I Drove to Every Rainforest Cafe in North America 

For those of you claiming we didn't go to the Rainforest Cafe that you know and love, here is proof we went to every single Rainforest Cafe in North America, if the video of us doing it isn't proof enough lol twitter.com/TedNivison/status/1545562196813713409?s=20&t=aD2wj0vdKrbbf9dXZcosLg

The cost of gas alone would deter any sane human being from doing this right now. Never change.

This short film has further reinforced the dynamic of an awkward family road trip, with Eddy playing the role of the pessimistic, divorced father taking his starry-eyed son Ted on a road trip across the States to every Rainforest Cafe. The acting was so good at certain points that it almost seemed like the emotions were real... fantastic work by the cast and crew.

I love how every time you met up with people, they either had their girlfriends or friends with them, then Danny shows up completely alone in a rainforest cafe shirt and is the happiest person in the whole video. Absolutely fantastic stuff

I love how Eddy is basically having a progressive mental breakdown throughout the trip, while Ted's either slowly letting his inner child out, OR having a progressively more intense manic episode.

I can’t believe I just watched a guy having a mental breakdown on a roadtrip to visit every rainforest cafe for 30 minutes and then came here and watched another guy having the best time of his life on said roadtrip

this video is awesome, but i think you only really get the true experience of EITHER video after you've watched both. there is nothing funnier than watching Ted lose his mind over the 12th rainforest cafe while you know at that exact same time Eddy was three rainforest cafe business cards away from becoming the American psycho

Buccees actually started when a guy thought “Hey, what if gas stations had nice bathrooms?” And then he built a gas station that became incredibly popular because the bathroom was clean Then he thought “What if everything else about gas stations didn’t suck?” And so he expanded his brand, gave his gas station chain a mascot, and just started selling anything and everything he could think people could ever want from a gas station and made it all high quality And that’s the story of Buccees!

Fun fact: Within the span of this video, a thunderstorm took place in a Rainforest Cafe somewhere.

Ted: a wholesome road trip across the country visiting a wacky safari-themed café Eddy: The story of a man dragging himself through the fiery pits of hell to prove himself to the vile jungle of food mockeries

I love how eddy’s video is framed like he’s in purgatory, and ted is just so fucking excited for everything and every rainforest cafe. I love that both of these videos compliment each other so fucking well.

Ted: Loving life, having a good time, enjoying himself at all these Rainforest Cafes Eddy: Slowly losing his sanity at being forced to eat the same food over and over again, and only having his monkey friends to comfort him

Ted’s video: *shows him having a fun Roadtrip* Eddy’s video: *a documentary of his slow decent into madness*

The real souvenir, was friendship.

I like how Eddy’s video made it seem that Ted’s enthusiasm was edited, and Ted’s video made it seem like Eddy’s misery was edited, but each one reveals that they were very real lol

This genuinely feels like hearing detailed a story from two friends, separately, and going "wait, Eddy didn't mention this" and you're going 'this is the world through their eyes' Except they're both high quality RU-vid videos we can watch and gaggle at How fascinating

really love the dichotomy between these two videos. everlasting positivity vs deepening depression

I love how Ted can visit 18 rainforest cafes in a row w/o breaking a sweat (and in fact actually seem to enjoy it more and more), yet the thing that nearly made him lose it was just watching Saving Private Ryan on a loud tv twice at a midas repair shop. Never change Ted.

I love how they're both the villains of each others stories XD

I watch this video at least once a month because it lives in my head rent free. And y'all inspired me and my roommate to one day attempt a similar challenge with every Margaritaville.

I just watched Eddy's video. Now we know what would happen if Bert and Ernie went on a road trip.

its genuinely so funny watching this video after eddy's because you can just tell the difference in their experience. eddy's video painted the trip as absolutely miserable and an obscure form of torture, and ted's video makes the trip seem extraordinarily whimsical and overall like weeks of pure, unadulterated joy

sometimes i close my eyes and I’m still trapped on the road headed toward a mall

Ted: I am having so much fun reliving my childhood!!! Eddy: Have I ever told you, the definition of insanity?

