Enjoy African Eats at Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
We’re officially in the month of July which means that Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night will begin on select nights later this month! Starting July 24, 2019, this family-friendly progressive dining experience will debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The all-new dining adventure is drawing inspiration from several facets of African cultures. Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night will honor many endangered African animals through live music, unique flavors, and unforgettable activities that show appreciation for animal conservation!
One new experience that has been announced is a Kilimanjaro Safaris Virtual Reality activity. After the welcome reception in Harambe at the train station, you’ll hop aboard the train to make your way to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. This is where you’ll get to try out the virtual reality 360-degree safari experience! This safari experience is available exclusively during Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night, so you know it’s something special. The experience is called “Join our Pride” and will get you up close and personal with the sounds and sights of Pride Rock. You’ll even come face-to-face with the amazing, African lions!
As the event grows closer, we’re getting even more information about the culinary expedition of food and beverages during Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night! Your journey begins at the Harambe Train Station, where you’ll enjoy a welcome reception complete with Durban chips and dip, meat pies, a hand-selected variety of meats and cheeses, and a Harambellini — a specialty beverage created with sparkling South African wine, guava, orange, and passion fruit juices. Kids can enjoy cheese, fruit, and Tofaa — chocolate caramel-dipped green apples!
After receiving your boarding pass during the welcome reception, you’ll hop aboard the train and make your way to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. In addition to the special virtual reality experience, guests will also have the chance to meet familiar friends Timon and Rafiki while enjoying some more bites and refreshments! Dive into snacks like South African oat and coconut bars, spiced crisp plantains, and Sundowner Safari Mix with dried fruit and spiced nuts. Kiddos can have their fill of seasonal fruit and Trail Mix Bites featuring granola, honey, raisins, and chocolate chips. Adults can try the two specialty beverage options at this locations as well. There’s the Chief’s Shandy made from Tusker beer and lemonade and the Wanjohi’s Dawa which is a refreshing blend of tequila, mango, pineapple, and Ancho chile.
Once you’ve made your way through the experiences at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, you’ll hop back on the train to make your way to your final destination: Harambe Market! In the marketplace you’ll indulge in a delicious dinner while enjoying authentic, upbeat music from African musicians. The menu is inspired by five featured African animals, so around the marketplace you’ll find stations representing each of these animals as well as other delicious offerings.
The African Lion Station
At this first animal station, you’ll find Char-Grilled Steak with Herb-Infused Mealie, Chakalaka, and a Red Wine Sauce. Guests can also try Chicken with Fingerling Potatoes, Mango Sambal, and Kool Slaai. For kids, there will also be Chicken Tender available here!
The African Elephant Station
This station is inspired by the African Elephant and will be serving Smoked Honey-glazed Pork Belly with White Bean Puree, Curry-Apple Gastrique, and Caramelized Apple-Bacon Chutney.
The Cape Buffalo Station
Here you’ll find flavors like Shrimp Curry served with Sustainable Shrimp, Cape Malay Green Coconut Curry, and Fragrant Basmati Rice. Guests can also try Grilled Sweet Corn with Farmer’s Cheese, Citrus Aioli, and Chili-Lime Spice. For the kiddos, the Cape Buffalo Station also offers Macaroni and Cheese and Barbecued Ribs.
The Leopard Station
If you enjoy fish or lamb, you’ll want to make your way to the Leopard Station! Enjoy Sustainable Fish with Dhania Chutney and Coriander-Fennel Slaw or Grilled Lamb with Roasted Garlic Sauce and Goat Cheese Polenta. Mini Corn Dogs are also served as a kid-friendly option!
The Rhinoceros Station
At this station guests can try Vegetable Curry with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables served over Basmati Rice or a Vegetarian Potato with Pickled Vegetables, Tamarind Dipping Sauce, and Pea Samosa. Kid-friendly options include Barbecued Ribs and Macaroni and Cheese!
Harambe Market Courtyard Station
After the five African animal stations, there’s still food to be found at Harambe Market Courtyard Station. Additional Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night offerings include African Spiced Popcorn, a Boerie Roll with South African Farmers’ Style Sausage, Pickled Vegetables, and Peppadews, and Petite Greens, Cucumber, Sweety Drop Peppers, Local Tomatoes, Citrus, and Citrus Vinaigrette.
Dessert Station
Don’t forget to grab something sweet! Guests can make their way to the Dessert Station and enjoy Animal-inspired Cupcakes, Honey-Caramel Candy Bars with Crispy Pearls, or Lions S’mores Pops with Chocolate and Graham Cracker Crumbs.
Specialty Beverages
Guests ages 21 and older can enjoy the following alcoholic beverages during Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night:
Marketplace Sangria — A blend of African Wine and Rooibos Tea featuring a Citrus and Mint Infusion.
Safari Sunset — Rum mixed with strawberry, passion fruit, orange, and guava juices.
Talking Monkey — Banana Liqueur, Coffee Liqueur, and Espresso-infused Snow Leopard Vodka.
Assorted African-inspired Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (These will also be available at the Welcome Reception and Rafiki’s Planet Watch Train Station.)
Assorted African Beer and Wine (These will also be available at the Welcome Reception and Rafiki’s Planet Watch Train Station.)
While menus and food options are subject to change, guests can expect to learn a little bit about each of the Big Five animals at each station. Children attending will be invited to choose their favorite of the Big Five and learn more while creating their very own bracelet or necklace using their favorite animal charm!
Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night will take place on select nights in Disney’s Animal Kingdom from 6-9 PM starting July 24, 2019. Tickets are $125 for adults and $99 for children 3-9 years old. This event does require separate park admission into Disney’s Animal Kingdom as well. If you’re ready to book your reservation for this limited-time event, call 407 WDW-DINE!