Welcome to planDisney, Jim! Thank you for your question, don't you just love character dining? It is always a "must-do" for trips I take with my family because it allows you to see characters you absolutely love and gives you a chance to relax and dine on a great meal. I think you and your family will have such a great experience doing both at the same time!
Jim, because your arrival date is less than a month away, you have the opportunity to book available character dining today!
Reservations tend to fill up very fast, I suggest you check your My Disney Experience app on your phone and your computer as soon as possible to see if you can find reservations. Also, if you do not see reservation availability, keep checking daily, guests drop reservations all the time! You may get what you want at the last minute!
Tusker House Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park is one of my family's favorites, there is no better way to start your adventure in the wild than with some Simba waffles, and saying hi to Mickey Mouse and Friends!
Jim, have the most wonderful visit to Walt Disney World, may it be filled with all the pixie dust!
Frances