Crystal Palace of old?

[bsmcneil]

DGF asked if CP had ever NOT been a buffet. She said she had been before but didn't remember a buffet as I told her about my last trip there (Tigger and I hit it off... ). Anyone know?

 

[dixiedizfan]

I remember going there YEARS ago, and Crystal Palace was cafeteria-style. You chose items you wanted and put them on your tray. You didn't need an ADR to get in, didn't have to wait outside on the porch before going in, and best of all ... no characters! I wish it would go back to the old way, or at least have a lunch or dinner be character-less.

 

[Pixiedust34]

I also remember it when it was a counter service. It wasn't crowded at all and we ate there a few times. This was probably in the late 70s/early 80s.

I have not eaten there since then, but we have an ADR for a CP dinner in September. I'm looking forward to it!

 

[bsmcneil]

thanks for the replies all!

 

[DisFlan]

We loved the old pre-character meal CP! You could drop in for just a quick bite (like just a salad or dessert) from the buffet while enjoying the lovely, quiet atmosphere. And they had characters! That's where our DS first found Tigger back in the '80s. We also ate several quick evening meals there before heading back to our resort. Now, you have to get an ADR and pay for the whole buffet. We were sort of sorry to see that happen. We've never done the character meal there, and I don't know that we ever will.

DisFlan

 

[Tinkerbell10403]

Love CP! This has always been a favorite and a tradition for our family! I also love that entire meal is dedicated to Pooh Bear and his Pals!

 

[GretchGraham]

We went to the Crystal Palace back in the cafeteria days. I can remember as a child thinking how beautiful the restaurant was. We have wonderful pictures there with my grandmother on what would be her last trip with us to Disney.

 

[Lady SnowElla]

I remember the old CP. My Mother & I ate there. This was her only visit to WDW. I remember it was so very pretty inside & it was a welcome refuge from the heat.

 

[crisi]

The old CP was lovely. I liked the cafeteria style better than the buffets - you didn't need to have a $20 meal, you could go in and get (this was in the 80s) a few dollars worth of food. That made it really affordable. And it quiet - or relatively so for a Disney restaurant.

 

[sweetpea3470]

Many Wonderful Memories Of The Old CP. We Even Have 2 Of The Ceramic Mugs With The Little Mouse Ears On Them. My Grandfather Asked Our Server If He Could Have It, They Said Sure..go Ahead.
Our Next Trip He Asked Again And Was Told Yes. So I Have 2 Mugs From There To Remember Those Old CP Days.

 

[christinou]

I remember when it was a cafeteria, it was the first time that I had a wrap sandwich it must have been 16 years ago, and I thought that they were great. Funny what you remember in life....
I remember that it was very cool, beautiful and quiet, it was such a great break.