As Disney World takes steps to reopen more restaurants around the parks, they’ve also started reopening buffets.

Although dining already returned to Magic Kingdom’s Crystal Palace in December of 2020, the buffet had yet to reopen. After several other buffets have reopened in Disney World, such as Boma in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Biergarten in EPCOT, it’s now Crystal Palace’s turn!

Atmosphere

As before, Mobile Check-In is encouraged — just scan the QR code with your phone to check-in. You can also do this via the My Disney Experience app. You’ll receive a text message when your table is ready. When you get that text, return to the porch.

The inside of the restaurant is very Victorian, with lots of windows and soaring ceilings. There is plenty of light here. You’ll also see some decor that made a little more sense when this was a character dining spot with Pooh and friends (and note that character dining has still not returned here).

The restaurant is also spacious with plenty of seating with tables and chairs.

But we’ve been here many times before, and what we’re most interested in is how the food has changed.

Menu

Although Crystal Palace reopened last year with family-style dining, as of today, the restaurant is a self-service buffet again.

Also note that while you are up at the buffet stations getting your food, you must remain masked — masks are required at all indoor locations at Disney World unless you are actively eating or drinking.

Crystal Palace’s buffet menu includes Soups, such as Walt’s Favorite Beef Chili, as well as salads, including Seasonal Fruit Salad, Waldorf Salad, and everything you need to Create-Your-Own Salad with greens, various toppings, and dressings.

There are also a variety of Bread to choose from, including Parker House Rolls, Pretzel Rolls, Lavosh, and Cheddar-Bacon Cornbread.

Entrees include Wood-Grilled Mahi Mahi with Romesco Sauce, Seared Pork Tenderloin, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Country Fried Chicken, Shrimp, and a Crab Claw Cocktail Plate.

There’s a carving station for Fire-roasted Prime Rib.

Looking for some good sides? There are plenty to choose from. We saw Peas, Winter Squash Ravioli, Olive-Caper Relish, Basmati Rice with Crispy Shallots, Roasted Wild Mushrooms, Cheesy Broccoli, Herb-Buttered Corn, Walt’s Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans with Bacon and Onions.

The Kids Buffet features some kid-pleasing treats like Crispy Chicken Breast Strips, Macaroni and Cheese, Miniature Beef Quesadillas, and Miniature Pizzas.

Finally, there are a TON of delicious desserts to choose from, including Apple Cobbler, Fresh-baked cookies, French silk cupcake, Butterscotch Pudding, S’mores Tart, Strawberry Shortcake, and Soft-Serve Ice Cream.

So that was our first look at Crystal Palace’s buffet! Stay tuned for a full review of this buffet and keep reading DFB for all your Disney World restaurant news!

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Do you have plans to eat at the Crystal Palace buffet? Tell us in the comments!

The post PHOTOS: Buffets Are BACK at Disney World’s Crystal Palace! first appeared on the disney food blog.