All right guys, I've come to respect your opinions. My DH and I have ADRs for a 6pm dinner at CP in Dec. We've been there for breakfast with DH's nieces and had a great experience. Never been there otherwise. We enjoy good food (we're not food snobs, we just like variety) and I wanted to try a couple of new restaurants this trip. We're on The Plan. As far as characters go, it's just us, and I don't care one way or another about them. My DH would prefer not to deal with them, but willing to try this for me. I've read the posted menus, and it looks interesting, but honestly, am I better off using my TS somewhere else? I'm hoping to get a lunch ressie for either Yak & Yeti or Tokyo Dining (or both). Should I get a dinner ADR for one of these instead of CP?

I had lunch at Crystal Palace, and for a buffet, it did have a nice variety, and I had no complaints about the food. Some of it I actually had to go back and get another serving of!

But in general, I'm not a buffet fan, and if you're not doing it for the characters, I'd think you might be better off doing a different ADR, if it works with your schedule.

It's a nice, basic buffet; it's also a good way to get a fairly passive visit with characters -- the Winnie the Pooh characters will come around the room to each table, but they won't ask you to participate in any activities like at Chef Mickey, nor to they come around every 10 minutes like at Chef Mickey -- it's just enough. We've been twice in the last two visits. While I do enjoy it, I prefer BOMA at Animal Kingdom Lodge; more exotic food and a nicer atmosphere. Still, you can't go wrong as long as you like buffets, which I do, yum!

We love Boma. And buffets in general. But we also know how buffets can go wrong. Thanks for your input, Petesimac, I like your reviews.

And Cathy, I just knew you'd answer me! Thank you.

I've had dinner at Crystal Palace and it wasn't anything spectacular. We did it so the kids in our group could see some characters and it was the youngest's birthday and that is where she wanted to eat. It's alright, but if you don't want to deal with characters then why waste your time on that food. I would say try somewhere else especially because you are on the DP before it changes for 2008.

We've always enjoyed Crystal Palace. In fact, we've made multiple return visits--not always just for the characters. Try to get a table in the front of the restaurant at a window--fantastic view across the "hub" toward the castle.

Never had dinner there, but I enjoyed the food at lunch quite a bit. I especially appreciated that the dessert station included fruits and cheeses.