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Crystal Palace Character Breakfast Review

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Back in October, my husband and I enjoyed the Crystal Palace character breakfast in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World! Today, I am sharing our review of that experience.

Crystal Palace Character Breakfast

Crystal Palace Character Breakfast

My husband and I grew up watching Winnie the Pooh cartoons and movies. I’ve been lucky enough to meet Pooh and friends a couple of times. However, my husband hasn’t been with me on those prior trips to Disney. We initially had this meal booked for a March 2020 trip. However, that trip was cancelled due to Covid when the resort shut down. We’ve been slowly making up reservations from that trip with each return visit, including trying Topolino’s Terrace Character Breakfast on this trip as well. So, I was tickled to finally check off Crystal Palace with my husband so he could meet these characters!

For those who don’t know, Crystal Palace is a greenhouse-inspired with Victorian touches restaurant right off Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. It features a buffet and Winnie the Pooh characters!

Breakfast Food

I booked a late breakfast reservation for 10:15 AM. Breakfast is cheaper than lunch and dinner, at $48/adult vs $61/adult. However, as with my Tusker House Breakfast Review, they start switching out the food from breakfast to lunch around 10:45 AM. So, we got to enjoy a little bit of both meals for the price of breakfast!

The one item they are known for here during breakfast is the churro Mickey waffles! I made sure to grab one as soon as I hit up the buffet to make sure I didn’t miss it. It’s a sweet, cinnamon waffle that’s unique as most other locations only serve regular Mickey waffles. So, if you are looking for a character meal with a little bit different menu, this may be a good spot. You can view more of my food in the Instagram post below.

The Characters

Being two grown adults, my husband and I try not to take too much of the characters’ time. This was a pretty fast character meal though. First up was Piglet. He’s so pink and cute! Next up, it was Tigger who is a brighter orange than you would think. Then, it was Eeyore! He was extra cute as he came up behind my seated husband and played a bit of peek-a-boo with him. Haha! That was probably the stand out memory from this meal. I loved the pictures I managed to get of my husband and Eeyore.

Currently, Winnie the Pooh does not come around to the tables to meet you. You get in line to meet him at the end of your meal, before you leave the restaurant. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait too long to meet him. There’s a cast member there to take photos, which made it the only character photo we got together. I thought it was a nice touch.

Is Crystal Palace character breakfast worth it?

As with any character meal, it’s an expensive meal. Aside from the much hyped churro waffles, I wouldn’t say any of the food stood out. However, you don’t really go here for the food. Besides, the food options in Magic Kingdom can be lackluster anyways. If you are a fan of Pooh and friends, then this is a great option. If you are looking for a sit down breakfast at MK, then it’s also not a bad idea. I wouldn’t recommend this place for someone on a tight budget though.

So, have you enjoyed the Crystal Palace character breakfast?

Gran Destino Tower – Disney Coronado Springs Resort Review

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On my most recent visit to Walt Disney World, I stayed in the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort with my mom. Here’s a look at that experience.

Gran Destino Tower

Gran Destino Tower

Back in 2014, my mom and I visited Walt Disney World for the first time. While there, we attended a blogging conference held at the Coronado Springs Resort. We disliked how big and spread out everything was there, so we hadn’t returned in the decade since. However, back in 2019 Disney opened the Gran Destino Tower at this resort. So, when we spotted a deal on a room in the tower for our early February trip, we decided to try the resort again.

The Coronado Springs Resort celebrates Spanish, Mexican, and South American cultures. It’s a sprawling resort built around a beautiful body of water. Its size and resort classification (moderate) remind me of Disney Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Both resorts feature a lovely/romantic vibe but have totally different theming.

Standard Room

We stayed in a standard view room with two queen beds. Our room was on the front of the building and we had a view looking out at Hollywood Studios as well as the parking lots. I thought it was a nice view.

My mom and I were immediately impressed with the room upon entering it. In fact, I pulled up my email from when we booked to double check the price. Ha! We paid $220/night for the room and we definitely thought it was worth it! Everything still looks shiny and new. The room has modern upscale touches that make it easy to relax. In fact, we had a non-park day this trip and found this to be the perfect place to just chill.

Also, worth noting is how quiet this resort was. We didn’t have an adjoining room and rarely heard other people.

Pros

  • Park Transportation – It is only via bus, but it is still a great perk of staying on-site.
  • Close to bus stop – The bus stop for this area is right in front of the tower. This is a huge improvement over the last time we stayed here!
  • New – The tower is new, so everything looks sleek and pretty!
  • Close to food – This resort has lots of food options. There’s a restaurant at the top of the tower (Toledo). Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to try many of the foods here. However, I’d love to go back to explore those options.
  • Quiet – This was one of the quietest resort stays I’ve had. I loved it.

