Disney’s Tusker House Restaurant is a character dining experience that offers guests an opportunity to enjoy a one-of-a-kind menu within the rich and diverse backdrop of Africa. Here’s a look at our experience on a recent trip to this character dining experience.
Located within the Harambe Village of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House is not only a place to eat and meet Disney characters, but also a place that takes you into the heart of Africa’s vibrant culture.
History and Theming
The restaurant’s name, “Tusker,” is a reference to Tusker Lager, an East African beer. This choice of name sets the stage for the African-inspired adventure. The restaurant’s exterior and interior are designed to transport guests to a bustling African marketplace.
The decor, authentic artifacts, and rustic furnishings create an atmosphere that is inviting and visually captivating. From the moment you step inside, you know that you’re in for a truly unique dining experience.
Cuisine
Tusker House is known for its diverse buffet-style cuisine. It combines African, Indian, and American flavors to create a fusion of tastes. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, each with its own offerings.
We ate at the restaurant for Lunch around 2pm. It was not crowded at that time, and the choices were plentiful. The price for your meal and character dining experience ranges from $35 to $60/person depending on your time of day and travel party.
Breakfast:
The breakfast menu features a variety of classic American breakfast items like scrambled eggs, bacon, and pastries. However, what truly sets it apart is the African-inspired options. Guests can savor dishes like bobotie (a spiced South African meat dish), corned beef hash, and “jungle juice” – a combination of passion fruit, orange, and guava juice or “POG juice” as it is also referred to at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Lunch and Dinner:
For lunch and dinner, Tusker House has a wide range of African and American dishes. Grilled meats, roasted vegetables, curries, and hearty stews are just a few of the highlights. The flavors are bold and authentic.
However, many dishes are still available for guests who aren’t such adventurous foodies. There are plenty of familiar dishes for picky eaters.
Character Dining
Tusker House is also a character dining experience. While enjoying your meal, Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy, make their way to your table in their colorful safari outfits.
Adding a layer of excitement and entertainment the characters parade to music around the dining spaces as well. This place is a great choice for families with children and Disney enthusiasts alike. We met each character at our table more than once for several minutes and each was excited to share time with us even though we were a party of adults.
Is it Worth a Reservation?
Disney’s Tusker House Restaurant offers much more than just a meal; it’s a dining adventure. The theming, cuisine, and character interactions combine to create a unique and unforgettable experience. That being said, is the food alone worth the price? The food is good, the quality is great! Is it $60/person good? No! What you are paying for is the character interactions- the experience.
If you want a character dining experience with Mickey and his friends that feels far more intimate than most character dining on property, than Tusker House is worth your reservations. As mentioned, your dining companions visit the tables frequently and they don’t skimp on the time they spend with you.
In addition, whether you’re a seasoned Disney Park visitor or a first-time guest, a visit to Tusker House is a unique dining experience that you may not want to miss. Reservations are recommended and can be made 60 days prior to your visit. Reach out to your travel professional for help securing your spot.
If you are thinking about a vacation to any Disney destination, reach out to our friends at DizN Vacations. Their team of experienced and knowledgeable travel advisors are ready to help you build your best experience. You can also submit a free no obligation quote request to start planning your vacation right away.
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