The fact that this video could've saved the Rainforest Cafe is the funniest part of this video

Ted in contrast to Eddy is a prime example of the duality of man

Watching this perspective, Eddy’s misery almost seems scripted, but watching his perspective it’s very clear that he was legitimately scarred

Watching this for the third time, I’m realizing that this was just a massive ADHD hyper fixation for Ted… I feel for him so hard.

The video has just started and it is already clear to me why Ted was enjoying himself so much in Eddy's video.

the fact that ted never once mentions that he ordered mozzarella sticks at nearly every location that they visited really speaks the passion for his journey

From Ted’s perspective, it’s a grand adventure with two beloved but imperfect heroes. From Eddy’s perspective it’s a grueling quest with torture every step of the way that makes you feel like you’re trapped in a repeating purgatory with an annoying sidekick alongside you.

i love teds delusional positivity and eddie's willingness to just go with it

I remember watching eddys video first and feeling so bummed after since he mainly just complained. Then I watched Ted's video, and i have come back to this video dozens of times now because this video is truly so sweet to me because he is genuinely happy to go on a long road trip around the country just for a restaurant. Thats nothing against eddy, i just love ted's wholesome additude throughout the video.

Seeing this journey from Ted's perspective after seeing it from Eddy's already, you would not think that this was the same trip.

I love how Eddy's video is edited like a horror movie slowly regressing into the madness that was the worst experience of his life while Ted's is a comedy detailing the greatest and most magical road trip he has ever been on

Every time I have a migraine I remind myself that it's not that bad bc I could be on a road trip to every rainforest cafe

Eddy’s and Teds videos are like completely opposite vibes. Ones a descent into madness and ones like a child at Disney world

Why did I feel a sense home hometown pride when you guys went to Arizona Mills Rainforest Cafe.. is this what rooting for sports feels like

I honestly can't decide which is funnier to watch first: The fun and heartwarming road trip with the bud, or the descent into the depths of madness and despair

The screaming about “you better be grateful” on the road trip is something I think a great many people can relate to.

0:55 just knowing how low eddy gets during the trip makes this innocent optimism so much more heartbreaking

I watched Eddy's version literally this morning and the difference between both your moods is so funny

Seeing random youtubers to join their crew in other cafes is like suddenly getting a side quest where a character from the previous game helps you out.

As a Texan who frequents and adores the Galveston location (and a Bucees enjoyer), this video made me *abnormally* happy

Ted is like a 10 year old child...so full of wonder and hope, stay gold ponyboy...stay gold

Ted is the guy who will commit to the bit, no matter how ridiculous it may seem. Never change Ted. Never change

Haha, this actually reminds me of a funny story about Ted Nivison and the Rainforest Cafe! A couple years back, I was actually at a Rainforest Cafe with my family and I saw none other than Ted Nivison! Being the huge fan that I was, I thought it might be nice to get a picture with him or something, so I decided to approach him and say hi. As soon as I was about to open my mouth though, Ted shushed me and said, "Do you really think you have the RIGHT to talk to ME? Do you know who I am?" He then grabbed my arm and snapped it in two, watching me writhe in agony as I fell to the ground. He took some of the ornamental plates they had at the Cafe and smashed them over my head. He then took some of the plastic toys of dart frogs and other rainforest animals and shoved them down my throat. Finally, he pulled out his trusty hammer and snapped both of my knees in two. He swore to me, "If I EVER see your stupid face again, you'll face the TRUE wrath of the Kneebreaker..." Classic Ted!

