Which ADR would you keep--Chef Mickey's or Crystal Palace?

[kokotg]

We just made a semi-last minute plan to go to MNNSHP on Friday, September 23 (last day of our trip). I was playing around with our dining reservations earlier today and was surprised to be able to get a 2:05 lunch at the Crystal Palace that day. But then when I went look at our list of reservations, I discovered that we still have a 10 AM reservation at Chef Mickey's that day...long story, but, basically, I made it back when our plans were completely different, thought I canceled it when they changed (but didn't, apparently), and now they've changed AGAIN and I might want it after all. So I need to decide which one to keep.

Chef Mickey pros: we could take a day off of our tickets (right? is it too late to do that? hmm...might be too late) and save a bit of money (they're 8 day tickets, so it won't save a lot), sleep in then have the breakfast, then go to Downtown Disney or somewhere for awhile before the Halloween party. Kids are not super into characters, but do like Mickey.

Crystal Palace pros: only one place to be on Friday, rather than going all over the place. We've never eaten there before (have eaten at Chef Mickey's once, several years ago). cons: kids don't particularly care about Winnie the Pooh.

Main point in CPs favor seems to be that it would be something new. Hmm...thoughts?

 

[libcon]

If you've never been to Crystal Palace I would go there. It is a nice atmosphere and good food!

 

[Tinkerbellah]

I like Chef Mickey's best. I'm not a big fan of CP. But I think I'm the only one. CP is many people's favorite.

 

[MDsMomma]

Personally, I go with the Chef Mickey's. The day of MVMCP we took it easy and planned for a late night. We are going to MNSSHP and I have a breakfast scheduled at Epcot. I want to go to the park (we're early risers) have the breakfast and possibly head back to the hotel. We may swim or nap and head back to MK around 4pm.

 

[simonkodousek]

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[msminnieears]

I think it depends on what you want to do that day. If you plan on staying all day at MK then I would keep CP ressies. Never eaten there for lunch but we love breakfast. And the atmosphere is fantastic. If you are not going to MK until the party (I think you have to use your day admission and the party ticket to get in. You better check on that before you think your saving a day.) then I would do CM. Great characters, better food at the CP though!

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

The food is better at CP but it really depends on which characters your family wants to see! We always do both

 

[The Tabasco Kid]

If you MUST see the Fab Four, then take Chef Mickey. Otherwise, CP has it all over CM; better food, better atmosphere, MUCH cleaner.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Not a big fan of either, to be honest.

CP was very cold, and our server was not at all attentive. But it was nice seeing the Pooh characters.

Chef Mickey's has the benefit of the Mickey characters, but it's very loud. We didn't mind it so much when our kids were younger, but we've gotten a bit tired of avoiding stepping on other people's badly behaved kids.

As for the food, I've seen very little difference in the quality of food choice or preparation at either.

 

[kokotg]

Thanks for the responses so far everyone!

Seems pretty evenly split so far...I really can't decide so I may seriously just go with whatever gets the most votes here . Your vote counts!

there is also the breakfast vs. lunch thing to consider, I guess....I do love bacon. mmm....bacon.

I am thinking more and more (someone please correct me if I'm wrong) that we wouldn't really be able to cancel a day on the tickets since we're inside the 45 day window...that there'd be a change fee that would be more than the ticket price decrease. So that part might be off the table.

 

[jacksmom]

We always enjoy CP! Not a fan of the food offered at CM!

 

[TiggerTrigger]

While I think the food and atmosphere is a tad better at CP for any meal vs. CM's for breakfast...I think I'd go with whatever will give you the most rest before MNSSHP. We did MVMCP back in December and I kind of regret trying to do too much park wise prior to the party. If your family doesn't have any major loyalties to any of the characters- which it sounds like they don't- I'd go with whatever gives you the most relaxation and enjoyment- which sounds like breakfast at CM's.

Also, I could be wrong, but I thought you could adjust tickets pretty much at any time if you're doing MYW...although I've only added, which I'm guessing is easier. Then again- I did rebook a trip from room only to package to add the DxDP and they had to redo my tickets as well...so I'm sure it can be done with some work.

 

[kokotg]

Also, I could be wrong, but I thought you could adjust tickets pretty much at any time if you're doing MYW...although I've only added, which I'm guessing is easier. Then again- I did rebook a trip from room only to package to add the DxDP and they had to redo my tickets as well...so I'm sure it can be done with some work.

Mostly what I'm going on is that one year we decided to cancel our park hoppers and got different answers from everyone we talked to as to how late we could do this and whether there was a fee....we finally got it done without a fee, but we had to go to guest services at a park (the resort couldn't do it), and my impression was that they were doing us a favor. It doesn't make much difference...it'd be, what? $25 or something, if that--just a little tilt in favor of CMs if we could do it.

I'm honestly not sure which would be more relaxing...if we kept the CP reservation, we'd probably shoot for getting to MK right before lunch, so by the time we got out it'd be almost the time we'd be getting there for the party anyway.

I'm leaning toward Crystal Palace now, if only because we've never been before. Going to try to make a final decision today...I'm sure someone will be happy to get that Chef Mickey's breakfast if we cancel it!

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

I'd sleep in.

Then I'd grab a snack to hold me over till a late lunch.

I'd head to DTD & shop abit.

If I had time I'd take the boat ferry to PORS or POFQ ...I love this boatride ...it is so pretty though there..& then catch the bus from there to MK for lunch at CP.

Since you have tickets anyway & you have never been here I'd eat here. The food is good & the characters great. I love Pooh, Tigger & Piglet!

Then you'll already be in the park before the party.

 

[smalltowngirl504]

We did both in May... I loved them both but they were different, the food at CP was much better, but who doesnt love not waiting in line to meet mickey?? If you've never done CP, I say go for it!!