NOMAD LOUNGE Disney ’ s Animal Kingdom For the ultimate break from a busy day at Disney ’ s Animal Kingdom , sink into one of the comfy couches or wicker chairs lining the wraparound terrace at Nomad Lounge , the bar / lounge offshoot of Tiffins . The breezy , elevated terrace overlooks the lily pad-dotted Discovery River — its tranquility charmingly interrupted by passing flotillas carrying characters who dance and wave to diners above .
Both Tiffins and Nomad Lounge take their design inspiration from the travels , research , and adventures of Walt Disney Imagineers , creative entertainment , and animal conservation teams who created Disney ’ s Animal Kingdom , and the travelogue-themed menu encourages guests to share their own stories of travel and adventure .
Highlights from the eclectic menu of small plates and regularly changing specials
include the Chicken Manchurian Nomad Bowl ; rotating special meat sliders and plant-based Impossible Sliders served with yucca fries and chipotle aïoli ; and the Tiffins Bread Service , a shareable selection of breads and dips . For dessert , the Churros with vanilla crema and coffee crème anglaise enjoy a well-deserved cult following ( and also happen to be glutenfree , though you ’ d never know it !).
Wash it down with specialty cocktails like the beloved Hightower Rocks or the Tempting Tigress . Beer drinkers should try the Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale , an African-inspired amber ale exclusive to Walt Disney World .
THE BOATHOUSE Disney Springs As the name suggests , this Disney Springs standout goes all-in on nautical theming , with colorful maritime flags everywhere and tables fashioned out of boats . Outside , a collection of restored classic wooden boats surround the Dock Bar and its abundant waterfront seating .
Start with Oysters on the Half Shell from the Raw Bar , Firecracker Shrimp , or Maine Lobster Bisque . Moving on to the main course , seafood shines here , but as the restaurant is owned by the same restaurant group famous for its Gibsons Steakhouses , this is also the place for surf and turf . Pair a Boneless Ribeye or New York Strip with the Maine Lobster Tail with drawn butter . Or , for a less-expensive dinner or casual lunch , try the Maine Style Lobster Roll or awardwinning burger .
There ’ s a lengthy drink menu , but — at least according to Instagram — you didn ’ t even go to The BOATHOUSE if you didn ’ t order the Duck Duck Razz , a bright blue cocktail with Stoli Razz , peach schnapps , blue curacao , and lemon juice — and garnished with a floating rubber ducky .
For a memorable start or end to your waterside dining experience , take a captain-guided Amphicar tour . Drive straight into the water in a vintage amphibious vehicle for a tour of Lake Buena Vista . Produced in the 1960s , roughly 400 of these Amphicars remain today . The first-come , first-served tours last 20 minutes , cost $ 125 per car , and seat three to four people .
LEFT TOP : Come for the churros and comfy chairs in the shade … PHOTO BY LAURIE SAPP LEFT BOTTOM : ... stay for the water view . PHOTO BY JUDD HELMS RIGHT BOTTOM : As long as you ’ re at The BOATHOUSE , why not float on over to the Amphicars for an après-dining adventure on the water ? PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG