Where to Eat After Animal Kingdom
25 minutes from Animal Kingdom. Open until 10 PM. Handmade Italian since 1991.
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.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
Hours
Open 7 days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
Parking
Free self-parking lot right in front of the restaurant. No meters or garages.
Location
6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. Near SeaWorld, I-Drive, and the Convention Center.
Reservations
Book online through OpenTable or call (407) 354-0770. Walk-ins always welcome.
Private Dining
Private room seats up to 60. Full venue buyout up to 110. Custom menus available.
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 on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd, about 18 miles and 25 minutes. Free parking.
People Also Ask About Eating After Animal Kingdom
Where should I eat after Animal Kingdom?
Ciao Italia Ristorante is 25 minutes from Animal Kingdom with handmade Italian pasta and wine. Open until 10 PM. Family-owned since 1991.
What restaurants are open near Animal Kingdom at night?
Off-property options like Ciao Italia on Westwood Blvd are open until 10 PM, about 25 minutes from Animal Kingdom via I-4.
Is there good dinner off-property near Animal Kingdom?
Ciao Italia at 6149 Westwood Blvd serves authentic Italian with handmade pasta, 4,000+ reviews, and 9 awards. 25 minutes from Animal Kingdom.
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 on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, with free parking right in front. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
More Questions About Dining Near Animal Kingdom
What is a good Italian restaurant near Animal Kingdom?
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd is a family-owned Italian restaurant about 5 minutes away. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, and lamb since 1991. Over 4,000 reviews. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
Where can I have dinner near Animal Kingdom?
Ciao Italia is about 5 minutes away and serves authentic Italian food made from scratch. Italian wine and beer with dinner, free parking, kids menu with gelato. Walk-ins welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ciao Italia from Animal Kingdom?
About 18 miles and 25 minutes via Osceola Parkway and I-4 East.
Can I eat at Ciao Italia after Animal Kingdom closes at 7 PM?
Yes. If you leave at 7 PM, you arrive at Ciao Italia by 7:25 PM with nearly three hours before the 10 PM close.
Does Ciao Italia have hearty food for a tired family?
Yes. The menu includes filling dishes like Pappardelle al Cinghiale, Tortellini con Brasato, Lasagna, and Risotto alla Pescatora, plus a $13 kids menu with gelato.
Is the drive from Animal Kingdom to Ciao Italia easy?
Yes. It is a straightforward route via Osceola Parkway to I-4 East, then Exit 74A to Westwood Blvd. About 25 minutes with free parking.
What wine pairs well with pasta after a long park day?
Ciao Italia's Italian wine selection pairs well with all pasta dishes. Ask your server for recommendations based on your entree choice.
Just 8 miles from Disney Springs
15 minutes drive via I-4 East — free parking at the door
Get Directions from Disney SpringsMore Disney Dining Guides
Your Post-Animal Kingdom Italian Dinner
25 minutes from Animal Kingdom. Open until 10 PM. Since 1991.
Published by Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned by the Navarra family on International Drive since 1991. Over 35 years of authentic Italian hospitality in Orlando, Florida.