food IS a theme park
Pooh Bear has OFFICIALLY returned to his home in the UK Pavilion.
Pooh Bear!
That’s right, my friends, you can once again meet Pooh Bear in Christopher Robin’s bedroom in the UK Pavilion!
Go deep into the Hundred Acre Woods with Disney’s newest Wishables collection!
Winnie the Pooh Wishables ©Disney
Disney has released a new set of Wishables on the first Wednesday of each month. We have seen all different kinds from Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and even popular Disney Parks treats!
And while those have all been pretty cute…this new set takes the honey!!
In the pantheon of character meals at Walt Disney World, there’s only one where you can dine with big, fluffy friends straight out of the Hundred Acre Wood — and in a classic Magic Kingdom location: Crystal Palace!
Truth be told, we’ve had a bit of a roller coaster relationship with Crystal Palace over the years. Some visits have been good (like this lunch four years ago and like breakfast here back when you could get into the nearly-empty park!), and one was particularly awful (dinner at the end of the night = icky buffet remnants…I didn’t even do a post about it).
But the opportunity to dine with Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger is pretty much a Disney World rite of passage and something that every Disney fan should do at least once. And dining in the Crystal Palace — a gorgeous building that’s been a mainstay since Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 — is a lovely experience.
But what about the food — arguably the most important aspect of any restaurant? It’s standard, but acceptable on most visits, with breakfast having, perhaps, the most interesting options with Pooh’s Breakfast Lasagna and Puffed French Toast being crowd favorites. And so I returned recently, for lunch this time, to see how things are going.
Welcome to Crystal Palace!
The theme at Disney Springs right now is Beat the Heat. In the dog days of summer we certainly agree!
We scoured Disney World’s shopping and dining district and found what’s new so you know where to stop the next time you’re at Disney Springs for a cool drink, snack, meal, or air conditioned retail therapy!
Beating the Heat in Disney Springs
Much to the dismay of kids and the delight of parents everywhere it’s Back to School season! We’ve found a lot of cool Disney stuff that should make going back to school a little easier for the kids this year!
Let Cinderella, Belle, Pocohantas and more help your princess keep everything together in this backpack. Plus, you can personalize it with your princess’ name to add that special touch to the first day of school.
Personalizable Princess Backpack
With the movie Christopher Robin opening this weekend, Vivoli II Gelato in Disney Springs has come up with the perfect shake that we think even Winnie the Pooh himself would love!
Winnie the Pooh…
Check out this Honey Pot Shake! It’s made with Orange Blossom Honey Gelato spun with milk in a white chocolate dipped waffle cone topped with whipped cream and red sprinkles. Yes, that is a waffle cone IN a shake!
Magic Kingdom, how we love you.
You are, for many of us, the source of our earliest Disney Memories. Heck, some of us remember when you were the ONLY Park. (Am I showing my age here?)
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
But even though you’ve been around the longest, we’re no less fond of you. In fact, coming back to ride old favorites or experience new attractions always feels a bit like coming home. [Read more…]
Welp, boys and girls — it’s time to head into Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and take in lunch at Crystal Palace! This is a beloved character spot for many Disney fans, and a must-do character experience for lots of you.
Me? I hadn’t been to Crystal Palace in foreva…not since an ill-fated late-night visit a couple of years ago when the food was AW-FUL! Yep, it was the end-of-the-night dregs of the buffet and we were pretty much just grossed out. (Have you ever seen a buffet about 15 minutes before a restaurant is about to close? Not pretty.) We ate very little and left as soon as we could. Sad, since we do love dining with Pooh and friends.
But it was time to revisit the 100 Hundred Acre Wood — after all, we’d had lots of great meals here previously — and I made reservations with some friends for lunch.
We have tons of shots to show you, so let’s get started!
You’ll find Crystal Palace to the left of Main Street USA’s end, just as you approach Cinderella Castle. The beautiful glass building, inspired by ornate conservatories of the late Victorian Age, is a slice of Disney history as well. The restaurant has been around since opening day in 1971.
