When we arrived, we checked in at the podium outside and were given a pager. We took a seat on the porch, and, within minutes, our pager went off and a server called our name. We joined a short line that had formed of people who were waiting to be seated. When we went in, we learned why there was a wait - Santa Goofy was greeting families and taking photos by the entrance.
This was a pleasant surprise, as the line to meet him over by the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights is usually pretty long. We were happy to save some time! After we took our photos with Goofy, we were offered a card that had signatures from all the characters that would be at the dinner. Our hostess explained that the characters would not be signing autographs at the table - they would just greet the families and pose for pictures. This was not an issue for us, as we do not carry autograph books; however, it’s possible that families who do would be frustrated by this change.
We were pleasantly surprised when we did finally make it up to the buffet. There was a selection of salads, including tomato and mozzarella caprese salad, peel and eat shrimp, mussels, soups, rolls, and pretzel rolls for appetizers. Everything was fresh and delicious, especially the caprese salad.
The dinner food included a variety of holiday favorites, such as green bean casserole, corn bread stuffing, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, carved to order turkey and ham, pumpkin ravioli, and roasted Brussels sprouts. There were also some of the usual Hollywood and Vine favorites (lobster-and-shrimp macaroni and cheese, Asiago chicken breasts, and barbecue meatballs) as well. In addition, the kids’ buffet had chicken nuggets, carrots, plain pasta, baked chicken, roasted potatoes, and tater tots. Plenty of adults were also enjoying food from the kiddie area!
All of the food was very good. Everything was fresh and served in small oval dishes, which were replenished often. There was never a line for the buffet, as people tend to jump around rather than waiting in one long line.
I'm also curious what premium they're charging to make this a character meal, it was @$50/guest a couple of years ago - not to pry, but it might add value to your review to note the price. The food we've had in the past at this buffet has been decent, but nothing to write home about (probably the best table service value in DHS, but that's not saying much). I would say that it was better than 1900 Park Faire, and about on par with Crystal Palace. One issue with this restaurant is that it shares bathrooms with 50's Prime Time Cafe next door, so a quick trip to wash up can sometime take longer than expected.
While those desserts look pretty good, it would have been nice to see some photos of the rest of the buffet items.
This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.
Oh, I bet you were! I'd imagine those reservations filled up pretty quickly.