Magic Kingdom

Cinderella’s Royal Table Review at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

by josh on March 12, 2010

Wondering how Cinderella’s Royal Table stacks up against the other Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants? Check out The Best Magic Kingdom Sit Down Restaurants for a comparison of the five Magic Kingdom restaurants in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Atmosphere, Best Food, and Best Overall Restaurant.

Food Type: Breakfast is “all-you-care-to-eat,” but it comes out pre-plated, meaning the food is served to you rather than having a buffet line.  Lunch and dinner are like any other table service restaurant with a menu and several choices for an appetizer, entrée, and dessert.

Dining Plan: Two Table Service Credits

Cost:  All prices include tax and tip.

Breakfast: $47.23 for adults and $31.05 for children 3-9

Lunch: $50.96 for adults and $32.29 for children 3-9

Dinner: $57.19 for adults and $34.78 for children 3-9

Photos and Gifts: When you enter the Castle your group will have a photo taken with Cinderella.  According to Disney, “Guests at Cinderella’s Royal Table receive one professional Imaging Package per group of 4 paying Guests, 2 packages for groups of 5 to 8 Guests, and 3 packages for groups of 9 to 12 Guests. Each Imaging Package includes one 6″ x 8″ and four 4″ x 6″ prints, and one 6″ x 8″ print of Cinderella Castle, all in a Cinderella-themed photo holder.”

On top of that, all girls between the ages of 3-9 will receive a princess wand and all boys between the ages of 3-9 will receive a prince’s sword.

Setting: A question that every young child will ask at some point is, “Mommy, can we go inside the Castle?”  Normally, the answer to this question is, “No hunny, that would get us arrested.”  However, if you have one of the coveted reservations to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table then you can not only enter the Castle, but dine there too.  Cinderella’s Castle is Disney magic at its finest.  The princesses that should be in attendance include Cinderella, Ariel, Belle, Snow White, and Jasmine.  The only characters at dinner used to be the Fairy Godmother and her mice, but now the princesses attend dinner as well.

Advantages: Cinderella is a busy woman and this may be your only opportunity to see her up close.  Price includes the imaging package which can cost as much as $30 if purchased separately at another character meal.  The setting can’t be beat.  If you have a reservation during the evening fireworks show you may be able to see them from your table.  There are many special surprises throughout the meal.  This is a unique and special experience that cannot be replicated.

Disadvantages: The process to check in, get photographed, and be seated is often confusing and hectic.  Service and food can be spotty, especially considering the price.  Since the gratuity is already paid, some servers won’t take as much care as they would otherwise.  The princesses come to each table for autographs, photographs, and a few comments, but don’t stay for much more than that.  Most of the little girls will be dressed up like princesses, so you may feel pressure to either visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or purchase a similar dress on eBay which adds additional cost.

Value: A family of four for dinner will run about $185, not including the cost of autograph books, princess dresses, and primping.  Since this is a Signature Dining Experience, it also costs two table service credits per person.  It’s difficult to say whether or not it’s worth the price for any particular group.  A meal at the Castle is a fantastic experience, but whether or not it makes sense for you depends on your budget and how you want to spend your money.  Be aware that the food will not justify the prices, so your enjoyment will come from the experience of being in the castle and the character interaction.

Reputation: Cinderella’s Castle is the most magical place at Disney World.  It is certainly expensive and the food does not justify the price, but the experience of being in the Castle .  It’s difficult to get a reservation, even 180 days out, but people do cancel and persistence should pay off.  Flexibility also pays off, but try to get in for breakfast or dinner as the food is better during those meals.

Overall Rank on The Best Magic Kingdom Sit Down Restaurants: 1st out of 5

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Crystal Palace Character Meal Buffet Review at Disney World

by josh on March 12, 2010

Wondering how Crystal Palace stacks up against the other Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants? Check out The Best Magic Kingdom Sit Down Restaurants for a comparison of the five Magic Kingdom restaurants in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Atmosphere, Best Food, and Best Overall Restaurant.

Food Type: Character Meal Buffet

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service

Cost:

Breakfast: $20.99 for adults and $10.99 for children

Lunch: $20.99 for adults and $11.99 for children

Dinner: $28.99 for adults and $13.99 for children

Setting: Crystal Palace is a character buffet that features Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, and Piglet at all meals.  Crystal Palace is one of the prettier buffet locations and features lots of windows, bright spaces, and Victorian era touches.  There is also a fantastic Winnie the Pooh and friends topiary at the front of the restaurant.

