Crystal Palace? worth it?

[DisneyWed]

Hi all,
Heading to WDW for my birthday on Monday 9/27. Today an open reservation popped up for the Crystal Palace for that day. I snagged it and now I am thinking twice. I haven't been there for about 5 or more years and when I was there, it was mediocre at best. I'm eating breakfast there (well that is what the reservation is for) - has it improved? Is it worth the money? I'm not on the DP so it's money out of my pocket for 2 adults. I wanted to do something fun for my birthday and thought this may be it..
I need some experienced advice - anyone out there been there lately?

Thanks!

[raulwiff]

We were there last Christmas for lunch. I thought it was great. Mostly American food, but real good. Oue servers were extra nice & real.

Because it was a buffet, we were in & out qucikly & got the full character treatment as well.

It was busy, about a 15 minute wait beyond our reservations.

Very preety "Victorian" style decor too.

I recomend it. Like all WDW restaurants, it's overpriced, but a good experience.

[NeverNeverland]

I have heard bad things about the food, but i haven't eaten there myself. Its not high on my list!

[SnorkletsMom]

We did breakfast. I didn't think the food was bad at all and there was a good selection considering it was breakfast. The Pooh characters came around and spent some time and my son was totally thrilled, so for that reason it was well worth it. If you're an adult and don't have kids with you, you might be happier spending the money at another restaurant.

[DisneyWed]

thanks guys!

I did go for my birthday, and the decorated the table cutely with streamers and Mickey confetti..
Food was mediocre like I remembered. Had a 10am reservation and we were there over an hour - Tigger and Pooh both came twice to the table we were there so long. Didn't feel rushed at all. Price tag was $50 for the two of us. That's nuts.. won't be doing that again any time soon.
Guess it was better than the Garden Grill at Epcot. Went there Friday night, was there an hour and a half - Mickey and Chip and Dale came by 3 tmes! Waitress had so many tables that it took us 1/2 hour to get a check. I felt bad for her. She was so nice but felt she just had too much to do. That cost us $80! Can you image $80 for a turkey dinner -- these prices have gotten out of control with the dining plan.
Went to Ohana's yesterday - another hour and $50 later!
No more character dining for me anytime soon. But it was my birthday weekends so overall guess it was worth it.

Biggest rip off -- $10 for a Turkey Leg. Pre-dining plan - $5!
And $3.50 for a Mickey Ice Cream Bar! Insane.
Wish the "free" dining plan promo would just go away!

Thanks again! Have a Disney day!

[aimster]

I've eaten at the Crystal Palace a few times and it's not that bad. Last time was for my birthday and they decorated my table with streamers & Mickey confetti too. And I got a card signed by all the Pooh characters and a cupcake with a birthday candle in it. I'm a HUGE Tigger fan (Pooh & the rest are ok but I LOVE Tigger... and Eeyore), and that was my best bet to see him for sure on a visit (this was before the Pooh playground and meet & greet area).

I also remember having some awesome banana bread pudding topped with Bailey's sauce there once. I would kill to have more of that sometime.

[yoyoflamingo]

I ate there once many years ago and did not care for it. Though, it was quite a while so perhaps the menu/chef has changed, since it seems people do tend to like it.

I wish it was kept as a buffeteria...