Tony's or Crystal Palace for late lunch before MVMCP?

[dreambound]

I have an ADR for each now and I want to cancel one of them today. My kids really, really, really want to go to Tony's for the Lady and the Tramp theming (although I've heard it is miminal.)

I've just gotten so many bad reviews and I know my dh dreads going there because the food doesn't interest him one bit.

Is Crystal Palace that much better? Is it rushed? Is character interaction good?

Thanks!

Meg

 

[Simba22]

Seriously, I was really looking forward to Tony's on our October trip because I was determined to prove the nay-sayers wrong, but it was awful. The only thing Lady and Tramp about it, is the statue in the middle of the restaurant which you probably won't even see depending on where they seat you. The service was non-existent and the food was less than OK. Crystal Palace is INSANELY better. The food is always excellent, and characters come to each and every table. They do not rush you at all - we have spent over an hour there. The service is always perfect and they are more than willing to accomodate you in any way they can.

 

[SGMCO]

We ate at Tony's in Sept. and loved it!!
After reading all of the bad reviews of this Restaurant
I was about to cancel our ressies but my DS had his
hopes up to eat there and I'm so glad we did.
This was the best TS restaurant we ate at all week and
tryed to get ADRs again for another day and they were
booked up.

Try to get a Seat in the Sunroom if you can, it is very Pretty!!
We will be eating there again next trip without any hesitation.
We did eat an early Lunch there so it may be different with Dinner.
We were given a Dinner menu and our LUnch ADRs were for 11:30 am.
There were very few people in the restaurant at that time.
We had the Salmon, Ny Strip Steak and White Pizza
(everything was very good). Dessert was yummy too!!!

I am one who does not like Buffets (I'm a Germaphobe) and get grossed out
easily so I don't have anything to say about CP.

I hope you have a Wonderful Trip!

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

We ate dinner at Tony's last November and had no problems. Good food and good service.

We also like Crystal Palace a lot, and have a dinner ADR there for our next trip in January.

I think the key difference here is buffet v. regular menu. My family tends to overeat at buffets, as many people do. This often leads to very sluggish park touring. Would this consideration affect your decision?

 

[dreambound]

Thanks everyone. These are all good suggestions. I think my husband just had his fill of talking about these things, so I may be on my own here. So, your input is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[ILuvDVC2]

We did Crystal Palace just before MVMCP three years ago and loved it. We had a 4:30 p.m. ADR, and we got out at 6 p.m. just as the party was starting. The character interaction was perfect, as Pooh & Friends came around twice during the meal. Haven't been to Tony's ever, so can't offer any feedback on it.

 

[dreambound]

Thanks everyone. I'm still torn. I realized that we would be eating right during the 3pm parade, which we definitely don't want to see because we're doing the Christmas parade a few hours later. TGM actually recommends CS meals on MVMCP nights. Ahh, decisions, decisions.

 

[N2THRILLRIDES]

We have ADR's to both of these places. Here is wishing to a good dining experince. We will post the results on our return.

 

[G8RFAN]

Tony's is one of those places that gets many opposite of the spectrum reviews. I do find that Italian food does that just like BBQ. It's very regional and pasta sauces vary tremendously. Some use shredded carrots in their sauce, or peas in the bolognese which is certainly authentic but would send shivers down the spine of some, including my son. Service issues is obviously dependent on the individual server. I could be having an excellent experience with one but be oblivious to a frustrated customer two tables over because their server has forgotten to bring the drink refill or bread. Personally, we have enjoyed Tony's and CP everytime we have gone but that is probably the luck of the draw. Tony's is minimally themed, and you will miss having that chianti with your dish. If you have a window seat in the atrium, you should be able to see the parade from the window. The characters at CP do a great job at making it to every table. I think the only complaint we had was when the place is mobbed, the two buffet lines can get rather messy. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

 

[haley123]

I vote for the Crystal Palace. Definitely has the best food.

 

[myladyisatramp]

We are going to
Tony's before MVMMP on the 15th Can;t wait