Can you describe the Crystal Palace buffet after 9:00pm?

[PrincessMonkey]

Is it true that the Crystal Palace buffet is not great for all ADR times?

I was reading another thread on the DIS, and a poster mentioned that the Crystal Palace buffet area is not refreshed too often after the dinner rush... Apparently, some of the slots for trays of food in the buffet are left empty after they've been eaten by these earlier dinner guests? Really?

We have never eaten at CP before, but we have a dinner reservation at 9:15pm next Saturday. I am a little nervous now because it is the LAST meal of our trip. We don't want to end on a bad note.

What was your experience with the variety of the dishes at this buffet after 9:00pm? (Also, are the characters just as interactive after 9:00pm? Will they make another round after 9:25ish?)

 

[PrincessMonkey]

*Bump please*
Has anyone had an experience at CP dining after 9:00pm?

Need your wisdom.

 

[DannysMom]

*Bump please*
Has anyone had an experience at CP dining after 9:00pm?

Need your wisdom.

Well, no experience w/ a late ressie at CP but...... I have to say, I have been put off late/last seatings of buffets in general.

In June 2006 we had a late (last seating I think) ADR at Biergarten, and I have to say it was less than stellar. It was pretty obvious that dishes were not being refilled and some of what was there was getting a bit "old" --sorta dried out and tired looking, not appetizing. I mean it makes sense, they were closing shortly, but I did feel cheated. I spent as much for my (pretty lousy) dinner at 8:45/9:00PM as the folks that dined at 6PM, and I was pretty sure that I had nowhere near the same experience.

Now if I am looking at late ADRs, I look for more traditional TS restaraunts, *not* buffets. Just my $0.02.

 

[PrincessMonkey]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

I am still reconsidering our dinner at CP... I really thought my mom would enjoy the Victorian setting, and we typically enjoy buffets, but I don't see the point if the dishes will be lacking in variety. The park closes at 11pm that night.

Any other experiences with CP after the fireworks show would be appreciated.

 

[LAL77]

We have been to Crystal Palace twice. The first time was with our two kids and it was right at dinner time (6:00 or so). The food was good but the experience was awful. The characters take forever to come around so you are done eating and sitting and waiting to see them. It's funny that you mention eating in a restaurant with a victorian setting. I have been twice and it was such chaos both times, I would not have been able to tell you what the decor of the place was like except to say that it's very bright and full of windows.

Now, to answer your actual question... The second time we went it was late, 9pm. We had our three kids and my teenage sister with us. It was the only ADR we could get at the last minute after a slight change in itinerary. The food was as good as the first time we were there and the chaos level was much less (although still high in my opinion). The character interaction on that night was much improved over the first time.

I would say later might even be better..... I thought the food was still good. I know most people love this place so I hate to pooh-pooh (haa haa get it?) it altogether. The mussels in curry sauce are awesome and I could eat those and only those for dinner!

Have fun!