Where to Eat After Animal Kingdom

From the Savanna to the Table

Animal Kingdom is Disney's most physically demanding park. Between the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the Pandora Flight of Passage line, the Expedition Everest trek, and the sheer amount of walking through themed lands, you leave the park genuinely exhausted and genuinely hungry. The food options inside the park, Satu'li Canteen and Flame Tree Barbecue included, are fine for lunch but are not dinner.

Ciao Italia Ristorante is 25 minutes from Animal Kingdom, heading east on I-4 toward International Drive. After a day of walking through a recreated African savanna, you sit down in an intimate Italian dining room where the Navarra family has been serving handmade pasta since 1991. The contrast is part of the appeal.

A Dinner That Refuels Everything

After a day at Animal Kingdom, you need sustenance, not snacks. The Pappardelle al Cinghiale with wild boar ragu is a hearty, soul-warming dish. The Tortellini con Brasato with braised beef and truffle cream is pure comfort. The Risotto alla Pescatora is a generous portion of clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari over Arborio rice.

For something lighter after a heavy park day, the Insalata Novella with organic lettuce and heirloom tomatoes is fresh and satisfying. The Salmone Toscano is a clean, elegant preparation. The sauteed calamari is a perfect appetizer to share while you recover. Beer and wine with dinner.

The 25-Minute Escape

Animal Kingdom is the furthest Disney park from Ciao Italia at about 18 miles and 25 minutes via I-4. But after the kind of day Animal Kingdom delivers, those 25 minutes in an air-conditioned car are welcome. By the time you pull into the free parking at 6149 Westwood Blvd, you are ready for the best meal of your Disney trip.

Kids menu $13 with gelato. Open until 10 PM every night. Walk-ins welcome. Private dining for up to 60. Call (407) 354-0770.

About Dining After Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom typically closes between 7 PM and 9 PM, with extended hours for nighttime events. On-property dining near Animal Kingdom is limited to the Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants, which often require advance reservations. Off-property restaurants along I-4 offer more flexibility.

Ciao Italia Ristorante is 25 minutes from Animal Kingdom at 6149 Westwood Blvd, open nightly until 10 PM. The Navarra family serves handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, lamb chops, and sauteed calamari. 4,000+ reviews. 9 awards. Beer and wine. Free parking.

How to Get to Ciao Italia from Animal Kingdom

Exit Animal Kingdom and take Osceola Parkway East to I-4 East. Exit 74A (Sand Lake Road), south on International Drive, right on Westwood Blvd. Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, about 18 miles and 25 minutes. Free parking.

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About Dining Near Animal Kingdom

When you are visiting Animal Kingdom in Orlando, finding a genuine Italian dinner can feel impossible among the chains and tourist traps. Ciao Italia Ristorante has been the answer since 1991 — a family-owned Italian restaurant on Westwood Boulevard where everything is made from scratch.

The Navarra family runs the kitchen personally. Handmade pasta, fresh sauces, bread baked daily, and housemade desserts. The menu includes classics like lasagna and chicken parmigiana alongside refined dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragu and risotto alla pescatora.

With 4,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and over 35 years of service, Ciao Italia is one of the most trusted Italian restaurants in the Orlando area. Italian wine and beer are available with dinner. Kids eat for $13 with gelato. Free parking. Walk-ins welcome nightly 5 to 10 PM.

How to Get to Ciao Italia from Animal Kingdom

Ciao Italia is about 5 minutes from Animal Kingdom. Head toward International Drive and continue to Westwood Boulevard. The restaurant is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, with free parking right in front. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.

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