Tusker House: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park - Africa
A full dining review of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Parks’ Tusker House Character Meal
Tusker House Character Dining is one of my favorite character experiences. The best memory we have as a family is the dance-off between Goofy and Mickey. Then, all of a sudden, Goofy jumps into a split - it was amazing! Not only does it have the most amazing African-inspired cuisine, but also your favorite Disney characters will come to your table to greet you, pose for photos, and offer hugs and high-fives. The safari-themed attire worn by the characters adds an extra layer of charm to the experience, creating a magical atmosphere that is sure to captivate guests of all ages.
Like all dining reservation you are able to book Tusker House at your 60 day window. If you have trouble getting the resrvation you want, check out my blog on how to set dining alerts.
If you are having difficulty in getting a reservation at Tusker House, do not worry! You can join the restaurant's waitlist and receive an estimated wait time based on the size of your party. Even if you are unsuccessful 60 days prior to your visit, you can still try again. It is worth noting that the restaurant has a new cancellation policy, which allows for cancellations up to 2 hours before the dining time. This means that many reservations become available on the same day. Therefore, keep checking for availability, as more spots will open up 24 hours before your desired time.
Disney Dining Plan: 1 Table Service Credit
Breakfast: 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Lunch: 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Dinner: 3:35 pm - 9:30 pm
Type of Meal: African, American, Character Dining, Buffet
Menu: View Menu Here
Waitlist Available: Yes!
Location
Tusker House is located in the Harambe village of Disney's Animal Kingdom, which is one of the most captivating and intricately themed areas of the park. Upon entering the gates of this lively marketplace, you'll feel as if you've been transported to the heart of an African village, complete with brilliant colors, exquisite architecture, and the melodious rhythms of traditional music. As a Nigerian-American, I'd like to point out that Disney's African village theme does not represent the urban areas of African countries. While I appreciate the way they've created the atmosphere, I want to make it clear that this is not how metropolitan areas look in African countries. It's more similar to visiting rural areas in America.
The restaurant itself is stunning, with intricate carvings and lush greenery on its exterior that evoke the charm of a safari lodge. As you step inside, you are greeted by a spacious dining area filled with tribal artwork, wooden accents, and high ceilings that create a rustic yet elegant atmosphere. The attention to detail that the Imagineers put into the restaurant is truly remarkable, and it really transports you to a different place. I love how they took the time to bring the space to life.
Characters: Meet and Greet with Disney Friends
One of the highlights of dining at Tusker House is getting the chance to meet and greet some of your favorite Disney characters dressed in safari attire. Throughout your meal, you'll have the opportunity to mingle with iconic personalities like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy.
These character interactions add an extra layer of magic to your dining experience, providing unforgettable photo opportunities and cherished memories for guests of all ages. The interaction you have with the characters depends on where you're seated in the restaurant. After visiting Tusker House six times, I've noticed that if you're seated in the back room to the left when you walk into the restaurant there is a little more space in that room, the characters have more room to interact with you and each other. This is where the infamous split took place.
Dining Time Availability & Cost: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Safari
Tusker House offers dining experiences for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, allowing guests to indulge in the flavors of Africa at any time of day. Here's a breakdown of each mealtime offering:
Breakfast Cost $30 per child, $47 per adult 8:00 am - 10:30 am: Begin your day with a delicious spread of classic breakfast dishes with an African influence. You can enjoy a variety of options such as Mickey waffles, frittatas, carved meats, and pastries, there is a little something for everyone. Even picky eaters can find something they like at breakfast. Moreover, if you are an early riser, you can take advantage of the shorter wait times by joining the waitlist in your My Disney Experience App and experiencing the park's attractions before the crowds arrive.
Lunch Cost $62 per child, $40 per adult 11:00 am - 3:30 pm: The midday meal served at Tusker House boasts a wide range of African-inspired dishes, such as delicious stews, grilled meats, and fresh salads. It also will give you a break from the midday heat.
