Buffets that changed to family style

[princesslover]

Our family will be in WDW in June and getting ready to make our ADRs in a few weeks. Some of our favorites were the character buffets like Crystal Palace and Tusker house. My gut tells me that those are no longer worth the $$. What has been everyone’s experience since switching to family style? Thanks in advance.

 

[jillt2ph]

I, for one, prefer family style to buffet. Just a little more sanitary. I was happy when Cape May went to family style during the pandemic, even though the characters were not there. I thought it was still a great value. They are back to buffet style now, but still no characters. Crystal Palace is back to buffet w/o characters, also. I am actually looking forward to eating there during my May trip - the new menu looks good!

 

[princesslover]

I, for one, prefer family style to buffet. Just a little more sanitary. I was happy when Cape May went to family style during the pandemic, even though the characters were not there. I thought it was still a great value. They are back to buffet style now, but still no characters. Crystal Palace is back to buffet w/o characters, also. I am actually looking forward to eating there during my May trip - the new menu looks good!

The last I checked Crystal Palace was not serving breakfast. Is this still the case or was I reading wrong?
Also is Tusker house back to buffet?

 

[bastraker]

Does anyone know if O'Hana breakfast has the characters back yet?

If not, any idea when? I have a reservation there in 2 weeks which I will cancel if no chacters.

 

[jillt2ph]

The last I checked Crystal Palace was not serving breakfast. Is this still the case or was I reading wrong?
Also is Tusker house back to buffet?

Correct, lunch and dinner only at CP. Looks like Tusker House is still family style, but there are characters.

 

[soniam]

We didn't really like the Tusker House breakfast that much. The curry was excellent, but the selection was very limited. I don't think we will be back unless it goes back to a buffet. I miss the CP breakfast buffet. They need to add another breakfast to MK.

 

[princesslover]

Thanks everyone. We need to narrow down our TS budget anyway since there is no dining plan so I’m going to take these two off our list until things get more normal. (I realize buffets may be a thing of the past. We’ll see).

 

[mrsap]

I have to be honest, we preferred being served family style at both Chef Mickeys, as well as Cape May Café! The food was always hot and replenished frequently at both restaurants! We were pleasantly surprised.

 

[Simba's Mom]

In January, the Character Breakfast at Cape May was family style, instead of buffet. I too prefer family style at character dining-at Crystal Palace several years ago, I was always afraid that if I got up for more food, I'd miss the characters. Come to think of it, though, I don't think that Cape May had characters at their breakfast in January, just a family serve meal. Great value!

 

[jillt2ph]

In January, the Character Breakfast at Cape May was family style, instead of buffet. I too prefer family style at character dining-at Crystal Palace several years ago, I was always afraid that if I got up for more food, I'd miss the characters. Come to think of it, though, I don't think that Cape May had characters at their breakfast in January, just a family serve meal. Great value!

I liked that you could also order a MTO omelette at Cape May. I actually like to get TS breakfast when it is family style/buffet. Having your coffee and juice included puts the food close to a quick service price!

 

[MIinNJ]

Does anyone know if O'Hana breakfast has the characters back yet?

If not, any idea when? I have a reservation there in 2 weeks which I will cancel if no chacters.

No characters when we went to Ohana for Sunday brunch a few weeks ago....

 

[Grumpy by Birth]

For restaurants like Ohana, various breakfast buffets, Biergarten, etc., family style seems to work well because there are a limited number of items. Others like Boma that historically had more extensive offerings I think could suffer if they switched (likely streamlining the menu and losing many of the options).

Last year we ate at Liberty Tree Tavern (which I think was always served family style) and really enjoyed it. I'm optimistic that Biergarten would work well as family style, although I thought I saw where it was returning to a normal buffet.

Not Disney related, but we stayed in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains for spring break this year and had an AYCE family style meal at Paula Deen's Kitchen. Amazing Catfish, Chicken/Dumplings, Pot Roast, and Fried Chicken (other choices available, but you get to pick up to four entrees for the table), along with great sides and desserts. A wonderful and delicious meal for about half the cost of a Disney buffet.

 

[reddog21]

Disney needs to bring back all the buffets that were previous buffets. We went to several on our last trip that are now family style and all were a disappointment.

 

[elgerber]

I'm optimistic that Biergarten would work well as family style, although I thought I saw where it was returning to a normal buffet.

FYI, Biergarten went back to buffet last fall.