Biergarten or Akershus for dinner?

[bangzoom6877]

We're gonna be travelling with a 3 year old and a 14 month old, both boys. The 2 restaurants that appeal to us for dinner in EPCOT are Akershus and the Biergarten, mainly for the food. Also, the entertainment during dinner at Biergarten is intriguing since both boys love music. However, I would like to know which one has better food.

I know both meals are all you can eat, and Biergarten is a German buffet, but how does Akershus work? Do you order one entree and you cannot try anything else? Or can you try a couple of different things? Do you think this meal would be appropriate for 2 little boys (characters there are the princesses)? Any info on either restaurant would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Bonnie

 

[TDC Nala]

Biergarten unless the boys are interested in princesses. I used to love Akershus and I don't get there anymore.

Keep in mind that at Biergarten, you will be seated with another party at a table for 8 (unless you have 8 in your party)

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I think Akershus has gone seriously downhill since they got the Princesses.

Also, the boys would probably enjoy the Biergarten entertainment much more than the Princesses. There is a dance/play floor in front of the stage and kids can play or dance while the parents are eating and talking.

 

[Camster0307]

I've never done the Akershus dinner, but we just returned from our trip and had dinner at the Biergarten. We really didn't like it. The entertainment is fun, but unless you're sitting on the lower level by the dance floor, your kids will not have easy access to it. The food was not that good. My 11yr.old had a hard time finding something to eat. Aside from the beer and pretzel bread, I wasn't too crazy about it either.

If you have young kids, may I suggest the Japanese restaurant for dinner? The chefs cook right in front of you - which the kids could find entertaining. And they offer simple things like beef or chicken, stir-fryed, with some type of veggies. I think it's more kid-friendly.

 

[SmallWorld71]

I've never been to Akershus, but the Biergarten was one of our favorites from our August trip! DH, the boys and I tried all the food and thought it was great! DD stuck with the mac & cheese and rolls with butter. The show was very good!

 

[disneyloveNY]

Biergarten. The atmosphere is great, very festive, you can walk down to the dance floor with the children if you want and the buffet has plenty to choose from.

 

[bavaria]

I think Akershus has gone seriously downhill since they got the Princesses.

I agree completely. I also never ate at Biergarten until I was dragged there a few years ago, and was very pleasantly surprised. While many of the dishes have been very Americanized, there was a good variety and even as a veggie I found a lot to eat.

I won't be back to Akershus until they stop being 'all princess, all the time' and bring back the variety and quality from the past (I suspect that I won't ever be back to Akershus as a result)

But I WILL be back to Biergarten.

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

My DS3 absolutely loved the entertainment at Biergarten. I can't speak for the Akershus as we did not go.

 

[forgop]

I had dinner at both places last week and I would have to say the Biergarten. The entertainment was good and the food was much better. The food was ok at Akershus. Also, when it comes to beer, the Biergarten cannot be topped with the Hefeweissen on draft.

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

I've never had Akershus so I can't speak for it. I can tell you that Biergarten is a must do for us every trip and is one of our favorite places in WDW!!!

 

[monkey11375]

Totally agree with the previous poster, Biergarten is one of our must visit restaurants every time we're in Walt Disney World. Love the food, love the entertainment.

 

[nklooz]

We loved Biergarten, as did our DD8, both for the food and the entertainment. It was very authentic German, a wide variety of choices, and a jovial, fun atmosphere that young boys would just love.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I have been to both, and I would say BIERGARTEN, especially with boys.

We liked Akershus before it was princesses, when it was more authentic. We have gone to do a "princess meal" and it was ok, but seemd crowded, food not as good, limited time with the princesses, etc.

we LOVE Biergarten, my DD (she is 9) LOVES to jump around on the dance floor. Even if we are sitting on a higher tier, it is fine because we can see her from our seats, dancing with all her new found little friends. We also love the food. Whenever we play the "if you were in WDW right now, where would you want to be right now?" game, my DH ALWAYS says, "BIERGARTEN!" Even at 9 a.m., LOL.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Okay, looks like we have a winner! I didn't think a princess meal would be ideal for my boys, but we were looking at the food and my older son liked the movie "Cinderella" so I thought it would not be a big deal to dine where there are princesses walking around. But the entertainment sounds wonderful at Biergarten. And my husband and I absolutely love German food. You guys sold me on this place!

I'm sure my husband will be happy too. When I told him about Akershus, he kind of shook his head, and said maybe we could do that one instead (a little intrigued by the idea of Norwegian food since he likes to try different things), but I think he would prefer Biergarten, especially the beer part! Thanks for the comments!

Bonnie