BoG or Crystal Palace?

[Delphinidae]

I realize this is a pretty subjective question, but I'm just unsure what to do! We will be there in August, and unless I switch our 4-day tickets to 5-day, we will only be in MK one day.

Now, the last time we were there, BoG wasn't open yet, and I have been wanting to go to it simply because I love Beauty and the Beast and want to experience the atmosphere, and maybe to try the Grey Stuff, ha! On that same last trip we were on, we did eat at Crystal Palace, and we all loved it. Loved the character interaction, loved the food.

We had the dining plan last time, we don't have it this year, so the food budget is very tight and I wasn't planning on doing more than 1, MAYBE 2 TS restaurants. I do already have a lunch ADR for BoG on our MK day. I am now trying to decide if I should cancel and try to switch to CP instead, try to book them both for the same day (not likely), stick with BoG for the new experience, or change to 5-day tickets, giving us an extra day at MK. So, any thoughts on this insanity of mine? How did you like BoG? Any little special touches about it? Is there any way to just go inside and check out the decor and stuff without eating if the food isn't that special?

 

[ibela]

If time allows, I'd switch to 5 day tickets since the difference is minimal. That said, if budgeting for both is an issue, I'd try BoG this time around. We've eaten lunch and dinner there. Neither was truly amazing food wise but we enjoyed both. It'd be a new and nice experience and cost wise, BoG will cost less than CP as well. And you went to CP last time so I'd definitely try BoG this time around. Enjoy your trip!

 

[sharonabe]

And you can just go to BoG and get the "grey stuff" cupcake for lunch (or for breakfast). That allows you to see the inside, and not spend too much money or time.

 

[AspenLL]

I agree with trying BOG this time around if you can swing it. We have eaten there for lunch and dinner and had a great time. Definitely worth it!

 

[Delphinidae]

Thanks! I got a lunch ADR hoping we would spend less than on dinner, haha. Did y'all's kids enjoy it?

EDIT to add that now that I've looked closer at the menu, there isn't much on there (BoG) for lunch that really strikes me. Suggestions? Pics? Review threads? Dinner menu looks much yummier but also so much more expensive Those of you that have been there for lunch and dinner, does anything change between the two as far as the dining rooms?

 

[tinkerbella16]

Thanks! I got a lunch ADR hoping we would spend less than on dinner, haha. Did y'all's kids enjoy it?

EDIT to add that now that I've looked closer at the menu, there isn't much on there (BoG) for lunch that really strikes me. Suggestions? Pics? Review threads? Dinner menu looks much yummier but also so much more expensive Those of you that have been there for lunch and dinner, does anything change between the two as far as the dining rooms?

We've done both lunch and dinner and prefer dinner. Better food and better experience since it is TS at dinner. Nothing is different as far as dining rooms go.. Just that you get to see the Beast walk through the rooms at dinner and you get to meet and take pictures with the Beast after dinner.