Tusker House Restaurant Reopening This Summer In Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tusker HouseIf you will be visiting Walt Disney World soon, I’ve got some great news for you. Tusker House Restaurant will be reopening in Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer. According to Disney:

The guest-favorite character dining location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Tusker House Restaurant, will reopen this summer! During the modified character experience, guests will enjoy delicious family-style entrees inspired by the flavors of Africa and can snap photos of Donald Duck and friends, dressed in their safari best as they promenade through the restaurant.

If you’re not familiar with Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, it has one of the most delicious character dining meals in Walt Disney World. For those of you that have dined at Boma in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge before, many of the offerings were similar. Disney hasn’t released the updated menu yet, but with some health and safety measures still in place, Tusker House will be serving family style instead of its typical buffet style.

Previously at breakfast, Tusker House served bacon and eggs, waffles, cereal, fresh fruit and pastries, beef bobotie (spiced minced meat with egg), and fruit chutneys.

Lunch and dinner offered many options such as spit-roasted chicken, carved beef and Kenyan coffee BBQ pork loin; sides like vegetable samosas, curried rice, tandoori tofu and saffron-infused veggies; classic African tastes such as peri peri salmon, curry chicken and tamarind seafood stew, and pita and lavosh breads plus chutneys, hummus and tabouli. For kids with less adventurous palates, a simpler buffet was available with corn dog nuggets, mac ‘n cheese, mashed potatoes, and assorted meats and cheeses. And, of course my favorite…desserts; there was warm banana-cinnamon bread pudding with vanilla sauce, chocolate fudge volcano cake, cherry-apple cobbler, and passion fruit tart.

Stay tuned for more information here as soon as the menu and pricing information are released!

Will you be visiting Tusker House once it reopens?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Celebrate Mother’s Day 2021 At Walt Disney World Resort With Delicious Desserts

If you are one of those lucky people who will be celebrating your mom in Walt Disney World this year on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, you have lots of delicious desserts to share as part of your fun filled day. Here are just some of the many mouth watering options available courtesy of Disney:

Animal Kingdom

Mother's Day 2021 Treats 1Creature Comforts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

Flame Tree Barbecue, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

Restaurantosaurus, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake – Chocolate cake with strawberry ganache filling and white chocolate frosting (available April 30 through June 1)

Tiffins Restaurant, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Mother’s Day Dessert – Coconut and caramelized pineapple mousse, coconut sorbet, almond crumble, pineapple gel, and cherry sauce (available May 9)

EPCOT

Mother's Day 2021 Treats 2Coral Reef Restaurant, EPCOT

  • Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse Tart – Vanilla tart filled with raspberries and chocolate mousse topped with raspberry mousse and wrapped with chocolate rope (available May 9)

Le Cellier Steakhouse, EPCOT

  • Lemon Cream and Berry Charlotte – Lemon and vanilla bean cream with ladyfingers topped with fresh berries (available May 9)

Disney Springs

Mother's Day 2021 Treats 3Amorette’s Patisserie, Disney Springs

  • Dipped Strawberry Bouquet – Strawberry dipped in Guayaquil dark chocolate (available May 7 through10)

Marketplace Snacks, Disney Springs

  • A Mother’s Day Swirl – A swirl of DOLE Whip strawberry and chocolate soft-serve with chocolate-dipped strawberry garnish (available May 7 through10)

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Mother's Day 2021 Treats 4Landscape of Flavors, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (mobile order available)

World Premiere Food Court, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort (mobile order available)

Everything Pop Shopping and Dining, Disney’s Pop Century Resort (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Sweet Blossom Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with marshmallow crème filling topped with strawberry buttercream, white chocolate flower blossoms, and sprinkles (available May 6 through 9)

Contempo Café, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

  • Mother’s Day Red Velvet Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing and cream cheese-buttercream icing garnished with sprinkles and a Mother’s Day chocolate plaque (available May 7 through 9)

Mother's Day 2021 Treats 5Gasparilla Island Grill, Disney Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Mimosa Miniature Gâteau – Champagne-infused sponge cake with orange-scented mousse topped with white chocolate slipper (available April 23 through May 9)

Barefoot Pool Bar, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Tambu Lounge, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail – A refreshing blend of vodka and flavors of raspberry and lemon (available May 7 through 9)

