Three Very Popular Restaurants are Reopening at Walt Disney World

Plus the correct way to pronounce Akershus (and Wakanda celebrations at Disneyland)

Three very popular restaurants are reopening at Walt Disney World in November. The full story, plus the right way to pronounce Akershus (you're probably saying it wrong) and Wakanda hits Disneyland.

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More Restaurants are Reopening at Walt Disney World (including character dining)

Three more restaurants will soon reopen at Walt Disney World: Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT.

Starting November 1, Tusker House will transition to an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet. For breakfast the menu will include an assortment of pastries (like Zebra Coffee Cake), breakfast classics (like Simba Waffles and Mickey Waffles), and a variety of breakfast meats.

For lunch and dinner the menu will include various breads and dips, house specialties like the Spit-roasted Tandoori Chicken and Green Curry Shrimp, plant-based options including the Cauliflower Bunny Chow, and various salads. There are also classics for the kids, including corn dog nuggets and macaroni and cheese. And of course, there are plenty of desserts as well

Characters will also be back, as Donald Duck and friends will take a break from their safari adventure to celebrate with you. 

At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Kona Cafe will reopen November 1. The newly refurbished look, feel, and some food will be different. Kona Cafe will feature American cuisine with Asian flare, but you can still watch chefs at work in the onstage sushi kitchen.

Breakfast favorites like Tonga Toast and Pineapple Macadamia Nut Pancakes will still be served at breakfast. But also watch for other menu items, like the Big Kahuna Burger and Seafood Pu Pu Platter and a new plant-based dinner offering, the Sautéed Red Quinoa.

Finally, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall will reopen its doors on November 4. This is located at the Norway pavilion at EPCOT and features Norwegian cuisine.

Want to know how to pronounce Akershus?

Even expert Disney travelers get this one wrong. In this episode we share the proper way to pronounce Akershus (yes, you're probably saying it wrong). The meaning of Akershus is also a mystery to many. Akershus a county in Norway, which is where the name originates. Oslo is located in Akershus.

This is a family-style dining restaurant including traditional Norwegian food including meatballs and the Norwegian version of chicken and dumplings. They also offer classic American-cuisine including mashed potatoes and gravy, grilled salmon, and macaroni & cheese. Desserts include a rice cream with strawberry sauce and a chocolate roulade with lingonberry cream.

And in case you were wondering, yes, Disney Princesses are back for Storybook Dining at Akershus.

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ gets a Celebration at Disneyland's Avengers Campus

In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the leaders of Wakanda fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must forge a new path for their beloved kingdom. At Disneyland you join the journey.

From November 11, 2022 through January 8, 2023, you can encounter, learn from and celebrate the arrival of new visiting warriors, taste Wakanda-inspired delicacies, discover props from the film and more in Avengers Campus. Plus you can pose with a special art installation in Downtown Disney.
Visit Avengers Campus to witness the introduction of the next warrior taking on the legendary mantle of the Black Panther.

At Flavors of Wakanda marketplace in the Hollywood Backlot you can try spiced traditional African dishes and experience the vibrant culture of Wakanda through its food. Wakanda-inspired delicacies include the Peri-Peri Chicken with yellow Jollof rice, the Butterfly Pea Tea Lemonade, the Dawa beverage, consisting of vodka, lemonade, honey, ginger beer and butterfly pea tea, and Maafe, a ground peanut stew with sweet potatoes, tomatoes, black-eyed peas and spices, served with naan.

At Shawarma Palace and Shawarma Palace Too inside Avengers Campus, try the Wakandan Roasted Pork Wrap, featuring spiced pork with black garlic sauce and chermoula.

Adventures by Disney to Debut Its First-Ever Adriatic Sea Expedition Cruise in 2024

In 2024, guests can set sail on Adventures by Disney expedition cruises exploring Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galapagos Islands, as well as an all-new itinerary in the picturesque Adriatic Sea. This famed waterway filled with captivating history, exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views provides the perfect setting for an enchanting adventure.   

The eight-day, seven-night round-trip sailing from Venice, Italy, will visit seven ports in Croatia and Montenegro before returning to the Floating City. The chartered Adventures by Disney expedition voyage is planned for two sailings in 2024.

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Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic