The Crystal Palace: How To Start The Magic?
- Natalie
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Should every trip to Walt Disney World start with something special?
A trip to Walt Disney World comes around once a year for me, although I wish it could be a little more often! Ever since that first magical visit when I was seven, we have started every trip with a visit to Magic Kingdom to start the holiday. It's even better if we can start with something a little extra special and for us, that's an early reservation at The Crystal Palace!
If like me, you're from the United Kingdom, you can definitely use jet lag to your advantage. When the booking window opens 60 days out from my trip, I try and snag the earliest reservation I can so we can start the magic as soon as possible. The last couple of trips this has looked like an 8AM reservation at The Crystal Palace.
So why do I book The Crystal Palace? Well, there are two big reasons. Number one is I am a massive fan of character meals. I have, somewhat, affectionately been nicknamed the Character Queen by the WDWAO team. Secondly, an early reservation can mean that you can get into the park a little earlier and snag some fantastic photos.
The Magic Kingdom typically opens somewhere between 8AM and 9AM, although earlier for certain resort guests. Although everyone can enter the park a little earlier through the gates you are held on Main Street USA. With an early restaurant reservation you can go through to the restaurant a little earlier to make your breakfast time. Although we typically go to The Crystal Palace now, we have also done Be Our Guest and Cinderella's Royal Table. Be sure to make the most of light crowds around you and snap some fantastic photos.
Now, once you actually get to The Crystal Palace you will be greeted and escorted inside where you will find you will be invited to the Friendship Day Celebration! Of course, this celebration happens everyday.
At your table your server will introduce themself, explain where the characters will come from and take your drink order. Soft drinks, tea and coffee are included in the price and please do order what you want. Our server was more than happy to grab us a juice as well as a hot drink too. I normally treat myself to a little adult beverage as well! If you like quite sweet and sparkling cocktails, I would definitely recommend the Blackberry-Orange Spritz. It was lovely and light for breakfast. There was also a margarita, mimosa and a POG juice alcoholic fruit punch. My cocktail cost $16.50 plus tax.
Once you've placed your drinks order you are free to go to the buffet! As you can see, the buffet is quite extensive and you're bound to find something that you will love. There's multiple stations to visit including pastries, continental style foods such as deli meat, hot food stations and a children's area which is good for the big kids too!
I find the food here really good, especially for a buffet! I've never been disappointed and have been here several times over the years. I must say though, that I have only been for breakfast so cannot comment on the food experience for other meal times. There really is something for everyone. The majority of the breakfast buffet is the standard fare that you will find in several restaurants across Walt Disney World so you will see some familiar favourites and it will appeal to those pickier eaters. This includes things like bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, hash and many more items.
The highlight for the breakfast buffet for me is the Churro Mickey Waffle! They are absolutely delicious and definitely a favourite of mine. They have the fluffiness of the standard Mickey Waffles with a bit of extra crunch and flavour for the Churro aspect. I highly recommend!
Now, although the food here is great, the main reason to visit The Crystal Palace over other restaurants has to be the characters! Here you can meet Winnie the Pooh and friends. On previous visits all the characters came to your table but on my most recent visit Winnie the Pooh was near the topiaries at the entrance and you went to see him. This was different but worked well as you could wait until there was no queue. I've always had good interactions with the characters here and never felt rushed. They were more than happy to pose for some photos, including an obligatory selfie. Sometimes when the restaurant has been quieter I've even seen a character a couple of times!
So overall I think the Crystal Palace is a great experience from all aspects. Is it cheap? No. For breakfast it costs $52 per person plus tax and gratuity. Is it worth it? I think so and I'm sure I'll be going back again! From the food, atmosphere, characters and servers, it's a fantastic experience overall.
Have you ever dined at The Crystal Palace? What was your experience?
Photos: WDWAO