Capt. Cooks, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Mother’s Day Butterfly Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake with raspberry mousse filling and buttercream icing (available May 7-9)

Pineapple Lanai, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Key Lime Pie Sundae – Lime soft serve, graham cracker crust, blood orange mango jam, and topped with a macaron (available May 7-9)

Mother's Day 2021 Treats 6The Artist Palette, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort (mobile order available)

Good’s to Go, Disney’s Old Key West Resort

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake – Vanilla cake with a peach compote, spiced vanilla buttercream peach mousse, and a white chocolate hat (available April 24 through May 9)

Roaring Fork, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake – Tres leche cupcake with vanilla buttercream and a chocolate butterfly (available May 6 through 9)

The Market at Ale & Compass, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort (mobile order available)

The Beach Club Marketplace, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort (mobile order available)

  • Sweeter Than Roses – Creamy raspberry mousse on chocolate hazelnut cake with ruby red raspberry center and chocolate fondant decorations (available May 2 through 9)
  • Mother’s Day Bouquet Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake filled with rich chocolate mousse and decorated with an array of buttercream flowers (available May 2 through 9)

Which Mother’s Day dessert looks best to you?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Festival Of The Lion King Reopening

Great news for fans of live entertainment at Walt Disney World; in January it was announced that a modified version of Festival of the Lion King would be reopening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom later this year, and now we have more details. Earlier this week, President of Walt Disney World Resort, Jeff Vahle, posted on his Instagram:

Our cast is back in rehearsals for “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King,” preparing for the show’s mid-May debut as entertainment continues to return across Walt Disney World. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Vice President Sarah Riles and I stopped in to welcome them recently, and hearing that wonderful, familiar music put a lump in my throat. Thrilled to have these talented Cast Members back on our stage!

The modified version of Festival of the Lion King will have adjustments including updated choreography to allow for social distancing as well as how the audience is seated. Get ready to hear some of our favorite Lion King songs again such as “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?,” and “Circle of Life!”

Are you excited for Festival of the Lion King to reopen?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

10 Ways For Tweens To Have Fun At Walt Disney World This Summer

Do you have a tween in your family that you will soon be bringing to Walt Disney World? You might be wondering what there is for kids this age to do, and most importantly, will they have fun so you can. Well, you’re in luck, because there are many things for your tween and the entire family to enjoy together this summer. Here’s a list of 10 unforgettable ways for tweens and their families to experience the magic, courtesy of Disney:


Families planning their next visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth are in for a real treat. That’s especially true for families with tweens. With roller coasters and thrill attractions of all kinds and so much more, tweens can explore new and classic experiences, soak up the sun and indulge in some tasty tastes. From the must-have family photo in front of Cinderella Castle with its new royal colors to character dining experiences with picture-perfect views, here are 10 ways for tweens and families to spring into summer while vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort this year:

  1. Blizzard Beach 4Splash into Fun at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – This wintry-themed water park is celebrating the best summer ever in splashy style. It’s a great place to enjoy family fun together with big thrills for the kids and places for parents to relax.
  2. Discover Paradise at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – The tropical oasis along the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon is now accepting bookings for late July 2021. The reimagined guest rooms will surround guests with details, patterns and textures inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.”
  3. Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden FestivalThe Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Blooms Through July 5 The event combines the freshest flowers and flavors from around the world, featuring fun for the whole family from garden-inspired cuisine to lifelike character topiaries and new Orange Bird merchandise to complement any selfie. Guests who miss this festival have no reason to worry. On July 15, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will kick off and run through November 20, offering plenty of family-friendly fun.
  4. Check Out the Royal Makeover of Cinderella Castle – The treasured icon at the heart of Magic Kingdom Park now features bold, shimmering and regal enhancements befitting its royal status. It makes a great photo backdrop with family and friends.
  5. Earth Week Celebration at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme ParkCelebrate the Magic of Nature – Explore Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, an immersive land featuring massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and unbelievable experiences including Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. And from April 18 to 24, the park will connect guests with the magic of nature through Earth Week activities designed to educate, entertain and inspire the whole family.
  6. Find Disney Characters in New Places –From cavalcades to caravans to flotillas and even special “pop-up” appearances, guests of all ages can discover favorite friends at all four theme parks and occasional special surprise appearances at Disney Resort hotels.
  7. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway RailwayStep into an Adventure – At Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can step through a movie screen and into the cartoon world of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway They can also embark on an adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the immersive, award-winning land featuring two thrilling attractions: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
  8. Here for the Food – Foodie options are limitless at Walt Disney World, whether sitting for a family meal or snacking between attractions. Guests can enjoy a family-style meal at Chef Mickey’s with Mickey Mouse and his pals at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or visit Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort for a fun character dining experience during Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends and a beautiful view of Walt Disney World. EPCOT is another great place to grab a quick bite … or two … or three! The Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival offers more than 20 Outdoor Kitchens where guests can sample tastes and sips as diverse as Avocado Toast and a Maple Popcorn Shake. Top off the experience with classic Disney Parks snacks – buttery popcorn and the classic Mickey Ice Cream Bar are Walt Disney World theme park favorites.
  9. Everglazed 4Stroll, Dine and Shop for the Perfect Gifat Disney Springs – Guests visiting this shopping, dining and entertainment destination have plenty of new options to satisfy even the most demanding tastes. Disney Style is the latest fashion-forward merchandise spot with a twist. Here, fashionistas find a curated assortment of trendy apparel and accessories inspired by beloved Disney characters and attractions. Tweens looking for a sweet treat can grab a handcrafted, photo-worthy donut at the newly opened Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew.
  10. Relax Outdoors – Central Florida weather is traditionally gorgeous this time of year, and Walt Disney World offers special ways to enjoy outdoor recreation, including miniature golf, fishing expeditions, horseback riding and more.

