Day 16 – On Safari | Halloween in the Wilderness 2015

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Day 16 - On Safari - Halloween in the Wilderness 2015 Disney Trip Report

 

Tusker House (Character Breakfast) | Animal Kingdom | Narcoossee’s (Signature Dining)
November 7th, 2015


We had an early morning reservation for breakfast at Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s become quite the tradition now for us to have breakfast here, and then go on Kilimanjaro Safaris afterwards. What we didn’t know on this occasion, was that there was a Run Disney event going on, and so, when we arrived at the park, were directed to one of the further away parking lots. We then had to walk quite a distance to the entrance, because trams were not running this early in the morning.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

It wouldn’t have been so bad had I been fighting fit, but at this point in the holiday my back had just given up, and walking for long distances was not working out for me. We hired an ECV from the park entrance for me again, which made touring around Animal Kingdom a lot less painful for me. Without it I know we wouldn’t have got very far, and would have ended up cutting the day a bit short.

Once in the park, I took advantage of the lack of guests to take some clear photos of the Tree of Life, as well as other areas of the park on our way to Tusker House.

Disney's Animal Kingdom - Tree of Life

Disney's Animal Kingdom

We enjoy Tusker House because it’s a bit different from other breakfast buffet restaurants. Not only do they have regular breakfast foods, but also other dishes with an African influence. There is also the added bonus, that it is a character dining experience, so you also get to meet Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Daisy Duck, dressed up in their safari gear. You can help yourself to as much as you care to eat, and the characters walk around from table-to-table; meaning you will get a chance to meet each one for a photo opportunity and autograph.

When it comes to the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan at a buffet restaurant, you are entitled to one full buffet and one non-alcoholic beverage (usually refillable) for one credit per person.

We have loved Tusker House since our very first time dining here. The inside of the restaurant itself is wonderfully themed, and the food is always great. It is a noisy restaurant though – character dining always is – so if you have members in your party with noise issues, be mindful of that. The seating is split into two areas. There is a smaller room, which is generally a bit quieter, and then a larger room. We’ve sat in both areas. The buffet is laid out between the two rooms, and is really spacious. The food is laid out in different stations, so you are able to come and go as you please, rather than having to do any formal lining up.

I actually took photographs of the names of different dishes on offer, so will list them here, along with some photographs too. Whilst the menu can change at any time, these are the kinds of things you can expect to find on the buffet.

Breads, Pastries, and Sweet Treats

Apple Turnover, Coffee Cake, Strawberry Turnover, Orange Bread, Blueberry Bread, Lemon Poppy Seed Bread, Chocolate Twists, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Holes, Croissants, Warm Cinnamon Rolls, Baked Banana Cream Cheese French ToastCheese Blintz, Cherry and Mixed Fruit Toppings, Assorted Breads and Bagels, Gluten Friendly Options: UDI’s Whole Grain Bread, Bagels, and Muffins; Kinnicknick Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Namaste Mickey Waffles & 100% Maple Syrup (made upon request).

Breakfast Dishes with an African Flavours

Coconut Sweet Potato Casserole,  Beef Bobotie, Basmatic Rice with Lemon, Cinnamon, and Cardamom, Sweet Plantains, Spit-Roasted Bone-In Ham, Sweet and Spicy Honey Mustard,  Jalapeño Corn Bread, Mealie Cornbread, Mealie Pap, Spiced Corn Beef Hash with Cornbread Topping,

Regular Breakfast Foods

Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage Patties, Oven Roasted Red Skin Potatoes, Mickey Waffles, Biscuits, Sausage Gravy,  Oatmeal – Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Raisins,  Cubed Cheddar and Swiss Cheese, Plain & Low Fat Strawberry Yogurt, Dried Fruit and Honey, Seasonal Fruit Salad with Saffron Syrup, Grapes, Potato and Leek Frittata, Tater Tot Potatoes, Ham and Cheese Frittata, Whipped Butter, Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Assorted Jellies and Jams, Chutneys, Fresh Bananas, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes, Fruit Loops, and Rice Krispies, 2% Milk,

Tusker House at Disney's Animal Kingdom

As I said before, the characters walk around from table to table. You can see them moving around the room, so time your trip to the buffet accordingly! You may feel like the server is rushing you out the door when they hand you the check, but if you’ve not met all the characters yet, do not feel that you have to leave! Make sure you have your autograph book(s) and pen ready for those important signatures, and have your camera out too. The gang have lots of people to see, so don’t waste your time with them by hunting for these things when they’re at your table to meet you!

Another fine breakfast at Tusker House for us! After having our fill, we paid the check (with our Dining Plan Credits) and made our way out into the hot sunshine. We had some time before our FastPass+ time slot at Kilimanjaro Safaris, so had a bit of wander around – which involved some time in the nearby shops!


Tusker House

Bill Total: $95.82 (3 Credits) {Tip: $16.19}
DxDDP Running Totals: Bill: $3404.67 | Credits: 104/126 | Tips: $488.24


Disney's Animal Kingdom - Hidden Mickey
A huge Hidden Mickey in the stonework on the ground!

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