Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants at the Orlando Theme Parks

The many theme parks of Central Florida offer food options to please all sorts of palates. If you're in the mood for some smoked dishes slathered with tangy barbecue sauce that will have you licking your lips, we’ve got the perfect lineup of eateries for you. From Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort to SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa, here are the top 5 barbecue restaurants at the Orlando theme parks.

Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A favorite for returning guests, Flame Tree Barbecue is the place at Disney's Animal Kingdom for delicious smokehouse favorites. You can smell the incredible flavors in the air as you approach! Flame Tree offers St. Louis-style ribs, slow-smoked chicken and pulled pork, and even a combination platter of all three for those who can’t decide. Sample their amazing signature baked beans and crisp coleslaw, or enjoy an order of specialty french fries, including a version that's covered in ooey-gooey cheese sauce and topped with pulled pork. For something lighter, the Watermelon Salad with white balsamic dressing is a showstopper.

The Diamond Horseshoe at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
With a recently revamped menu, The Diamond Horseshoe at the Magic Kingdom is now one of the greatest table service locations in the park. This gorgeous Western-style saloon offers some of the best finger-licking meals around. The all-new Pulled Pork Sandwich topped with mac and cheese and crispy onions is an absolute must-try. Other options include a carved beef brisket meal, grilled chicken platter and a vegetable platter. If your family is really hungry, there are all-you-can-eat options, served at your table family-style! For dessert, Diamond Horseshoe is serving up new tasty treats like the Buttermilk Chocolate Cake with bourbon glaze, Peaches and Cream Cheesecake with streusel topping, and Blueberry Cobbler with lemon and mint cream.

Thunder Falls Terrace at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Located in a quiet corner of Islands of Adventure, this relaxing eatery's dining room offers epic views of the Jurassic Park River Adventure's splashdown, with walls of water cascading across the sky every few minutes. The restaurant offers rotisserie chicken, barbecue ribs, giant smoked turkey legs, salads and more, with plenty of barbecue sauce to pour over all of it! Each meal comes with a full ear of roasted corn with the husk still attached on one end, which is perfect to grab and use as a handle while eating. The roasted potatoes are a nice complement as well, and not something you often see at theme park locations. They also offer additional side options, including fries, as well as rice and beans. Just be sure to save room for a big piece of chocolate cake for dessert.

Voyager's Smokehouse at SeaWorld Orlando
If you're craving some real pit barbecue, Voyager's Smokehouse near the waterfront at SeaWorld Orlando has got you covered. Voyager's pit masters slowly smoke their meats over genuine hickory wood for a rich, smoky flavor in every juicy bite. Enjoy an assortment of baby back ribs, St. Louis spare ribs, smoked brisket, barbecue chicken and other succulent dishes that are served hot off the grill. Kids can order their own specially sized rib and chicken dishes, as well as classic macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets or hot dogs. After your meal, partake in the best-tasting carrot cake around, or order a handful of freshly baked cookies to go.

Zambia Smokehouse at Busch Gardens Tampa
For a robust meal at a good price, Zambia Smokehouse in the Stanleyville area of Busch Gardens Tampa is at the top of our list. The meats here are slow-smoked over one of several different wood choices, which vary depending on the day. You can smell the enticing aromas all the way at the Shiekra roller coaster entrance on the other side of the land. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal, like a full rack of ribs, or a quick snack and a cold beer, Zambia has air-conditioned seating inside, as well as a nice covered patio outside. You can enjoy your meal while watching the Shiekra trains zoom by overhead and splash down through the water nearby.