I just ate there last Saturday, and was pleased to see that the offerings on the buffet seem to be the same as before it was a character meal. The African-style offerings make it the most interesting in-park buffet restaurant on property, although the characters have made the cost somewhat more expensive than it used to be. (We skipped the photo with Donald at check-in, since we wanted to get in and start eating!)
I found that by arriving during the time in between late breakfast and the lunch hours, it was quite quiet, and actually got multiple visits from all the characters.
Try the bread pudding with vanilla sauce for dessert - it's fabulous.