Awful waitress brought wrong drink and took hour to get through it
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Amelia Bayntun
I don’t usually leave reviews, but I felt compelled to share our recent experience at the Nomad Lounge on Tuesday, July 22nd. Six years ago, this spot was one of our most cherished memories from our Disney trip: peaceful, welcoming, and a perfect escape within Animal Kingdom. Sadly, our return this time was anything but.
From the moment we arrived, the service was appalling. We were greeted (if you can even call it that) by a woman who looked visibly unhappy to be there. She barely acknowledged us, didn’t ask how our day was (which, at Disney, is usually a given), and seemed annoyed at the very act of seating guests. What really struck us is that it wasn’t just our party. We watched the same cold, dismissive treatment given to every group ahead of us. It set a sour tone right away and didn’t reflect the high standards we’ve come to associate with Disney service, especially considering how much families invest in making these trips special.
After a long wait, we were seated at a table right by the entrance, directly facing the busy walkway. One of the things that makes Nomad Lounge so special is the serene, tucked-away feel of the deck surrounded by trees. We asked if we could move to one of the many empty tables in the quieter area. Unfortunately, that request seemed to irritate the host, who made it clear we were an inconvenience. He said we could move to a nearby table once it was cleared and told us it would be 5 to 10 minutes, which we were happy to wait. In fact, waiting 10 or even 20 minutes wasn’t a problem at all. I would have waited much longer, this lounge once meant so much to us. But being stared down and glared at by one of the female hosts, clearly to make sure we knew how inconvenient we were being, is what made the situation so uncomfortable.
To add to the disorganization, they came out almost immediately, removed the empty drinks from the table, placed them on a tray… and then just left the tray there. It sat untouched the entire time we waited, with no effort to actually clear or reset the table.
After about 20 minutes, the host team changed, and a new host named Chuck stepped in. He greeted us right away, smiled, asked how our day was, and genuinely tried to change the tone of the experience. He was lovely! Warm, professional, and everything you’d hope for in a Disney cast member. Unfortunately, by then, the damage had been done. The earlier treatment had made us feel so unwelcome that it was hard to recover.
We also noticed that several prime tables in the quieter area stayed empty, even after we were told that section was closed because a server had gone home. While we understand staffing challenges happen, it’s hard to believe they couldn’t rotate another server into such a small section, especially for a premium guest experience.
One bright spot was our server, who was genuinely kind and attentive. It was clear they were trying to make up for the earlier experience, and their effort didn’t go unnoticed. We truly appreciated that.
But sadly, the mood of our party had already shifted. One of us ended up in tears. This place had held such happy memories for us, and instead of rekindling that magic, we were left feeling like a burden. We arrived well before closing, just before 4 PM, and while we completely understand that working at Disney, especially in the heat, can be exhausting, it’s no excuse to take that frustration out on guests.
We expected better — not perfection, just a little bit of the kindness and care that once made Nomad Lounge so special. This visit, unfortunately, left us with the opposite.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
David Watts
One of my favourite places to visit in Disney World. A lovely environment, with great drinks and interesting bites to eat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Diane DeLuca
Absolutely fantastic spot to get away from the park for it a but. Thoroughly enjoyed our cocktails. Wonderful service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
N Tori
They have a very small menu and they give you very little food. It was overpriced and not worth it at the end. It wasn't great and it wasn't horrible
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Keith Newlander
Great alternative to tiffins as they share the same drink menu and some of the appetizers. I like the laid back atmosphere and the room is setup with good spacing between the tables. The servers and team assisting when you arrive have always been nice. The extra appetizers at the nomad longue such as the Cuban Frita and churros are excellent and must tries. Also recommend the tempting tigress and Annapurna zing for drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shemeeka Greaves
This is not theme park food. Far from it. Absolutely delicious. I will definitely be back here when I come back to Animal Kingdom in the future. The decor, the menu, the food! Wish we could have lounged longer. I was very impressed with the presentation. Very well done Disney.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Kavita Nair
Terrible deameanor of the lady whose name I think was Auhja. Was very impolite while speaking with us and to top it made us wait beyond our time and sent in everyone who came after us without reservations in before us. We were the only ones . Despite vacant tables being there, they kept us waiting and when we said we’re leaving, she immediately offered a table 😀. Honestly waiting wasn’t an issue the attitude/demeanor of the employee was very objectionable. Should have better n more courteous people up at the front dealing with people. On the other hand, Nate who first greeted and received us was extremely courteous . Unfortunately Auja took over inbetween and then it was downhill. We went finally to another restaurant where the experience was awesome.
