Chef Mickey's or Tusker House for 2 adults?

[jlovesee]

So after a sucessful first experience with character meals this last January I was looking at options for our next big trip, next January, and as our 180 window is next month I have started looking at a few options. We will be staying at BLT at the Contemporary so that's were the question comes in. My favorite character is Mickey (well and Mulan but she's no where), and my husband's is Goofy so that pretty much limits the choices. Originally Chef Mickey's seemed obvious, location location location, probably a few minute walk from our room.

However I have read some not so great reviews, and while we both enjoy lively restaurants (we both LOVE Whispering Canyon), screaming kids*, packed restaurants and bad food seems like it could be a scary combination. So I started looking and found Tusker House. I love BOMA breakfast, and Tusker seems similar, but well is Chef Mickeys so bad that its worth traveling all the way to Animal Kingdom for basically the same thing?

Basically is Tusker House better then Chef Mickey's for those that have done both?

Last, both my husband and I like to sleep in a little on vacation and I just can't see us making a 8AM ADR, plus we tend to take our Disney trips in a much more relaxed fashion these days. Would making an ADR closer to the end of breakfast, say around 10AM make for lighter crowds?

Thanks in Advance!

*Disclaimer: I have nothing against kids, we have gone to Disney World atleast once a year for the last 10 years, and have worked at the local Amusement Park for the last five years, so I enjoy being around kids, but packs of them, all screaming their heads off at the same time, gives me a bit of a headache.

Jennifer

 

[TheAceOfAces]

My initial thought when I read the thread title was definitely Tusker House, but considering the situation and your preferences, Chef Mickey's with a later reservation would probably be the better of the two. The later time will mean lighter crowds, since most of the families with the screaming kids will have already eaten in order to get to the parks earlier. Also, I don't know who told you the food there was bad, but I've personally never had a bad experience with that part. It's not a 5-star restaurant, but certainly not terrible by any stretch.

Slightly off-topic, but as for finding Mulan, I've occasionally seen her around the China pavilion in Epcot. This may not be a common occurrence, but it has happened.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

I've had both, and the breakfast food is quite a bit better at Tusker house. Not just in quality, Tusker house has a lot more offerings. Chef Mickey's is basically eggs/bacon/sausage/waffles/pancakes and other basic things. Tusker house has a more diverse buffet.

Also, if you get a very late breakfast ADR at Tusker, they'll let you stay past when they change over the buffet for lunch, and you can try the lunch buffet as well, which is also very good.

Even during "prime" breakfast hours, Tusker is not as loud/crazy as Chef Mickey.

Tusker is also cheaper than Chef Mickey's (why I don't know).

So, between the two, I would choose Tusker. But, this assumes I would be going to AK anyway. Now, is it worth it to go from BLT to AK and back again, just for a meal? I would say no. But, if you would stay in AK and do some attractions, then it would be worth it.

 

[jellydisney]

I vote for Tusker House. The food is good and has some diverse options, the atmosphere is nice, and there are fewer screaming children. It doesn't "feel" like a buffet, whereas Chef Mickey's feels like a Ponderosa on a Saturday night. Yeeeech.

 

[Naively Occur]

I recently had to make the same decision, only I've got the kids as well. We went to Chef Mickey's last year for lunch and had a good time. The food actually was better than anticipated - big buffet you could work to find what you liked. This time I went with Tusker House based on friends experience and wanting to try something new. Plus, I dig the fact that we get to see the characters in safari outfits.

 

[Kimberly Hill]

We really enjoyed Tusker House for breakfast. We've been to Chef Mickey's for breakfast and dinner many times at different times of the year and have yet to find it other than rather chaotic.

At Tusker House they do lead a parade, kind of like 'Ohana, but the noise level is nothing like Chef Mickey's. I thought the selection of foods was better, as was the service, and the safari clothes were a fun change as well.

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Tusker House...if you have late seating it might be quiter. Last time we were there we got a 10:45 and place was half full and it was quite compare to CM.

 

[jlovesee]

Thanks, I was leaning towards Tusker House, but couldn't seem to make up my mind. I like the idea of doing a crossover between breakfast/lunch. What time does it switch over? Thanks!

Jennifer

 

[PiperGirlInWondrland]

Hands down Tusker House, the breakfast is awesome! I think it changes to lunch at 11. Enjoy!

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Thanks, I was leaning towards Tusker House, but couldn't seem to make up my mind. I like the idea of doing a crossover between breakfast/lunch. What time does it switch over? Thanks!

Jennifer

Last breakfast ADR is for 10:30, first lunch ADR is for 11:30, so that's when the changeover is.

So, if you get a 10:30 ADR, get there at 10:30 (not early), by the time you get your picture taken and get seated, it'll be at least 10:45 or 11:00. Take a nice leasurely breakfast, enjoy the characters, and help yourself to lunch at 11:30.

 

[msnwithers]

I love the variety at Tusker House. Chef Mickey's is fun because the classic characters are there, but the atmosphere and food are much better at Tusker House. You will enjoy it either way!