Circle of Parks Podcast: Talking all things Walt Disney World
Episode #139: Boma - Flavors of Africa Breakfast Review
Mar 06, 2024Episode 139
Circle of Parks
Ever found yourself caught in the great debate over which waffle reigns supreme in the Magic Kingdom – Mickey or Simba? Join us as we recount our early morning escapade to Boma - Flavors of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, where we put this breakfast dilemma to the test! We'll take you through the enchanting atmosphere of the Jambo House, where we kick-started our day with over 50 African and American culinary delights. Our taste buds went on a safari, and we're ready to tell you all about the made-to-order omelets, the quintessential POG juice, and yes, the waffle verdict. But it's not just about the food; we'll share tips on how to navigate post-travel sniffles with grace and why your sick day binge-watching choices might say more about you than you think.
Let's talk about the serene mornings at Boma and how they offer more than just a meal; they serve up a view of giraffes and an immersive African marketplace vibe that Disney does so well. You'll hear about the practicalities of planning your stay, from the room choices that yield the best wildlife views to the dining credits that sweeten the deal. We'll also discuss our dining experiences, both the flavors that tantalized our palates and the service that made us feel like Disney royalty. Whether you're a Disney enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a good breakfast buffet, this episode is like a warm, fluffy waffle for your ears – and we can't wait for you to take a bite.
Ever found yourself caught in the great debate over which waffle reigns supreme in the Magic Kingdom – Mickey or Simba? Join us as we recount our early morning escapade to Boma - Flavors of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, where we put this breakfast dilemma to the test! We'll take you through the enchanting atmosphere of the Jambo House, where we kick-started our day with over 50 African and American culinary delights. Our taste buds went on a safari, and we're ready to tell you all about the made-to-order omelets, the quintessential POG juice, and yes, the waffle verdict. But it's not just about the food; we'll share tips on how to navigate post-travel sniffles with grace and why your sick day binge-watching choices might say more about you than you think.
Let's talk about the serene mornings at Boma and how they offer more than just a meal; they serve up a view of giraffes and an immersive African marketplace vibe that Disney does so well. You'll hear about the practicalities of planning your stay, from the room choices that yield the best wildlife views to the dining credits that sweeten the deal. We'll also discuss our dining experiences, both the flavors that tantalized our palates and the service that made us feel like Disney royalty. Whether you're a Disney enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a good breakfast buffet, this episode is like a warm, fluffy waffle for your ears – and we can't wait for you to take a bite.
Hello and welcome to Circle of Parks podcast episode number 139. Today we are reviewing Boma flavors of Africa. Breakfast it's about time.
Speaker 2:
Yes, we've been home for a month.
Speaker 1:
Yes, and unfortunately a lot of illness too. So there is far too much to see and do. We are here to help guide you through, but before we do that we must talk Disney merch. So this week, disney merch if you go to Disney storecom, you will see a new Lego set.
Speaker 2:
That's hard for you to say now, isn't it? Disney storecom.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, I have to slow down because for so long it was shot. Disney. So yeah. So Disney storecom and a new Lego set. It is super cute. It is snow white in the seven dwarfs cottage. It is priced at $219.99, but there is so much detail.
Speaker 1:
Express your passion for Walt Disney's classic animated film with the snow white in the seven dwarfs cottage. Embrace creative joy as you build a detailed cottage with multiple rooms and a light brick to eliminate the kitchen hearth, plus a wishing well in a glass casket in the forest where snow white can await true love's kiss. Once you're done, display it uniquely however you want. But let me tell you like, when you look at this, there is a lot of detail. And you've got the seven dwarfs, you've got the prince, you've got the evil queen, you have snow white. But there is so much detail in this cottage. I think this would be a wonderful addition for any Disney or snow white fans. So go check that out at Disney storecom and that is this week's Disney merch. We also have merch. So if you go to our website, circleofparkscom, click on merch, it'll take you to Teeve public and you can see things to order such as stickers, coffee mugs, sweatshirts and more t-shirts. I think there's some tang tops and so it has our logo and everything. So please go check that out.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, so thank you everybody for joining us. Episode number 139. We're finally talking about BoMA flavors of Africa. I hope it sounds better.
