Hi Nicky!
We're so glad you've brought your question our way. My family dined at
The Crystal Palace for the very first time this summer and we all loved the entire experience!
I can certainly understand sticking to a budget, particularly when little ones have a limited palate. I've struggled with picky eaters for years, but my children have started to broaden their horizons a bit. If you do decide to secure a reservation, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the variety of foods offered at this restaurant. We visited during breakfast and found a "smackerel" of everything from cereal, pastries, fruit and yogurt, to a variety of egg dishes, shrimp, fried chicken, pancakes, and of course, Mickey Waffles. Keep an eye out for the Churro Mickey Waffles here- they are incredible!
When making your reservation, each guest will need to be accounted for in the party size and all guests over age 3 will be charged. This location has fixed pricing by meal with a lower price point for guests aged 3-9. The price not only includes all-you-care-to-enjoy selections from the buffet but also factors in the personalized Character experiences during your meal. Characters are subject to change but Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet each stopped by our table for photos, hugs, and (in Tigger's case) plenty of bouncing. The Characters will also do a little parade around the restaurant periodically as part of this venue's Friendship Day Celebration.
I understand your 4-year-old might not want to sample the food and beverage offerings, but a reservation here is a great way for them to get some one-on-one time with these loveable Hundred-Acre Wood Characters. If you decide this is more than you'd like to spend, you'll still find plenty of delicious breakfast offerings across Magic Kingdom Park. My favorites are the Cheddar, Bacon, and Ranch Tots from
The Friar's Nook and the Mickey Waffle with Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread, Bananas, and Berries from
Sleepy Hollow, both of which are available via
Mobile Ordering.
You can also keep an eye out for
meet-and-greet times with Pooh and Tigger near the entrance to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Fantasyland.
Meeting times will be noted in the My Disney Experience Mobile App, as my pal Alyssa explains here.
Nicky, I hope this encourages you for your upcoming visit. Remember, the most magical moments are the ones spent together, even without splurging on extras like Character meals or fancy souvenirs. I hope your upcoming adventure is as sweet and memorable as a pot of Pooh’s favorite snack!
Please come back and see us again with more planning questions. We never say, "Oh bother" when it comes to helping guests.
Magic and memories,
Amy