Cons

  • Multiple bus stops – The tower doesn’t change the fact that the resort is large and spread out. Sitting through multiple bus stops at the end of the night isn’t ideal.
  • Convention crowds – Since this is the only moderate to have a convention center attached, it can be a busy resort. The center probably increases the amenities available but it can also lead to crowds and higher prices during certain times of the year.
  • Bus only transportation – There’s no access to the Skyliner here or monorail. So, if you want to go somewhere, you have to take a bus. Also, this resort is kind of removed from several of the parks.
  • Not overly Disney themed – There are some nice touches, like a picture of Walt in the lobby and some Mickey’s in the wallpaper pattern in the room. However, this is definitely a more adult-themed resort. I enjoyed it, but if you have children, you may want to look elsewhere.
  • Few tubs – We had a lovely shower. However, I know people with children prefer tubs. I’m not sure how many rooms have tubs but that is something to request or inquire with the hotel about if it’s important to you.

Would I stay in Gran Destino Tower Again?

As I stated above, I hadn’t stayed at Coronado Springs Resort in a decade. However, I was very impressed with the tower. Since my trips are all adults only, I wouldn’t hesitate to stay in the tower again. Have you ever stayed in the tower?

Topolino’s Terrace Character Breakfast Review

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I’ve now had the opportunity to try Topolino’s Terrace character breakfast twice! I first went in October 2023 with my husband and then again a few weeks ago with my mom. So, I thought it was time to finally write my review!

Topolino's Terrace Character Breakfast

Topolino’s Terrace Character Breakfast

Topolino’s Terrace is the signature dining restaurant at the top of the Riviera Resort. For dinner, it is a fancy signature dining experience. However, for breakfast it is a top tier character dining experience! To correspond with the French Riviera theme of the resort, it’s the Breakfast a la Art with Mickey and Friends meal! The views out over the resort and surrounding Orlando area makes for a unique dining experience.

The Characters

As I stated above, this is an art themed meal. So, Mickey is dressed as a painter with an apron and paintbrushes. Minnie is a poet dressed in papers as a dress. Daisy is a dancer. Donald is a sculptor. It’s so cute to see the different outfits on the characters. Plus, there’s a song that plays from time to time and then the characters dance around the room.

The four characters come around to each table to take pictures. The characters have had us stay in our seats both times I’ve eaten here. I think that maximizes the space of the restaurant and probably keeps things moving quickly. However, it doesn’t feel rushed. I think the seated meal makes it feel more peaceful and relaxing than a buffet. I enjoy not having to worry about missing a character while getting food.

The Food

Given that this is a plated meal and not a buffet, I think the meal is a much better quality. I think it also helps that it’s a signature dinner location. You begin the meal with a paint bucket full of pastries that includes croissants, mini muffins, and cinnamon apple muffins. They also include butter, Nutella, and strawberry jam to top your pastries with. I enjoy mixing and matching them.

Both times I have selected the sour cream waffles for my entree. I have been pleased both times. The second time I opted for the plant based sausage, but it’s a little dry and crumbly. The orange maple syrup adds more depth and flavor to the meal. The cream is a nice touch as well. I tried my husband’s quiche in October and it was really good too. I doubt there’s a bad entree here to be honest. Although, I have heard the bread pudding is a touch dry.

Is Topolino’s Terrace Character Breakfast worth it?

As with any other character dining experience, this is an expensive meal. It’s currently $49/adult and $30/child. My husband and I paid for the meal out of pocket in October and found it to be worth it. The food was really good and plentiful. Plus, the location and views were amazing. My mom wasn’t as convinced. We used the dining plan in February 2024 and she said she wouldn’t pay out of pocket for it. I guess it depends on what you want from a meal. My husband values food quality, taste, and ambiance more than characters. My mom likes to sample things from a buffet and see characters. I think she prefers the Cape May Cafe for character breakfast.

So, have you ever eaten here?

Disney Port Orleans Riverside Resort Review

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Continuing with my Walt Disney World resorts reviews, today I’m covering Disney Port Orleans Riverside! I most recently stayed here in December of 2023 when I reviewed the princess themed rooms at this resort. However, I also stayed in a regular room back in 2016. So, this review will be based off of both stays.

Disney Port Orleans Riverside

Disney Port Orleans Riverside

As I mentioned in my Port Orleans French Quarter Resort review, there are two sister resorts under the Port Orleans Resort name. There’s French Quarter (a much smaller resort with jazz vibes) and this one, Riverside. Both resorts are considered moderates as they are a higher price point than the values. However, they also have classier themes and nicer food. In fact, Riverside even has a sit-down table service restaurant. Both resorts also provide boat transportation to Disney Springs!

Riverside Theme

Port Orleans Riverside is a large resort with multiple bus stops. It’s themed to the stately mansions of the bayou. There’s even a section of princess themed rooms. Overall, it’s a beautiful, peaceful resort. Currently, the regular rooms look very similar to the ones found at the French Quarter. The beds are moderately comfortable, but you are also paying for that comfort.

Now, on to the pros and cons of staying here.

