Major changes annouced for Tusker House and Donald’s Breakfastosaurus
I am back from a short, but much needed, trip to Walt Disney World. I have plenty of updates, pictures, reviews and a full trip report to come so keep checking back, but I need to get some news out today. My thanks to Mouse Extra contributor Mike for keeping the ship on course.
Intercot is reporting that Walt Disney World is planning some big changes for the Animal Kingdom’s Tusker House eatery. It is now a very good counter service location, but will soon turn into a buffet.
Tusker House Restaurant at Animal Kingdom is being converted from a quick-service restaurant to a buffet restaurant. Beginning November 18th, it will offer a character breakfast buffet, called Donald’s Safari Breakfast, and a lunch/dinner buffet. Tusker House will be closed from August 20 through November 16, 2007 for the renovations.
This is a classic good and bad scenario. We all know that character breakfasts are as much a part of the Disney World experience for many people as the attractions themselves. Many complained Donald’s Breakfastosaurus was not adequate. Making the change to a better venue, and perhaps enhancing the entire experience can only be a good thing for those who love character meals. Also, the Animal Kingdom is woefully short of good dinner options. If Disney really wants to turn this park into a full day experience, this needs to be fixed right away. Having a good buffet, the new Yak and Yeti, and the Rainforest Café solves that problem.
But the Tusker House is fantastic just the way it is. It is perhaps the best counter service restaurant offered in any theme park. I’ll be posting a full review in the coming days, but the meals here are some of the best values you can find. Now, what we’ll get is yet another $20-plus per person meal, instead of the affordable option it is now. For those of us who don’t always want to pay a lot for a meal, and can’t bare the thought of another chicken strip or hot dog, this is bad news.
Mike said,
May 10, 2007 @ 5:20 pm
Since you’re in “Africa”, why wouldn’t they do a Timon, Pumba and rafiki breakfast. They should keep this the way it is as a CS.
Matt said,
May 10, 2007 @ 7:23 pm
I agree with Dave regarding the “Don’t mess with a good thing” idea. Obviously if it turns out great, kudos on the better option but you never want them to take something good, try to make it better but end up with something that stinks.
Gordon said,
May 11, 2007 @ 7:34 am
I’ve always considered Tusker House the best in Disney counter service dining. The menu options were unique, healthy, and more importantly, delicious. I only hope that the same can be said for the new buffet meals that will be going in. If they can maintain the quality of the buffet line similar to what they have at Boma, then good for them. But if this becomes another just fill ‘em with bulk option, then I’m going to sic’ Kevin Yee on them!!
Anonymous said,
May 11, 2007 @ 12:35 pm
Gordon, I VERY strongly advise against siccing Kevin Yee on them like that. That guy is an idiot!