Dinner at the Crystal palace is a great experience both for the food and the atmosphere. We made reservations at 1- 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463) and were seated promptly after reporting to the reservation stand at our appointed time. The service was good. They seemed confused as to who our server was but once he arrived it went well.
The restaurant is a very nicely laid out buffet with a salad bar, entrees and vegetables, and a dessert bar. The prices are a little high but it's Disney and to be expected. The characters are in the dining room the whole time and do a wonderful job of enchanting the kids and posing for photos. They are really skilled at playing with the kids without talking. Hats off to the folks who can do this because it must be very difficult.
This place is built like an old Florida hotel with white painted walls, lots of plants, spacious walkways, and almost an ice cream parlor brightness to it. The serving staff at the bar was very courteous and all the employees are pleasant to speak with. Supervisors are conspicuously posted in and around the dining room and seem to pay close to details and service.
We were there almost an hour and a half because there was so much to eat and sample. The salads were fresh and well-maintained and the entrees never ran out. They had mussels, Spanish chicken, chicken tenders, roast beef, roast turkey, and a vegetarian medley pasta for vegetarian diets. There are a variety more items but that was all I could remember. I especially like the cod and spinach casserole which I'd never had before but loved it.
Dinner was great and the characters made it a true Disney experience. Service was a little confused and pricing was a little high. I give the place a "B+" for the whole experience but it was really enjoyable.
