breakfast at CRT.

[sahm1000]

We eat at CRT every trip for our first breakfast meal of the trip on our first full park day, it's our tradition, and with three girls it's an easy choice for us.

The first time we ate there was in 2006. They had the older menu where you had the option of the traditional breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausage and potatoes, a french toast option, and a healthier breakfast with yogurt, fruit and granola. Each breakfast started with bowls of fruit and a plate of pastries. The servers always offered to bring you out a second plate of whatever you desired, even if you just wanted more scrambled eggs. They were always very gracious about it. This was our experience for several trips until they changed the menu for breakfast (I think we ate there probably 3 or 4 times with this menu).

Fast forward to the menu change with more options. The last 2 or 3 times we have visited have been with the new/current menu. While the servers didn't offer to bring seconds, we never had a problem or rude service when we have asked. In fact, our oldest daughter (currently 9) has made a point of asking the server at the time of ordering that she and her sisters would like extra bacon as that is her favorite part of the meal. And each time the server brought out our initial meal along with an extra plate of just bacon. While they weren't as gracious or as upfront about offering a second serving, when asked we have always received it. Hopefully the people who have had bad experiences just had servers who were having a bad or off day. For the price of this meal it really shouldn't be a problem to get an extra plate of scrambled eggs when paying $60!

 

[AmyB2006]

We did dinner at CRT in December, but I have to say now that I've read these comments, I'm surprised. I thought maybe we were an isolated experience, but now I see that it might not be so isolated.

We had a horrible server for our dinner. I almost complained, but then was like... meh, what difference is it going to make, and why am I going to let myself get upset when everything else was nice?

We loved the princesses, and the food was good, but the dinner service was awful. We had a middle aged male server who just looked miserable to be there and seemed like he hated his job.

Hopefully your experience will be better.

 

[NuJoy]

We had a completely magical experience for breakfast in October. Our waiter was very attentive. He asked my youngest daughter if she wanted more food. I don't know the name of the cast member; but if you see this gentleman

 

[GaudenziGirls]

My daughter and I ate at CRT for breakfast on march 05 and the castle is just fabulous! We ordered the her royal highness package and when we arrived it wasn't set up so we had to wait a few mins! The food was good! The experience was def. unforgettable but everything did seem abit rushed even though it is a "all you care to eat" it didn't feel that way! But we had a great time

 

[buzzrelly]

From the perspective of the price we pay for this, you have a right to be surprised (we've eaten at a lot of "true" signatures, and the service difference we've experienced between these and CRT is night and day).

But look at it from the servers' perspective:

At CRT, they get the same tip regardless of how long your meal takes. So the have great incentive to get you in and out with the least amount of effort possible and turn your table ASAP.

At a true signature, their tip could differ dramatically based on your impression of their performance. Plus, I believe they generally put much more talented servers at these restaruants than at CRT because the patrons have much higher service expectations and the restaurants depend on their service reputation a lot more than CRT (Disney knows people will keep coming to CRT even if the service totally sucks).

I personally believe Disney likes the fact that the servers at CRT are motivated to get you in and out ASAP. Turns more tables and means more $$$. In fact, I believe this is the main reason the tip is included.

I personally wish the tip wasn't included. It would force the servers to be a lot more accountable and make the whole experience better.

I was just going to ask if tip was included, since we have a breakfast ADR in April. Do you know the percentage tip included? Does anyone ever leave extra if service is fantastic?

 

[disneywalkers]

We have a ressie for Breakfast for the first time in September and this thread is making me a little nervous. We were there for lunch last year but it wasn't an all you care to eat, so it wasn't an issue.
We are a party of 10, so this will cost us over $400. The tip, will be awesome. If I have to ask more than once, I will take the server out of range of my children and definitely have a talk LOL No I'm kidding, I'll be nice about it, but I certainly expect better service for this kind of money.

 

[sjs314]

We ate in the Castle years ago and I am glad I did since it just is too overpriced to consider now.

 

[MoukyMouse]

Well, I've read this whole thread & am surprised that no one has said anything about the quality of the food.

We, too, had a server who said we could order our choice of A breakfast and it was clear by his inattentive service their would be no way to get more. We were a family of 2 adults & 2 kids (10 & 8) & my youngest didn't get his food until the rest of us were finished.