Speaker 1:
Better than last week.
Speaker 2:
So I blame the guy behind us on the flight coming home.
Speaker 1:
Yes.
Speaker 2:
He was hacking.
Speaker 1:
Yes.
Speaker 2:
And not even trying to cover his mouth.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, and he was directly behind us coughing like crazy, blowing his nose. I was like oh, dear.
Speaker 2:
So this is your don't be a jerk. Psa moment on circle of parks podcast. I canceled my trip last week.
Speaker 1:
When you were like that yeah.
Speaker 2:
I could have easily just have gone.
Speaker 1:
Yes.
Speaker 2:
I did not.
Speaker 1:
Right.
Speaker 2:
Don't be that person. When you're that bad anyway, if you're that sick, or at least have the common decency to cover your mouth.
Speaker 1:
Yes.
Speaker 2:
I mean.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, that just went, it went all over us, basically, anyway. So, but again, the trip was great and we're going to talk a little bit more about it.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, and so I've been. I'm on the moon, I'm finally going back to work, excuse me, yeah.
Speaker 1:
He has gone back to work.
Speaker 2:
And I was talking to a friend of ours who has also been sick during this time with the flu and bronchitis and all of that, and he was talking about all the shows he was watching, like true detectives and all this stuff. He was binge watching like all these really dark shows, right. I went the other way. Yep, I started binge watching boy meets world again and I realized something in the intro the song intro for boy meets world. To me it sounded an awful lot like the exit cue music to space mountain. The first part of it did. However, I went back on YouTube and listened to it. They're similar, but not enough for me to like play on the show because it's not that similar.
Speaker 1:
Right, it's like a tone or something that takes you back to that. I think it's the pace of the song.
Speaker 2:
It's really fast paced, so yeah.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, but again, it's not that, because when he first said it I was like what? And then I was like, oh well, I got to get this certain part of it. Yeah.
Speaker 2:
But yeah, I started binge watching like home improvement and boy meet like lighthearted shows. I go down like that dark show Right. But anyway went back to childhood.
Speaker 1:
Yes, yeah, so we're going to again talk about Boma flavors of Africa. Our experience was at breakfast time, but we are going to start off with. Here's what Disney says about Boma flavors of Africa. Resembling a lively African marketplace, this restaurant features all you care to enjoy buffets at breakfast and dinner time.
Speaker 2:
I cared to enjoy a lot.
Speaker 1:
Yes.
Speaker 2:
Especially here.
Speaker 1:
Yes, and I think we both actually did really well. I think we could have easily gone back for even one more plate, but we didn't want to feel that miserable too full feeling all day.
Speaker 1:
But I mean, it was, it was good and we'll get into that more. But you know it's a family friendly buffet. It's under, that's true. Savor, vibrant flavors from over 50. Again five zero 50 African countries, along with favorite American classics. Greet your day with a cup of full body Kenyan double, a coffee, tropical juice and a bountiful breakfast buffet. So we had the Pog juice at Pog juice.
Speaker 2:
It's passion fruit, orange juice and guava juice. Yes, and the coffee. I had a cup of coffee too. Very, very good.
Speaker 1:
And I had some a little bit too, and very good. Yes, I could easily have had more to that.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, so again, but yeah so, tropical juice. They often refer to it as Pog juice and again just tends to selection. On the buffet it may include made to order, omelettes, french toast, bread, pudding, pastries, carved ham, fresh fruit in Turkey, babote, a type of South African quiche, and I at the time I really didn't know. That's how they described it and I believe at the table that's what I was telling you. It reminds me of a quiche.
Speaker 2:
Every time I hear the word quiche, remember Robin Williams early nineties comedy special.
Speaker 1:
I didn't watch a lot of those.
Speaker 2:
Robin Williams.
Speaker 1:
I mean, I love Robin Williams.
Speaker 2:
For the listeners that know what I'm talking about. He's imitating Martha Stewart and goes you call this quiche. Well, just, you know Robin Williams and how just iconic and how great and animated he was. It was such, it was like an iconic moment in his show. So every time I hear quiche, I just instantly go back to Robin Williams.
