Akershus vs CRT?

[bangzoom6877]

We did CRT for dinner and Akershus for lunch last month. We loved both!

Here's my take on it...CRT has more "American" food options than Akershus, but the character experience was excellent at both. We found Akershus to be more low-key an environment, without the craziness of the castle. Many more people try to eat in the castle...it's gotta be the most popular character meal in the world!

CRT serves you everything...app, entree and dessert. At Akershus, you choose your entree which they bring to you, there is a small buffet (salads, smoked fish, cold cuts, cheeses) for your app, and they bring 3 desserts on a family-style platter for the whole table to enjoy. Although the food is Norwegian, at lunch there were some familiar choices, like a sandwich with grilled chicken (I had this, it was excellent), a salmon sandwich, and a pasta dish. The kids' menu has familiar kids' fare, so don't worry about that at either place.

If you absolutely have to see Cinderella, then go to CRT. She MAY be at Akershus but there is no guarantee. We did see her at Akershus, but we considered that lucky. They took the photo with Belle, dressed in her yellow ball gown, when we first entered Akershus (included in the price). In addition to Cinderella, the other princesses that were circulating were Snow White, Aurora and Jasmine. At CRT, you take your photo with Cinderella in the lobby (included in the price) but she does not circulate in the dining room. The princesses circulating in the dining room when we went were Snow White, Belle (in her peasant outfit), Ariel and Aurora.

If you absolutely feel you must go to a meal where Cinderella comes to your table, the only guarantee is at 1900 Park Fare dinner at the Grand Floridian. She circulates in the dining room over there, along with Prince Charming, the stepmother and the stepsisters.

Overall, we were glad we went to both CRT and Akershus (and we have 2 little boys). We were definitely planning to eat in the castle (my 5-year-old requested it!), but we were unsure about Akershus. But, my sister and nieces were going there so we decided to join them. And we were very pleased with the experience!

 

[Hootch]

pictures from our last visit.

This is not the greatest picture but it's of the downstairs area where Cinderella greets everyone.

Here is our daughter in front of one of the mosaics. Anyone can see these. By the way, Hans Scharf created these murals. He was the most successful German interrogator during WWII. He moved to the US and opened an art studio. He was known for using peaceful interrogation tactics and became friends with many of his former prisoners after the war.

I don't know how much of a fell this gives you.

 

[glnrcker]

Thanks Hootch! Let me ask those that have dined at Akershus, does the inside resemble a castle at all? I think I'm leaning towards Akershus only because of the 2 TS credits at CRT and I think the adults in our party would enjoy the food more.

 

[LoveTwoTravel]

Totally agree with your entire post!

I agree with everyone who has said CRT for 2 reasons:

1) Food at lunch is better there
2) Dining in the Castle is just a great experience!

It's worth the 2 credits to do it once--maybe not every trip.

HTH!

 

[turftoega]

A previous thread to help out with more reviews and info (like there's not enough already! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2493877)

We did Akershus last visit for Breakfast and had a great time. It's not like a castle on the inside - more like a tavern. It's a tight fit but you do get a visit from all of the princesses to your table. Enough time for a couple of photos, autograph, etc.

This time we're doing CRT for breakfast (after a visit to BBB) and Akershus for a dinner. I've got two princesses-in-training so they will be in their element and surrounded by friends for the visit.