The batter is crispy and well-seasoned and has all the hallmarks of fried chicken . The texture of the cauliflower inside is nice and , paired with classic sides like green beans and roast potatoes , it ' s a very satisfying entree . Also , it ’ s not trying to replace the fried chicken on the menu ; it ’ s right there beside the fried chicken to offer a wicked vegetarian entree that hits the notes of classic southern cuisine . It takes an unremarkable vegetable and turns it into something enticing .
TIME FOR SOMETHING
SWEET Like your appetizer selections , dessert is brought out familystyle to be shared with the table . We liked all the desserts but didn ’ t love any one in particular . They are all adorably presented , have lovely thematic nods to Winnie the Pooh and friends , and offer a little something for everyone .
Your dessert selection may vary from our experience and the menu listed online . This shared format with mini desserts is great because you ’ re sure to find something you like . Our selection included a chocolate cupcake with some kind of fruit frosting ( we think raspberry but couldn ’ t determine ), a bread pudding with a creamy topping , a slice of hummingbird cake ( a classic southern dessert ), and a Tiggerstriped chocolate brownie ( very tasty for you chocoholics out there ). The Strawberry Shortcake came on a separate plate and is completely plant-based .
We had a lovely time at Crystal Palace ; it still has a prime location right in the heart of Magic Kingdom , and getting to take a break in a beautiful , air-conditioned space can really turn the beat around if you are feeling exhausted from a hot day full of rides .
The new menu is very well presented and has strong southern flavors . I like the prix fixe approach with shared items ; it makes decisions easier but still allows everyone in your party to pick something that suits them best . I also like the fixed pricing as a way to budget your trip and know exactly what your meal is going to cost .
I do miss the character dining aspect ; perhaps we ’ ll see a return or a modified version in the future . Disney has said on its website : “ Our friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood will be taking a break from greeting guests ,” which I would like to believe means they will return at some point .
I still recommend Crystal Palace if you ’ re looking for sit-down dining at Magic Kingdom , but keep in mind it will be a different experience from previous trips . If you have a rumbly in your tumbly , you ’ ll find that Crystal Palace still hits the spot and keeps a hint of that Hundred-Acre Wood charm .
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Our team had the opportunity to dine at Crystal Palace during WDW ’ s modified operations . The nature of our production schedule necessitates sending reporters and photographers to the restaurant , writing and laying the article out , proofing the article , and sending the issue to print well in advance so it can be mailed out to our loyal readers .
Because of the long timeline this entails , it means we can ’ t always capture the latest updates to Walt Disney World operations , especially at a time when so much is changing due to COVID-19 .
Here , Disney announced the return of Crystal Palace ’ s buffet dining just days before we were due to print . Rather than scrap this article , we decided to run as-is , giving you a glimpse into this unique time for the restaurant .
Starting Sept . 12 , 2021 The Crystal Palace returned to buffet dining for lunch and dinner , with buffet staples like Parker House rolls , garden salad , fire-roasted prime rib , braised beef short ribs , and seared pork tenderloins . Disney has not , at the time of sending to the printer , announced a return to its character meet-and-greets .