Entrance to Restaurant
And here’s a tip if you’re looking for an extra-special experience during your Disney vacation: try and book Crystal Palace for an early breakfast. You’ll be one of the first guests into the Park when you do this, and visiting a nearly empty Magic Kingdom is an event to remember.
Once you step inside, you’ll see whitewashed walls that carry the bright, light decor throughout. Artwork depicting inspiration for the architecture as well as photos of lush palms cover the walls.
Artwork and Framed Photos
The soaring atrium above is gorgeous — especially on a sunny day!
Crystal Palace Atrium
After you check in, you’ll wait for your table outside on the shaded veranda. But once you step in, pause a moment to take it all in.
Dining Rooms
Tons of windows and glass domes allow for plenty of natural light in the two dining areas.
Dining Room from Another Angle
And really — look up. Because the windows are really stunning. I love the beautiful stained glass detail.
Stained Glass Windows
The decor puts you in mind of a Victorian conservatory, with its outside-but-inside feel. Lush flowers and what reminds me of patio furniture finish the area.
Afternoon Light
Crystal Palace is, of course, a character dining experience, and you’ve stumbled onto a party!
Center Atrium — Up Close
In fact, visit here, and you’ll take part in a Friendship Day Celebration with Winnie the Pooh and his friends.
It’s Friendship Day!
Just check out these gorgeous flower topiaries of the whole gang!
Pooh and His Hunny Pot
Eeyore Topiary
The sweet little figures appear to be made of dried roses, and foreshadow the characters you’ll meet while you dine.
Piglet Topiary
Bouncing Tigger Topiary
And beautiful hanging arrangements of tropical flowers complete the classic conservatory feel.
Fresh Flowers
Seating is standard and fairly comfortable. Heavy, padded chairs share the space with booths, but some tables are situated a bit too closely for our comfort.
Seating for Two
Seating along windows gives you a glimpse of guests waiting to be seated! But beyond them, you’ll also see a beautiful view of [Read more…]
Let’s face it. There are a few foodie experiences at Walt Disney World and Disneyland that we don’t normally find at our hometown restaurants!
We thought it would be fun to put a few “You know you’re eating in Disney World when…” thoughts together, and we’d love to hear your additions!
Leave us a comment with your own “You know you’re eating in Disney World or Disneyland when…” experience! 😉
There are strangers eating in the back seat of your car.
Who's in the Back Seat?!?
You memorize the color of the soap in the bathroom while your kids willingly set the table.
Setting the table
You can’t wait to take a bite out of a mouse ear.
That's better!
You get bragging rights for eating dinner while watching fireworks.
Fireworks and castle from Narcoossees
You ask a yellow bear if [Read more…]
I’ve cheated a bit on the Sunday Round-up this week, folks. I found a couple of links that are NOT from this week, but I just had to include them; they were too good! The rest are legit and from this week; I didn’t fail you completely! Read on…
Theme Park Insider readers named Chefs de France best Theme Park restaurant for 2009.
Tasty Chomps visits Animal Kingdom’s Yak and Yeti for another close-up look and review
Yesterland remembers Boardwalk Betsy’s Strips, Dips & Chips: Boardwalk Betsy served deep-fried fish filets, deep-fried chicken strips, and deep-fried mozzarella strips — with deep-fried jumbo french fries — until Toy Story Mania drove her out in 2006. This is a great look back.
Lindsey Luscious shows us how to make a few Disney Favorites at Home: Missing your Dole Whip and Bengal Barbecue? Check this out for some great at-home recipes and photos (especially if you’re not willing to shell out the dough for Dole Whip mix…)
Clumbsy Cookie has figured out how to make Winnie the Pooh cookies and cakes quick and easy: This is perfect for the next 5th birthday party or summer picnic you might be planning.
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