Advantages: This is the only character meal with the Winnie the Pooh characters.  If you make a reservation around 8am then you get to enter the Magic Kingdom early and walk down a mostly empty Main Street.  In terms of food quality, selection, and service this is one of the best buffets at Disney.  Characters usually spend a lot of time at each table.  Breakfast features the excellent French Toast Puffs, made to order omelets, and chocolate chip pancakes.

Disadvantages: Can get crowded and noisy, especially during check-in.  It may take a while for the characters to get to your table.  Although it’s nice to have a few minutes with Winnie and Tigger, you also have to wait for everyone else to have their few minutes as well.  Guests are routinely seated after their reservation time.

Value: Above average.  Although $21 for breakfast is a bit spendy, it’s still a good value considering the variety and quality of the food, character interaction, and the fact that you can enter the Magic Kingdom before everyone else with an early reservation.

Reputation: Crystal Palace is one of the best regarded buffets on property because of its wide selection, high quality food, and the fact that dining with Winnie and friends is impossible anywhere else.  Breakfast is the stand-out meal with several delicious and unique items to go along with the traditional choices.  Make sure to load up on the French Toast Puffs and Mickey Waffles.  Lunch and dinner aren’t bad, but for $20-$30 you can get a better meal elsewhere as far as food is concerned.  My recommendation would be to reserve a table around 8am and use the opportunity to take some great pictures on Main Street without anyone else around.  For dinner, I would look elsewhere unless you love buffets or are unable to get out early enough to enjoy breakfast.

Overall Rank on The Best Magic Kingdom Sit Down Restaurants: 4th out of 5

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Liberty Tree Tavern Restaurant Review at the Magic Kingdom

by josh on March 12, 2010

Wondering how Liberty Tree Tavern stacks up against the other Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants? Check out The Best Magic Kingdom Sit Down Restaurants for a comparison of the five Magic Kingdom restaurants in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Atmosphere, Best Food, and Best Overall Restaurant.

Food Type: American

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service

Cost:  For lunch, appetizers are $6-$11 and entrées are $12-$19.  For dinner, the meal is served family style with a fixed cost of $29.99 for adults and $14.99 for children 3-9.

Setting: Liberty Tree Tavern is a bit strange because it is a traditional sit-down restaurant for lunch and an all-you-care-to-eat meal served family style for dinner.  The restaurant is located in Liberty Square and resembles what a tavern might look like around the time of the American Revolution.  This is no longer a character meal for either lunch or dinner.

Advantages: You can choose whether you prefer to order from the menu for lunch or the family style meal at dinner.  Food is generally well prepared for both, especially the pot roast and turkey.  Several inexpensive lunch entrées, including the $12 burger and sandwich.  The strawberry shortcake and apple tart are a great way to end a meal.

Disadvantages: Dinner is particularly expensive considering there are no characters or entertainment.  The restaurant is usually overbooked and longer waits are common.  The waiting area is small.  Bathrooms are on the second floor and can be a hassle to get to.  Although it’s billed as a “tavern,” there isn’t any alcohol here.

Value: Average.  Lunch isn’t particularly expensive, but $30 for dinner may not be worth it unless you’re a particularly big eater.  If you have a couple people at lunch then you can recreate dinner by ordering the salad, turkey, pot roast, and sharing them.  Dinner makes more sense on the Dining Plan.

Reputation: Liberty Tree has some of the best turkey and pot roast at Disney.  The setting is fun too.  Unfortunately, it’s no longer a character meal and the dinner price is higher than most other buffet style meals.  If you’re paying out of pocket, I would recommend Liberty Tree for lunch because it’s cheaper and you can order the same entrées that are served at dinner for less per person.  If you’re a big eater, prefer buffets, or have the Dining Plan then dinner makes more sense.  I would recommend Liberty Tree to anyone looking for a meal that mirrors a traditional Thanksgiving meal in a lot of ways.

