A Memory-Making Dino Dinner: T-Rex Cafe at Downtown Disney

During our trip to Walt Disney World for Disney's Social Media Moms Celebration, we had one open evening to plan our own dinner and we knew exactly where we wanted to go: T-Rex Cafe. We knew there was no way we'd be able to walk past the dinosaur-themed restaurant without Li'L Boo running and pulling us inside anyway, so we made reservations before we arrived for a dinosaur dinner. As if being at Disney World wasn't filled with enough special treats and excitement last week, the T-Rex Cafe was still a highlight from our trip.

Owned by Landry Restaurant Group, T-Rex Cafe in the Pleasure Island section of Downtown Disney is similar to Rainforest Cafe with large animatronic dinosaurs throughout the restaurant. Some move, some roar, some entertain just by being there. Upon entering the restaurant, you're greeted by a huge T-Rex figure in the jungle area, and an enormous octopus over the bar area from the underwater section. There's a huge "ice" room representing the Ice Age and every fifteen minutes a simulated meteor shower occurs along the "sky" (ceiling), with lights and noise, and flames spewing from the kitchen like a volcano.

Most everyone takes a tour of the restaurant at some point before or after eating, and it was funny to have our li'l Ross Jr. correct all of the parents attempting to pronounce Parasaurolophus as was next to our table. (Thanks Dinosaur Train!) For an escape from the excitement, check out the Build-a-Dino store (just like Build-a-Bear, but with ya know, dinosaurs) inside the restaurant, or visit the Paleo Zone for some archaelogical fun with the Discovery Dig and Creek.

We were pleasantly surprised with the food and cost of dinner at T-Rex Cafe. We ordered three non-alcoholic drinks, a kids dinosaur-shaped chicken tenders meal, and my hubby and I split the "Footprints flatbread" appetizer with chicken, carmelized onions, balsamic and mozzarella cheese and the "Omnivore's delight" salad and we did not completely finish either. Definitely no room for dessert, and the total bill (including tip) came to $60. Great food, and the price wasn't bad for a themed restaurant in the middle of Disney World!

It's important to note that all of this activity makes for a NOISY dining experience. This isn't the place for an intimate dinner. Come here if you want to enjoy the experience and themed food with your famiy and friends and keep the kiddos entertained during dinner. Even in the middle of the magic of Disney World, T-Rex Cafe's a memory maker.

 

 

Comments

[Selfish Mom]

How cute! We didn't make it there. My kids would have loved it. But we didn't see a waiter or waitress the entire time we were at WDW - we stuck to counter service.

[Kasandria]

Sounds awesome! I still haven't had a chance to check this out. Great meeting you at #DisneySMMoms
Kas

[melissa o]

Have been there twice and loved it both times. If you go, try to be in the ice cave as the show is spectacular. Prices are right on par with the outside world. We will make sure we go again.