Birthday dinner for ASD son - Crystal Palace?

[asdmom]

Going to WDW with 4 children, (1 NT, 3 ASD) in early December. We will be there on our ASD son's 8th birthday. Planning to be in the MK on his bday and have "Wishes" fireworks as the grand finale to his special day. Looking for convenient, but also the best place to eat dinner that night. My husband was thinking Crystal Palace because its right on the Main Street and close to good viewing for the show. I was curious if anyone had any experiences to share about eating there. I want it to be special for him and have heard that Disney restaurants will "do it up" for a child's birthday, but I also got the impression Crystal Palace may not be considered one of their top of the line restaurants. I was also thinking about Chef Mickey's as that is close to MK and heard really good things about it. Obviously Crystal Palace is the most convenient - but again just want it to be real special for him. Any input would be appreciated!


ASDMOM to the cutest kids - ASD 9yo, 7yo, 5yo & NT 3yo

 

[stenickar]

Crystal Palace is great, especially if he likes Winnie the Pooh, Eyeore, Piglet and Tigger. If you could get ADR's for later you would be able to watch Wishes from CP. I have never done a B-day at Disney so not sure what they do. I do know from reading the boards people say to make sure that you mention the b-day when you make your ADR's and then again at the podium when you sign in. HTH

 

[Kaler131]

We have been to Crystal Palace MANY times and my kids love it! We have only done Chef Mickey's once, and it was okay. We liked the food WAY better at CP than at CM. I think I prefer CP and that's saying a LOT since I am a Mickey fanatic! Two of my sons also have Autism (DS11 & DS5) and they really like CP too!

 

[lovetoscrap]

I am going to move this to the Dining Board where you will probably get more answers. I also recommend that you post this on our DISabilities forum. There are many parents of ASD children that post there and have lots of experience with the different restaurants and the parks in general.

to the DIS!

 

[KatMark]

We eat breakfast at the Crystal Palace every year (we've never done lunch or dinner). We celebrated my 50th birthday while in Disney last year and DH made mention of it on all the ADR's. Crystal Palace decorated my table with Mickey confetti, ribbons, a wand. They brought me a birthday cupcake and a signed card by all the characters at the end of ht emeal and Eeyore came over when they sang happy birthday to me.

 

[asdmom]

oops -- i thought i was in the disabilities section. i'm a disboard rookie, sorry!

I guess I didn't look far enough into which group to start a new thread in. thanks for moving it.

asdmom