Dining Adventures at the T-Rex Cafe in Orlando
As parents of a dinosaur-obsessed child, finding dino-themed activities wherever we travel has become second nature. And when in Orlando, one spot is always on our must-visit list: T-Rex Cafe at Disney Springs. It’s a dinosaur paradise, and our trips to Orlando simply wouldn’t be complete without it.
T-Rex Cafe: A Visual Feast
Imagine walking into a massive prehistoric world filled with life-size animatronic dinosaurs, an undersea area with glowing jellyfish, and a towering aquarium. That’s the T-Rex Cafe in a nutshell. From the moment you step inside, you’re plunged into a vibrant, larger-than-life prehistoric environment. It’s loud, it’s wild, and it’s everything our little dino-fanatic Eli could ever dream of. Every time we enter, Eli’s eyes widen with excitement as he takes in the various prehistoric creatures towering around us. Each section of the restaurant offers a unique experience, with one side filled with enormous dinosaurs and the other featuring aquatic creatures in a mesmerizing undersea theme.
The showstopper of the entire dining experience is the meteor show that happens every few minutes. The lights flicker, the atmosphere shifts, and the room feels like it’s on the verge of a prehistoric catastrophe as the "meteor" arrives. Dinosaurs start roaring and moving, and Eli’s eyes lock onto them in awe. No matter how many times we visit, that meteor show never fails to capture his attention, leaving him mesmerized.
The Food: Surprisingly Delicious
For a themed restaurant like this, I admit I didn’t expect much from the food initially. But, over our numerous visits, we’ve been pleasantly surprised. We almost always order the Boneyard Buffet—an absolute steal at $34.99. The buffet includes Fire-Roasted Rotisserie Chicken, slow-roasted St. Louis style pork spareribs, seasoned fries, and coleslaw. It’s a hearty meal that’s more than enough for all three of us, and for a place that thrives on its over-the-top theme, the food is genuinely good.
Eli has his own favorite as well—he loves the kids' meal options, which allow him to mix and match his appetizer and entree from a wide range of choices. The menu has something for every picky eater, and Eli never leaves unsatisfied. For a family-friendly restaurant like this, it’s important that the food delivers, and T-Rex Cafe manages to do just that.
The Gift Shop: A Dino Lover’s Dream
No trip to the T-Rex Cafe would be complete without a stop at their massive gift shop. Filled to the brim with all things dinosaur, from toys to clothes to plushes, it’s a dream for any little dino lover (and a bit dangerous for parents!). The shop is strategically placed so you can’t avoid it on the way out, which means we often leave with a new dino friend after every visit. The sheer variety of items means that even the pickiest kid will find something they love. For Eli, it’s a highlight of the trip—he’ll spend just as much time in the shop as he does exploring the restaurant, carefully selecting his next dinosaur companion.
Digging for Fossils
One thing that makes T-Rex Cafe even more appealing to families with young kids is the sandbox outside where children can dig for fossils. It’s the perfect way to burn off some of that energy after a big meal, and Eli loves it every single time. Watching him sift through the sand for hidden bones and fossils feels like a perfect extension of the restaurant’s immersive dinosaur theme. It’s a low-cost way to keep the adventure going while the adults relax and let the food settle.
A Family Favorite
Look at him hurrying into the restaurant!
T-Rex Cafe is more than just a restaurant for us—it’s a key part of our trips to Orlando. As parents of a child who can’t get enough of dinosaurs, we love how much fun Eli has every time we go. The atmosphere is electric, the food hits the spot, and the extra activities, like the gift shop and fossil dig, keep us all entertained.
One thing we’ve learned over the years is that reservations are essential. While walk-ins are possible, it’s Disney Springs, so things can get crowded, especially during peak times. We always book through Disney’s reservation system to ensure we don’t miss out. In a place like Disney Springs, where there are endless restaurant options, this one stands out for its family-friendly theme and unforgettable experience.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Orlando and have a dinosaur fan in your family (or even if you don’t), the T-Rex Cafe is a must-visit. It’s more than just a place to eat—it’s an immersive, fun-filled adventure that has become a beloved tradition for our family, and I’m sure it will become one for yours too.