Worth it to pay OOP for these 2 restaurants...and logistically are these good?

[heatherenae71]

Not sure if this belongs here or on the Theme Park board

So, we're on the DDP and I've got that figured out with what restaurants to eat at to utilize all the credits. BUT, *selfishly* I really want to eat at Crystal Palace for breakfast and see the Pooh characters (my faves growing up!) and I *also* really want some BBQ while on vacay (I'm from MO, what can I say!) and to take the boat ride from CR to WL

So with that, the day we do MK my DD will have a BBB appt. (I had planned on doing breakfast at CRT - but now we're going to do dinner there - using 2 TS credits). After her BBB appt. (hoping I can get one of the first appts. that morning - approx. 8:00 a.m.), then do the Rapunzel M&G when the park opens and then have breakfast at CP...roughly 10:30 a.m. (with all that, are we pusing a breakfast reservation at that time?)

The day we do AK, we're also heading to Epcot that night for a stroll around WS. I was thinking THIS will be when we take the boat ride to WL and eat at WCC. I'm thinking we'll leave AK after the parade is over (we'll have a rental car), freshen up in our room at CR and then take the boat to WCC. Would a 6:30 reservation at WCC be good to shoot for? We'll take the boat ride back to CR, hop on the monorail and go to Epcot that night with EMH.

Okay, so to add these 2 restaurants into the trip, I'm looking at paying roughly $170 OOP. I've tried playing around with our credits on the DDP, but my family is set on where they want to eat with those. And to upgrade to DxDP is too much.

What do you think? Are these 2 restaurants *good* Thanks

 

[KatMark]

We love Crystal Palace for breakfast and it is a must-do for every trip. I too am a big fan of the characters and the puffed french toast.

I know there are a lot of WCC fans out there, but we are not among them. One of the worse meals we have ever had at Disney (we had the skillet--husband got sick on either the chicken or ribs--the ribs were fatty and greasy, the chicken didn't seem cooked; I thought the potatos and beans were gross and I don't eat cornbread)--it is on the list with Hollywood & Vine as to never return to.

I would definitely pay OP for Crystal Palace.

 

[ccgirl]

Not sure if this belongs here or on the Theme Park board

So, we're on the DDP and I've got that figured out with what restaurants to eat at to utilize all the credits. BUT, *selfishly* I really want to eat at Crystal Palace for breakfast and see the Pooh characters (my faves growing up!) and I *also* really want some BBQ while on vacay (I'm from MO, what can I say!) and to take the boat ride from CR to WL

So with that, the day we do MK my DD will have a BBB appt. (I had planned on doing breakfast at CRT - but now we're going to do dinner there - using 2 TS credits). After her BBB appt. (hoping I can get one of the first appts. that morning - approx. 8:00 a.m.), then do the Rapunzel M&G when the park opens and then have breakfast at CP...roughly 10:30 a.m. (with all that, are we pusing a breakfast reservation at that time?)

The day we do AK, we're also heading to Epcot that night for a stroll around WS. I was thinking THIS will be when we take the boat ride to WL and eat at WCC. I'm thinking we'll leave AK after the parade is over (we'll have a rental car), freshen up in our room at CR and then take the boat to WCC. Would a 6:30 reservation at WCC be good to shoot for? We'll take the boat ride back to CR, hop on the monorail and go to Epcot that night with EMH.

Okay, so to add these 2 restaurants into the trip, I'm looking at paying roughly $170 OOP. I've tried playing around with our credits on the DDP, but my family is set on where they want to eat with those. And to upgrade to DxDP is too much.

What do you think? Are these 2 restaurants *good* Thanks

Personally, my family are huge fans of CP. We usually go for dinner though. We have paid OOP for that one several times. While WCC is okay, I wouldn't consider it "authentic" BBQ. Definitely not a must do for me. Then again, neither is CRT. We ate there once and I thought it was the most overpriced restaurant we have ever eaten at at WDW. I do think the 10:30am is pushing it if you have your heart set on breakfast at CP though. Breakfast "stops" at 10:30am then there is an hour of change over and lunch starts at 11:30am. I would try for no later than 10am.

Good luck.

 

[jedijill]

I'm a Missouri girl to and wouldn't go out of my way for WCC for the food. Go for the show and the experience but it is NOT good BBQ at all.