Overall Rank on The Best Magic Kingdom Sit Down Restaurants: 3rd out of 5

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Plaza Restaurant Dining Review at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

by josh on March 12, 2010

Wondering how Plaza Restaurant stacks up against the other Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants? Check out The Best Magic Kingdom Sit Down Restaurants for a comparison of the five Magic Kingdom restaurants in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Atmosphere, Best Food, and Best Overall Restaurant.

Food Type: American

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service

Cost:  Entrées are $11-$12.  Same menu all day.

Setting: The Plaza is similar to Crystal Palace in its Victorian theme.  It’s modeled after a turn of the century ice cream parlor with accented mirrors, chandeliers, and iron wrought chairs.  It’s fairly unremarkable, but considering the lower than average prices we won’t complain.

Advantages: One of the cheapest sit-down restaurants for dinner.  Portions are large and quality is high.  If you like salads, burgers, or sandwiches then you’ll enjoy this simple menu.  Ice cream sundaes and milkshakes are both delicious.  Convenient location on Main Street.  More casual than other restaurants.

Disadvantages: Small and congested seating area.  Not the quickest service, which may or may not be a good thing.  No indoor restroom.  Not the best “value” on the Dining Plan.

Value: Excellent, out of pocket.  This is the least expensive sit-down restaurant at Disney World for dinner, with all entrées $13 or less.  Portions are large and the food is well prepared.  This doesn’t make much sense on the Dining Plan since the most expensive meal you could put together would be around $22.  If you’re on the Dining Plan you may want to pay out of pocket and save the credits for a Signature meal.

Reputation: The Plaza Restaurant is often overlooked by guests visiting Disney because it’s near the entrance and doesn’t feel particularly “Disney.”  However, it’s a great place to stop for lunch or dinner, especially if you’re tired of paying $30 for entrées at some of the more expensive restaurants.  The sandwiches and burgers are all better than what you would find at counter service and the setting and service are better as well.  Plus, the milkshakes and ice cream are not to be missed.  I would recommend the Plaza to anyone looking for a more relaxed meal than counter service with cheaper prices than most table service restaurants.

Overall Rank on The Best Magic Kingdom Sit Down Restaurants: 2nd out of 5

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Tony’s Town Square Restaurant Review at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

by josh on March 12, 2010

Wondering how Tony’s Town Square stacks up against the other Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants? Check out The Best Magic Kingdom Sit Down Restaurants for a comparison of the five Magic Kingdom restaurants in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Atmosphere, Best Food, and Best Overall Restaurant.

Food Type: Italian

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service

Cost:  Appetizers are $6-$10.  Entrées are $17-$28.  Lunch entrées are in the $12-$18 range.

Setting: Tony’s is modeled after the restaurant in the alley where Lady and the Tramp shared their famous plate of spaghetti.  The restaurant has two distinct sections – the main dining area with the fountain and the solarium.  I would suggest requesting a window seat in the solarium during the parade so you can watch while you eat.

Advantages: Tony’s has the best atmosphere and theme of any restaurant in the Magic Kingdom other then Cinderella’s Castle.  Surprisingly, the Magic Kingdom restaurants are lacking in the theme department.  The service is usually fast (potentially to the point of being too fast) and most people enjoy their food.  The chicken parmigiana  is great and it’s a large portion.  Can’t go wrong with spaghetti and meatballs either.

Disadvantages: It gets crowded and it can feel like you’re being rushed through the meal.  Other times service is abysmally slow.  Food is simplified Italian and on par with chain restaurants like the Olive Garden.  The beef here isn’t the best.

Value: Average to above average.  Tony’s is moderately priced for Disney with large portions and generally high quality meals.  Most of the entrées are around $20 so this isn’t the best value on the Dining Plan, especially considering the $28 steak isn’t particularly good.

Reputation: Tony’s is a mixed bag.  For every person who feels rushed there is another who complains about slow service.  For every excellent meal there is one that wasn’t so excellent.  My experience has generally been positive.  Neither the food nor the service is spectacular, but I’ve never left unsatisfied or felt like I paid too much for the meal.  Tony’s is worth a try, especially if you don’t have Tutto Italia or Mama Melrose’s planned.  If you’re on the Dining Plan, Tutto is probably the best of the three, but it’s also the most expensive out of pocket.  Both Tony’s and Mama Melrose’s are about the same quality, but Tony’s has the better atmosphere.  Overall, I would consider Tony’s if you’re in the mood for Italian and don’t have the other Italian places booked.