Have you traveled to Walt Disney World with a tween?
What did they enjoy the most? Please leave a comment!

Celebrate Earth Week 2021 At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

With Earth Day right around the corner get ready to celebrate at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort. Running from April 18 through April 24, 2021, guests can enjoy exploring nature with many exciting experiences for the entire family during the annual Earth Week Celebration. Here’s what we know so far about this fun filled event, courtesy of Disney:


Disney's Animal KingdomWhile Disney theme parks celebrate all living things every day, during the upcoming Earth Week Celebration there’s an added opportunity for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park guests to connect with the magic of nature through engaging activities designed to educate and inspire the whole family.

From April 18 to 24, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will host limited-time experiences including unique Disney character appearances, fun learning opportunities, specialty merchandise, themed food and beverage, a new Wilderness Explorer activity and more.

  • The Animation Experience at Conservation Station shows how Disney Artists bring favorite characters to life by using animals for inspiration. For the Earth Week Celebration, guests can learn to draw characters – including Dumbo, Terk, Squirt, Shere Khan, Simba and Scar – whose real-life counterparts represent amazing stories of conservation work around the globe.
  • Guests can catch a glimpse of some special characters who will join other favorite Disney pals on Discovery River Character Cruises.
  • A sampling of Earth Week eats include a selection of limited-time specialty cupcakes: the Creature Comfort’s Honey Bee Cupcake, the strawberry-flavored Flamingo Cupcake at Flame Tree Barbecue or the Sea Turtle Graham Cracker Cupcake. Specialty beverages include The Red Crowned Crane, a frozen Coke topped with frozen Cherry Coke and strawberry cotton candy; adults can spice it up with Captain Morgan Rum.
  • A series of self-guided, nature-themed challenges invite guests to earn a special Wilderness Explorer limited-time Earth Day Nature badge.
  • Guests can hunt for an Earth Day 2021 limited-edition Te Fiti Moana trading pin, and also support the Disney Conservation Fund by purchasing a cuddly plush inspired by species that call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home; or check out Island Mercantile’s eco-friendly water bottles, tumblers and reusable bags that promote sustainability.
  • Any time guests visit the park, they can marvel at unique animals and meet the newest arrivals. Most recently, the park welcomed the birth of Ranger, and guests can get a glimpse of the rambunctious 5-month-old calf and his rhino family on a journey aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris. While on safari, guests can also keep an eye out for two young Masai giraffe who were born a few months ago, and playful Nigerian dwarf goats that hang out at the warden’s outpost.
  • Beginning April 2, guests can watch artisans transform 40 tons of sand into a detailed sculpture celebrating National Geographic’s “Secrets of the Whales,” an original series streaming on Disney+ on Earth Day. The intricate sculpted masterpiece will be located on the Discovery Island Stage until April 30.

Will you be celebrating Earth Week at Animal Kingdom?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!