Crystal Palace Vs. Chef Mickey's for Character Breakfast

[Psymonds]

since neither DW nor I have been to either restaurant, we need help picking a character breakfast.

I hadd thought that we would enjoy the crystal palace breakfast more since we're generally into Pooh and Freinds, and the breakfast had generally got good reviews in books and online.

DW was watching a Food network show on disney dining and saw Chef Mickeys and thinks it would be fun to go there.

which should we try?

 

[disneyfans4ever]

We love both and both are excellent meals and are a lot of fun, but my vote would go to Crystal Palace. Especially since you enjoy the Pooh characters- I think you would really like being able to interact with them. One of my favorite parts of this restaurant is being able to see Cinderella's castle outside the window- it sounds silly, but I love that castle! Whatever you choose, have a great time!

 

[PoohGal05]

Our family did both in 2003. We went to Crystal Palace first and my mom had such a good time, getting there early, getting in before our ADR (then called a PS) and the place not being very crowded (as we had an early time). We also had a wonderful wait person. Afterwards, my mom told me that Chef Mickey's was going to have to 'bring it'.

Chef Mickey's good; it was just a little crowded for the amount of people that were there. Goofey was standing up front, but he seemed to be having an off day though. The other characters were great though!

 

[Psymonds]

a second question, does anyone know when the earliest ADR's are for each of the restaurants, generally? for example, would I be able to get an ADR for Crystal Palace before the park opened, so we can eat have fun and get going once the park is open?

thanks for all your guys' advice

 

[PoohGal05]

I think the earliest ADR you can get is 8:05 which is before the park opens. All you have to do is take a bus to the park and get in the line to the right (I think). Tell a CM that you are there for a character breakfast. Have you confirmation numbers ready in case you are asked for them. CMs will let you into the park. Crystal Palace is at the end of Main Street on the left.

a second question, does anyone know when the earliest ADR's are for each of the restaurants, generally? for example, would I be able to get an ADR for Crystal Palace before the park opened, so we can eat have fun and get going once the park is open?

thanks for all your guys' advice

 

[STEAMBOAT209]

I would go with Crystal Palace since Pooh and Friends will be expecting you. You'll love the breakfast, don't miss it, and have your camera ready.

 

[kimand3kids]

I think it depends on which characters you want to see. We went to both last week for dinners - the menu was quite similar and I didn't think the food was that great, BUT the kids had a BLAST meeting all the characters so it was really worth it to me!

I found the food at the breakfast meals to be better than dinners, but we chose more dinners b/c we're not real bfast eaters.

 

[kellyf2626]

We love to go to Crystal Palace!! The food is great, and getting into the park early is a great added bonus! (Make sure you make your 8:05 ressie on a day that it does NOT have extra magic hours in the morning, or you will loose this benefit! ) We ate and were able to be the first ones in line for Splash Mtn!!

Have a blast!

 

[Chrisypoo]

a second question, does anyone know when the earliest ADR's are for each of the restaurants, generally? for example, would I be able to get an ADR for Crystal Palace before the park opened, so we can eat have fun and get going once the park is open?

thanks for all your guys' advice

Chef Mickey opens at 7. I had a ressie there for 7:05 (I got caught up in the whole planning thing) and after I realized there was not enough coffee in the world (Disney or otherwise) to get my rear going early enough to be on time, I changed to 8:05 at Crystal Palace.

 

[caseyem67]

My vote is Crystal Palace. Chef Mickey's is ok, but always crowded and I don't think the food is all that special. CP is a great setting and seems more relaxed.

I'm not a big fan of doing breakfast before the park opens, although we've never tried it at MK. One of my favorite things in Disney World is the grand opening ceremonies at official opening time. So, I would rather be at the rope at opening, do a few rides that will be too crowded later in the day, and then go for a late breakfast. Usually it isn't that crowded and the characters aren't rushed.

 

[snyderla]

Our favorite is Crystal Palace. And we prefer to do first seating, so we are in Fantasyland before the crowds get there. We can then get those rides in before the lines get long and kids get cranky. I love Peter Pan, but sure don't want to stand in a long line for a 90 second ride! I don't know if it is really only 90 seconds, but it is short. You get the point.
I have a picture of my son & I in FantasyLand with no on else around, it's a great photo! You can see Dumbo, Cindy's Carousel and Snow White in the photo with only me & ds in the foreground.
Lori

 

[Kimkimba]

We did both when we went last August. My vote is for Crystal Palace. We did an 8:05 and it was great to be in the park before it opened. Much easier to get lots of great pics with Pooh & company, too. I think the food is a little better, too.