CP/50's Prime Time

[phoenixflight]

Booked character breakfast for DS (5) at Crystal Palace because he loves all things Winnie the Pooh. Am also scheduled to have Thanksgiving lunch at 50's Prime Time Cafe. I've seen both of these rated pretty poorly on the forums. Any chance they have improved over time?

(I know, there should be a disclaimer on the "restaurants you regret eating at" thread. My fault for reading the darned thing and being so concerned. I'd still welcome feedback from anyone who's been recently.)

 

[taylor3297]

Booked character breakfast for DS (5) at Crystal Palace because he loves all things Winnie the Pooh. Am also scheduled to have Thanksgiving lunch at 50's Prime Time Cafe. I've seen both of these rated pretty poorly on the forums. Any chance they have improved over time?

(I know, there should be a disclaimer on the "restaurants you regret eating at" thread. My fault for reading the darned thing and being so concerned. I'd still welcome feedback from anyone who's been recently.)

We ate at 50's Prime Time on Sept. 17 for supper and the food was good and our waiter Carlton was a hoot.

 

[havoc315]

Hands down, of the character meals I've done, Crystal Palace had the best food -- far better than Chef Mickey or CRT. I wouldn't call the food "great" -- it's still a generic buffet. But it really was fairly good.

I haven't been to Prime Time since about 2003.... Planning on going back in 2012. The atmosphere is a lot of fun. I don't remember the food being great, but I remember it being good "home style cooking." I'm a pretty harsh critic (I'm in the minority who doesn't get what's so great about Les Cellier), and I really thought the meal there was passable.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

50's is a favorite of mine and DH's. It's nice to go have a good home cooked meal and this is the place to have it.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

We do CP for breakfast and Prime Time for lunch EVERY trip. The food is good and the character interaction is great at CP, and it is a great way to start the day. My kids' number one choice of restaurants at WDW is Prime Time - we always have a great time there. The food is basic, but it is good and the portions are large. The peanut butter and jelly milkshake is the best!

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

We love both of them, but if I had to chose between the two I'd select 50's PT. The fried chicken was awesome.

 

[tar heel]

We've eaten at Prime Time a half-dozen or so times and every meal has been good and fun.

I'm always puzzled by its bad reviews. I know there are some people who live on fast food and other crap, so that might account for some of them. It's not the best food I've ever eaten, but it's good and a fun atmosphere. Unless the menu has changed, it will also be among the best table service prices you see at Disney, too.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

...
I haven't been to Prime Time since about 2003.... Planning on going back in 2012. The atmosphere is a lot of fun. I don't remember the food being great, but I remember it being good "home style cooking." I'm a pretty harsh critic (I'm in the minority who doesn't get what's so great about Les Cellier), and I really thought the meal there was passable.

Wow, I guess I'm an even harsher critic. I agree with you about Le Cellier - except I thought their breads were outstanding - but I didn't think our Prime Time meals were even passable. The food was excruciatingly bland (and of course overpriced), and the waitress didn't even interact, so there was kind of no point in going there. I certainly hope they have improved since we tried it! I hope the people who have ressies there have a super fun and yummy time and that our experience was an anomaly.

To the original poster, if your son loves Winnie the Pooh, then the breakfast with those characters sounds like a sweet choice

 

[jenjersnap]

Crystal Palace is one of the better character buffets at WDW, our favorite after Tusker House in AK. The food at 50s is fine, not knock-your-socks off, but it is our second favorite restaurant in DHS after Brown Derby. Make sure you try the PB&J shake if you can!

 

[cbg1027]

I liked both places.

CP is my absolute favorite breakfast in Disney. The food is wonderful, and I love the setting and characters.

50's PT was really good. I had the best milkshake of my life when I was there, and the fried chicken was some of the best as well. The side dishes weren't anything special, but I really enjoyed my meal there and would definitely return.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Hands down, of the character meals I've done, Crystal Palace had the best food -- far better than Chef Mickey or CRT. I wouldn't call the food "great" -- it's still a generic buffet. But it really was fairly good.

I haven't been to Prime Time since about 2003.... Planning on going back in 2012. The atmosphere is a lot of fun. I don't remember the food being great, but I remember it being good "home style cooking." I'm a pretty harsh critic (I'm in the minority who doesn't get what's so great about Les Cellier), and I really thought the meal there was passable.

I agree with all bolded points. CP is a pretty good character buffet. Great food every time, wonderful fun characters, and a lovely atmosphere. Chef Mickeys doesnt even compare. That place isnt very good.

I think 50's is quite unique with its antics & environment, and the food is pretty good. Cant go wrong with homestyle cooking! Its delish.

And yes, I dont get the hype with Le Cellier either...i personally wasnt impressed with anything there: steak, bread, or soup. I wouldnt go back.

Im surprised you read a lot of negative reviews about 50's & CP thou....i honestly havent seen many negative reviews at all...and im constantly on these boards!

 

[JoePa4Ever]

CP is our favorite WDW breakfast - it's the only meal we've done on every single trip. The buffet is very good and features my favorite WDW food - puffed french toast!! The character interaction is also good with Pooh & friends.

50's is another favorite of ours - the food isn't gourmet, but it's good hearty, homestyle-type food. The "experience" can be hit or miss as it largely depends on your particular server who may or may not be "into his/her role." But the overall atmosphere is alot of fun - try to picture eating in a 50's kitchen because that is what you actually do.

 

[laine&connorsmom]

We really liked CP, and 50's is so much fun. I would compare 50's food to Cracker Barrel, but the shakes are the best I have ever had...ever! I think you will enjoy both!

 

[phoenixflight]

We really liked CP, and 50's is so much fun. I would compare 50's food to Cracker Barrel, but the shakes are the best I have ever had...ever! I think you will enjoy both!

YUM. I love Cracker Barrel, and DH thinks it's pretty cool too. Thanks!