Hi Niki! Thanks for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I see that your Walt Disney World vacation is almost here. How exciting! My two mouseketeers are the exact same ages as yours, and having breakfast with Winnie the Pooh and his pals in the
Crystal Palace is a must-do on every Walt Disney World trip. We have tried just about every
Character Dining Experience in Walt Disney World, and this holds strong on our list of favorites.
Like you, I have a 3 year old who is generally a light eater at home, and even more so when engaged in the excitement and activity of the theme parks. She prefers to graze rather than sit down to a big meal. We usually pack snacks for her to munch on throughout the day so she doesn't get cranky - the "hanger" is real in little ones!
Although her appetite may be small, your daughter will be charged the full child's price of the experience (or one dining credit in your case) as there is no á la carte option for the Crystal Palace. In my experience, Walt Disney World All-You-Care-to-Enjoy meals are great places for light eaters like my daughter, and picky eaters like my son. There are so many options to choose from on the buffet at the Crystal Palace, that everyone will find something to enjoy. Both of my children gravitate toward the mountain of fresh fruit at this buffet as well as the options geared towards little ones. There is even a child-sized section of the buffet at perfect eye-level for young diners. Pancakes, Mickey-shaped waffles, cereal, and puffed french toast are some of my children's favorites. My husband and I have been known to take some of the puffed french toast from the kids' section of the buffet for our own plates. It is so good!
You may be surprised as to what new foods your child may try in a setting as unique as a Walt Disney World restaurant. My son actually enjoyed eating broccoli for the first time when he tried it from the buffet at
Chef Mickey's - perhaps because it was served with cheese sauce!
Niki, I hope your daughter tries some new foods and enjoys her meal at the Crystal Palace. Regardless of what she may or may not eat, the interaction with Winnie the Pooh and his friends will be memorable. We have been to character meals where my children have eaten only a Mickey-shaped waffle and a plate of fruit, but I still felt the cost was worth it because of the overall experience. The pictures and videos we have of our children marching in the "Friendship Day Parade" with Winnie the Pooh and bouncing with Tigger are truly priceless.
I wish you and your family a wonderful vacation full of yummy food and unforgettable memories.
As our pal Tigger would say, TTFN - ta ta for now!
Betsy