Crystal Palace vs. the Plaza

[buccikulju]

My 70-something year old mother, my 50-something sister and my 50-something self will be in Disney Dec 7-12 mostly for the Candlelight Processional (a tradition my mom and dad had, but dad passed this year. Our first day there, though, we want to go to MK as we always like to start our trips. We have FPs scheduled for our preferred rides and would like to stay through the evening to watch the parade and fireworks since it's one of the few times that week that MK doesn't close early for the Mickey Very Christmasy Shindig or whatever it's called.

So I wanted to make an ADR to sit and have a meal in MK between our FPs rides and the parade. Unfortunately, I waited till I made the FP selections at 60 days out to schedule my ADRs. I got everything I wanted for the rest of the stay, but on the night of the 7th, when we will be in MK to kick off our little vacation, I was only able to make an 8:30 reservation at the Plaza (or Tony's, but no thank you). But today I noticed that an 8:30 reservation opened up at the Crystal Palace. I cancelled Plaza and booked CP, but now I'm regretting it. After all, we are three women of a certain age and it's a Character Meal. Will that be awkward? I'm not really worried about the cost, but don't want to spend that money for a so-so meal, when I could have a so-so meal for cheaper at the Plaza. I've never eaten at either for dinner, although I've had breakfast at CP (looking ago).

My question is, should I keep this ADR? Is CP worth it? For an 8:30 reservation are we in any location to see the parade or the fireworks? Would an 8:30 Plaza reservation put us in place to see either more easily (if it's still available)? Is the food better at one place than the other?

Thanks!!!
Patty

 

[pixarmom]

So sorry to hear about your dad, and hope you enjoy this time with your mom and sister.

The rest of your post made me laugh, as you clearly know the MK dining options and the pros and cons of all! In any event, I'm not the biggest fan of either CP or Plaza - if no ADRs are available at this point, I'd probably stop by the lounge at California Grill for dinner. But if you'd like to eat in MK and are choosing between the CP and Plaza, I'd stick with CP. I keep wanting to like the Plaza because the prices are so reasonable, but the service and food is consistently blah. (Fun when our youngest was appointed Jr. Mayor one time, but otherwise not a festive experience either.) CP, on the other hand, is silly and fun and festive. And I really dislike buffets, but have been very pleasantly surprised by the CP salad selection. At least in my experience, the salads have been fresh, varied and relatively tasty! I just approach the remaining buffet items with caution, but have been able to find items here and there to enjoy.

 

[Ginya]

We ate at CP in 2011. It is a character buffet. It is loud and busy. The characters are great. My kids loved them. That being said, they make a conga line and dance all around the room both characters and kids every so often. You have to work around them to get to the buffet. We were disappointed in the food for what we were paying. The restaurant sits back I do not think you would be able to see anything outside but gardens. For our Christmas week trip we have made ADR for the plaza for lunch. Have not eaten there, but we are doing 1900 Park Fare for dinner, so I tried to pick a smaller, quieter (I hope) place to have a light meal since we are having a buffet later. Just from photos I have seen I think your group would find The Plaza more to your liking. I am also a 50 something woman and I know I will.

 

[B-Ride]

Crystal Palace is a beautiful setting and the buffet has enough selection to get a reliable meal.

 

[ilovebassets]

Crystal Palace does not have great food IMO and is quite crowded and a little chaotic feeling. I cant imagine going there for an adults only meal. The Plaza will be half the price, better food (considerably), and a nicer atmosphere. I would try to get that ADR back if you can.

 

[Oswin]

I don't think it would be awkward. You see groups of adults eating at character meals all the time! I don't think you can really compare Crystal Palace and the Plaza. The Plaza is VERY close quarters and while it is cheaper, the menu is pretty basic. Crystal Palace is a buffet with a wider variety of choices and a much higher cost. The characters are cute, but if you don't want your picture with them you can always just signal to their handler that you're not interested and they'll wave hello and move on! But I really recommend giving the characters a try. Character interactions are always our favorite part of every trip. You really won't be able to see any of the nighttime entertainment from either, so I honestly wouldn't factor that into your decision making.

 

[mousestruck]

I would prefer the CP over the Plaza for dinner. We love the Plaza for lunch or a casual dinner, but only when you're craving a yummy burger or sandwich. I don't think a character meal would be uncomfortable at all... lots of adults love interacting with the characters! Food is good, but nothing special. I'd be inclined to hop on the monorail and get a nicer meal at one of the resorts. Kona Café at the Poly is a hidden gem, in my opinion, and usually available for a last minute reservation. The Wave is another good choice - nice menu and easy to get reservations. Enjoy!

 

[maryj11]

I have ate at both and I think CP would be my choice . We have watched the fireworks right outside of CP. Out in front of CP there was a great place to view the fireworks right in front of a fence. I remember trying to be the first ones up to the fence so we could have a good view.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I've eaten at both and both are good. Never had a bad meal at either place to be honest. I think you'd like both. If you enjoy a bit more variety at dinner, you might like CP. The place is beautiful and the characters are adorable. if you just wave when they come to your table they take the hint and will keep walking. BTW I did not find this place chaotic AT ALL, as another poster had put it. Its actually quiet tame compared to others.