Overall Rank on The Best Magic Kingdom Sit Down Restaurants: 5th out of 5

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Casey’s Corner Counter Service Dining Review at Disney

by josh on March 12, 2010

Wondering how Casey’s Corner stacks up against the other Magic Kingdom Counter Service Locations? Check out The Best Magic Kingdom Quick Counter Service Locations for a comparison of the five Magic Kingdom counter services in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Seating, Best Food, and Best Overall Counter Service.

Food Type: Hot Dogs and Corn Dog Nuggets

Dining Plan: One Quick Service or One Snack

Cost: Entrées: $5-7

Unique Items: Cracker Jacks

Advantages: Easy to decide what you want since there are really only two entrée choices – hot dog or corn dog nuggets.  The cheese sauce at the condiment bar is a great way to spice up an ordinary dog.

Disadvantages: The hot dogs are no longer kosher all-beef.  The previously delicious buns have been replaced by whole grain buns that easily fall apart.  Limited menu.

Value: Below average.  The hot dogs here are nowhere near as good as they used to be and they cost the same $5.  On the Dining Plan, the maximum cost of this meal is only about $10, which is on the low end of the spectrum as well.

Reputation: This counter service is based on the poem, “Casey at the Bat.”  Well, Casey ends up striking out at the end (sorry if that ruins it for you), so I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that this place has a couple strikes against it also.  Casey’s Corner used to be much better.  For some reason Disney has decided that using a bun with a few grams of fiber is better than using a bun that doesn’t fall apart and tastes good.  There are plenty of better options at the Magic Kingdom both for quality and variety, including Cosmic Ray’s, Columbia Harbor House, and Pecos Bill.

Overall Rank on The Best Magic Kingdom Quick Counter Service Locations: 5th out of 5

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Columbia Harbor House Dining Review at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

by josh on March 12, 2010

Wondering how Columbia Harbor House stacks up against the other Magic Kingdom Counter Service Locations? Check out The Best Magic Kingdom Quick Counter Service Locations for a comparison of the five Magic Kingdom counter services in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Seating, Best Food, and Best Overall Counter Service.

Food Type: Fried fish, fried shrimp, chicken nuggets, tuna sandwich, hummus sandwich, and several salads

Dining Plan: One Quick Service or One Snack

Cost: Entrées: $7-10

Unique Items: Fried shrimp basket, clam chowder, BLT salad, and tuna sandwich.

Advantages:  Large portions, convenient location, above average nautical theme, and plenty of seating.    The fried shrimp are sizable, instead of the ones that are mostly breading.  Vinegar is available for the fish.  There is a wider variety of options than other counter services.  Food is generally hot and prepared well.  Tuna sandwich is a nice change of pace and clam chowder is great on the side.

Disadvantages: If you don’t like salads, tuna sandwiches, or fried food then you’re in trouble.  Like any Disney counter service, lines can get long and it can get crowded.

Value: Above average.  Although the prices might be a bit high, the quality and variety of the food makes the Harbor House worth it.  It’s easily possible to spend $14+ on the Dining plan here, making it a good value as well.

Reputation:  Columbia Harbor House and Cosmic Ray’s are the two most recommended counter service restaurants at the Magic Kingdom.  Harbor House offers a great tuna sandwich as well as some fried options that are relatively light and unique.  The theme and décor is pleasant and the upstairs seating tends to be quieter than Cosmic Ray’s and less busy than Cosmic Ray’s.  Ordering is also simpler at Harbor House since there aren’t separate lines.

Overall Rank on The Best Magic Kingdom Quick Counter Service Locations: 1st out of 5

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Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café Review at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

by josh on March 12, 2010

Wondering how Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe stacks up against the other Magic Kingdom Counter Service Locations? Check out The Best Magic Kingdom Quick Counter Service Locations for a comparison of the five Magic Kingdom counter services in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Seating, Best Food, and Best Overall Counter Service.

