Alternative for CRT for DD8

[sand2270]

I am already thinking about the ADR's I will want to book when my window opens up in November. Everything I have read makes it sounds like getting an ADR at CRT will be slim, but I will still try.

However, in case I can't I want to pick an alternative for my DD8. I am not really interested in the Norway Princess meal, menu doesn't appeal to me at all. We have also done the princess lunch at Ariel's Grotto in Disneyland twice, so I don't think her heart will be broken if we skip the princesses.

I am trying to decide between these 3 options, of course I will also get her input...but I am looking for some opinions:

1. Wonderland Tea Party - reasonably priced, but my DD has already said she isn't really interested in doing something we can't do together (even though I think she would enjoy this).

2. Tea at the Garden View Tea Room - price comparable to what I would have spent at CRT and we can do this together.

3. My Disney's Girl Princess Tea Party - there is some character interaction, but this is very pricey, doesn't look the food options as are nice as attending normal tea, and my daughter really does not need another doll. I am having a hard time saying yes to this one...unless I am really convinced.

Appreciate any input.

 

[chessie2008]

I booked CRT for my dd's 8th b-day coming up. I called at 180 days out and had no problem. I actually called to change her BBB appt about a week later and the CM didn't know I already had it booked and was trying sell me on CRT - like there were a lot of openings so maybe you will have luck too! Of your other options I think the tea w/ you sounds the nicest. We recently went to a tea room w/ some other family members and my dd loved it. I think it would be a nice *magical* memory too! Good luck deciding!

 

[Metsoskil]

If you call at 180 out at 7AM Eastern Time, you'll get a ressie. Both this year and last year I've been able to get an 8:05 ressie, which is exactly what I wanted. Don't be scared off.

We have DD5 booked at the Wonderland Tea Party this year. No previous experience to tell you about, though. We have done tea at the tea room in the GF, which was very nice, but in no way compares to CRT.

I can't see spending the money for the Princess Tea Party myself, but others seem to like it.

 

[mcbj]

I got CRT with no problem this Monday. I called right at 7:00 am and they picked right up. I had a choice of days/times for our mid October trip. I also got the my Disney Girl Tea Party, pricey, but I had a thread a month or so ago and all the reviews were great. My DD is only 4 so we may get a little more play value out of the doll. Good luck!

 

[sand2270]

I booked CRT for my dd's 8th b-day coming up. I called at 180 days out and had no problem. I actually called to change her BBB appt about a week later and the CM didn't know I already had it booked and was trying sell me on CRT - like there were a lot of openings so maybe you will have luck too! Of your other options I think the tea w/ you sounds the nicest. We recently went to a tea room w/ some other family members and my dd loved it. I think it would be a nice *magical* memory too! Good luck deciding!

That's encouraging. We have a very nice tea room where we live so it's something I feel we can miss since we can do that here at home. I also want to stay on some type of budget so would prefer to do one or the other. Crossing my fingers on CRT though. Thanks for the quick feedback!

 

[sand2270]

wow ok! Guess I shouldn't be that worried. I keep reading on this board about how hard it is. I bought the Unofficial Guide this week and it has a whole page dedicated to getting a table at CRT. After I read that I started thinking it might not work out and I better decide on an alternative. Thanks, you all made me feel better. Either way we will have a great time!

 

[sand2270]

I got CRT with no problem this Monday. I called right at 7:00 am and they picked right up. I had a choice of days/times for our mid October trip. I also got the my Disney Girl Tea Party, pricey, but I had a thread a month or so ago and all the reviews were great. My DD is only 4 so we may get a little more play value out of the doll. Good luck!

I keep going back and forth on this one. It seems like a very unique experience...but the cheapy in me is coming out on this one. Also between the toys at my house and her dad's my goal is to reduce the number of stuffed animals and dolls.

 

[Metsoskil]

wow ok! Guess I shouldn't be that worried. I keep reading on this board about how hard it is. I bought the Unofficial Guide this week and it has a whole page dedicated to getting a table at CRT. After I read that I started thinking it might not work out and I better decide on an alternative. Thanks, you all made me feel better. Either way we will have a great time!

Both times I used the UG's advice and got what I wanted. You should be fine, especially if you do not have an exact time in mind (although I did - 8:05 and still got it).

 

[Metsoskil]

I keep going back and forth on this one. It seems like a very unique experience...but the cheapy in me is coming out on this one. Also between the toys at my house and her dad's my goal is to reduce the number of stuffed animals and dolls.

I figure for that price we could all (me, DW, DD5, and DS2) go to Ohana and Boma for dinner and still have about $40 left over to spend.

 

[sand2270]

I figure for that price we could all (me, DW, DD5, and DS2) go to Ohana and Boma for dinner and still have about $40 left over to spend.

Exactly the way I think. I also had my heart set on staying at the Beach Club, I fell in love with it when I stayed there February for a conference. So I am trying to really limit our Table Service meals, extra activities, etc. to the really special things we want to do and not go overboard.

