Rainforest Cafe® no Disney Springs Marketplace

Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs Marketplace is less of a restaurant and more of an indoor theme park. It’s an immersive, artificial tropical paradise complete with dense foliage, indoor waterfalls, and a cast of animatronic animals—including chest-beating gorillas and trumpeting elephants. Every twenty minutes or so, the lights dim and a simulated thunderstorm rolls through the dining room. It is loud, chaotic, and an absolute sensory overload in the best way possible for kids. It immediately gives you that “we’re on vacation” feeling.

But there is a hidden gem here that many guests walk right past: the Lava Lounge. Tucked outside beneath the massive, fire-erupting volcano (which blasts real fire and a thunderous roar about every half hour), this outdoor bar area is a surprisingly peaceful escape. To get there, you’ll walk past a snapping crocodile and through a lava tube. Once seated on the covered patio, you’ll find it miraculously cool thanks to overhead fans and a natural breeze coming off the lake.

When it comes to the food, keep your expectations grounded. You are paying a premium for the chaotic jungle atmosphere, not a culinary masterpiece. The massive menu focuses heavily on American comfort food staples like burgers, ribs, and pasta. It’s safe, familiar, and perfectly fine, but the real reason you’re here is the screaming gorilla.

SupaPark’s Take: You come here for the atmosphere, full stop. It’s a rite of passage for families with younger kids who will be completely mesmerized by the animatronics and indoor thunderstorms. If you want a taste of the theme without the indoor noise, the outdoor Lava Lounge is a phenomenal, under-the-radar spot for a walk-up drink.