“Eat breakfast at Tusker House!” That’s our son’s exclamation when we ask what he wants to do during our next Walt Disney World Resort vacation. And, coming from a young boy who appears to generally hate eating, it’s a glowing recommendation for this character meal at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Here’s why…

Ingredients for P.O.G./Stitch Juice. Photo by Rachel Horsley

P.O.G./Stitch Juice

Whatever you call it, this specialty juice, served at a handful of locations around Walt Disney World Resort, has a definite cult following. Made of (I’m told) equal parts passion fruit, orange, & guava juice (P.O.G.), it’s sweet, and tropical, and a family favorite. I’ve tried recreating this special blend at home but, I’m guessing, the added magic of a Disney Parks vacation rendered it impossible for me to perfectly master. Sometimes called “Stitch Juice,” it’s also served at ‘Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch. But, don’t worry…no actual Stitches are harmed making this special nectar.

Regional Specialties at Tusker House Restaurant. Photo by Rachel Horsley

The Tusker House Restaurant Buffet

A favorite with both the adults and children in our family, Tusker House Restaurant’s breakfast buffet offers Guests plenty of choices. Mickey waffles, oatmeal or yogurt with all the fixings, or bread pudding with warm vanilla sauce (a House specialty) are plentiful and delicious. Excellent regional offerings, like beef bobotie and a coconut sweet potato casserole are positioned next to traditional favorites, like sausage, bacon, and scrambled eggs. *A note for potential improvement: during our most recent visit, I noticed the vegetable quiche was no longer available. I’m hoping this was a temporary change, as it was one of my favorites from Tusker House Restaurant.

Parade Maracas at Tusker House Restaurant. Photo by Rachel Horsley

The Interactive Parade

A parade is another fun feature Tusker House Restaurant shares with ‘Ohana. Cast Members regularly invite young Guests to grab a noise-maker and follow characters around the restaurant in an energetic parade. Which brings us to…

Meeting Goofy at Tusker House Restaurant. Photo by Rachel Horsley

The Characters

While character appearances are always subject to change, Guests at Tusker House Restaurant can regularly expect to see Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Daisy Duck. Decked out in their very best Kilimanjaro Safaris gear, they are seemingly ready at a moment’s notice for the African trek next departing next door. We never feel rushed with the characters. And, in our family’s opinion, character interactions at Tusker House restaurant are second, only, to The Garden Grill at Epcot.

Pre-Tusker House Restaurant Breakfast Photo Session at the Tree of Life. Photo by Rachel Horsley.

Magical Early Morning Photos

While this reason only applies if you score a pre-park opening advanced dining reservation, it’s probably mommy’s favorite. Guests with reservations before opening enter into a nearly empty Animal Kingdom Theme Park. During the walk back to Africa, Guests may pause, observe, enjoy and photograph some of the amazing detail work brilliantly woven into the design of the park. So often, in the midst of the crowds, I miss these perfectly integrated details. Best of all, with Disney’s PhotoPass photographers usually positioned along the route, an empty park allows (near private) photos by the Tree of Life.

Tusker House Restaurant, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, is always a “must-do” meal for our family. If your family loves great food and fabulous characters, check out Tusker House Restaurant on your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation!

Tusker House Restaurant. Photo by Rachel Horsley