Celebrate ‘The Lion King’ with African-Inspired Eats, Music and Fun at Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night

 

Earlier this year, Disney launched an all-new dining adventure coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park select nights.  Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night is a family-friendly progressive dining experience drawing inspiration from the many facets of African cultures. In addition to celebrating the beloved story of “The Lion King,” this experience honors some of the most majestic and endangered African animals through delicious flavors, fun activities, live music, and appreciation for animal conservation.

One of these fun activities is a Kilimanjaro Safaris Virtual Realty experience. After enjoying a welcome reception at the train station in Harambe, you will hop on the train and journey to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Here they’ll have the opportunity to try out a virtual reality 360-degree safari experience like they’ve never seen before, one that is only available exclusively during Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night! “Join our Pride” and get up close and personal with the sights and sounds of Pride Rock, coming face-to-face with our amazing host, the African lions.

In addition to virtual reality, you will be able to indulge on a culinary expedition of food and beverages throughout the entire experience. When they begin their journey at the Harambe Train Station, they’ll enjoy a welcome reception featuring meat pies, Durban chips and dip, and a hand-selected array of meats and cheeses as well as Harambellini, a specialty beverage featuring sparkling South African wine blended with a bright burst of passion fruit, orange, and guava juices. And for the kiddos, they can nibble on cheese, fruit, and Tofaa (chocolate caramel-dipped green apples).

During the welcome reception, you will receive a boarding pass that allows them to hop on the train and head to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where fun activities (including the VR experience and character greetings with familiar friends Timon and Rafiki) and more bites and refreshments await them. Theyt can snack on spiced crisp plaintains, South African oat and coconut bars, and Sundowner Safari Mix with spiced nuts and dried fruit. Kids can enjoy seasonal fruit and Trail Mix Bites with granola, chocolate chips, raisins, and honey. For the adults, the specialty beverages featured here are the Chief’s Shandy (Tusker beer blended with lemonade), and Wanjohi’s Dawa, a refreshing blend of tequila, pineapple, mango, and Ancho chile.

Next, you can hop back on the train to head back to their final destination: Harambe Market. Here they’ll partake in a delicious dinner while enjoying upbeat music from African musicians, a dance party, and captivating storytelling. On the menu is an array of hearty dishes and yummy desserts inspired by the five featured African animals. Around the marketplace, you will find stations representing each of the animals and a selection of additional offerings in the courtyard.

The African Lion Station

  • Char-Grilled Steak with Herb-Infused Mealie, Chakalaka, and a Red Wine Sauce
  • Chicken with Fingerling Potatoes, Kool Slaai, and Mango Sambal
  • Chicken Tenders (Kid’s Option)

The Cape Buffalo Station

  • Shrimp Curry with Sustainable Shrimp, Cape Malay Green Coconut Curry, and Fragrant Basmati Rice
  • Grilled Sweet Corn with Farmer’s Cheese, Chili-Lime Spice, and Citrus Aioli
  • Barbecued Ribs (Kid’s Option)
  • Macaroni and Cheese (Kid’s Option)

The Rhinoceros Station

  • Vegetable Curry with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables served over Basmati Rice
  • Vegetarian Potato and Pea Samosa, Pickled Vegetables, and Tamarind Dipping Sauce
  • Barbecued Ribs (Kid’s Option)
  • Macaroni and Cheese (Kid’s Option)

The African Elephant Station

  • Smoked Honey-glazed Pork Belly with White Bean Purée, Caramelized Apple-Bacon Chutney, and Curry-Apple Gastrique

The Leopard Station

  • Sustainable Fish with Coriander-Fennel Slaw and Dhania Chutney
  • Grilled Lamb with Goat Cheese Polenta and Roasted Garlic Sauce
  • Mini Corn Dog (Kid’s Option)

Harambe Market Courtyard Station

  • Petite Greens, Local Tomatoes, Cucumber, Sweety Drop Peppers, Citrus, and Citrus Vinaigrette
  • Boerie Roll with South African Farmers’ Style Sausage, Peppadews, and Pickled Vegetables
  • African Spiced Popcorn

Dessert Station

  • Honey-Caramel Candy Bar with Crispy Pearls
  • Animal-inspired Cupcakes
  • Lions S’mores Pop with Chocolate and Graham Cracker Crumbs

Specialty Beverages

  • Talking Monkey – Coffee Liqueur, Banana Liqueur, and Espresso-infused Snow Leopard Vodka
  • Marketplace Sangria – Blend of African Wine and Rooibos Tea finished with a Citrus and Mint Infusion
  • Safari Sunset – Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Orange, and Guava Juices blended with Rum
  • Assorted African-inspired Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (Also available at the Welcome Reception and Rafiki’s Planet Watch Train Station)
  • Assorted African Beer and Wine (Also available at the Welcome Reception and Rafiki’s Planet Watch Train Station)

Menus and options are subject to change, but at each station, you will learn a little bit about each of the Big Five animals. Children are invited to choose their favorite Big Five animal charm and learn more about them while creating their very own bracelet or necklace.

Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night will be available again on select nights beginning Dec. 4, 2019 from 6-9pm for a limited time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.