I love this video. My sister and my niece (6yo) are currently on a roadtrip vacation, and when I found out they were visiting in-laws in Katy TX for a few days, I remembered this vid and I told them that they're in a city with an RFC, and they gave it a shot! My niece absolutely loved it (she loves animals, nature, and french fries, so you can imagine who had lots of SAFARI FRIES), and wants to come back! When I called to see how they were doing, despite all my niece had seen, the highlight to her trip was the RFC. We may joke about it, but this place is truly magical to children. Oh yeah, also my sister thought it was pretty nice and now brother-in-law is dreading visiting his parents, because he knows that from now on he has to take his daughter to the RFC every time they go.

Couldn't have imagined a better sponsor to reflect how it feels like to become worse at the end of a journey than BetterHelp.

As the designer of the original prototype Rainforest Cafes (90's), I was thoroughly entertained watching this...thank you. (Mall of America, Schaumburg, Gurnee, and Disney....yes, I designed the erupting volcano). If you ever want some funny stories about when these were first developed let me know.

I just watched 2x 30-minute videos of guys eating at every Rainforest cafe in America from alternating perspectives. What a time to be alive.

Fun fact: according to google trends, July 2022 has the highest amount of searches for rainforest cafe (in Canada) than any other year

I love how Ted just capitalizes on Eddie's psychological torture in this. We need to see this duo more.

The fact that you spent three straight weeks together and both managed to make two separate but equally entertaining and engaging videos is impressive! I mean, you both do this for a living so it’s not surprising that you know how to do your jobs but still!! Thanks for the laughs Tedward

"I did something really stupid when I was gone." Perfect start to the video.

Having seen Eddy's video beforehand, it's quite amusing to observe the stark difference in the enjoyment you experienced compared to his complete meltdown. This video made my day honestly, thanks for that.

Imagine this just becomes a yearly thing and he does it again

The WILD difference between Ted and Eddy’s videos absolutely sends me. I thought Eddy had just edited Ted to be way too happy and enthusiastic about the whole thing, but here we are lmao

I love that a therapy company sponsored this video of two very unhinged adult men trying to visit every location of an obscure restaurant from the 2000s across the country

I don't know why but I keep coming back to Ted and Eddy's road trip videos. For some reason I actually enjoy them that much and if they did something like going to every Bubba Gump location I would watch that.

Coming back to watch this in July 2023 and seeing Margaritaville in the background when they're in the Mall of America is like going back to watch the first spiderverse movie and seeing that guy get hit with the bagel

Dad loves the rainforest cafe! Dad is jealous

This is proof that Ted is a Psychic Vampire, slowly draining Eddys happiness and sanity over 3 weeks to fuel his own.

I love how Ted's video makes the trip sound fun and Eddy's video makes it sound like a living hell

This has such an insane rewatch value, it's crazy. Ive watched it at least 5 times so far.

Fun fact, not only is there a Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs, but there's also a place called "T-Rex Cafe" that's from the same people that made RFC, and it's all dinosaur themed. Prehistoric environment, dino animatronics everywhere, and instead of a thunderstorm, it has meteor showers. It's really freaking cool.

Ted: "Eddy was a bigger Rainforest Cafe fan than ever." Eddy: *"I WILL NEVER EAT ANOTHER GODDAMN SAFARI FRY AS LONG AS I LIVE!!!"*,

Honestly has to be one of my all time FAVORITE youtube videos i have ever watched its 30 minutes but doesnt feel too long because its engaging and fun in every second but also doesnt feel too short from its commentary script and being paced super well. Its jokes are funny and fresh, the "plot" of the vid doesnt get old and you are always 100% all-ears invested in everything that happens because of the pure light hearted, boredom killing, scenic adventure that you are witnessing from someone actually do. This vid checks all my boxes when it comes to my favorite types of videos and i fucking love it

The fact that neither of them are looking at the road 27:52 gets me every time

Watching Ted's jovial adventure after Eddy's existential crisis is so funny

I like how Ted is so enthusiastic about everything in this video and in Eddy’s video he sounded like he was holding a shotgun under his own chin during the whole voice over recording. One way out. One way to escape the rainforest. Also, I live just outside Nashville and visit Opry Mills fairly often (for the LEGO store) and to see Ted and Eddy wander in the same mall I know so well is a bit like seeing Bigfoot in the background of a family picture.

