Tusker House reviews

"I don't really like buffets, but Tusker House is one of the best"
Reviewed on Jun 11, 2009 by Markz
Rating: 7

Atmosphere : 3/5
This restaurant is themed to look like an operation base for African elephant poachers (hence the Tusker House name). From the outside, the location looks like an outdated gas station, which doesn't make the restaurant look attractive at all. Good thing we had our map, because this restaurant doesn't stand out very much. On the inside, it sort of looks like a giant cafeteria, with some decorations sticking on the walls. The only positive point about the atmosphere, is the awesome buffet section. It is themed to look like a North African marketplace, with carpets hanging from the ceiling. The overall mood inside was pretty bland, perhaps this is because of the terrible rain we had that day. From the staff to the guests, everybody pretty much looked like they wanted to go home.

Food Quality : 3/5
Most of the vegetable or pasta items offered in the buffet we're a tad bit above average. The couscous and rice from the African selection we're great. The fried potatoes and spicy vegetables we're also some of my favorites. The main gripe I have with this buffet was the quality of the meats. Most of the meats we're awfully dry and tasteless. The deserts are exactly what you would expect from typical Disney buffet. Small portions of regular cakes and pies you would find anywhere else, nothing spectacular here, but decent taste whatsoever.

Service : 2/5
When we first walked up to the entry counter, we we're greeted by some of the rudest CM's I've ever seen in the World. A trio of three old and grumpy ladies we're in charge of taking your name and sending you inside. None of them actually looked at us, or even smiled at us. We we're wondering what was up with them, maybe it was the rain? Who knows. During our dinner, we had 2 servers. The first one was a Latino man who seemed as serious as an army drill sergeant. He never smiled, and never engaged into any conversation beyond the basic needs of service. We thought he was very rude, and we we're glad to see him getting done with his shift, only to be replaced by an awesome server named Luis (which I talked about in the CM gratitude forum). The only thing stopping me from giving the service at this place a 0 is the super cheerful second server we had waiting our table. He kept joking around, signing with his fellow cast members, taking pictures for people, talking about menu items, the whole deal... This guy was beyond amazing, if it was just for him, I would have given Tusker House a 5 on 5 for service. But because the overall experience from the start was so dreary, I can't give it anything higher than 2. Probably one of the worst experience I've had in my 16 trips to Walt Disney World. And trust me, I know service ratings are attributable strictly to individual experience during a set time period, so take this with a grain of salt! Some people might have amazing service experience at this place, but It wasn't our case

Variety : 5/5
There is one thing this buffet has going for it, and that's the variety of food choices available. There's about 15 African specialties, ranging from Marrakesh couscous (which is awesome!) to spicy tender marinated lamb. There's also your usual Disney buffet American food to complement the offer. There's also plenty of deserts along with the main course choices. This buffet will have you stuffed out if you try to have a bite of everything.

Price : 4/5
The price here is very good for an all-you-can-eat buffet. They charge 19.99$ so this would have been one of our lowest priced meal we had during our whole trip. For the amount of variety offered, and the actual decent taste of the food, the price is great. Considering you get unlimited food for a very good price, I think this is one of the most affordable restaurant in the World.

Overall rating : 3,4/5

Would I eat there again on my next trip ? No, I'm not a big fan of all-you-can-eat buffets, I prefer the seated table service kind of dinner, On my next trip I will definitely be trying Yak and Yeti instead, or maybe Rainforest Café (if it's included in the Dining Plan)

"very very good"
Reviewed on Dec 12, 2008 by bbbfamilyinsf
Rating: 10

this is one of my favorites in disneyworld - great selection of food satisfied a varied crowd (2 kids under 3, 2 grandparents and 1 very thankful mom). lots of simple, predictable choices as well as fun new things to try (the african preserves with baba ganoush, couscous & pita were my favorite!

"i loved it"
Reviewed on Jun 28, 2008 by sarahjeanine
Rating: 10

i just went to disney animal kingdom this summer and ate at the tusker house for breakfast and i loved it they had so many things to chose from there is somthing for everyone. and for us it was a character breakfast with donald and daisy, mickey and goofy. they all come around to the tables and i got a picture with everyone. i had so much fun.

"Tusker House is not a Counter SErvice"
Reviewed on Jun 15, 2008 by catne
Rating: 10

But it's a great table service buffet now. We really enjoyed the foods, many ethnic choices but also lots of "american" fare for the less adventurous among you.

Great service, and they serve beer/wine

"Best Character Breakfast"
Reviewed on Apr 01, 2008 by PhilharMagician
Rating: 9

We have always enjoyed the Donald's Breakfastasaurus and were highly disappointed when we heard that it was closing and taking over the Tusker house. Of course we had to at least try it since we have tried all of the character breakfast buffetts. After being greated outside by the bar in Harambe I was a little puzzled that there was no indoor waiting location. Minutes later we were greated and walked over to the picture location and asked if we would like our picture taken. We said no and were taken inside to tour the buffett. The buffett area is humongous with many different sections. Finally we were seated and found that the seating was more spacious and had more walking room around the table than in Restaurantasaurus. Now up to the buffett to pig out! I tried most of the foods and found it wonderful. There are many common items to the rest of the WDW buffetts, but many special items with the african flare also. The food was awesome!