Jill in CO

 

[Lindsayrg3]

Not sure if this belongs here or on the Theme Park board

So, we're on the DDP and I've got that figured out with what restaurants to eat at to utilize all the credits. BUT, *selfishly* I really want to eat at Crystal Palace for breakfast and see the Pooh characters (my faves growing up!) and I *also* really want some BBQ while on vacay (I'm from MO, what can I say!) and to take the boat ride from CR to WL

So with that, the day we do MK my DD will have a BBB appt. (I had planned on doing breakfast at CRT - but now we're going to do dinner there - using 2 TS credits). After her BBB appt. (hoping I can get one of the first appts. that morning - approx. 8:00 a.m.), then do the Rapunzel M&G when the park opens and then have breakfast at CP...roughly 10:30 a.m. (with all that, are we pusing a breakfast reservation at that time?)

The day we do AK, we're also heading to Epcot that night for a stroll around WS. I was thinking THIS will be when we take the boat ride to WL and eat at WCC. I'm thinking we'll leave AK after the parade is over (we'll have a rental car), freshen up in our room at CR and then take the boat to WCC. Would a 6:30 reservation at WCC be good to shoot for? We'll take the boat ride back to CR, hop on the monorail and go to Epcot that night with EMH.

Okay, so to add these 2 restaurants into the trip, I'm looking at paying roughly $170 OOP. I've tried playing around with our credits on the DDP, but my family is set on where they want to eat with those. And to upgrade to DxDP is too much.

What do you think? Are these 2 restaurants *good* Thanks

My hubs is from Kansas City, so I totally understand your BBQ needs! But keep in mind that Missouri BBQ and BBQ in other states are not the same! I'm sure you know this already, but don't have that good ol' KC BBQ in mind when you head over to WCC, or you will surely be disappointed.

 

[CreightonsMomma]

Honestly, I thought the food at Flame Tree BBQ inside AK was better than WCC. We eat at Flame Tree every visit. WCC we did in march and I dont see us doing it again in the near future.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

Crystal Palace
WCC

WCC is not very good BBQ in our opinion. The chicken did have bbq sauce on it it but it was not slow cooked and the ribs were VERY fatty. It sounds like a head ache to the day you have planned too. I'd look for another alternative this day.

 

[DaniB]

I would pay OOP for a couple of TS restaurants if I really wanted to do them. And, I will be!

We have the DDP and also nixed upgrading to the DDxP. Cost-wise it just does not work out for us. However I'm still going to pay OOP for Kona Cafe breakfast, and a desert & drink at Yak & Yeti (or a full lunch there).

The way I look at it, it's still much cheaper to pay OOP for those 2 meals than upgrading to the DDxP!

BTW, yes for Crystal Palace breakfast!!! I can't comment on the other as I have not eaten there.

 

[corky441]

My choice for your MK day would be to first get an early as possible reservation at CP. the park is magical before it officially opens.
Plan the BBB for after breakfast and then do the meet and greets.

 

[MinnieGi]

YES - for CP!!! We've eaten there several times over the years for breakfast, lunch and dinner and all have been very good!!

No - for WCC. We've eaten there twice and while the antics of the waiters/waitresses are funny, the food is just okay.

 

[heatherenae71]

Thanks for all your advice! I think I'm gonna nix WCC now and just might stick to QS meals at AK/Epcot (there are a TON of places I want to eat at Epcot, but my DH and kiddos don't like to try anything new - and aren't adventurous for that matter....burgers and fries, that's all they want )

I need a late breakfast time (if we end up doing CP, which, yeah, I definitely think I want to do because I just *love* Tigger and Pooh - and it's great to hear good things about the breakfast!) because DH and DS will be sleeping in while DD and me are at her BBB appt. But yeah, 10:30 - the end of breakfast probably wouldn't be good, huh. Hmmmm...will have to think more on that! I guess we could do a breakfast at 9:00, then go to the Rapunzel M&G and THEN do BBB, and DH/son will just have to deal

 

[WDWaddictsx4]

Honestly, I thought the food at Flame Tree BBQ inside AK was better than WCC. We eat at Flame Tree every visit. WCC we did in march and I dont see us doing it again in the near future.