Come this April (after our 1st time at CPB), my family will have eaten at every TS in all 4 parks (except BOG) + many resort/DTD & this was BY FAR the worst food we've ever been served. We are normally big eaters & not one of us could finish our meal. Even when my DS8 did finally get his food, he took 1 bite of everything & asked to leave. We were rushing out to get some edible food.

Even so, I do agree it's a priceless experience. All my life, I've wanted to see inside the castle & in Dec 2011 my DH & DSs suffered through princesses & bad food/service to let me have that experience - I am forever grateful. But...now that I've done it, I don't need to return. I will say this Snow White was THE highlight of the experience. It was like meeting the real cartoon princess. She not only looked exactly like the drawing, but her VOICE! WOW!

By the look of this thread, I'm guessing our gross food was a fluke & the experience must be completely different for those with little girls. I just wanted to add my experience & say that I'm glad there are those out there who do enjoy going.

 

[Chabby]

Thanks to the OP for asking this question. I logged in to ask the exact same thing!

I went for lunch with DD6 last year and the service was fine, nothing worth mentioning for good or bad. The food was delicious and the experience was magical.

This year we are going for breakfast, we are 3 adults and 2 children now. It is really expensive so I hope we can get seconds if we want to. It seems to be a matter of luck. I'll tell my father about food not coming at all because this seems to happen to him quite frequently

Do you guys think ordering something very popular may help prevent that situation? (I'm thinking about the "extra" eggs and sausage).

 

[AmyB2006]

Well, I've read this whole thread & am surprised that no one has said anything about the quality of the food.

We, too, had a server who said we could order our choice of A breakfast and it was clear by his inattentive service their would be no way to get more. We were a family of 2 adults & 2 kids (10 & 8) & my youngest didn't get his food until the rest of us were finished.

Come this April (after our 1st time at CPB), my family will have eaten at every TS in all 4 parks (except BOG) + many resort/DTD & this was BY FAR the worst food we've ever been served. We are normally big eaters & not one of us could finish our meal. Even when my DS8 did finally get his food, he took 1 bite of everything & asked to leave. We were rushing out to get some edible food.

Even so, I do agree it's a priceless experience. All my life, I've wanted to see inside the castle & in Dec 2011 my DH & DSs suffered through princesses & bad food/service to let me have that experience - I am forever grateful. But...now that I've done it, I don't need to return. I will say this Snow White was THE highlight of the experience. It was like meeting the real cartoon princess. She not only looked exactly like the drawing, but her VOICE! WOW!

By the look of this thread, I'm guessing our gross food was a fluke & the experience must be completely different for those with little girls. I just wanted to add my experience & say that I'm glad there are those out there who do enjoy going.

Now that you mention it, I remember the food being ok, at best. I guess you're there for the princesses and the experience of eating in the castle.

I can definitely say this, we certainly won't be eating there again anytime soon.

 

[elaine amj]

Thanks Cigar95.

Does anyone have any experience of ordering 2 dishes and the reaction being bad or good?

Like others have mentioned, our server was grumpy-ish and tried to avoid offering us extras. Just ask nicely and they have to say "yes". We were just polite in our requests (we did not want drama/confrontation) but I was surprised he wasn't more forthcoming and encouraging about it.

I always post this pic because it makes me

This impressive platter was my kids $30+ breakfast at CRT (And they were NOT offered a choice as to what was in the platter). To be completely fair, there were TWO slices of bacon there - my kids grabbed one before I could snap a pic as I was laughing too hard. If I hadn't known from the Dis it was all you care to eat, my kids would have starved (esp since my DD hates eggs).

Here's my review after our trip last year:

When we sat, I told our waiter I was dithering between the Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast and the crepes. He said nothing. I finally told him I wanted both. He "would see what he could do". He did show up with both The lobster/crab crepes were very good. The white sauce they came with were delish. I was thoroughly happy with this order. I gave most of the French Toast to my DD who said it tasted just like cheesecake. I would have said a Cheese Danish. DH ordered the Filet Mignon & Eggs. I only took a nibble of DH's steak and eggs. I don't think they were as good as the various filet mignon's we had for dinner, but a very nice choice for a fancy breakfast and he enjoyed it.

