Akershus

[Bridge203618]

please tell me all you can about this. I am thinking of having breakfast there and it seems to be the best option when you combine experience and cost. Please give me all your reviews and all your details!

 

[MouseEarsJenny]

Akershus was worth doing because we had four girls in our party, three of whom were young enough to still be obsessed with princesses, and one of whom is a good sport.

The adults and older children found the princesses really quite creepy. Their wigs were not quite straight, the perpetual smiles felt very forced and as the four-year-old still comments a year later, "Sleeping Beauty never blinked!"

But, the little ones loved the princesses. They didn't manage to eat a bite until every princess had passed, which they did in short order. REALLY short order. They'd stop, pose, take a picture, hug the kids who stood up, and move on. They didn't interact much with any of the kids, although each one did have a comment for the girl who was dressed in a matching outfit. And Belle did stop on her way back past our table to give our littlest one a big lipstick kiss.

The servers, on the other hand, were attentive and full of personality. The food was quite good (we went for lunch, not breakfast, though) and the cold buffet could easily have been a meal in itself. The desserts were also delicious, but again, that's lunch.

We were a party of 11, but were seated together with no problem. We had a minimal wait to see Belle and get our complimentary photo package before we sat down. We were given three photo packs because we had three rooms, which was very nice.

I should also mention that we had one lonely little boy in the family. One end fo the table was near a wall, while the other extended toward the aisle where the princesses walked. He sat closer to the wall and was COMPLETELY ignored by every princess except Snow White, who asked him if he was feeling bashful today. That was what he wanted, so no worries, but if you have a child who wants to interact, make sure they are seated on the outside.

Unless we were taking our young nieces again, we probably wouldn't go back to Akershus unless they get rid of the princesses. Then, we'd eat there cause my DH loved the Open-Faced Salmon Sandwich.

 

[DisneyMama27]

I've eaten at Akershus many times, both before and after the Princesses arrived, and never been disappointed. I will say that it was one of DH's favorite restaurants that he may never go back to. We used to go when it was a buffet (even our babies loved the food), and then when it was a Princess meal we took our two little princesses for dinner...in costume...on MY birthday. I think DH would have insisted on leaving if it hadn't been my b-day because we waited over an hour after our ADR before we were seated. There was a mob outside, we were hungry, etc. Once we were seated, food took a while, we had great character interaction but it seemed every time we'd start to eat another princess would come by, so poor DH had a hard time enjoying his meal. It took forever to get the bill taken care of (it was free dining that year, but service was slow) so he missed Illuminations. You'd think 5 years later, the system would be down better, but our friends waited 2 hours last summer for their ADR and then gave up.

We recently went with a large family group, and split up to take all the girls to the Princess Breakfast. It was perfect...food was delicious (our 3 little girls didn't eat much, but the grown-ups made up for it), pictures were cute, great interaction. We had a better table this time, even though there was a lot of sun in our eyes. I loved it, and stuffed myself!

I'd recommend doing breakfast or lunch at Akershus. I don't think it's as crazy or crowded, and I think it takes a while for the princesses to get around, so they get more backed up at night. Of course, it may all depend on the time of year, etc. It's worth it to me, and I would go again, but I would avoid dinner time.

BTW, we never found the princesses creepy. One Cinderella was not feeling so magical that night, but Aurora more than made up for it. My then 4yo DD was enthralled with her! They were dressed alike, and she spent a lot of time talking to her!

 

[palavra]

We loved this meal! The food was very good! Our daughter is a bit picky, and she loved the cold bar. The strawberry yogurt was her favorite. I thought the princess interaction was great.

 

[Bridge203618]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and your picture!

Is Ariel there? I saw some older posts with her there occassionaly? Anyone know the chances of that, and if she is still showing up?

I thought I read somehwere - can't find it now- that they have like a bagel/danish station and maybe a few kinds of yogurt.

Can anyone comment specifically on the breakfast?

 

[jacksmom]

We have done lunch twice! The last time was in July! The Princess interaction was great as was the food! We enjoyed it so much, we will be going back on our up-coming trip! We are trying Bkfst this time though for the first time! Would also love to hear more about Bkfst!

 

[MouseEarsJenny]

Is Ariel there? I saw some older posts with her there occassionaly? Anyone know the chances of that, and if she is still showing up?

As of last July, she was there, in her human dress, of course. I can't say if she is still there - I think it varies which princesses are there.

 

[PoohsFan1]

We love Akershus for breakfast (never had lunch or dinner there), we always get an ADR before the park opens, which is great because you get some really awesome pictures of WS at that time of day. The food is excellent (love the Cheesy Potatoes), the service is outstanding, and the princess interaction is A-one, we have never been disappointed. It has become a tradition of ours to eat hear every trip. We originally were not planning on eating here for our Sept. trip, but DH decided that we had to or it wouldn't be a Disney vacation for us. When we ate there in December we had an awesome surprise....we got to see Cinderella and Aeriel as a human, now we had heard the only way you could see both of them was at dinner, but you should of seen both of my DD's eyes as they walked into the room

 

[Cheshire Figment]

It used to be excellent. Then it got princesses and the food choices went seriously downhill in varity and got Americanized.

 

[kmk1180]

It used to be excellent. Then it got princesses and the food choices went seriously downhill in varity and got Americanized.

Ya as an American I hate it when they serve food I like.

Ya they have some Norwegian food but they gotta have food the target audience wants to eat too.
I mean have you ever been to Norway? Their idea of breakfast wouldnt work in Orlando.
Like Boma. If it were all African it wouldn't be nearly as popular as it is.

