Akerkus and CRT

[Lizziotti]

I was finally able to get a CRT so now I'm thinking of dropping my akerkus I have for another day. It seems like it's basically the same princesses. Has anyone done both and found it worth it?

 

[KirbyLouWho]

I haven't been to Akershus myself, but a close friend who did both over the summer says the biggest difference is the food. So if you want two unique meals, I'd say you're good keeping both. If it's more about the experience, those are quite similar from what I hear.

I'll also be 100% upfront & let you know that I *think* we're there at the same time, and if you DO decide you don't want both, I'd be interested in taking that Akershus off your hands. lol

 

[figment_jii]

This is my comparison between Akershus and CRT (I went at dinner):

PRINCESSES: In general, the princesses are pretty similar between the two venues. Ariel, Snow White, Aurora, and Cinderella are among the "standard" princesses at both venues. Jasmine is usually the fifth princesses at CRT and Belle is the fifth princess at Akerhsus. At Akershus, you take the photo package photo with Belle (yellow dress) while at CRT the photo is with Cinderella.

INTERACTION: I found the princesses at both locations to be equally friendly/interactive. I did like the set-up a little better at CRT. The princesses enter to a little fanfare (quick summary of the story; like three sentences) and then follow a set route. So once the first one goes by, you know that when next princesses reaches a certain table, it means you're next. No more having a princess show up and your is full! At Akershus, the princesses don't really have a route so you never know when one will show up. We even had the character handler come up to our table and ask if we'd seen a princess (in our case, Cinderella) yet because she was about to head to the next room.

GAMES: There are no games/activities at CRT. There was a princess parade at Akershus (at least there was at dinner). All of the kids were invited to parade through the dining room with one of the princesses.

FOOD: Neither venue had outstanding food, but honestly, folks go for the experience and the characters.

ATMOSPHERE: This is where CRT really shines. Akershus is fine, but there really isn't anything "magical" about the setting. At CRT, you're eating inside Cinderella's castle! Everything about it seems to say "Disney" to me. Plus, kids get a toy wand or sword (adults too if you ask) and a wishing star.

COST: In this way, Akershus wins. It's only one credit (on the DDP), whereas CRT is 2. If paying cash, I would probably opt to pay the extra money and go to CRT because of the overall experience. If you're on a budget, then Akershus is a good option for princesses.

OVERALL: If you had to only pick one and budget wasn't a consideration, I would go with CRT. I would especially go to CRT if you have children that are into princesses and dining in a "castle." If you have budgetary considerations, then Akershus is less expensive and you see largely the same princesses.

 

[Mom2Kids2003]

I've never done CRT but we loved Akershus. My daughter was able to see all the princesses and they actually spent time with her, not just rushed off to the next table. Our featured princess was Belle so we got to have our picture taken with her when we first walked in with a special backdrop, and then met the other princesses as they came around.

 

[Lizziotti]

I'm just wondering if it's worth doing both? Seems like they might be too similar and not worth it?

 

[ErinsMommy]

We've done both CRT and Akershus same trip previously as well as have both booked this time around too. My daughter loves the princess parade at Akershus and being in the castle at CRT.

 

[kittyab]

We prefer Akershus over CRT. The Cinderella meal at 1900 Park Fare was our fav.

 

[Star Mom]

Does anyone know how long the dinning experience would be at CRT? We managed to snag a last minute reservation at 6.55pm and need to leave the park right after, as it is night of a MVMCP. But would love to know my time frame would be. So I can plan my day out accordingly with my lil girls (4,2) Also is there a wait/line prior to your reservation? Do you get to sit immediately? Do you get a choose your dining room? Is memory marker a good option to capture the processes? Or do we take the photos as the princesses pass by?

Also I called DD and they insured me that I DO NOT require a ticket for the MVMCP that night in order to dine at CRT, but I'm also concerned as I've heard elsewhere that the special ticket is required due to the time. Confused and concerned. It is also the last reservation for the night so idk.

Thank you in advance!!!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Does anyone know how long the dinning experience would be at CRT? We managed to snag a last minute reservation at 6.55pm and need to leave the park right after, as it is night of a MVMCP. But would love to know my time frame would be. So I can plan my day out accordingly with my lil girls (4,2) Also is there a wait/line prior to your reservation? Do you get to sit immediately? Do you get a choose your dining room? Is memory marker a good option to capture the processes? Or do we take the photos as the princesses pass by?

Also I called DD and they insured me that I DO NOT require a ticket for the MVMCP that night in order to dine at CRT, but I'm also concerned as I've heard elsewhere that the special ticket is required due to the time. Confused and concerned. It is also the last reservation for the night so idk.

Thank you in advance!!!

The reason you don't need a ticket is because your reservation time is 6:55.
If it were 7:05, you would need a ticket.

 

[jodywgirl]

The food st CRT is much better in my opinion.

 

[kastoney]

I can't speak to CRT, but the food at Akershus (we had breakfast) was just plain awful. No amount of princesses could make up for a $40 price tag for horrible food

 

[hollannc]

We also did both on our last trip and could barely stomach any of the Akershus breakfast. If you're on the DDP and want to see the princesses, it might be worth it. The food and atmosphere at CRT is far superior.

 

[Star Mom]

The reason you don't need a ticket is because your reservation time is 6:55.
If it were 7:05, you would need a ticket.

Thank you! But what about the dining time? Any idea?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Thank you! But what about the dining time? Any idea?

Basically, because you're in the castle, they're okay with it. When you are done, you will be escorted straight to an exit by a CM. So what you need to do is be 10 minutes early, and expect to feel like you're perp-walking after dinner.