Speaker 1:
No, it's fine, but yeah. So again, I didn't know that's how they described it, but that is exactly how I described it and it was delicious. Now at dinner, again we have an experience of dinner. Definitely want to go back and do that. Maybe Christmas time, Maybe at dinner. It says watch chefs prepare oak roasted meats.
Speaker 2:
I want to watch them do that.
Speaker 1:
Yes, I think you would love that. I'm sure a lot of people that love to enjoy cooking and grilling and all of that stuff would enjoy.
Speaker 2:
I'm a griller. I would love watching them do that.
Speaker 1:
So an oak roasted, so also vegetarian specialties, coastal seafood dishes, fresh salads and house baked pastries. In the on stage kitchen, kids can enjoy options like chicken nuggets, while guests 21 years of age and up delight in unique South African wines, many of which are available by the glass.
Speaker 2:
I'm not a wine drinker, but when you're in a place like this, you want to try something like that, right?
Speaker 1:
Yeah.
Speaker 2:
Because you're not going to get that anywhere else in the world.
Speaker 1:
Right.
Speaker 2:
Unless you're in, obviously, africa.
Speaker 1:
Right, so you would try one.
Speaker 2:
I would try. Yes, I would try one.
Speaker 1:
Okay, so the hours for breakfast are 730.
Speaker 2:
AM. Oh, we know all about that. Thanks, Erica.
Speaker 1:
So we were the first ones to be seated.
Speaker 2:
We actually were.
Speaker 1:
Yes, there were other people there at the same time, but they called us first.
Speaker 1:
So, 730 AM to 1130 AM for breakfast. They do not do lunch. Okay, so like your typical lunch hours, no, but you could do like maybe a later brunch, since it goes to 1130 AM. Then dinner is from 5 PM to 9 30 PM. So I kind of like that, like I don't personally like eating, say, at nine o'clock, but if you were someone that say, maybe was going to Animal Kingdom for the day and didn't want to necessarily leave the park to come to dinner at like 5 o'clock, but you still wanted to experience this, it's open after.
Speaker 2:
Animal Kingdom. That's a great point If you wanted to extend your Animal Kingdom experience right. This would be a great place to do it. However, keep in mind you're not going to see the animals at night unless you're staying in one of the Savannah View rips.
Speaker 1:
Yes, but yeah, I just think I thought that that kind of jumped out at me because you know you're over there close to it anyway, and you know you could. You could have a later reservation and not necessarily have to leave that park early.
Speaker 2:
Speaking of reservations, advanced reservations are highly recommended, however, as a walk up list may be available, but you're going to want to use your travelage to make this reservation Right.
Speaker 2:
Yes, just like our travel agent Main Street Travel Company. They're the official sponsor of this podcast and we use them for all of our Disney and non Disney vacation needs. They can plan your Walt Disney World, disneyland Disney Cruise Line, adventures by Disney Alana and Disneyland Paris vacations and exclusively for Circle of Parks listeners, if you booked your next Disney cruise line, you'll get up to $1,000 on board credit. If you booked your next Adventures by Disney trip, you'll get up to $1,000 cash back and, excuse me, for your next Walt Disney World vacation, you'll get a gift card based on the value of that trip for that vacation. Also, if you use our travel planner, travel Planner Erica, she's going to throw in this one $25 on top of that gift card.
Speaker 1:
Yes.
Speaker 2:
So I don't know what you have to lose. They're going to plan everything for free. You still have to pay for the vacation, but they're gonna plan everything for free, save you money and take all of that stress of planning a Walt Disney World vacation completely off your shoulders.