Pros

  • Beautiful resort – This truly is a pretty and calm resort, which is good since you will be doing a lot of walking here.
  • Comfortable rooms – Again, both stays here have been quiet and we slept well. I also appreciated the good water pressure, particularly after staying at Cabana Bay at Universal.
  • Good for adults only stays – The classy touches are perhaps better appreciated by the adults. Children may find the theme (aside from the princess rooms) a little under-whelming.
  • Royal themed rooms – The princess/royal themed rooms we stayed in were really nice! The theme was beautiful and delightful. It’s the only resort to have these sweet rooms.
  • Boat transportation to Disney Springs. If you are planning a visit to Disney Springs, then you can enjoy a lovely boat ride over there.
  • On-site perks – Once again, I love staying on-site for the free park transportation and 60 day advance dining reservations.
  • Boatwright’s Dining Hall – This is the table service restaurant at the resort. We ate here for dinner prior to heading over to Hollywood Studios for Jollywood Nights. We didn’t have a reservation, but they were able to accommodate us within 10 minutes. We enjoyed the sweet cornbread that was more akin to a corncake with its sweet flavor. I got the Taste of the Bayou and enjoyed sampling lots of things. I published a full Boatwright’s Dining Hall review last week if you want to hear more. Suffice it to say, it was nice to have a sit down meal without having to go anywhere else.
  • Carriage rides – We didn’t get a chance to take one, but we did see a couple taking a carriage ride around the resort. It looked lovely.

Cons

  • Large resort – More than likely, you won’t be right beside the lobby or a bus stop. If you book a stay here, know that you will be doing some serious walking.
  • Multiple bus stops – Due to the size of the resort, there are multiple bus stops. That might not sound like a big deal, but when you are tired at the end of the night and you have to stop several times, it adds up. Also, if you are at the last bus stop, then it might take a while for a bus to actually pick you up. Basically, give yourself extra time to get anywhere when you stay here.
  • Bus transportation to parks – We didn’t have time to visit Disney Springs in December. So, we spent a good amount of time waiting for and sitting/standing on the buses this trip.
  • More expensive than value resorts – Yes, you get a lot more and better things for the price here. However, it’s never cheap. We used a Disney+ discount on our stay in December, but it was still pretty expensive to stay here.

Is Port Orleans Riverside Worth It?

I think this is a lovely resort. It’s certainly a unique and relaxing resort. However, it’s expensive and expansive. Personally, I prefer the more compact French Quarter or somewhere on the Skyliner. Have you ever stayed here? What was your experience like?

Mickey’s Very Merry Dessert Party Review

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You already know about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which I reviewed last year. However, did you know that you can also book a Very Merry Dessert Party for a seated view of the fireworks and a dessert buffet? My mom and I booked this add-on experience on my most recent trip, so I thought I would do a review in case anyone else is considering it.

Very Merry Dessert Party

Very Merry Dessert Party

Anyone who has ever visited the Magic Kingdom knows how crowded it gets for the fireworks. It’s not unusual at these special events to stake out a spot for the parade and/or fireworks 40 minutes or more in advance. In fact, that’s what my mom and I did last year. So, this year we decided to spring for Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party! Basically, you get a reserved seated fireworks viewing area and a tasty spread of sweets!

Party Food

Unlike at the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party where you are given a plate of food, at this one there’s a whole buffet to select from! My mom remarked that she really liked this one since she wasn’t limited to eating whatever items they gave everyone. There was an apple caramel crepe that was tasty! I also enjoyed the chocolate covered strawberries and some cinnamon doughnuts! There was a mini key lime tart that surprised me as I don’t typically think of key limes for Christmas, but it was a nice reminder that I was in Florida.

There was also a variety of beverages to enjoy! They had a nice sparkling apple cider as well as some hydrating water. I tried the sparkling wine as I typically like champagne, but it was just ok. My mom got some juice and water. They had plenty of beverage options.

The only complaint I can come up with is the fact that there are so few savory/salty items. They had some cheese and crackers, but everything else was sweet. So, this is definitely for the folks with a sweet tooth!

The View

We headed over to the Tomorrowland Terrace after waiting over an hour to meet the Seven Dwarfs. So, having a seat for the fireworks show was amazing after that! We checked in early, around 8:40 to ensure we got a table by the railing and we got an amazing view! Everyone is seated at the Tomorrowland Terrace with a view of the castle, but those who arrive early get the prime spots. So, I encourage you to arrive 20-ish minutes earlier than they tell you to for the best spots. You are free to come and go, so you could pick out your table and come back later.

I also have to say how nice it was to just sit and take in the show/view without a bunch of people pushing up on me. I was reminded just how nice this was when we left the terrace to get a spot for the second parade and was surrounded by pushy people.

Is the Very Merry Dessert Party worth it?

The Christmas Party is already an expensive separately ticketed event. Then, you add another $100+ for this dessert party. So, it’s a very expensive evening. It also takes time away from the party to sit and enjoy your treats. It also doesn’t leave any stomach space for the party exclusive treats. However, you can see an obstructed view of the parade and castle stage show from this area. Plus, the cookies they give out at the party come individually wrapped, so you can take some with you. My mom and I really enjoyed this experience and highly recommend it if you like desserts and want to sit down.

Have you ever done the Very Merry Dessert Party? What did you think?