When did CP become a character meal?

[Simba's Mom]

Does anyone else remember when the Crystal Palace was a cafeteria? I remember eating there (had a yummy piece of German chocolate cake with cherries) in 1995, the end of April. Next time I checked, I think it was in 1996, it had become a character meal. Does anyone know more specifically when that change took place?

 

[paras4ri]

I remember when CP was a "buffeteria"!!! I'm not sure when the characters came in but it's great having them!

 

[disney queen]

i remember dining there for the 25th birthday of MK and it was a character meal. not sure if that is when it converted or not.