Speaker 1:
Right, yeah, and you don't have to keep up with how many days out it is to make a reservation like this. They can do that for you.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, you can reach out to them on their website, wwwmainstreettravelcocom. They're on Instagram, facebook and YouTube at Main Street Travel and, my favorite thing, I'll talk about it every single week. These are actual in-office agents. Yes, they are full-time. These are not part-time agents that this is their side gig. They'll get back to you when they can. They're available Monday through Friday, 10 am 5 pm, central time 1-800-593-1262. Again, 1-800-593-1262. Tell them we sent you. Take advantage of those special offers. Save yourself some stress, save yourself some anxiety and a ton of time and money. Book your next vacation with Main Street Travel Company. They're just. They are absolutely amazing.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, they are. I mean, we really don't stress out about these trips much anymore, you know. Well, I stress about paying for them, but other than that, Well, but I mean like with keeping up with everything and oh, by this day we need to do this, and this day we need to do that, you know.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, I don't do that anymore.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, so yeah, now, as of the recording of this podcast, this is March 5th 2024,. The pricing for breakfast is $35 for kids ages three to nine and $59.99 per adult, and dinner is the same prices as breakfast.
Speaker 2:
This is very pricey for not being a character buffet.
Speaker 1:
Yes.
Speaker 2:
However, you're getting more specialized food and for the remember what Johnny said this is going to be a good value if you're gonna use your dining credits. There's only one dining credit sit down because the kids are valued at 25, so you're already making money on the kids and the adults is worth 75. If you get a glass of wine at 60 bucks, you've already made your money back on this.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, and yeah, I mean it's definitely different types of food and just the location of it. You know it's Animal Kingdom Lodge and if you get there early enough and you know can go to the like, the lookout areas and stuff, you can still see animals. The lobby is just breathtaking gorgeous, you know so. So, yeah, I think it would be a good way to use your credit.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, yeah. So Boma is located in Disney's beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge. We've already said that, and it's on the first floor of the Jombo House. This is at the Jombo House, not Kadani Village. Yeah, there's two separate lodges at Animal Kingdom Lodge, jombo House, and it's right across from Jico and I wanna go to Jico so bad, we will eventually.
Speaker 1:
Eventually.
Speaker 2:
Boma is designed as an African marketplace and has several different sections. The theming in here was very good, yes, and you could tell it was like an African market, with the tapestries and the clay pots all stacked up. Very well themed, so good.
Speaker 1:
I agree, I agree.
Speaker 2:
Boma means enclosure, so people could gather and eat without wildlife interrupting, and you can see this in the theming of the dining room. You saw the bamboo sticks separating the sections of the dining area, remember. Yes, I just think it's such a great theme here. Yes, they really again I don't know how many times, I have to say with the Animal Kingdom Lodge. They just nailed it on this. They did, they didn't miss a beat on anything here. So what did we have to eat?
Speaker 1:
Well, I will talk again about that turkey babote. So again, the easiest way to describe it is very similar to a quiche. It has a little bit different flavor, spice to it, not like burn your mouth spicy or anything like that, just a very unique flavor. But I would definitely eat it again. It was very good. I wasn't sure what to expect from it and it surpassed what I thought it would be. And then you know, this is only a partial listing and I'm sure certain days, sometimes pastries can change. But they have your breakfast muffins, your waffles, and not just Mickey waffles. They have Simba. They have Simba waffles.
Speaker 2:
I wanna make a correction on the pricing here. The adult buffet pricing for breakfast is $37.
Speaker 1:
Wow, I was just going by what you told me Find out $37, and then the children's are $22.
Speaker 2:
So this would not Breakfast, would not be a good value. If you're dining dinner dinner would be, breakfast would not. So again sorry about that dollars per adult for breakfast. Looking on Disney's website is kind of confusing how they put it on their website.
Speaker 1:
Well, let me double check dinner real quick then, because we want to provide you the right prices. So again, and that's why I also I started it off with saying at the timing of the you know recording of the podcast so in it's 33 dollars per child at dinner and 56 dollars per adult okay, so double check Disney's website. Yes, and again, you know Again. But anything else it's subject to change. It is always subject to change. Just keep that in mind.
Speaker 2:
Yes, so Go ahead and you're talking about Babodes, okay so what?
Speaker 1:
yeah, so the turkey babody was again very good, very unique, but I would eat it again. You know, several people that I have talked to you that have eaten there have been very surprised at how they liked it as well. And so breakfast muffins, other pastries, you know, they have cereal, they have waffles, and again, not just Mickey waffles but those Simba waffles and I was like, oh so cute. And then pancakes, breakfast potatoes, cinnamon raisin bread pudding, which was very good, carved ham. Now, the carved ham, they carve it for you. There they have some special African sauces that you can, you know, put on the side or put or pour on it, and I tried both and they were, they were pretty good.
