Originally Posted By AutoPost This topic is for Discussion of: <a href="http://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2014/12/17/tusker-house-to-feature-character-dinner/" target="_blank"><b>12/17/14: Tusker House to Feature Character Dinner</b></a>
Originally Posted By FerretAfros This is a logical extension of the character breakfast and lunch that they already do, but I think it's odd that it will begin in March of 2015, when Rivers of Light and the nighttime safari aren't expected until 2016. Is there even any reason for people to be in the park at dinnertime? I suppose this means they'll be staying open later than 6pm on a regular basis now
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Oh crud... can I go on record as HATING character dining every bit as much as I hate the DDP? I had no idea that Tusker House had been infested by characters. As one of the few good places to dine at the AK, it used to be a favorite of mine... the buffet was almost up to the standards of Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Tusker House has been character dining for many years; I think they added it shortly after they switched from a counter service location to a buffet When I went a couple years ago, we did a late lunch (since we were running the half marathon that morning and wanted to ensure we'd have enough time) and it was great. We were one of the last groups to get seated, so it emptied out pretty quickly after we got there, and we practically had the place to ourselves. The characters came by and entertained us, but they weren't constantly in the room since only 2-3 other tables had people at them. I'm sure this isn't the average Tusker House experience, but I really enjoyed it; I was also impressed by the food, which seemed rather exotic for a character buffet, but was quite good!
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORWEN: Hit the road, Road Trip! Characters are one of the best things about going to the Disney parks. ORDDU: I was happy to find out that they're also doing testing near the Tree of Life for my favorite man in a loin cloth. He's not been out all that much in the recent past. But now Tarzan will be meeting and greeting near the Tree of Life for a while. ORGOCH: Got autograph books 'n cam'ra's, Road Trip?
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Cameras, but no autograph books. I have nothing against the characters. I just don't like having to pay twice as much for my meal so that I can have a side of Goofy (my favorite) with it. I liked the old days. The Goof Man and me had some great interactions when characters were just allowed to wander the parks. Now to interact with a character you either have to pay for the privilege at a character meal or be willing to stand in line for an hour. Both really degrade the experience. Kind of like the difference between falling in love with a woman you meet and renting one by the hour. It just ain't the same.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: Well, I never charge the men I meet up with. I believe in FREE love! ORGOCH: That's only 'cause she ain't never had no takers ta begin with! ORWEN: But I agree with Road Trip about how it shouldn't cost anything extra to eat at a Disney theme park just because there are characters present. I mean, the characters don't even get a cut of the money earned! Winnie the Pooh told me all about how he never makes a dime off the dining meet and greets at the Crystal Palace. It's a shame Disney management is so greedy. They just USE the characters to bring in more customers at the restaurants!! ORGOCH: Got Union reps???
