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Breakfast with Mickey - Comparing Chef Mickey's and Tusker House: A Walt Disney World Dining Review

by Sherri Tatum, PassPorter Guest Contributor
Last modified 02-02-2017

There are many dining options at Walt Disney World. The character dining option is by far one of the favorites.

This is a great way to get a nice meal and visit with the characters in one setting. Two popular character-dining options include Tusker House at Animal Kingdom and Chef Mickey’s at Magic Kingdom. But, if you had to pick just one, which one is better? Let's find out!

These two dining options have several similarities. Both Tusker House and Chef Mickey’s include the characters and both are buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you are on the dining plan, both use one Table Service Credit. There are also distinctions with these two dining options. I will be comparing the breakfast buffets for both dining places.

Chef Mickey’s
Chef Mickey’s is located at the Contemporary Resort. It is a great dining option if you are staying at this resort. If not, you can simply take Disney transportation to Magic Kingdom and then board the monorail to the Contemporary. Due to its close proximity to Magic Kingdom, Chef Mickey’s is extremely popular.

Chef Mickey’s offers a large breakfast buffet complete with items such as eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, fruit, Danishes, and plenty more. It is definitely one of my family’s favorites due to the vast food offerings.

Mickey Mouse is the star of this restaurant, as he is the "chef." He greets the tables, ready for pictures and autographs complete in his chef coat and hat. His gang joins him: Donald, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto.

The setting of Chef Mickey’s is contemporary and colorful. Various tables and seating are located in the open ceiling dining area. A large circular buffet includes delicious hot items, while a separate buffet area includes sweets and cereals. You also do not want to miss the “Mickey Mouse” song. When it comes on, do not be afraid to pick up your napkin and swing it in the air to the music. It is such fun for kids and adults alike!

There are so many things that my family loves about Chef Mickey’s, but our favorites have to be (and in this order):

1. The selection of food
2. The characters, especially Donald Duck
3. The proximity to Magic Kingdom Park
4. The theming of the restaurant (It is very bright and welcoming.)
5. The music (Pick up that napkin and wave it proudly. You are at Disney!)

Tusker House
Tusker House is located in the Animal Kingdom Park. It is a great dining option if you are already planning to visit this park that day. I recommend getting an early reservation for the breakfast buffet. If you can get a reservation before 8:45, you can enter Animal Kingdom early, which is a nice way to see the park without the crowds. Tusker House is located near the back of the park in Africa, so it is a bit of a walk. Enjoy the non-existent crowds and the scenery on your way to the restaurant, if you arrive before opening. Tusker House is located near Kilimanjaro Safaris. Another great tip is to visit the safari after filling up on breakfast and enjoy the beautiful scenery and animals, while resting your belly after eating a scrumptious meal.

Tusker House offers the typical breakfast fare of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and more. While good, it does not offer quite as many options as Chef Mickey’s. The interior of the restaurant is set as an African-themed marketplace with different dining stations to choose from. Wooden tables and chairs are located in a cozy dining area where the characters will come around to your table and greet you for autographs and pictures. You can even join them for a Conga line dance. What a fun way to interact with the characters, without the crowds! The characters for this breakfast buffet include Donald (your safari guide), Daisy, Goofy, & Mickey. Whether you are a huge Donald Duck fan or even just visiting the Animal Kingdom Park, you do not want to miss Donald’s Safari Breakfast. It is a great way to meet favorite characters and enjoy an African themed meal and setting all in one place!

Our top five list for what our family loves about Tusker House (in this order):
1. It has Donald Duck!
2. The location is convenient. (It is located in the Animal Kingdom Park, so we make our reservations for when we will be in that park.)
3. It has classic Disney characters and you can dance with them!
4. It’s something different, not your typical Disney themed restaurant.
5. The staff is very engaging with the guests.



About the Author: Sherri is a wife and mother of two tweens.  She has loved Disney since she was a child and has passed on that love to her family.  They are currently planning and excitedly waiting their next Disney trip.

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Updated 02-02-2017

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