Speaker 1:
And Coconut steel cut oatmeal they do have some already made omelettes there Ham and Swiss Western with ham, peppers, onions and cheddar. They have egg whites with roasted red pepper, spinach, feta. Then you have your bacon, your regular scrambled eggs, your sausage I think there were some biscuits sticky buns, yogurt parfait, cinnamon rolls, deviled eggs with smoked salmon. I was hesitant to try it but I went back for a second one. It was very good.
Speaker 2:
And then they have fruits, avocado, papaya, grapefruit salad, and those are just to name a few so I stuck with the traditional American breakfast and had bacon and sausage and scrambled eggs and the breakfast potatoes. Let me tell you these scrambled eggs here did not taste artificial, like they were made out of a carton. These tasted like real, real eggs. Okay, because you know you get, like some places you go, that are like buffet type. It just seems like they're just pre-made eggs, that they just warmed up.
Speaker 2:
I did not get that taste or feeling that the scramble eggs here were like that. These tasted like real scrambled eggs. Yeah, the bacon was delicious very good crispy. You could tell it's just higher quality.
Speaker 1:
Here is what I felt like I did have some soft pieces too, so I like it crispy and.
Speaker 2:
I'm gonna say something controversial here. Symbol waffles are better than Mickey waffles.
Speaker 1:
Oh well, I mean, come at me, I'm saying much the same, just know they do not.
Speaker 2:
Yes, symbol waffles are better than Mickey waffles.
Speaker 1:
Well, it's just special to have here.
Speaker 2:
Maybe it's just cuz you can only get them like here or maybe one other place.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, but, but yeah again, like it was very good, I wanted to try some of the. You know this special thing, so that's why I did bring you out. Like I like double eggs and I like smoked salmon. I just didn't know if I'd like it together and and again I went back for a second one. So, um, traditional, yet non-traditional items as well. So you know if you're going with a pickier person, whether that be a child or adult. So there's things for everybody.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, again, I did. We didn't overdo it, I had two plates full.
Speaker 1:
I think I only had another long day ahead of us. I had to and then went back for the bread pudding to try a little bit of it.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, so would we recommend Boma for breakfast.
Speaker 1:
Yes, I would definitely go again.
Speaker 2:
I definitely would. It's just, it's the whole package. Now I was dreading getting up early and catching a uber lift and getting there at like seven, seven, fifteen. But Every time we walk into that Jombo house lodge I am reminded every single time why in the lobby, why that is the best resort we've ever been to. It Just hits so differently than anywhere else We've been on property.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, and I mean, and we like a lot of other places.
Speaker 2:
This is a whole different place. That early in the morning you can hear some people moving about. People are getting ready to go to the airport, a few people Getting ready to start their day, but it's very quiet in there. You can hear that beautiful music. Non, even the non Christmas music in the animal kingdom launch is probably my favorite Hotel music soundtrack in Disney. What Disney World? Is this so good? It is so beautiful and just find you a place in there and just relax.
Speaker 2:
Yeah those chairs and couches are so comfortable, they're so big. It's just such a relaxing Place, like even more, like we used to walk into the Polynesian, like, ah, this place is relaxing right. Right this is a whole another level yes, it's different. It's so different and I mean not taking anything from Polynesian, but it's so different and I just think it's so much better.
Speaker 1:
Yeah.
Speaker 2:
As far as that atmosphere goes, especially in the morning it was quiet. We did go out and see some giraffes and then it was time to go and check in, as I get like 7.15. We did, and they called us in right at 7.30 to go sit down. Our cast member server was amazing.
Speaker 1:
She was.
Speaker 2:
She was so well versed on all the food, knew the history, knew everything about Boma it was, she did amazing. I would definitely want to eat here again.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, and, as he mentioned, you know, we got to see some giraffes and some other animals, and that's the thing with animals, not only here but in Animal Kingdom Park, is, you know, the mornings is when you tend to see a lot more of them out and about, especially like if it were later in the year, in the summer, you know, before it gets too hot, you tend to see more early on. Now, besides what we've already talked about, now, if you want it, this is going to be priced separately, for an additional price. They do have cocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages as well. So if you are a mimosa person, they have two different types of mimosa. One is your classic and then the other is jungle mimosa. So which is with a sparkling wine from South Africa and minute made orange, guava passion fruit.
