Three fan-favorite culinary experiences are returning to the Walt Disney World Resort starting on November 1, 2022. These will offer guests some delicious culinary experiences from around the Walt Disney World Resort and also some characters might also show up. The updated restaurant experiences include Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT.
Tusker House Restaurant
Starting on November 1, 2022, Tusker House Restaurant will be transitioning to an all-you-care-to-enjoy, buffet dining experience. Guests will be able to enjoy as much food as they want when they visit this dining establishment in the Harambe Marketplace. The menu there is filled with African-inspired flavors.
When the restaurant returns to being a buffet, from breakfast to dinner there will be plenty of dishes to enjoy. It will be a great place to start a day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with plenty of options including the Zebra Coffee Cake, the Simba Waffles, and also the Mickey Waffles. There are also a variety of breakfast meats that will be available as well.
For guests visiting at lunch or dinner, there will be plenty of dishes to enjoy. This includes various breads and dips along with house specialties like the Spit-roasted Tandoori Chicken and Green Curry Shrimp. There are also plant-based options that include the Cauliflower Bunny Chow and various salads. There will also be some favorites for the younger guests that includes corn dog nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and others. There will also be a variety of desserts to enjoy as well.
Along with the fantastic foods, Donald Duck and some of his Disney friends will be stopping by to take a break from their safari adventure to celebrate with guests. They will be available for pictures and hugs as they make their way around the dining room. This character dining experience will be fun for the whole family.
Kona Cafe
The Kona Cafe has been undergoing a refurbishment but will be reopening starting on November 1, 2022, at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This fan-favorite restaurant will offer a refreshed experience when it reopens. Disney promises that the “look, feel, and even some flavors of this relaxed café will be different, yet familiar.” The Kona Cafe will feature American cuisine that has an Asian flare. Guests will still be able to watch chefs at work in the onstage sushi kitchen.
There will be some breakfast favorites that will be returning including the Tonga Toast and Pineapple Macadamia Nut Pancakes served at breakfast. These favorite dishes have cemented a place on Kona Cafe’s menu for a reason. There will also be some favorites returning to the dinner menu as well. This includes the Big Kahuna Burger and Seafood Pu Pu Platter. There will also be a new plant-based offering at dinner, the Sautéed Red Quinoa.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
The Akershus Royal Banquet Hall will be welcoming guests again starting on November 4, 2022. It is found in the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT in World Showcase and gives guests the chance to experience Norwegian cuisine.
There is a wide variety of offerings for this royal feast. It allows guests to enjoy their favorites or try something new. It is a family-style dining experience. Some of the offerings includes the Traditional KjØttkaker which features Norwegian meatballs or the Kylling og Melboller which is a Norwegian approach to chicken and dumplings. For those that want a more classical American-cuisine experience, there is also dishes offered like Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Grilled Salmon, or Macaroni & Cheese. There will also be desserts offered. This includes Rice Cream with strawberry sauce and a Chocolate Roulade with lingonberry cream.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is also the home to Storybook Dining which features the Disney Princesses. While enjoying the Norwegian-inspired fare, guests will be able to interact, take photos, and make memories with some of their favorite princesses.
Reservations are now available for both the Tusker House Restaurant and Kona Cafe. They will become available for Akershus Royal Banquet Hall starting on October 24.
Are you excited about the return of these dining experiences? Which one are you most excited about? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