Dinner Cost $62 per child, $40 per adult 3:35 pm - 9:30 pm: As the sun sets over Harambe, Tusker House comes alive with an exciting variety of flavors, offering a range of delicious dishes for dinner. From spicy curries to savory samosas, each bite takes you on a adventure to the heart of Africa, I was actually VERY pleasantly surprised and so were my parents who are Nigerian.
Don't forget reservations for Tusker House can be made up to 60 days in advance, allowing guests to secure their preferred dining time and ensure a seamless experience during their visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. But remember with the two hour cancellation policy scoring a last minute reservation is very possible!
When it comes to dining at Tusker House, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider. Here's a closer look at what sets this unique restaurant apart.
Pros:
Immersive Atmosphere: Tusker House offers a truly immersive dining experience with its meticulous theming and attention to detail. From the moment you step foot inside the restaurant, you'll feel like you've been transported to the heart of Africa. Every aspect, including the decor and music, contributes to the authentic atmosphere that makes Tusker House a must-visit destination.
Character Interactions: Meeting beloved Disney characters dressed in safari attire adds an extra layer of excitement and wonder to your meal. These magical moments create memories that last a lifetime, making Tusker House an ideal spot for Disney enthusiasts of all ages to dine with family or friends.
Diverse Menu: Tusker House's menu offers a diverse selection of African-inspired dishes, making it easy for everyone to find something to enjoy. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian, or have dietary restrictions, there are plenty of flavorful options to choose from, providing a chance to sample a variety of cuisines all in one sitting.
Convenient Location: Tusker House is located in the heart of Disney's Animal Kingdom, near some of the park's most popular attractions (Kilimanjaro Safaris, The Festival of the Lion King, & Rafiki’s Plant Watch - Also the path to Asia is very close.) This means you can enjoy a leisurely meal without straying too far from the action. Its proximity to other dining and entertainment options also makes it a convenient choice for guests looking to maximize their time in the park.
Cons:
Price Point: Dining at Tusker House can be expensive, especially for larger parties or those on a budget. While the quality of the food and the overall experience justify the cost for many guests, it's important to factor in the expense when planning your visit.
Crowds and Wait Times: Due to its popularity, Tusker House can get quite busy, particularly during peak dining hours and holiday seasons. Guests may encounter longer wait times for tables or experience crowded dining areas, which can detract from the otherwise immersive atmosphere of the restaurant.
Limited Menu Options for Picky Eaters: While Tusker House offers a diverse array of dishes inspired by African cuisine, some guests, particularly picky eaters or those with specific dietary restrictions, may find the menu options somewhat limited. While there are typically alternative choices available, it's worth considering whether the restaurant's offerings align with your personal preferences before making a reservation
My Families Experiences Over The Years
My family has been fortunate enough to visit Tusker House many times over the years. Our first trip was in 2018 when my children were very young, and we had a wonderful time. We have continued to visit the restaurant since then, and while not every visit has been perfect, we have always had a memorable experience. One time, after COVID-19, our dinner lasted for three hours, but we understood that the restaurant was still serving food family-style, and we gave them grace for that. We are so happy that everything is back to buffet style again.
We have gone to Tusker House for all three meals and have found that each meal has its own charm. While I prefer dinner, my children enjoy breakfast, and my husband loves Tusker House all the time, so he doesn't have any preference. The character interaction has always been wonderful, and we have found that we can change our reservation time within the 48-hour window if our plans change. Despite being a popular dining experience, we have had a lot of luck with rescheduling our reservations.
Tusker House Character Dining offers an incredible experience for kids who love to try out new food and enjoy spending time with Mickey and his friends. The restaurant offers a wide variety of African flavors and creates an immersive atmosphere that makes for a magical and enjoyable experience. The character interactions are enchanting and add to the overall charm of the restaurant. In summary, it is one of our favorite character dining experiences.
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