 

[tink22]

The food is very good at Akershus. It's true they have Americanized it somewhat since many Guests seem to think meat and potatoes, fish and pasta are 'weird' (I'll never understand that comment that I read here all the time!) but the food still keeps a bit of the Norwegian flare. There is fish and veggies and pasta salad on the koltbordt or cold buffet which is very typical of Norwegian dining, along with a traditional meat patty dish that is served with garlic potatoes and asparagus. Yum!
I recommend the salmon burger and open-faced salmon sammich on the lunch menu. It's served with soup and is amazingly good and unique to Akershus.

Breakfast is traditional Disney fare with some fish and berries thrown in fresh. They make the buffet more interesting I feel than a standard bfast at Disney. And the potatoes are so yummy, they have started serving them for dinner too!

For anyone who says they will avoid this restaurant because of the princesses (who are normally not 'creepy' in any way if Guests are actually interested, talkative and polite to them) I think they are really missing out on a great meal. But hey, more ressies open for the rest of us!
I hope you enjoy!

 

[MouseEarsJenny]

For anyone who says they will avoid this restaurant because of the princesses (who are normally not 'creepy' in any way if Guests are actually interested, talkative and polite to them)

I am not saying that the ladies who portray the princesses are not very nice people. We were very interested in the princesses, and our daughter and nieces were excited to meet them. We are ALWAYS polite to cast members of all kinds and thank them for everything from scanning a card to pointing us to a ride seat to especially taking a picture with us.

What we found creepy about the princesses was solely their appearance. To us, live people just don't look like the animated versions. The wigs and makeup that they wore made them look unnatural. I would rather they tone down the makeup and find people who could style their natural hair in a similar fashion. I am not intending disparagement on the CMs. It's just as an adult (or older child) it is harder to suspend disbelief with the face characters, which makes for awkward situations, particularly if you are naturally shy.

 

[tink22]

What we found creepy about the princesses was solely their appearance. To us, live people just don't look like the animated versions. The wigs and makeup that they wore made them look unnatural. I would rather they tone down the makeup and find people who could style their natural hair in a similar fashion. I am not intending disparagement on the CMs. It's just as an adult (or older child) it is harder to suspend disbelief with the face characters, which makes for awkward situations, particularly if you are naturally shy.

Oh I see. I read that you mentioned their 'forced' smiles and manner at your table (not blinking) so I assumed that perhaps your opinion was based on the interaction. If it were, then I would suggest coming up with questions to ask the characters about their story to keep the conversation going and make the visit enjoyable for children and adults alike! Most princesses LOVE to chat when asked.

Either way, the princesses will skip your tables for those who wish to eat in peace. Just let the server know. The characters and attendants are very understanding of those who wish to enjoy their meal without worrying about taking photos and making small talk.

 

[katydidbug1]

My family and I dined here in December for breakfast and it was WONDERFUL. Great interaction with the Princesses, and the food was very good.

My husband and I went for dinner in January. It was our first time there for dinner....and OMG the Salmon was to die for. We showed up 15 min before our ressie, and maybe waited 5 min beyond when our ADR was for. The Princesses stoped for pic and autographs.

We will be going back, its now on our must do list.

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

I just posted a full review under my ongoing dining review thread "Deluxe Dining Plan - Was it Worth it?" We loved this breakfast and will definately go back next year

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

It's been many years since I've eaten in Epcot's Norway -- aside from a blood orange custard I get every year from the Kringla Bakeri. My last experience at Akershus was before the princesses, when lunch and dinner were served as a buffet. I must admit I wasn't entirely thrilled at the selection, which is why we haven't returned in so long.

We're going to give it another try on our next trip.

Can someone help me understand how service works at this restaurant? The WDW web site indicates it's family-style service. However, the number of items on the menu makes me think it doesn't work in the same way other family-styles I'm used to work, such as Liberty Tree Tavern, Garden Grill, Hoop-Dee-Doo, and the Luau. At those, they bring a selection of everything to the table, and refill as many times as you like.

How does Akershus work? Is it only the "Taste of Norway" appetizer that's served family-style, then you order an entree off the menu? That sounds more like a prix fixe menu than a family-style. Can you try multiple entrees?

Thanks!

 

[CrabbyPatty]

We loved Akershus last August for breakfast and have our ADR for this year for breakfast as well.

Loved the food and the service. The cold food buffet was good, and the hot items brought to the table were excellent - the potato casserole is WONDERFUL. Also, the bill got settled fairly quickly (on the DDP) and we were on our way.

We also liked the interaction with the Princesses. I loved looking at the detailed costumes and thought they were truly beautiful. Each of the princesses gave our girls a warm hug and posed for pictures with them. My DD asked each of them a question, and they thoughtfully paused to answer them (i.e. "did you know that apple was poisoned?" or "how did those birds and mice make your dress?").

 

[cassandrap83]

We went there last year for breakfast, & have already made our reservations there this year.

The food was delicious, and hot. One plate was plenty for our family of 4. The cold bar was nice, and provided different choices than other Disney buffets.

The princesses were also wonderful. My girls were delighted to see them, and for the FIRST time in the trip interacted with a character.

 

[Evan&Kimberly]

Well I must say my Prince Evan who is 4yrs old LOVES IT!, we go every year and last year we went twice, I have already made ressies for this year.We only do breakfast just because the menu fits what we like! I dont see how any one can go wrong with this place. Last year we did have a server who was not up 2 par but even with that the free pic, and meeting most of the princesses without waiting in line pays for its self! Since we have been going to PSB breakfast we have meet Belle, Mulan,Jasmine,Snow White, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty & Cinderella. I hope they add Princess Tiana Soon!