The plaza menu is pretty basic but tasty. Very pretty inside. Hidden gem.

I think it all boils down to this....do you want a variety and get your own food? or do you want to relax and be served?

I agree with watching the fireworks from the CP balcony. If you let your server know youre just stepping out to watch fireworks, im sure that wont be an issue.

 

[nkereina]

You won't have much of a view of the parade or fireworks from either restaurant, so that's a non-factor. We enjoy both restaurants, but I do think a restaurant that is not a buffet would be more suitable for the make-up of your party. If this meal is intended to be a break from the craziness of the park, Crystal Palace won't be very relaxing. That being said, we just ate at the Plaza last week right before MNSSHP began and it was very busy. We were seated 30 minutes late and felt somewhat rushed. But food-wise, I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[raddisneyfan]

My concern for you is the 8:30 ADRs. Doesn't the parade start at 9 in December. I assume you're not concerned about that. I'm going next month (11-20) and I'm pretty sure it does. You won't be able to see the parade from either restaurant as far as I can tell. I'm surprised that you didn't have more ADR options there since it is right up against the parade. I agree with other posters that neither restaurant is really that great. The salads at CP are good, but I've only been at lunch--do they have the same salad selection at dinner? If you're not really concerned about character interactions, I would not pay the extra for CP--the food, except possibly the salads, is not worth the additional expense. I plan to go one night (the 12th) I think, but I plan to eat closer to 5:30PM at one of the monorail resorts, then head to MK for the parade and fireworks. I'm going another night for the party.....maybe see you there if not too crowded (HA! HA!). Just my two cents--take them for what they're worth.....and hope you have the greatest time.

 

[JZCubed]

My 70-something year old mother, my 50-something sister and my 50-something self will be in Disney Dec 7-12 mostly for the Candlelight Processional (a tradition my mom and dad had, but dad passed this year. Our first day there, though, we want to go to MK as we always like to start our trips. We have FPs scheduled for our preferred rides and would like to stay through the evening to watch the parade and fireworks since it's one of the few times that week that MK doesn't close early for the Mickey Very Christmasy Shindig or whatever it's called.

So I wanted to make an ADR to sit and have a meal in MK between our FPs rides and the parade. Unfortunately, I waited till I made the FP selections at 60 days out to schedule my ADRs. I got everything I wanted for the rest of the stay, but on the night of the 7th, when we will be in MK to kick off our little vacation, I was only able to make an 8:30 reservation at the Plaza (or Tony's, but no thank you). But today I noticed that an 8:30 reservation opened up at the Crystal Palace. I cancelled Plaza and booked CP, but now I'm regretting it. After all, we are three women of a certain age and it's a Character Meal. Will that be awkward? I'm not really worried about the cost, but don't want to spend that money for a so-so meal, when I could have a so-so meal for cheaper at the Plaza. I've never eaten at either for dinner, although I've had breakfast at CP (looking ago).

My question is, should I keep this ADR? Is CP worth it? For an 8:30 reservation are we in any location to see the parade or the fireworks? Would an 8:30 Plaza reservation put us in place to see either more easily (if it's still available)? Is the food better at one place than the other?

Thanks!!!
Patty

Night and day.

Crystal Palace is a large restaurant serving only buffet. Winnie the Pooh Characters are included.

Plaza is an 'original' Disney world sit down sandwich shop. It's charming. It can feel crowded depending on where you sit.

As to feeling awkward - it's Disney, and now you ask?

For hoots and hollers, particularly for a family still grieving the loss of a loved one - I'm inclined to suggest the Characters. But 70-year old mother needs to be OK with the buffet.

Will you get your monies worth….one picture with Pooh & Friends can be priceless.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

We have a toddler who LOVES Pooh and would pick Plaza. We really like the plaza. We always eat almost our entire plates. They are just sandwiches but they are great and the kettle chips are very good too. My husband said the food at Crystal Palace was "just ok" and even though it was a BIG buffet. The sides were duplicated. There were not a whole lot of choices that we liked.

HOWEVER, it seems that you would actually prefer Crystal Palace and are just feeling shy about characters. We had our "babymoon" at Disney and ate multiple character meals without children. We still had a ton of fun and the characters will still play plenty of attention to 3 ladies. You might be the most fun table they have all night.

It's so sweet of you to take your mother to help her grieve. It will be a special memory to start a new chapter for her.

I recommend Crystal Palace for some good laughs and I hope your family has a magical trip.

 

[kastoney]

I don't think CP would be awkward, but I found their food to be subpar and not worth the cost, though note I'm not a fan of most buffets. So my choice would be the plaza. It I good quality food in a great atmosphere and you can't beat the prices and of course ice cream!

 

[Hopefully]

I would choose the Plaza. We had a great lunch there a year ago and would go back in a heartbeat

 

[buccikulju]

Thanks everyone for your opinions. I decided to cancel Crystal Palace. As someone pointed out the time was quite late anyway. I think I will take some else's advice and see if we can get a earlier dinner at one of the monorail resorts. I see The Wave has an opening at a time that would fit with all of our FPs and the parades. Maybe I'll think about that.
Thanks all!

 

[Baklava]

r the Mickey Very Christmasy Shindig or whatever it's called.

This is what it's called down. This is its official name in my head forever.