Food Type: Rotisserie chicken, ribs, burgers, hot dogs, wraps, salads, BBQ pork sandwich, cheesesteak flatbread

Dining Plan: One Quick Service or One Snack

Cost: Entrées $7-$14

Unique Items: None

Advantages: The widest selection of any counter service at Magic Kingdom.  Plenty of indoor seating.  Fixings bar includes onions, pickles relish, tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, lettuce, cheese sauce, and the usual suspects.  Food is generally fresh, prepared well, and portions are large.  Sonny Eclipse, the robotic alien, will entertain you if you sit in his section.

Disadvantages: This place is huge, crowded and confusing.  You have to get in a different line depending on what you want to order and some lines close early.  Although there are a lot of tables, there are also a lot of people, particularly at peak times.  Desserts are prepackaged.  All buns are now whole grain and tend to fall apart.

Value: Average to above average.  Most of this is typical Disney fare, but there are also some unique items and the portions tend to be on the larger side.  The $13.99 ribs and chicken combo is one of the most expensive items at a counter service, making this a great use of a Dining Plan Quick Service meal credit.

Reputation:  Ray’s is so large I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s visible from space.  Unfortunately, it’s also visible from just about anywhere in the Magic Kingdom, which means it gets swamped at meal time.  Lines usually move fairly fast and the food is freshly made and well prepared.  The turkey bacon wrap is one of my favorite items to share because it’s huge and comes precut into two convenient halves.  The fixings bar makes it easy to create your own cheese fries and make that bacon double cheeseburger slightly more exciting.  Chances are you’ll have to hit at least one counter service at the Magic Kingdom and this one should probably be it.

Overall Rank on The Best Magic Kingdom Quick Counter Service Locations: 2nd out of 5

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El Pirata Y el Perico Restaurante Review at Disney World

by josh on March 12, 2010

El Pirata Y El Perico is now known as “Tortuga Tavern.”  Find out more details about what this means, here.

Food Type: Mexican, I’ve heard

Dining Plan: One Quick Service or One Snack

Cost: Entrées $6-$8, we assume

Unique Items: Unknown

Advantages: Unknown

Disadvantages: Unknown

Value: Unknown

Reputation:  This is sort of a joke because El Pirata is basically always closed.  I assume that Dory from Finding Nemo is in charge of opening it every morning and she just forgets most days.  Supposedly it’s open from 11am-4pm “seasonally,” but “seasonally” doesn’t seem to refer to any established date or time.  Anyway, when El Pirata is open they offer a variety of tacos, burritos, and salads that are all pretty good.  In a World surrounded by hamburgers and chicken nuggets it can be a nice change of pace.  There is also a unique fixings bar with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and several kinds of salsa.  There is no air-conditioned seating and the seating that is available is fairly limited.  If you see this place open, and it’s not a mirage, I would recommend checking it out because you’ll probably never see it open again.

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Main Street Bakery Review at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

by josh on March 12, 2010

Dining Plan: One Quick Service or One Snack

Cost: Entrées $1-$7

Unique Items: Just about everything.

Advantages: One of the best uses of a snack credit at Disney World.  All goodies are baked fresh.  Convenient location on Main Street as you enter or leave the Park.  Portions are large, especially the cinnamon roll and ice cream sandwiches.

Disadvantages: The line moves slowly because it’s difficult to decide which goody to purchase (they all look good).  There is extremely limited seating inside.

Value: Excellent.  The $3.50 cinnamon roll is gigantic and counts as a snack credit on the Dining Plan.  Most of the other items are under $4 as well and are plenty to share, although it’s unlikely you’ll want to.  For lunch they have ham, turkey, and tomato and mozzarella sandwiches.  On the Dining Plan you can order a sandwich, most any pastry, and get a smoothie to drink.  There are also a variety of other ways to use the Dining Plan.  You may even be able to get three pastries for a Quick Service credit, but it can vary depending on the employee.  Just ask.

Reputation:  The Main Street Bakery is often overlooked in favor of ice cream carts and prepackaged carrot cake.  This is unfortunate because the Main Street Bakery will probably be the best snack credit or $3.50 you spend during your trip.  I would recommend the cinnamon rolls, ice cream sandwiches, and banana bread pudding, but you would be hard pressed to find something that isn’t delicious.  The only downside is that the line can move slowly depending on the time of day and how many people are working.  There is also limited seating, but chances are your kids will be chasing after you and your cinnamon roll anyway, so you probably won’t want to stay seated for too long anyway.

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