Crystal Palace Lunch? Or dinner?

[bigmama67]

Is it really worth the $$? And would you recommend an 11:30 seating or a 2:30 seating? We have the 11:30 set up and are planning the whole day at MK but now I'm wondering if it will be the best option. We are also on a budget so I was figuring it's more cost-effective to do lunch there than dinner. Would like thoughts from anyone who has done either or both! Thanks.

 

[nonsmom]

I ate there last Sept., I had wanted to eat there since my first trip in 1974. We had dinner at 5 p.m. Basically, it was a big let down. I didn't think too much about it. The characters did a drive by and you had to stop them to take a picture. The food was so so. If you want a really good dinner buffet, imo try Chef Mickey's at the CR. Much better character interaction. Or maybe try the breakfast at the latest seating. I have read really good things about CP's breakfast.

We liked Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner, much better character interaction and a much more quiet environment as far as character meals go.

We also did 1900 and it was okay, but this trip, we booked Chef Mickey's twice for dinner. We ate there on our first night of a 9 day trip and nothing compaired to that buffet for us.

Good luck.

 

[jcpuppy.com]

have you considered the disney dining plan? takes away the need to worry about budget..we LOVE that!

We ate CP once for dinner 2006 and I liked it..good varied menu and different characters. They do breeze by a little quick, but the kids had a good time and enjoyed the march around the dining room.

 

[bigmama67]

Thanks to you both.

DDP is not an option because our friend is giving us a week in her off-site villa (and I am not complaining in the least!) I have been tempted to add nights on-site after the trip but I figure that would not make sense so we will stay on-site another time (perhaps).

We are going to splurge on a "grown-ups only" dinner at Jiko though.

Anyone else? Is lunch worth it? This was MY pick because I want to eat with Tigger & Pooh, lol!

Rachel in NJ

 

[FlashScout]

We ate dinner there on Monday and thoroughly enjoyed it. The variety of food with unique offerings as well as plenty for picky DD6 had me totally and painfully stuffed. By far my favorite of the buffets we had. Waitress was very attentive, the characters spent just as much time with us there as we got at Cindy's breakfast, Akershus, or Chef Mickey's. The desserts were incredible.

When we talked to our boat captain and the monorail pilot that day and told them we were going there, they both said it was their favorite and they had recently eaten there.

I can't believe that this was the first time I've ever eaten there. The line to get in and the cost always scared me away. Not any more!

 

[MAGICX2]

We always make our ressies at CP for after 2:30 but before the dinner time. Here is why. They start changing over the buffett to dinner menu at about 3pm. If you are seated at the lunch time you get to enjoy the offerings for lunch AND dinner at the lunch price! We love CP! The food is always great and have a really fun time there.

 

[EmptyCinema]

Not sure if you'd consider it, but I *LOVE* breakfast at CP. Puffed french toast makes my day.

 

[ballarinamom]

I agree with a late lunch. We did the latest breakfasts at two Character meals and got to enjoy both offereings. There was no rush to wrap things up for the next meal. Also, the park will be more crowded later in the day and hotter. You can maximize you morning time which should mean shorter lines. Just remember to grab a fastpass for something close by CP like Jungle Cruise so you can get right on after lunch. Also, the window should be open to get another one right after your meal!

 

[Tinkerbell63]

Not sure if you'd consider it, but I *LOVE* breakfast at CP. Puffed french toast makes my day.

I agree. I feel that breakfast is probably the best meal at CP. We had dinner there last year. It was okay, but I'll never do it again. We do have breakfast there every time we go. We try booking an 8:00 a.m. reservation to escape the crowds coming into the park at 9:00.

 

[kaf7878]

We did this last week--our first character meal ever! We had ressies at 2:15 and I have to be honest, we were dying by that time. I brought tons of snacks for before that but we were just really tired and hungry and HOT.

When we got to CP it was still abt 15-20 mins before they could seat us so be prepared for that as well.

We finally got seated and our server was SLOW! We were drinking out of our own water bottle!!!! Took forever for her to get to us and get us drinks--we just went up to get our food before she came b/c we were starving.

The food was really good. Of course our kids didn't eat much but DH and I ate quite well.

I thought the characters did a good job. They came around to each table and posed/signed autographs. They also did a little parade. It was cute.

It cost $85 for the 4 of us. Its not something I would do again b/c its kinda pricey but I'm glad we did it. If we had a better server it would have been a more memorable experience.

