Disney right here on Happily Adventures After!

Have a blessed and amazing day,
London