Speaker 2:
That might actually be pretty good. Yes, I don't like mimosas, but that that might be, that might be good.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, and then they have some others. I'm not going to read everything that's in them, but an espresso martini, a bonus surprise, a striped and spiked cold brew and a few others. And then you're non-alcoholic. They have some, you know, special lattes and espresso shots, special lemonade and spritzers. So you know again, if you are someone that likes to have other drinks than your coffee and fountain drinks and the Pog juice, then you have those options as well.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, anything else.
Speaker 1:
No, you know, and like we said earlier, would we go back? Yes, for sure, and again I want to go and try dinner.
Speaker 2:
Definitely want to eat dinner. I think we may try to go and just stay at the lodge for Christmas time, actual Christmas. Right and not do any parks and not do any parks. So I think that would be a good either here or Jico Christmas dinner with the boys.
Speaker 1:
Yeah.
Speaker 2:
I think, I don't know.
Speaker 1:
I don't know, and if it's the actual holiday, they may have something special to do so.
Speaker 2:
I'll just say yeah, anyway. So yeah, you recommend this place.
Speaker 1:
I would definitely recommend it and you know, again, we haven't experienced it for dinner. But if it's anything, if the experience itself is anything like breakfast which I'm sure it would be and being able to watch chefs prepare some of the food and the meats and everything, I definitely would recommend.
Speaker 2:
And I would recommend this If you're not really caring about rope-dropping Animal Kingdom, come here first get a good breakfast and then take and then go, because it gets you in that mindset of just adventure and just being just again. Animal Kingdom Lodge and Animal Kingdom Park are just like, unlike anything else on property.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, and you know it's so sorry, it's okay. Well, I kind of interrupted you, but if you're not staying there, like you know, just get a ride over there, you know, like from a rideshare or whatnot, and you know, they just ask you as you're coming in at the security gate. You know, and you have, we have a reservation, yeah.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, all right. So it brings us to Disney trivia this week. What does Boma mean in Swahili? I've already answered this, but it means enclosure, you know. So it keeps the wildlife out so the tribes can eat together and not have to worry about that. And I just think they did such a great job of the theming of Boma. Yes, they just again nailed it.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, like Zach was saying, with the bamboo, and then how it's set up to kind of look like the marketplace. Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 2:
And this week's winner from X, still on top, is Sweeney.
Speaker 1:
Congratulations so congratulations, sweeney.
Speaker 2:
You're still this week's Disney trivia winner. Again, I'll do that every Thursday and it'll be related to what we're going to be talking about this that week. Now I think we're finally going to get back to a four part series coming up next week. We haven't done it since gosh early fall.
Speaker 1:
It's been a while.
Speaker 2:
We've had trips and reviews, and then Christmas, and then more trips and reviews, and then all this other stuff. So we're going to get back to that and I think we're going to be talking about how to make the most of your day at each park. Yes, what do you think? I think that, because there's some tips and tricks in there that you can use to make the day go a little bit smoother, based on what we've experienced right.
Speaker 1:
Right now again, it can be different depending on your family, right, yeah?
Speaker 2:
But look forward to that next week. Thank you everybody for listening. We really appreciate it so much. Just thank you for subscribing and listening. If you want to support the show, the best way you can do that is to book your next vacation with Main Street Travel Company. Cost you nothing. To do that, gonna, save you time. Gonna save you money and stress. So go check them out. Tell them we sent you a cake. Advantage of those special offers Again. Call them 100-593-1262. Email us circleaparkscom. Our website is wwwcircleaparkscom and you can find us on Facebook, instagram and X. All at Circle Parks. And again, go to the Apple Podcast. Leave us a five-star rating review. Really helps us to grow the show and lets us know that you appreciate what we're doing. Thank you so much for listening and we'll talk to you next week.