 

[Disney grandma]

I got CRT with no problem this Monday. I called right at 7:00 am and they picked right up. I had a choice of days/times for our mid October trip. I also got the my Disney Girl Tea Party, pricey, but I had a thread a month or so ago and all the reviews were great. My DD is only 4 so we may get a little more play value out of the doll. Good luck!

Do you make the reservation through the dining reservation number or is it a direct line for the CRT only?

 

[mcbj]

Do you make the reservation through the dining reservation number or is it a direct line for the CRT only?

I am not aware of a CRT only line, I called 407-WDW-DINE on my cell phone, my plan was to call the toll free 800-711-4344 from my lan line in case my cell phone cut off, but before I could dial the CM picked up and I had my ADR by 7:03. I was under quite a bit of self imposed pressure, this will be THE TRIP where DD is in her princess prime, so I really wanted it and it could not have gone smoother. Call right at 180 days, if you don't get it call each day after from what I have read on these boards they add slots each day for the new people that hit 180. I think it is a little easier to get now that they have raised the prices. Good Luck!

 

[fenfur]

I called last weekend and got CRT for 5 people seated for the beginning of September, well past our 180 day point. I had to go with my 2nd choice of day, but no big deal. If we wanted to sit at 2 different tables I could have gotten my first choice, but since we have small kids that wouldn't work. since you are a party of 2 you should have NO problem.

 

[FairyDust2008]

1900 Park Fare @ the GF for dinner is another option other than CRT. I couldn't get CRT for our upcoming trip so this was the option I chose and I'm glad I did because I've heard great things about the 1900 Park Fare Cinderella's Gala Feast and you get Cinderella, Prince Charming and the Evil Stepsisters. I tried calling to see if availability was available for CRT for breakfast but keep getting no luck so I've pretty much given up and am quite happy & content with the 1900 Park Fare. I think we'll enjoy the atmosphere there much better. After reading about standing in line @ CRT and feeling rushed at CRT, I feel I'm getting a better deal at 1900 Park Fare anyhow. You should check it out. Goodluck whichever you decide to do. I've got dd booked for the My Disney Princess Tea and we have the Alice in Wonderland breakfast at 1900 Park Fare booked too Again, goodluck!

 

[Katiebell]

Just a couple of other thoughts...

Breakfast at Akershus was princesses with pretty good family style breakfast food. I think they are including a picture package with the meal now.

1900 PF breakfast is Alice and Mary Poppins (DH and I are trying this one in September), and dinner is Cinderella and friends (my sister took her DGD 8 and they loved it).

Edited to add: ah, FairyDust, we had the same idea!

 

[Mason7AK]

I called this evening for our September trip (past 180 day mark by several days) to make all my ressies. I casually mentioned that though the chance was slim to none did they perhaps have any openings for CRT breakfast on the day I wanted and I was shocked when she replied " we have 8:15, 8:30, etc. etc." I booked the 8:15 for our party of four with no problem and there were several openings for that day!
I wonder if more people are going with the Norway breakfast or the 1900 Park Fare than there used to be? I know I never had this kind of luck with the CRT breakfast before! But I am happy about it !
Angela

 

[sand2270]

Thanks for all the info. I didn't realized 1900 Park Fare had a princess meal so I am listing that as an alternative as well.

 

[Snookies]

I am already thinking about the ADR's I will want to book when my window opens up in November. Everything I have read makes it sounds like getting an ADR at CRT will be slim, but I will still try.

However, in case I can't I want to pick an alternative for my DD8. I am not really interested in the Norway Princess meal, menu doesn't appeal to me at all. We have also done the princess lunch at Ariel's Grotto in Disneyland twice, so I don't think her heart will be broken if we skip the princesses.

I am trying to decide between these 3 options, of course I will also get her input...but I am looking for some opinions:

1. Wonderland Tea Party - reasonably priced, but my DD has already said she isn't really interested in doing something we can't do together (even though I think she would enjoy this).

2. Tea at the Garden View Tea Room - price comparable to what I would have spent at CRT and we can do this together.

3. My Disney's Girl Princess Tea Party - there is some character interaction, but this is very pricey, doesn't look the food options as are nice as attending normal tea, and my daughter really does not need another doll. I am having a hard time saying yes to this one...unless I am really convinced.

Appreciate any input.

IMHO regarding the choices you've described:
1) DD did the Wonderland Tea Party when she was 4 and again at 5 and enjoyed it. As she got older (6 and older), she did not want to go.
2) We've haven't done the afternoon tea since 1993 so I won't comment on this one.
3) DW and DD did the My Disney's Girl Princess Tea Party when DD was 8 and again at 9. It is pricey. Is is very well-done from an entertainment and interaction perspective. I think you'd have fond memories of this experience if you opt to do it.

With respect to CRT, I think it is easier to book now, particularly if you stay onsight and take advantage of the 180+10 window, as compared to 7 or 8 years ago at the height of "CRT mania." If I were you, I would not automatically assume you will not be able to book it. However, IMO, CRT has become more of an assembly line "move 'em in and move 'em out experience" with respect to both dining and entertainment.

 

[ms*mountaineer]

I recommend Akershus for breakfast - this is all "regular" food and you will see a lot of princesses.