As most character meals have a celebration, so does this one. We had our napkins high in the air as the children played there moracco's in a conga line through the restaurant. The kids had so much fun.

This is a definate repeat, and I look forward to trying their dinner menu.

"New Table Service buffet Tusker House"
Reviewed on Dec 13, 2007 by jws25
Rating: 10

We had a reservation for lunch at 11:40am on Wed., Dec. 5, 2007. We checked in early at 11:30 so that we would have plenty of time to get on line for the 1:00 show of Nemo. We were given a pager, and were not seated until 11:55. At that point, a friendly but painfully slow hostess sauntered us to our table. Once there, we were greeted quickly by a friendly server. We explained the situation, and she wasted no time. She took our drink orders, and by the time we'd returned with our first serving, our drinks and bill were waiting for us. We did not use the dining plan, but when my husband ordered the yummy exotic fruit punch, we noticed that we were not charged for it. (I had tap water.) We felt it was well worth the $20/person bill, especially had we not been rushed. We still left full and happy. If you've been to Boma and enjoyed it, please consider Tusker House. There were many similar dishes, and the spirit and variety was the same, as well as the superb quality. The cuisine was pan-Asian. There were several curry dishes, lots of cold and hot couscous dishes, and plenty of veggies and a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, shellfish and salmon. Also appearing was the familiar "short" buffet table, with mac & cheese, chicken legs, and other favorites. This is a terrific option for a vegetarian or ethnic food lover, and long overdue at Animal Kingdom! We will absolutely return.
By the way, yes, we did make it to the show, and our seats weren't bad, either.

"Tusker House ...Wonderful"
Reviewed on Nov 07, 2006 by lulabell1972
Rating: Not rated

This was by far the BEST counter-service restaurant I have eaten in to date. The menu was very diverse. The food was fresh and the portions were large.

If you are going to order desert, beware!! The portions are huge! The cheese cake is woth every bite.

"Head to Tusker House"
Reviewed on Dec 13, 2005 by cherrynegra
Rating: Not rated

If you're tired of burger and fries and want good healthy meals, then I highly suggest Tusker House. I personally think Animal Kingdom has the best counter service park food of all the WDW parks, and Tusker House is at the top.

The grilled salmon with rice and vegetables is a wonderful change from the average. The rotissire chicken is also another great choice. I wasn't too impressed with the turkey wrap, but the corn chowder that came with it more than made up for it. Yummy!! They also had a vegetable stuffed pita with a side of grapes that was also quite good. If you're trying to eat healthy in the parks, you can't go wrong eating here.

"YES"
Reviewed on Oct 19, 2005 by MSTINKHERBELL01
Rating: Not rated

If you've ever passed by and wondered should you give it a try....the answer is YES! The food is really good. The rotisserie chicken is a change for counter service and it's so darn good comparable to Pollo Tropical (if you've ever dined there). The Garlic Mash Potatoes are excellant and I ate mine and my girlfriends. She loved the veggies but she did mention they needed more salt. Overall, it was a great experiance and we will def. eat at Tuskers again.

"Great theming"
Reviewed on Sep 19, 2005 by 3IAlienKid
Rating: Not rated

Never had lunch or dinner here yet, but the breakfast is a slight step above you're typical fast food breakfast, and the theming in this place has a very geniune feel to it. Favorite restaurant at Animal Kingdom.

"another winner"
Reviewed on Jun 27, 2005 by hollyberries
Rating: Not rated

again another good choice---tasty food, plenty of room for seating and the lines were well coordinated here. i'd recommend this counter service to anyone

"Yummy Chicken"
Reviewed on Jun 11, 2003 by bigtinkfun
Rating: Not rated

This is a great place to grab a meal in Animal Kingdom. It has counter service and rather limited choices, but the food is plentiful and very good. I highly recommend the rotisserie chicken, which is juicy and flavorful. The restaurant has a very rustic decor, and is a nice place to stop off, get a bite to eat and rest up a bit.

"Our Favorite!"
Reviewed on Apr 01, 2003 by AddyL
Rating: Not rated

This was our favorite counter service eatery in the Animal Kingdom, perhaps in all of WDW! The portions are large, the menu has some variety, and the food was excellent! Also, even at 12 noon on a day when Africa was jammed to the gills with people, this restaurant was very uncrowded! We had no wait to order, and tables were plentiful!

"GREAT FOOD"
Reviewed on Sep 08, 2002 by RAYROBBINS
Rating: Not rated

THE FOOD HERE IS THE BEST INSIDE AK. WHEN YOU GROW TIRED OF EATING AT THE RAINFORREST CAFE THIS IS THE PLACE. LIMITED SELECTION BUT IT'S ALL GOOD.

"#1 Counter Service at AK"
Reviewed on Sep 07, 2002 by meeko_33785
Rating: Not rated

This is a must-eat for me at the Animal Kingdom for lunch. Good food, pleasent surroundings, and the much appreciated air conditioning in a park that seems to lack it.

"Good chicken"
Reviewed on Aug 22, 2002 by Enskywalker
Rating: Not rated

If you don't want to eat at the Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kindom, this is the place to go. The portions are big enough to split between two adults and the rotisserie chicken is the second best we've had on property including full-service restaurants.