Crystal Palace-Lunch or dinner?

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Last time we went to WDW the Crystal Palace was closed for refurbishment. For our next trip we'd LOVE to eat there because my youngest and my aunt who has Downs are in love with Pooh and friends. The way the schedule is looking it looks like either lunch or dinner would be our choices. Which would you choose and why?

 

[jwfla422]

Last time we went to WDW the Crystal Palace was closed for refurbishment. For our next trip we'd LOVE to eat there because my youngest and my aunt who has Downs are in love with Pooh and friends. The way the schedule is looking it looks like either lunch or dinner would be our choices. Which would you choose and why?

We have been there several times for lunch and always enjoyed it. Now we are TIW members as opposed to using the DDP. We were there last month for the first time for dinner and were somewhat disappointed. More so, because it cost so much more for dinner for not much different items on the buffet.

As a matter a fact, they were breaking down one side of the buffet already at 8:00 which I didn't expect. Yes, they had the same items on both sides but once one side was gone it got quite busy with just the one side open and things ran low. Plus, I absolutely love the pecan bars at lunch, none at dinner.

The only thing I recall having for dinner they didn't have for lunch were mussels and they weren't anything to write home about. For the $12 pp increase from lunch to dinner, I would NOT return for dinner. LUNCH, yes, dinner, no.

Character interaction was the same at dinner as it was at lunch, but seemed a bit rushed. If you go earlier in the dinner hour you're better off, but I would only recommend dinner if you're on the DDP. If you're paying cash, stick with lunch. IMHO, not worth the big bucks at dinner, I'd rather go signature for the same price. I got sticker shock having to pay $37 for my 12 yr old dd. (and that's not during a holiday or peak increase time) Would have much rather have done a signature restaurant for that amt. (she would have ordered off the kid's menus there). Prob would have been cheaper...

 

[Tiger926]

We have been there several times for lunch and always enjoyed it. Now we are TIW members as opposed to using the DDP. We were there last month for the first time for dinner and were somewhat disappointed. More so, because it cost so much more for dinner for not much different items on the buffet.

As a matter a fact, they were breaking down one side of the buffet already at 8:00 which I didn't expect. Yes, they had the same items on both sides but once one side was gone it got quite busy with just the one side open and things ran low. Plus, I absolutely love the pecan bars at lunch, none at dinner.

The only thing I recall having for dinner they didn't have for lunch were mussels and they weren't anything to write home about. For the $12 pp increase from lunch to dinner, I would NOT return for dinner. LUNCH, yes, dinner, no.

Character interaction was the same at dinner as it was at lunch, but seemed a bit rushed. If you go earlier in the dinner hour you're better off, but I would only recommend dinner if you're on the DDP. If you're paying cash, stick with lunch. IMHO, not worth the big bucks at dinner, I'd rather go signature for the same price. I got sticker shock having to pay $37 for my 12 yr old dd. (and that's not during a holiday or peak increase time) Would have much rather have done a signature restaurant for that amt. (she would have ordered off the kid's menus there). Prob would have been cheaper...

Absolutely agree with above! To dine at Crystal Palace for dinner during peak season is $40.99/adult plus tax and tip, which puts it at around $50.00!

As stated above, the buffet prices are ridiculous, so if paying cash, as we do, I would recommend lunch, but if you are doing the DP, then you can do dinner as you don't have to worry about price.

Used to be one of our favs, but the menus have remained the same for years, and now it's beyond rushed, crowded and chaotic, like most other character meals, but the location and atmosphere are very charming, and kids seem to enjoy the restaurant character parade.

Happy eating, Tiger

 

[bitbonkers]

I have done both lunch and dinner and to be honest there was no difference between the two that spring to mind. One of the tastiest buffets at wdw ......especially the desserts.

 

[cesariofamily]

We decided to do lunch. It is cheaper and I felt the selection was mostly the same. We had dinner there on a whim and got in within 10 minutes! My daughter loved it so much that it was her pick for a restaurant this time around. I really like the big lunch because I feel like we eat a much lighter dinner meal because we feel full but it is hard to eat a light lunch when you are hungry. Plus it is nice to take an AC break and crowd break in the hot busy middle of the day.

 

[ChrystalUnicorn]

We were in the DDP and did dinner there last year in Sept it wasn't very busy and the food was ok. The character interaction was excellent.
This year we are doing out of pocket so we will be having lunch I am glad to hear the menu items are almost the same.

 

[motherof4kids]

We went for a 2:00 lunch and it was great. It was not busy and we did not need a heavy supper, some of us did not even eat supper.

 

[sunshineNJ]

We have done both and the only thing that i remember them serving @ dinner and NOT lunch is the peel and eat shrimp.

 

[Massillon Dad]

big, big, big lunch....enought to keep ya covered for dinner

 

[marivaid]

We've done breakfast, lunch and dinner at CP. There is pretty much no difference between lunch and dinner, so go with the cheapest. We had actually planned on doing that last week but had to change our reservation time. That one hour cost us an extra $12/person.

 

[emmawebb]

Crystal palace is restaurant like bright, light filled and spacious. It is located in magic kingdome. Its have american foods. If I talk about dinner than include Vegetable Fritatta, Curry Stir Fry Noodles, Cheese pizza, Vegetable pasta, Wild mushroom, Cinnamon and lemon basmati rice, Thai curry mussels and so on.

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

Just ate there yesterday for dinner. My daughter Jessica has been waiting to see Pooh since our last trip, and wasn't disappointed. The staff was faantastic, especially for my Mom who is celiec. The chef walked her around and showed her which foods she could have.

As with any character meal, nake sure you have your sutograph books and cameras ready before the charaters arrive at your table.

 

[Mamu]

This is always a must do when we travel with GC, when we were there in September we did a late lunch on a night we were doing MNSSHP. We will be doing a dinner in May on a night MK is open till 2am. Our day will be spent at DHS then we will be heading over to MK after an afternoon nap.

We pay out of pocket and the $25.00 plus tax lunch has almost the same as the dinner for $12.00 more per adult. There are 5 adults and 2 children, one under 3 in our party. Lunch savings=$64.00.

We figure we will be in the park late that night and we would need to eat again in the evening so this will be our big meal for the day.

 

[Catie.Hiltz]

Having done both I prefer a later lunch...less busy so more character time and the food is just as good (and cheaper!) At lunch.

 

[lucygraee]

Crystal place is most famous and popular restaurant. It is best decorated hotels. It is located in magic kingdom. Foods is very tasty in this restaurant. There are many type of food available in this restaurant but I think the dinner is best meal in this restaurant.

 

[koolaidmoms]

We have done both lunch and dinner many times at CP. As others have said if paying OOP I would do lunch but if DP either is fine.

The differences we have noted are that the salad bar has lunch meat, cheese and "sandwich" stuff at lunch. For dinner that is all removed and peel and eat shrimp are in its place along with a couple more prepared salads. They usually add a second carved meat for dinner and a second soup. Desserts are usually slightly different at dinner too - more cakey things less cookies.

Hope this helps some.