Margaritaville foreshadowing at 25:17

11:11 can't forget Tracy Tree. She was arrested for kidnapping children

The long awaited alternate POV despite only taking 6 days to release. The juxtaposition of Eddie's sanity slipping psycological horror and Ted's happy jovial buddy comedy is truly an innovation in cinema.

Nothing better than a plate of Safari Fries at the Rainforest Cafe, Ted!

the urge to ask my parents to take me, towns away, to go to the nearest Rainforest Cafe is STRONG lol

Anyone watching this video MUST watch Eddy’s version of the exact same trip. It’s a MUST. Also, good job Canada 🇨🇦 (yes I am Canadian lol)

You are literally the only person that could possibly make driving across the country to go to 18 rainforest cafes with someone who is seriously cracking their psyche over it absolutely captivating. And you did it so well.

learning that Ted has ADHD made everything make perfect sense. yeah. the second anyone with ADHD finds something we love, we can literally do that one thing nonstop until we die.

24:00 "The tree is a sellout" I'm fucking dying 😂😂😂

Now there’s a fantastic sequel. Thank you Ted.

i love the clear difference being that Eddy's felt like a hostage situation, and that this one feels like a fun buddy-buddy roadtrip movie.

This proves a theory of mine that anytime you see someone in a clearly non rental car across the country, you never know if they’re just up to some absolutely bonkers and pointless trip while crossing this god foresaken land

This really is a cinematic masterpiece, sometimes I forget how talented Ted is as a director

23:46 I cannot explain why this made me so happy but it did

i need to watch more ted nivision videos

I remember meeting ted on this journey and what a lovely time it was. Eddy was sobbing, chained to the table while ted took photos of every fish they had at the location in ontario. When I approached Ted to say hello his smile fell and he stared at me dead-eyed and breathing violently through his nostrils. By the time I exited the restaurant Ted was long gone, along with Eddie who was still chained up. As I was walking to the bus stop to go home, I heard a car start up and I turned around just in time to see Ted in the drivers seat, grinning from ear to ear, right before he ran me over with his 2002 toyota tacoma in the color forest green. Such a pleasure to finally meet Ted Nivison and to be able to watch his adventures from my hospital bed!

Ted’s editing and scripting is impeccable, his pacing is immaculate, I love this man

I’ve watched this for the first time. I can confidently say, this is the saddest most moving documentary/vlog I have ever seen. I’ve been crying for the past ten minutes

Ted: Childlike wonder and nostalgia trip enjoying Safari fries and aquariums Eddy: Heart of Darkness

Ted: beautiful story about two friends having the time of their lives and creating wonderful memories. Conclusion: cups. Eddy: a painful, realistic documentary that progressively gets worse and worse, dealing with Ted's antics and getting PTSD from the jungle animals and the rainstorms, only to be liberated from his suffering at the end. Conclusion: PAIN.

25:17 you can see the Margaritaville behind Eddy like a horror movie foreshadowing the inevitable

I love watching your passion for this chain. You do you. I strive to be just as passionate about something in my life.

ted's video is an emotional journey about reliving his golden years while eddy's video is about his internal battle with the gorillas in the bathroom

I can't wait for the sequel of Ted and Eddie traveling to the remaining Rainforest Cafes in France, UAE, Japan, and Malta

Describing disaster striking as being “like lighting striking an animatronic gorilla” could only be pulled off if you say it like Ted did.

I can’t wait to see these guys do a trip to all the Hard Rock Cafes in America in 2024

as a texan, i think that watching saving private ryan at full blast at a midas at 7:30am is the most texan thing i have heard besides going to bucee's. how they managed to get through so much of the state and never went to one until florida is astounding

I like that this video is more about the trip as a whole and Eddy's is more about each restaurant and his descent into Madness, they really complement each other lol

22:36 that shark came from an aquaruim near me theres also an eel from that aquarium that made it there too