- Kim M.
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 10
- Reviews
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20
- Photos
Best Table Service at Disney
- August 1, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
go_blue441 from St. Marys, Georgia
My family goes to Disney quite often, and almost every time we visit, we eat at Crystal Palace. The food is served buffet-style, and has something for just about everybody. The scenery, like just about everywhere else in Disney, is great, and character dining is a unique experience for families with young kids (and comes with your meal).
The only thing I could possibly complain about is the crowd trying to get into Crystal Palace. If you plan on eating here, you definitely need to make a reservation far in advance.
Crystal Palace: Be Warned
- May 28, 2008
- Rated 1 of 5 by
gindak from Dalton, Georgia
The Crystal Palace seemed like a wonderful place to stop for dinner for my family. I usually do not like eating in Disney at a high dollar restaurant, because the prices are raised a great amount, but I decided to splurge. We booked the Crystal Palace for 6, and expected a nice meal, atmosphere, and break from the rush of the park.
When we first arrived we were checked in, seated, and gotten orders for drinks. The employees were friendly. Though, that is likely as good as it was going to get.
The dinner buffet is large, and looks quite appetizing. Unfortunately, the food quality was some of the worst I have seen in some time. They have a great attempt at producing very high quality, fancy food. This was very deceitful. The food remained fresh, but it was HORRIBLE. There were very few things on the buffet I could tolerate. From the fancy fish to the horrible caesar salad to he mac 'n cheese on the child's bar, the food was quite disgusting. I would have prefered a cheap shop in the park. The quality of food was lower than most fast food places.
In addition, the characters did not make the experience any more delightful. The isles to get to the buffet are somewhat slim, and the characters walking around draw a small crowd, and make it quite difficult to travel around the restaurant.
If I were to dish out a price for this place, I would have guessed $12-15 per person (including the outrageous Disney curve). The quality of this buffet was no greater than any fast food location found in or outside of the park.
This meal cost $35 dollars per person! What a let down this was!
Not to mention an 18% gratuity put in for 6 people on a buffet.
For 6 people, the bill was around 240 dollars, all in all. I would suggest eating somewhere other than Crystal Palace. The location and appreance are the only things up to trivial.
Crystal Palace (character lunch and dinner)
- July 9, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
bethinct from fairfield, Connecticut
This was one of our favorite character dinners. It is an all-you-can-eat buffet, and the Winnie the Pooh characters circulate the restaurant. They will stop at your table and take pictures with you. The food was a buffet, and it was excellent. I was surprised because usually buffets are not very good. We loved the salmon, roast beef, and the pasta. Don't forget to try the delicious desserts--we loved the pineapple flan!
From journal Walt Disney World
Crystal Palace - Magic Kingdom
- July 2, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
wdwobsessed from beltsville, Maryland
The pretty setting of the Crystal Palace is enough reason to eat here, add the character interaction along with a great buffet and in this WDW visitor's opinion it's a no brainer!
This "must do" eatery was on our agenda for lunchtime though the restaurant does serve breakfast and dinner as well. Located in the Magic Kingdom near the hub of mainstreet it's a great way beat the mid-day heat during lunch hours.
The buffet offers a wide variety of choices including, salads, pasta dishes, soups, carved meats (the roast beef was excellent), seafood choices, breads, desserts and an ice cream station complete with soft serve and toppings!
Pooh and friends make the rounds here ready to give hugs, take pictures and sign autographs. The bright and airy setting adds to the charm as well.
Visit The Crystal Palace
Insider Tips:
* This is a popular dining destination so book early. You may be able to book as far as 180 days in advance.
* Breakfast bookings can be made up to one hour before the park opens. Get the earliest booking you can and be inside the park when it opens ... getting a jump start on the crowds.
* Try to book an early lunch or early dinner, avoiding the dining crowds which will leave you to the attractions when everyone else in dining at the typical hour!
From journal Magical Walt Disney World Birthday Trip Full of Holiday Cheer!
Editor Pick
Crystal Palace - Magic Kingdom
- June 30, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
IFoundNemo from Martinsburg, Pennsylvania
We attended the character breakfast at Crystal Palace, and what a wonderful surprise! We had advanced dining reservations, and only waited a couple minutes to go in.
What a striking place! Very bright interior, and beautiful topiaries of Pooh and Friends in the lobby when you walk in. It puts you in a festive mood right from the start.
When we were seated, our waitress came and took drink orders, then explained how the characters visited each table in special orders (I am guessing this is to keep guests from swarming over them!).
The food here was typical breakfast buffet food; eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, pancakes, waffles, fruits, cereals, breads, etc. Nothing too special as far as selection or taste, but it was hot, and the bar was always stocked.
The only problem we had was trying to get my son to eat—he only took two bites, because he was so excited for the characters—maybe a waste of money for breakfast for him.
The characters had great interaction with the kids here, and took time for plenty of photo ops. My son loved it, and I think we would return here, although maybe not until my son was a little older, so he would actually eat a little more.
From journal Eating in Disney World