Chef Mickey's vs. Crystal Palace?

[xoktenox]

Hi everyone! My BF and I are heading to WDW again in November. I want to do a dinner on the night before we go to MVMCP and I'm torn between Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace. Which one?! My BF will be turning 25 while we're there (not that night) and I'll be 22. I need help!

Thanks in advance!

 

[gary403]

but for the overall food and experience I'd choose Chrystal Palace. Make sure you let them know about your BF's birthday when you make your reservation.
Enjoy!

 

[RllngRckBrw]

I love Chef Mickey's for the food, atmosphere and overall experience. We do make a point ot eat at both resurants each trip but Mickey's is our fav.

 

[Mickeygolf]

I like Chef Mickeys because then you're not tied down to park entrance. You can go and do what you want. Plus, the food at CM has always been good to us and you can't beat having dinner with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald...

 

[amery]

Your good problem is that you have chosen bewteen argueably 2 of the most popular and IMO best character dining locales in the world. Both have have great buffet choices although I must admit that I have not dined at CM for the purposes of dinner and can't speak to that menu. You can visit http://allears.net/din/dining.htm to read their menu along with every other one out there.

The bad problem is that CM is in the Contemporary which puts you outside of Magic Kingdom forcing you to compete with the monorail crowds and crowds in general getting into the park. All MK guests that day NOT sporting a wristband will be kicked out by 6 making the transition that much more hectic while MVMCP guests can enter the park as early as 4. CP is just off the hub behind the castle in MK. My advice would be to plan on being in that park by 4, having your dinner there on the earler side (get ressies) and then enjoy the party.

You might also consider NOT burning a day from your Hopper pass since MVMCP is a hard ticketed event. This gives you more flexibility througout your stay.

 

[freesone]

They really are both good. The biggest difference is the Winnie the Pooh characters at the CP vs. the classic Disney characters at CM. You won't be dissapointed with either choice.

 

[Tabbykatt]

Although both are great, for dinner I would have to say Chef Mickey.

 

[princssdisnygina]

Chef Mickeys Hands down! You could always order a cake too to celebrate!

 

[luvthemansion]

Crystal palace for me more relaxed. I felt chef mickeys was a bit full on and loud, perfect if that's what you want of course

 

[SharonLowe]

Crystal Palace hands down for food. Last couple of times we went to Chef Mickey's the food was downright nasty plus the characters were totally rushing around not spending any time with anyone.

 

[septbaby]

Crystal palace for me more relaxed. I felt chef mickeys was a bit full on and loud, perfect if that's what you want of course

They are 22 and 25, relax at WDW?

Unless your BF is a big Pooh fan Chef Mickey's is the place. You will get a photo taken before the meal, costs extra to purchase. There is a very fun and rowdy atmosphere at Chef Mickey's. Though we celebrated our 6yo's bday there and he loved it, Grandma and auntie would have had a great time on our own there.

 

[beattyfamily]

I really enjoy both restaurants for their food and character interaction.

CP, IMHO, has a better atmosphere.

Each restaurant has it's own set of characters; Pooh gang vs. Mickey gang.

BUT the reason I would pick Crystal Palace over Chef Mickey's is you are going to MK for MVMCP that night.

CP is more convenient for you to head to the party afterwards.

 

[Balt ravens fan]

You can't lose with either. Maybe you should decide by what characters you prefer? Tigger or Goofy? Pooh or Mickey?

I have to tell you though the fish at CP is awesome - and last time I was there the waitress gave me the recipe - isn't that cool! Now I just have to find where I put it and try making it!

 

[k0k0m0]

Crystal Palace is great. Plus the location is just fine with great view to the Castle. To go to Chef Mickey´s you´ll have to take the monorail and it has no windows.

The food at CP is better IMHO

 

[wavemaker]

My family iscurrently making this same decision. We liked the food at CP better but the atmosphere at CM. We are leaning toward CM this trip. One of my favorite memories of the last trip is DS twirling that napkin! Can't wait to get back in Oct.

 

[goofy5]

we went in 2004 and did chef mickey's and loved it. We are doing both this year

 

[5Parks]

with out a doubt Chief Mickey's all the way

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Both are good. It depends where u r going to b & what u r doing. You can't go wrong with either. My fav is CHEF MICKEY'S

 

[TheLittleRoo]

What is your primary goal? Good food? Seeing Mickey & Friends? Or seeing Pooh and Friends?

Because if it's good food you want, and characters aren't important (or you like Pooh's group best), Crystal Palace has better food and is right in the park. You could eat and watch the crowd from the windows, and be right there ready for the party. Like someone else said, Chef Mickey's will have you competing with other guests for dinner that night, where CP will be party guests only (or stragglers, but still not many of them).

If you need action and to see "THE Mouse" and you don't care if the food is sub-par on a bad day, and just so-so on a good day, then Chef Mickey's is the one you want. If it weren't for my kids, we'd never go back to CM and go to another restaurant that features "the Mouse" and check off the box that way!

Good luck - both are fun!

 

[Kricketnp]

Personally, I'd definitely choose Chef Mickey's over the Crystal Palace. I actually much preferred the food at CM and would rather eat with Mickey and Co. CP only wins for location, as it's a nice meal right in the middle of the MK.