Here at DFB, we’ve eaten at EVERY Disney World restaurant.
Magic Kingdom
And over hundreds (probably thousands) of restaurant visits, we’ve had some good experiences, and we’ve had some not-so-good ones. Among those not-so-good ones, we’ve had a few rather stressful restaurant visits…including one at a popular character meal.
Crystal Palace is one of Disney World’s most popular character meals, located right on the end of Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. This spot is a buffet where you can meet Winnie the Pooh and his pals — the only character meal where they’re available.
Crystal Palace
Because the meal is so popular, eating here can be fast-paced and slightly stressful. When things are running normally, characters may come by your table in quick succession. And the pathway of the characters when visiting tables is a little bit confusing, so it’s hard to tell sometimes when they’re coming to you next.
Hey there Tigger!
Because of this, one member of our team described this meal as “scary” because she was afraid to get up and grab food and accidentally miss a character. Unfortunately, she ended up picking the wrong moment to hit the buffet, and Piglet went right past her table.Â
Piglet
In some cases, Cast Members can bring characters back to your table if you get up at the wrong time. However, during this particular experience, we were told that Piglet couldn’t be pulled out of the rotation to come back to the table. This might be a big bummer if you miss your favorite character!
Characters inside Crystal Palace
So if this is a real fear for you, you might want to steer clear of character meals that are also buffets. Some options like Garden Grill, Topolino’s Terrace, ‘Ohana, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, and Storybook Dining at Artist Point will all serve food to your table instead of requiring you to get up and walk to a buffet.
Breakfast plate from Crystal Palace
Also, things are sometimes a bit more flexible at the less popular buffet character meals. While Crystal Palace and spots like Chef Mickey’s can be fast-paced, you might get a little more leeway with the characters if you go somewhere slower like Tusker House or Cape May Cafe. (In my personal experience, I got to see the characters multiple times at those last two restaurants!)
Tusker House
Ultimately, it’s up to you if you’d like to risk it with a buffet character meal during your visit. They can be stressful, but they can also be delicious and great for a group with a variety of food tastes.
Stay tuned to DFB for more dining tips from Disney World!
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So sorry this happened to a DFB guest. Crystal Palace is one of our favorites. And yes, getting up when a character is anywhere near your table is a bad idea. If meeting the characters is important to you (it is to us!), then sit tight. The buffet will be there in plenty of long moments when no characters are around. A great time to go to the buffet is when (if) they are doing a song and a dance or the parade. Also, if Piglet is visiting your table, try to cover up any bacon or ham if you can. If Piglet notices, it makes the conversation a little awkward 😂😬😂
I loved the Crystal Palace! Piglet came up to me when I was in line at the buffet. I am 6’2 and he came up to me wanting his picture taken with me. It was so cute! Eeyore ignored me. Tigger and i, had to teach my mom how to use the flash on my camera. Winnie was so cute!
We wouldn’t miss Crystal Palace for anything because it’s Poo and friends. The buffet isn’t going anywhere. Just sit tight and wait to eat until after the characters come by.
I have two objections to the CP. First, It can get pretty noisy! I always carry a set of earplugs. Second, the PRICE! I wish they would set aside a section where characters don’t go. This could allow those, like me, who care more about the food than the characters, to pay a lower price.