Halfway through we asked for more bacon which our waiter ungraciously got for us. Near the end, we decided to ask for a Quiche (which ended up being good). By this point our waiter was seriously unhappy with us - but after spending that much (well..2 TS credits anyway!) we were certainly getting our money's worth!! Besides, his attitude annoyed us and he disappeared for long periods of time.

To be honest, little of my attention was on the food. They move the characters very quickly through and most of my time was spent jumping up and taking pics.

Despite all our dithering and extra orders, we were out of there after a little more than an hour. Our VERY quickest meal in WDW by far! We were pretty much the very last to leave the restaurant LOL.

All in all, glad we did it - in no hurry to go back. Would happily eat here again (not for this price though!)

 

[mrsap]

I also had the same negative reaction from our waiter. He asked if my second pick was for my hubby and when I said no he said he "will see what he can do". I saw the chef walking around and stopped him to ask if it was in fact an "all you care to eat" restaurant and he asked where I saw that and I said online. He told me you can't believe everything you read on the Internet!!!!!!! I then told him it was on DISNEY's website!!!!!!!!! It was very uncomfortable, but I wasn't going to let them ruin the experience for my kids. The food was great, it's definitely worth it. Just ask for a manager if a waiter does that to you. I wish I thought of it at the time. Enjoy!

 

[SteveandAli511]

It's a shame some of you have had poor experiences in this regard but on our trip in October our waiter (unfortunately can't remember his name) was fantastic.

He was regularly checking up on us to see if we needed more coffee, pastries or entrees and even gave DW a wand since it was her birthday!

We are always very nice and chatty with waiters as we feel this can help improve service at times.

 

[akl-fan]

OP here, I had heard that there have been problems but I am quite shocked the majority of posters on this thread have had a bad experience. I will still be going as we have promised my DD3 and I would hate to have to disappoint her. She is going to BBB first so the whole day is really planned for her. I think this will be her one and only trip to CRT if we have a bad meal.

I do agree with a previous poster that giving a server a guaranteed tip may have caused this problem as they have no reason to strive for excellence and every reason to turn the tables over quickly.

Thank you all so much for your posts.

 

[mrsap]

OP here, I had heard that there have been problems but I am quite shocked the majority of posters on this thread have had a bad experience. I will still be going as we have promised my DD3 and I would hate to have to disappoint her. She is going to BBB first so the whole day is really planned for her. I think this will be her one and only trip to CRT if we have a bad meal.

I do agree with a previous poster that giving a server a guaranteed tip may have caused this problem as they have no reason to strive for excellence and every reason to turn the tables over quickly.

Thank you all so much for your posts.

Do not let some bad waiters cancel your reservation!! I would definitely go back, but this time I know better. And you are now prepared if this should happen to you!! Enjoy!

 

[gilesmt]

I am curious, has anyone ever called the credit card and disputed the tip, since Disney does not give you a choice and you pay up front with tip, I think I would definately call my credit card and put in a complete, and since my credit card is a Disney visa, if they got enough complaints maybe something would be done, but it would probably be in taking the all you can eat off the menu, rather than change the ethics of the poor workers they have at that restaurant. It seems the servers know, it seems the chefs know, and it seems the managers know, so it is time to up the response and have people complain to disneys pocket. A tip is for good service if it is all you care to eat and you are not offered that with out complaint than your tip should reflect that.

 

[cigar95]

. . . . . It is really expensive so I hope we can get seconds if we want to. It seems to be a matter of luck.

No luck at all - you absolutely can get seconds. You just may have to be persistent about it and, from the reports we're reading, have to work through some poor service to get it.

Next time I go, if I have to stay 2 1/2 hours to get the food I want, I'll do that. If the restaurant offers all-you-care-to-eat, that's what they're going to provide. (I'm not going to order food I don't want just to make a point, but neither will I not get the food I really want just because someone isn't in the mood to provide the service they should.)

 

[elaine amj]

No luck at all - you absolutely can get seconds. You just may have to be persistent about it and, from the reports we're reading, have to work through some poor service to get it.

Next time I go, if I have to stay 2 1/2 hours to get the food I want, I'll do that. If the restaurant offers all-you-care-to-eat, that's what they're going to provide. (I'm not going to order food I don't want just to make a point, but neither will I not get the food I really want just because someone isn't in the mood to provide the service they should.)

That was exactly my take. It did detract slightly from my experience but we didn't let it bother us and I'm so glad we went...ONCE.