I agree! Flame Tree has delicious BBQ and one of the more inventive CS menus in the parks. Portions are gigantic, and the seating environment is outside, lush, and private. If you'll be in the AK anyway, you can save some time and money while satisfying your BBQ craving by stopping here. It has become a WDW must-do for our family.

Also, if you'll be imbibing, I would highly recommend the Safari Amber.

 

[jking6]

Well I am going against almost everyone here but we love WCC. We are from NY and WCC is a must for us on every trip. My son and his family went there last week and it was one of his favorite places to eat.
I will be there again next month and can't wait!!!!

 

[E&As Mom]

We also have enjoyed WCC, and are doing it again this fall. The food is good (not great), but the wait staff made this meal enjoyable for us all... plus, anywhere you can get all you can drink milkshakes is a plus in my book! We don't head there for BBQ specifically, so maybe that's a difference.

We haven't done CP for breakfast, but have heard really great things about it... hope you enjoy it!

I will say that the FlameTree at AK is really good food... you get a lot for your $.

 

[chipndales]

Crystal Palace is SO worth the money. We had a lot of fun there and you should definitely do it! I've never eaten at WCC so I can't comment there, but keep CP and enjoy!

 

[IluvKingLouis]

We went to WCC for lunch and really enjoyed it. Both my daughter and I had the lunch skillet (less variety, but much less $$, and still all you can eat). The chicken was OK, but I really enjoyed the ribs. I had the sauce on the side, and the rub was quite flavorful.

The sides, except for the mashed potatoes, were awesome. Great cornbread, beans and slaw. They will gladly sub the mashed potatoes for fries.

So if you're unsure, lunch is a cheaper way to give it a try. I really liked the setting too.

 

[smiths02]

I don't know about WCC...I have never been, but if you are leaving AK and then strolling around the world showcase...why not use your CS at Flame Tree OR use CS to eat around the world showcase.

My problem with adding more than one TS meal a day is that I am worried about using up our Counter Service

Also, going to that many different places in one day (especially with children) sounds like a pain to me. Hotel to AK, back to hotel, to WCC, then to Epcot, then back to hotel.

 

[thepoohguy]

Being that my family roots are from Missouri as well (pronounced with an "uh" at the end and not an "E") I understand the bar-B-Que needs!

To be honest, I only ate lunch one time at WCC. It was okay. Breakfast however, is fantastic! My DW and I eat breakfast here at least once a trip. It's an all you can eat for like $15 per person. Way cheaper, but no characters.

We had breakfast at CP this year for the first time. Food was good, but you don't get that much time with the characters, so I'm not sure it was fully worth it over eating basically the same food at WCC and then waiting for pictures with Pooh and the gang.

It's all about personal taste, and for me, I love the WCC. Just walking into WL is amazing to look at!

 

[MinnieGi]

Thanks for all your advice! I think I'm gonna nix WCC now and just might stick to QS meals at AK/Epcot (there are a TON of places I want to eat at Epcot, but my DH and kiddos don't like to try anything new - and aren't adventurous for that matter....burgers and fries, that's all they want )

I need a late breakfast time (if we end up doing CP, which, yeah, I definitely think I want to do because I just *love* Tigger and Pooh - and it's great to hear good things about the breakfast!) because DH and DS will be sleeping in while DD and me are at her BBB appt. But yeah, 10:30 - the end of breakfast probably wouldn't be good, huh. Hmmmm...will have to think more on that! I guess we could do a breakfast at 9:00, then go to the Rapunzel M&G and THEN do BBB, and DH/son will just have to deal

We LIKE to do late character breakfasts and 10:30 would suit our family fine. One the food is constantly being refreshed so you will still have good picking at CP. The best part is that we have always encountered GREAT character interaction at that time. There are not as many people in the restaurant so the characters spend more time at your table. Plus we usually are up early and eat a light breakfast in our room before heading to the parks for rope drop and we're hungry for a nice meal around 10:30. Then this also holds us off for lunch until the usual lunch hours crowd has left and we can just walk up and get our counter service meal and same with dinner. And usually those lunches and dinners on those character buffet days are light b/c we are quite full after the buffet!!

 

[Niki in NJ]

I would look at your TS ADR's again and see which are best to pay OOP for. I would use the ddp for your more expensive places, and then for the less expensive places, I'd pay OOP. I don't think I'd pay almost 200 more OOP for dining, but that's just me.