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Review: Meat Lovers Pizza at Animal Kingdom’s Pizzafari


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Welcome back to Pizzafari!

The last time we visited this Animal Kingdom Counter Service spot was to try some of the breakfast offerings after they had a menu refresh. But the star of the show here is all in the name, so we’re back to review Pizzafari’s take on “Meat Lovers Pizza.”

You’ll also find this item on the menu over at Pizza Planet in Hollywood Studios, and as far as atmosphere goes, that’s a pretty great spot, too. But I just so happened to be at Animal Kingdom scoping out the presumed location of the final in-Park Starbucks (the former Creature Comforts merchandise location), so Pizzafari it was!

Pizzafari

Pizzafari

Pizzafari Menu

Pizzafari Menu

Of course, it isn’t a trip to Pizzafari without checking out some of the signature murals all over the walls, no matter which room you dine in. I truly never tire of looking at these.

Pizzafari mural

Pizzafari mural

Butterfly mural in ordering area

Butterfly mural in ordering area

Turtle mural

Turtle mural

Pizzafari mural

Pizzafari mural

But, ultimately, I strolled past the poised bobcat at the entrance (at least, I think that’s what he is) and took my pizza outside.

Pizzafari entrance statue

Pizzafari entrance statue

It was one of those perfect “winter” days, and you simply have to take advantage of any days you won’t melt outdoors in Florida. (Covered outdoor seating is available at Pizzafari as well.)

Outdoor table

Outdoor table

View of Pizzafari from outside  table

View of Pizzafari from outside table

Like all other pizzas served at Pizzafari, the Meat Lovers comes with

a side of Caesar Salad.

Meat Lovers Pizza with Caesar side salad

Meat Lovers Pizza with Caesar side salad

There are just two meats to be found on the Meat Lovers pizza: pepperoni and sausage.

Meat Lovers Pizza

Meat Lovers Pizza

And there are a few slices of pepperoni in there, but — as you can tell — they are overwhelmed in parts by the beaucoup sausage.

Closeup on toppings

Closeup on toppings

I like to get bad news over with first, so here goes: the Meat Lover’s Pizza is still your standard Disney World Counter Service pizza — which is to say that by and large, there’s far too much crust and not enough “center” (which typically equals not enough topping).

Meat Lovers Pizza

Meat Lovers Pizza

Specific to the Meat Lovers, the dough in the center that does exist isn’t hearty enough to support the heavy toppings, so it’s quite floppy — and not in the good way that a huge slice of New York pizza is floppy.  I barely snapped this picture before losing some of the topping to the table.

Slice of Meat Lovers Pizza

Slice of Meat Lovers Pizza

The good news is that the Meat Lovers option does live up to the name (though I might call it “Sausage Lovers” over “Meat Lovers”). The flavor burst from the sheer amount of sausage and fennel did perk up what can otherwise be a pretty bland pie, making it feel like I was getting more pizza bang for the buck than the standard cheese or pepperoni. I’d go so far as to say that this is my favorite choice among the pizza options for that reason… with the caveat that it’s still counter service pizza.

Oh, just a note on the side Caesar Salad: mine was nicely fresh and crisp, and not too heavy on the dressing. True, it’s just a salad, but I enjoyed it, and since it’s included as part of the meal I thought I’d give it a nod.

Side of Caesar Salad

Side of Caesar Salad

I do want to say that even though Pizzafari is a typically very busy spot during lunch hours, I always meet some wonderful, pleasant Cast Members no matter how crazy it gets.  And the atmosphere and color here truly is something else. For those reasons, I still think it’s a great spot to visit, but my preference remains with breakfast for my meal of choice here.

Regardless of whether we’re discussing breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are some rumors flying around Pizzafari. Will 2015 bring a Table Service restaurant to areas of this Counter Service location? If so, how will that affect the rest of Pizzafari? With these and so many other changes possibly coming to Animal Kingdom (and some changes that are certain, like the upcoming Rivers of Light evening spectacular), we’re eager to see what’s in store!

Do you enjoy visiting Pizzafari? Please let us know with a comment!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and:




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