 

[EmptyCinema]

I agree. I feel that breakfast is probably the best meal at CP. We had dinner there last year. It was okay, but I'll never do it again. We do have breakfast there every time we go. We try booking an 8:00 a.m. reservation to escape the crowds coming into the park at 9:00.

Yeah, I missed it on my last trip. GF wanted 1900 park fare dinner instead. I wish I knew how they did the french toast.

 

[tink2]

We usually try to get reservations around 4:00- right after the afternoon parade which is usually/ if not always- at 3:00. I believe this could be the first seating for dinner. Anyway, we eat a big breakfast - usually in the hotel- and use that as lunch/dinner. It provides a good, hearty meal with the characters and a 'break' before a long night. CP is our favorite place to eat at WDW without question- my whole family considers it a must- we usually eat here 2 times during our week trip. Good luck with the decision and have a great time!!

 

[Mommymcgee]

We recently did lunch there and the food was pretty good. That said, we probably wouldn't be rushing to do it again. Once was enough for the experience. It was a nice place, but expensive for what we actually ate. It is pretty big and the characters went by really fast. The whole meal felt hurried.

If you are looking for Tigger and Pooh, they are also at the Park Fare breakfast. I liked this meal much better. The characters didn't seem as rushed and the place is smaller. They hit our table twice during our breakfast and Tigger even danced with my DD.

 

[VMK_Princess_Chloe]

We did this last week--our first character meal ever! We had ressies at 2:15 and I have to be honest, we were dying by that time. I brought tons of snacks for before that but we were just really tired and hungry and HOT.

When we got to CP it was still abt 15-20 mins before they could seat us so be prepared for that as well.

We finally got seated and our server was SLOW! We were drinking out of our own water bottle!!!! Took forever for her to get to us and get us drinks--we just went up to get our food before she came b/c we were starving.

The food was really good. Of course our kids didn't eat much but DH and I ate quite well.

I thought the characters did a good job. They came around to each table and posed/signed autographs. They also did a little parade. It was cute.

It cost $85 for the 4 of us. Its not something I would do again b/c its kinda pricey but I'm glad we did it. If we had a better server it would have been a more memorable experience.

We have a reservation at 2:20 pm for lunch here... when we go in a couple of weeks.. I guess we should probably consider getting a little something somewhere late morning/mid afternoon! I thought it might be late.. but i booked late... and they didn't have many options left for lunch that day.. Oh well! I am just excited to see Eeyore! lol

 

[Leota]

I'm not big on buffets & my DSs are too old for the character thing - but we have Grands now & took them for lunch in 2004. I was pleasantly surprised. We went for the first seating at lunch time, 11:30, so the food was nice & fresh. We adults really appreciated all the wonderful salad options. DSDIL & I were happy with the amount of meat-free options (neither of us are true veggies, but just prefer less meat)

I think the Character interaction was a little rushed, but the kiddos didn't seem to mind. They are happy to pose for pix, grab an autograph & get going again. They liked the little Parade thru the restaurant alot tho.

In the Fall we are taking DS's GF for her first trip & had to make sure she had one Character meal. We picked first lunch seating at CP again, for all 6 of us adults.

 

[bigmama67]

Thanks, everyone. We actually decided to change it to the first available breakfast reservation and were able to get the 8:05 seating, woohoo! Having the extra park time will be great and it will beat the granola bars and fruit we'll be scarfing down the other mornings.

Rachel

 

[tinkerbell60]

dinner is very good there and the desserts is good to

 

[englishrose47]

Ate supper there and the food was awesome lots of choices and some differnt salads, by far the best buffet. Service was great and character interaction great. Dis not feel they rushed by at all. It is on my list for a solo trip next yearand the only repeat that's how good it was!!

 

[fairestoneofall]

CP is one of our "givens." We all love to eat there. We normally do a late lunch (around 1 pm). Then, we don't need dinner, just a little snack.

 

[LMarge]

We love the CP!! Our first experience was 2 years ago - we went in for early hours and booked the last breakfast sitting - 10:45ish - it was awesome!! We missed the crowds, got lots of rides under our belts and then went for a "brunch". They were shifting the menu to lunch at the end of our meal so we did get to sample from that as well - not that we needed to - we were all stuffed from the "Mickey Pancakes" and assorted other goodies!!! We're doing a repeat in Sept - same time frame with same game plan for EMH's!!! The other plus, was we were one of the last tables still sitting, so the characters made a second flyby and the kids loved it!!