I know all character dining is popular for guests at Walt Disney World. I rarely have a client who books a trip and doesn’t request at least one character dining experience. I also know that some experiences, Topolino’s Terrace, Chef Mickey’s, and Cinderella’s Royal Table, for example are the harder to come by reservations. So let me tell you about my favorite character dining experience, Winnie the Pooh and Friends at The Crystal Palace.
First, it wouldn’t be fair of me to not acknowledge that this is 100% a nostalgic experience for me. I remember very clearly, and very fondly, going to Walt Disney World for the first time and having breakfast with Winnie the Pooh. Due to that nostalgia, my husband and I chose to do this experience on our honeymoon, and then again when we took our oldest for her first trip. Clearly, The Crystal Palace holds a special place in my heart.
Emotions aside, you would be hard pressed to find another building quite like The Crystal Palace in Walt Disney World. Inspired by the late Victorian Era greenhouses, The Crystal Palace is all enormous windows, elegant steel, and lush greenery. There is a timeless feeling about the building. Plus the large windows give an unmatched view of Cinderella’s Castle.
With a few exceptions, The Crystal Palace has one of the best buffet experiences in Walt Disney World, especially for breakfast. The spread is unmatched (except maybe by Boma) and their allergy friendly options are top tier. I have never had a bad experience, in fact my daughter loved the food so much on her first trip we took her twice.
Winnie the Pooh and Friends are not always the most sought after characters, but they are some of the best interactions you will find. I know that they can’t speak but the way they play, hug and engage with the guests is so endearing. The whimsical Friendship Parade is always fun to watch. I just love the pure joy that these characters inspire.
The best part, most of the time there are plenty of reservations for The Crystal Palace so this isn’t an experience you have to plan months in advance. If you find yourself with extra time in Magic Kingdom there are often last minute reservations or walk up availability. I love that this is an experience that can be available to do on a whim.
Have you done character dining at The Crystal Palace? Do you have a favorite character dining experience?
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