Anyone remember CP as a cafeteria/non-character?

[Simba's Mom]

Does anyone else remember when the Crystal Palace used to be a cafeteria style place? I know the change happened sometime around 1995-1996. It's so beautiful inside, and we used to love to go there. I've gone to the character meal once, and didn't like it. I went for lunch-maybe I should try a different meal? Miss the old cafeteria style-anyone else?

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I think I remember it being a cafeteria style restaurant on my first trip (l982).

 

[katallo]

Absolutely in the late 70's early 80's. I loved it.

 

[suzannews]

I remember eating french toast sticks there in the late 80's. I also remember eating BBQ at Tony's about the same time and the characters came through the dining room during dinner. I have a picture somewhere with Pluto. I think it was just called Town Square Restaurant back then.

 

[CarolAnnC]

I remember that in the 1970's, boy what a long time ago, LOL!!

 

[KYMickey]

It used to be our favorite restaurant in MK when it was a cafeteria. We all could eat as little or as much as we wanted and they had a lot of variety. It was a relatively fast place to eat and you were still indoors with AC in the summer (or heat in the winter). I think it changed in the mid 90's if I'm not mistaken!

 

[WDWAurora]

*sigh* Ah, how I miss the Pooh-free days! I know I could get flamed, but I hate the influx of character meals at all the parks, especially MK. LTT and CP were so nice before and now...there's just too much food with the family style/buffets and it's so expensive and loud with the characters. I know that Tony's and CRT are still there (and Plaza, of course!), but it's just not the same. CP was really good before. *sigh*

 

[disney queen]

yep! remembered it as a cafteria.

 

[Bride In The Attic]

Yes! They had a great deli roll type sandwich that I loved. I also love the decor - it's so bright and cheery.

 

[crisi]

I liked it as a cafeteria, too. It made a good compromise between fast food and sit down, was pretty affordable.

 

[NYPOOH]

I do love the Pooh meals..but CP was our favorite breakfast place when it was cafeteria style. I remember the first year we went when it was closed to update it to it's new style and we were so upset.

 

[beccasmom]

I do remember the old cafeteria, but I can’t say I really miss it. They never seemed to have anything that I really enjoyed eating – though, admittedly, I am pretty picky! I do remember that their fruit salad with yogurt was pretty good and that their chef salads were HUGE! They also served spaghetti, but that never appealed to me when the weather was warm! CP was also used as a spot to pick up cookies and punch during the Very Merry Christmas Party celebrations. It is a beautiful spot. I always thought they were not using it to its potential and we really enjoy the new buffets.

 

[Kae]

I remember eating outside & having a crow fly off with one of my fries.

Kae

 

[CarolinaBlue]

I remember. I ate there on my first trip (1990). I remember the food being really good. I kinda miss that, but I do like the character buffet.

 

[wdw4us2]

I remember eating there in 1974 with my brother, Dad and Uncle. The description in the guide for the Crystal Palace said, "Breakfast, luncheon, dinner, exotic salads."

I remember that it was cool and peaceful after running around the MK all day. I don't remember what we ate, though.

We've done Pooh a few times, but I agree with the other poster who said there are too many character meals now.

 

[CHIPSTER]

That used to be one of our favorites when it was a cafeteria. Also thought the Cafeteria of the Stars in MGM was an excellent place for a quick dinner, not expensive.

 

[eeyore0062]

Garden Grill is my favorite character meal and we LOVE the decor, the fact that it revolves and overlooks the Living with the Land ride. The characters are great and the food is good and plentiful. I cannot imagine it any other way, and wouldn't want to. I also cannot imagine Le Cellier when it was a cafeteria. I am so glad both were changed over and were given more class!

 

[dznymom1]

We LOVED Crystal Palace in the good old days. We had many a delicious breakfast there, and we always used it as a meeting place. It was very quiet during the off hours, and you could go and get a drink and something light while waiting for friends.

We also tried the Pooh breakfast once, and I couldn't get out of there fast enough. Haven't been back since

 

[mcr5298]

I remember eating there on my first trip in 1987. It was a High School trip through my choir and marching barnd departments. Yes, I was a band geek! The meals were all included with the cost of the trip. I remember going crazy there, picking out whatever I wanted. I recall a big chocolate mousse or pudding for dessert.