Service: 1
Faith Morgan
Dorian is an excellent bartender. Top tier! Everything she recommend was fantastic. The wings, charcuterie board, boto Rita, the Hightower rocks, tempting tigress …each one had us react with a “woah that’s excellent”. Dorian is so knowledgeable and such a strong bartender i watched her pour at least 5 drinks at once in a 2 minute span, one was mine and it was so tasty. Knowledgeable about the food and where it comes from. Fast and efficient. She’s the best! We can’t wait to be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brad L
Horribly mismanaged! The waitlist is incredibly inaccurate.
Nice spot to cool down in the park and enjoy some food and have a cheeky something or beer. The staff were great as some of our party are strict vegetarian.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Séamus McKenna
A great oasis in a lovely park. Big-up to Taylor from Kailua Kona, Hawaii who was so welcoming and kind.
Andrew Pao
Perfect place to rest from the heat Churros are 🔥
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Courtney Grant
Joined the walk up list and were told it would be over an hour wait, so we scanned in to nearby lightning lane when we got a text our table was ready and to arrive in ten minutes. Made it there in the ten minutes but they couldn't find our reservation. In an empty lounge, we were seated at an awkward corner of an uncomfortable table, and then had minimal service. We asked about being able to rejoin the lightning lane since we couldn't book another for that attraction, and were told to show the attraction cast members our receipt of nomads lounge. When we did that, those cast members said they had never heard of that. Probably wouldn't return to nomad lounge again.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Gainesvillain
I wish this secret oasis in the middle of Animal Kingdom craziness (in a good way) was more secret. Awesome indoor and outdoor space, great staff, delicious tapas (esp the wings), and amazing cocktails (the Lamu Libation is my fav). No reservations and the walk-up list (available via the app) is often an hour plus, but if you are friendly, the host will let you hang inside to wait on a couple of seats at the bar to open up (never waited more than 10 minutes). A must-do while visiting Animal Kingdom.
Awful waitress brought wrong drink and took hour to get through it
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I don’t usually leave reviews, but I felt compelled to share our recent experience at the Nomad Lounge on Tuesday, July 22nd. Six years ago, this spot was one of our most cherished memories from our Disney trip: peaceful, welcoming, and a perfect escape within Animal Kingdom. Sadly, our return this time was anything but.
From the moment we arrived, the service was appalling. We were greeted (if you can even call it that) by a woman who looked visibly unhappy to be there. She barely acknowledged us, didn’t ask how our day was (which, at Disney, is usually a given), and seemed annoyed at the very act of seating guests. What really struck us is that it wasn’t just our party. We watched the same cold, dismissive treatment given to every group ahead of us. It set a sour tone right away and didn’t reflect the high standards we’ve come to associate with Disney service, especially considering how much families invest in making these trips special.
After a long wait, we were seated at a table right by the entrance, directly facing the busy walkway. One of the things that makes Nomad Lounge so special is the serene, tucked-away feel of the deck surrounded by trees. We asked if we could move to one of the many empty tables in the quieter area. Unfortunately, that request seemed to irritate the host, who made it clear we were an inconvenience. He said we could move to a nearby table once it was cleared and told us it would be 5 to 10 minutes, which we were happy to wait. In fact, waiting 10 or even 20 minutes wasn’t a problem at all. I would have waited much longer, this lounge once meant so much to us. But being stared down and glared at by one of the female hosts, clearly to make sure we knew how inconvenient we were being, is what made the situation so uncomfortable.
To add to the disorganization, they came out almost immediately, removed the empty drinks from the table, placed them on a tray… and then just left the tray there. It sat untouched the entire time we waited, with no effort to actually clear or reset the table.
After about 20 minutes, the host team changed, and a new host named Chuck stepped in. He greeted us right away, smiled, asked how our day was, and genuinely tried to change the tone of the experience. He was lovely! Warm, professional, and everything you’d hope for in a Disney cast member. Unfortunately, by then, the damage had been done. The earlier treatment had made us feel so unwelcome that it was hard to recover.
