Yak & Yeti v Tusker House

[DanielNYC]

Trying to decide on a sit down lunch spot for our Animal Kingdom day in August. It'll be my wife and I plus our two children (12 & 10). None of us are fussy eaters and are open to almost all foods (ie, my kids will not require chicken nuggets or pasta). We ate at Satuli Canteen last year (and loved it!) but I thought we'd try one of the other well-regarded places at AK and I've narrowed it down to these two. I know that TH is a character dining experience which is nice but frankly not a requirement. I suppose then that it's more of a question of food quality and atmosphere. Which would you choose?

 

[nkereina]

I can't speak to Yak & Yeti, but Tusker House has been one of our favorites. We usually do breakfast there but tried it for an early lunch last trip and it was nuts. Very busy, noisy, crowded. Much busier than we usually experience it during our early morning breakfasts. I'd imagine Yak & Yeti is a little more calm since there are no characters. And if paying OOP, you'll likely spend less at Yak & Yeti too.

 

[LiveToTravelNicely]

I have eaten at both TH (but for breakfast) and Yak & Yeti. I think both were great choices. Food quality was good at both. The TH breakfast had the normal American breakfast fare along with some more unique African inspired dishes. I enjoyed being able to sample everything, since it was AYCTE.

So, if it were me, and I had NO other character meals scheduled and I wanted to sample a variety of foods: Tusker House.
If I already was bogged down with character buffet reservations (or a ton of more buffets in general), then I'd pick Yak & Yeti.

I'm editing my post after seeing nkereina's post. I agree that Yak & Yeti will definitely be more subdued and relaxing.

 

[familyman123]

We did Yak and Yeti in 2014, and Tusker House 2016.

We liked Yak and Yeti.

We loved Tusker House. Lots of variety and lots of good choices. If you do an early lunch you can get breakfast and lunch foods.

We are going back in September and it was a must do. (It is the only buffet and the only character meal we are planning).

 

[familyman123]

I’d agree with the other posters that Yak and Yeti is more subdued. You are being served so you just sit in the AC without getting up for trips to the buffet and getting up again for the characters.

That said, I liked the Tusker house ambience. Tables aren’t crammed together like some other buffets.

 

[MainMom]

We can’t choose so we go to AK on 2 separate days and book one restaurant each day. Sorry, I’m no help.

 

[happymommy]

My biggest question is this: do you want a buffet, or do you want to order off a menu? For most of my trips (just my youngest and me), buffet is a waste, since he has EDS and can't eat a lot at one time, and neither can I, so ordering off a menu is more relaxing, as we can share a couple things. If we bring my husband and oldest, buffet is awesome, as those guys can eat (and although I'm thin, these guys are sticks!).

I'm trying Yak & Yeti next week! Meep! Have done Tusker House a bunch of years ago, everyone loved the food, it was when we got free dining so it was all good. My kids have never been into characters, so that isn't a draw for us ever.

I think either way, the food looks really good!

 

[DanielNYC]

This is exactly the kind of comparisons I was looking for. I think we're ultimately going to go with Tusker House since it appears that there's no major difference in food quality and we all like trying a bunch of different things. Not to mention that the sugar cane mojito is calling my name! Thanks everyone!

 

[Micca]

I think we're ultimately going to go with Tusker House

This is an excellent choice. TH is my pick for best character buffet on property and it's in the running for best quality of food.