Well, yes - it has been since 2008. WHAT holiday, you ask? I don't know - has anyone gotten a straight answer out of Disney?
It's a peak period - holiday pricing at the buffets at Walt Disney World starts just before Memorial Day and runs through something July 6. I think the interim holiday is "Juniday"?
No, I get that. The decor, the ambience. I'm just genuinely confused how the layout, in part, makes the price increase ridiculous.
Holiday season runs through July 11th - we arrive on the 12th.
I am worried about next year though as our son's birthday is July 4th, so we will be subject to this stupid surcharge, which my hubby and I believe have been implemented in order to add false value to the DP. We can't really cut out all character meals, so we are only going to 1 or 2 of them. We are already going to be hit with a blackout date for our TIW card on his birthday, so it will be Rainforest or T-Rex that day.
Can't stand these dumb surcharges.
We always do a split DVC stay, so we might have to do the DxDP for a few days in order to avoid these surcharges. Grrr...
RE: the layout. This restaurant is beyond cramped. Have you ever sat at the tables under the interior alcove, near the buffet tables? They are the worst - have been seated there several times. Even though we make ADRs 6 months in advance, there are never anymore tables to move to, as they seat in a group format, so we've been told that we couldn't really move. Anyway, it is so crowded, that characters have to crowd down near your table (sometimes on their knees in a kneeling position). It is very awkward and makes for a most unenjoyable character interaction. Last time, the kid behind us (chairs are literally on top of each other) bounced up and knocked into our server who spilled stuff on our table as he hit her tray. I commented to her that tables need to go, she said she agreed, but they needed those tables as it was a very busy place. I understand that, but when it takes away from the character experience - which is why many people go to Akershus as the food is horrible - then it's not a good idea to have them there. The atmosphere in a restaurant is very important to us, KWIM? If the food was good, then maybe we could work it out, but when the food is terrible, then there is no reason to continue to go there any longer. With a raise in prices to a ridiculous level, a bad atmosphere/layout in restaurant and subpar service, these are all enough reasons for us to cross this off of our list.
Tiger
Guess he wants to see the pretty princesses. 
seriously, DD14 didn't care one way or another. Maybe I will keep the ADR and just pay it.