We also noticed that several prime tables in the quieter area stayed empty, even after we were told that section was closed because a server had gone home. While we understand staffing challenges happen, it’s hard to believe they couldn’t rotate another server into such a small section, especially for a premium guest experience.
One bright spot was our server, who was genuinely kind and attentive. It was clear they were trying to make up for the earlier experience, and their effort didn’t go unnoticed. We truly appreciated that.
But sadly, the mood of our party had already shifted. One of us ended up in tears. This place had held such happy memories for us, and instead of rekindling that magic, we were left feeling like a burden. We arrived well before closing, just before 4 PM, and while we completely understand that working at Disney, especially in the heat, can be exhausting, it’s no excuse to take that frustration out on guests.
We expected better — not perfection, just a little bit of the kindness and care that once made Nomad Lounge so special. This visit, unfortunately, left us with the opposite.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
One of my favourite places to visit in Disney World. A lovely environment, with great drinks and interesting bites to eat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely fantastic spot to get away from the park for it a but. Thoroughly enjoyed our cocktails. Wonderful service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They have a very small menu and they give you very little food. It was overpriced and not worth it at the end. It wasn't great and it wasn't horrible
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Great alternative to tiffins as they share the same drink menu and some of the appetizers. I like the laid back atmosphere and the room is setup with good spacing between the tables. The servers and team assisting when you arrive have always been nice. The extra appetizers at the nomad longue such as the Cuban Frita and churros are excellent and must tries. Also recommend the tempting tigress and Annapurna zing for drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is not theme park food. Far from it. Absolutely delicious. I will definitely be back here when I come back to Animal Kingdom in the future. The decor, the menu, the food! Wish we could have lounged longer. I was very impressed with the presentation. Very well done Disney.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Terrible deameanor of the lady whose name I think was Auhja. Was very impolite while speaking with us and to top it made us wait beyond our time and sent in everyone who came after us without reservations in before us. We were the only ones . Despite vacant tables being there, they kept us waiting and when we said we’re leaving, she immediately offered a table 😀. Honestly waiting wasn’t an issue the attitude/demeanor of the employee was very objectionable. Should have better n more courteous people up at the front dealing with people. On the other hand, Nate who first greeted and received us was extremely courteous . Unfortunately Auja took over inbetween and then it was downhill. We went finally to another restaurant where the experience was awesome.
Service: 1
Dorian is an excellent bartender. Top tier! Everything she recommend was fantastic. The wings, charcuterie board, boto Rita, the Hightower rocks, tempting tigress …each one had us react with a “woah that’s excellent”. Dorian is so knowledgeable and such a strong bartender i watched her pour at least 5 drinks at once in a 2 minute span, one was mine and it was so tasty. Knowledgeable about the food and where it comes from. Fast and efficient. She’s the best! We can’t wait to be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Horribly mismanaged! The waitlist is incredibly inaccurate.
Restaurantji Recommends
Nice spot to cool down in the park and enjoy some food and have a cheeky something or beer. The staff were great as some of our party are strict vegetarian.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A great oasis in a lovely park. Big-up to Taylor from Kailua Kona, Hawaii who was so welcoming and kind.
Perfect place to rest from the heat
Churros are 🔥
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joined the walk up list and were told it would be over an hour wait, so we scanned in to nearby lightning lane when we got a text our table was ready and to arrive in ten minutes. Made it there in the ten minutes but they couldn't find our reservation. In an empty lounge, we were seated at an awkward corner of an uncomfortable table, and then had minimal service. We asked about being able to rejoin the lightning lane since we couldn't book another for that attraction, and were told to show the attraction cast members our receipt of nomads lounge. When we did that, those cast members said they had never heard of that. Probably wouldn't return to nomad lounge again.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
I wish this secret oasis in the middle of Animal Kingdom craziness (in a good way) was more secret. Awesome indoor and outdoor space, great staff, delicious tapas (esp the wings), and amazing cocktails (the Lamu Libation is my fav). No reservations and the walk-up list (available via the app) is often an hour plus, but if you are friendly, the host will let you hang inside to wait on a couple of seats at the bar to open up (never waited more than 10 minutes). A must-do while visiting Animal Kingdom.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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