Buffets at Disney World are often synonymous with character dining experiences. Restaurants like Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom and 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offer up close and personal character interactions and a buffet of familiar breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items.
Given this close relationship between character dining and buffet-style restaurants, it’s notable that one of Disney World’s best buffets doesn’t feature any characters at all. Instead, it provides guests with a low-stakes opportunity to try adventurous cuisine without the commitment of ordering a single entree. It also happens to be located at one of Disney World’s best-themed resorts, so guests with dining reservations here get to experience the incomparable atmosphere along with unique flavors from regions across the globe!
Keep reading for details and photos of our experience here. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including 11 Disney World restaurants offering big discounts this summer, and Disney World’s change to how rope drop and Early Entry work at Animal Kingdom.
Boma’s African-Inspired Buffet Is the Best at Disney World
I’m referring to Boma – Flavors of Africa, located at Animal Kingdom Lodge on the first floor inside Jambo House. Despite exotic menu items like Bobotie (a South African spiced meat casserole, kind of like a cross between quiche and shepherd’s pie) and Tabbouleh (a chopped parsley and grain-based cold salad of sorts), the buffet at Boma is extremely approachable. Its enduring popularity among Disney World resort guests is evidence of its wide appeal.
We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge on our recent trip to Disney World, and in keeping with our tradition of exploring everything our resort has to offer, my family revisited Boma for the first time in ten years. Here are my thoughts on our dinner here and why the lines are often still long at this vibrant table service location.
A Visit To Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Is Extra Incentive to Dine at Boma
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With Disney implementing new restrictions on guest access to resort hotels, securing a table service reservation at a Disney World resort is a surefire way to visit that resort without experiencing any hiccups. While Animal Kingdom Lodge is a bit farther away from the flagship parks than many deluxe resorts and is only accessible by the most basic form of Disney transportation (bus), it is still one of Disney’s best, and one of my personal favorites.
Jambo House boasts one of the most jaw-dropping lobbies on Disney property, featuring towering log pillars and a thatched roof, massive chandeliers custom-designed after traditional Maasai shields, a rope suspension bridge, and a five-story arched window framing the Arusha Savanna. It also houses one of the largest collections of African art outside the continent itself, so it’s almost like touring a museum, with exotic animals outside.
Before or after dining, I like to immerse myself in the incredible environment at this resort by exploring the savanna overlooks and viewing areas, talking to the cultural representatives stationed around the resort, and relaxing in front of the mud fireplaces or in a rocking chair on a semi-private outdoor balcony.
Boma Atmosphere
Low lighting, wood carvings, and patterned cloths draped from the ceiling and along the buffet give the dining room at Boma a rich, warm vibe. Designed to evoke a busy, open-air African marketplace, it makes sense that this place is always hopping. That said, we only had to wait in line for the buffet on our second pass.
The view from our table encompassed the wood beams of a cone-shaped thatched roof, fire-hued glowing lanterns, and a lush landscape outside wrap-around windows. Our immediate area was peopled, but not crowded.
Buffet Highlights at Boma
After being seated, we were free to line up at the various buffet stations. I went straight for the Senegalase Salmon with Yassa Sauce and the olive oil herb-crushed potatoes. The salmon was flaky and flavorful, bold and savory with hints of citrus, and I liked it so much I went back for more. The texture of the potatoes was more grain than root vegetable, but that’s not a bad thing. It worked well with the salmon, and the olive oil and herbs were especially tasty in conjunction with the yassa sauce.
We also tried the fabled Sweet Corn Pudding, with Chakalaka, which we thought tasted similar to a tomato salsa. Although the corn alone was a better-than-serviceable side, the South African relish took it to the next level.
Another main dish that impressed us was the signature African-spiced Beef Strip Loin. Boma’s open kitchen allows guests to watch this mouth-watering menu item as it slowly roasts, rotisserie-style, on an open wood flame.
A cast member then carves slices of the tender, spice-crusted meat by request, so guests are able to ask for rarer or more well-done cuts, depending on availability. My husband’s was browned around the edges and pink in the center. It was the most delicious thing on the buffet, with a peppery crust and savory center.
The kitchen couldn’t seem to keep the famous Tamarind BBQ Pork Ribs on the buffet, and after trying them, we can understand why. With meat that pulled clean away from the bone and a sweet and tangy spice to the glaze, these were a hit for our family.
Other Dinner Buffet Items
My teenage son sampled the Bobotie and rotisserie-roasted Durban Chicken. He didn’t dislike the Bobotie, but he said the texture and flavor profile were odd for him. The Durban chicken was tender and succulent, making it his favorite item on the buffet.
My nine-year-old also loved the Durban chicken, which she paired with mac and cheese from the kid-friendly station. Here, there were also mixed veggies, mini corndogs, and pasta with marinara sauce, so Boma has your picky-eaters covered.
Boma is well-known for its soups, and our server recommended the Ghanaian Oxtail Stew above all the others. We listened and were glad we did. It was rich and hearty on its own, and the plantains stood out among the carrots, onions, corn, and peppers. However, the best way to enjoy it is to ladle it over coconut or peanut rice.
This time, for us, it was “Kokunut” rice instead of peanut on the buffet. Other available sides included Zulu Cabbage, Black-eyed Peas with Greens and Chakalaka, and Spiced Green Beans with Golden Raisins. I’m averse to many green veggies, but my husband enjoyed the cabbage and green beans.
Luckily, there were other forms of produce on the buffet. I enjoyed an array of delicious fresh fruit.
Boma Cult Favorite Dessert is Chef’s Kiss
As a bit of a bread pudding connoisseur, I’d put Boma’s Banana Bread Pudding below those at Raglan Road and ‘Ohana. Still, it has a delicious banana and cinnamon flavor, and the vanilla and caramel sauces elevate it by adding moisture and flavor.
Among the various tarts, cookies, and mousses, Boma’s signature Zebra Dome is still the star of the dessert station at this buffet. And after stuffing myself to the gills before finally making it over to the sweet treats, I only had eyes for one. This legendary confection, made with sponge cake and Amarula cream liqueur mousse, is a fan favorite for a reason.
Boma’s Drummers Add a Celebratory Energy to the Dining Experience
While there are no character interactions at Boma, the drum circle that traditionally plays outside the restaurant to signal the start of dinner will also process through the dining room from time to time. As we were finishing our meal, they began playing, and after weaving through the tables, they formed a circle at the front to perform the finale. The drummers were so enthusiastic, and the celebratory rhythms were a highlight of the experience.
Food Is the Ultimate Draw at Boma
We’ll take any excuse to visit Animal Kingdom Lodge, but ultimately, Boma’s quality buffet is one of the best. With its African flavors and expansive menu, it offers exceptional cuisine for both adventurous and picky eaters. We’ll be visiting again next chance we get!
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