Cancel CRT for Breakfast?

[Chap7]

Hello Disney fans, great forum! I'm a first time poster here but have been playing around on the site quite a bit lately. You all are the best! I can't wait to take advantage of all my newly found knowledge this summer.

I was hoping someone could give me a little guidance. I'll be at WDW from July 15-22 and have a 10:20 ADR for CRT for Sunday the 16th. However, after reading about the changes and some of your experiences, I'm thinking about canceling.

My family consists of DM (Dear Me?) 37, DW 35, DS 7, DD 4, and DS 2. (I picked up all the abbreviations here ) We were at CRT last summer for the last breakfast seating and it was great. Plenty of princess interaction. Now, I'm worried about losing too much time waiting in line first to meet Cindy, then to fight our way upstairs and then to finally receive very little time with the princesses.

I'm thinking maybe it's just not worth it anymore and it's better to use that time to view the attractions, anyway. What do you think?

 

[eeyore45]

Well, it is a completely personal choice... only you can weigh the pros and cons... esp with the price increase.

I decided to pay for it, and consider it a "photo package"... if there is a line when I get there, I will respectfully inquire if I can do it on our way out? and then have the photo delivered to our resort??? Maybe not... just thinking...

Since you've done it before, will there be some "wishful" thinking, wishing you hadnt cancelled (and you decide for yourselves if its worth it?) and since you've done it before... surely you get to the park at opening, do all of fantasyland, get a FP for another attraction (or two one when you get there, and one an hour later...) then you're pretty well finished the park so you can "relax" during your "brunch", after that's over, maybe see one or two more attractions (using your fp, do the tree house, the tiki birds...) and head back to the resort for a relaxing afternoon by the pool???

Usually in summer its so hot, we do get to the parks at openings, and are back at our resorts by lunchtime...

Good luck with your descion... its not easy that's for sure!! You'll still get the Princess interaction, you'll still have the dining in the castle, and you'll now get a wand/sword, and a picture package...

 

[makinorlando]

Now, I'm worried about losing too much time waiting in line first to meet Cindy, then to fight our way upstairs and then to finally receive very little time with the princesses.

I'm thinking maybe it's just not worth it anymore and it's better to use that time to view the attractions, anyway. What do you think?

DD9 and I went to CRT yesterday for breakfast. We had not been under the "old format" so I don't have anything to compare it to in that sense.

We had a 8:55 ADR, and arrived about 8:40. We were checked in and directed to go in to meet Cinderella for the photo op. We might have had to wait for 4 families in front of us the line moved quickly. Even at it's longest I would bet people didn't wait more than 10 min for the picture, and that was when a mass entrance of folks arrived at the same time.

Once the photo was taken, we had to wait to be "invited" upstairs, after the first waive of ADRs exited and tables were cleared.

We were "announced" a bit after 9am, no "fighting" to get upstairs, only three other parties were called at the same time, and once upstairs shown promptly to our table, where fruit, breads and beverages were delivered almost immediately, and our choices of breakfast (well a choice for the grown up) were taken. Not to shortly after that the breakfast arrived, and directly after that the Princesses appeared. We were in the first section of tables to see the Princesses, and they spent ample time at our table (sometimes less than others since there's just one child, which is understandable).

I found the whole thing very well organized, our service was prompt and server very friendly. I did not have to ask for refills of beverages (something that irked me at PSB in January), and when DD wanted more bacon it was brought quickly. I also enjoyed the food - the french toast was yummy, and the fruit bowl was very tasty. DD liked my potatoes, her eggs and the bacon, not much on french toast - and fruit!

Our photo package was brought to the table very shortly after we were seated, and by 9:40, DD and I were through with breakfast and the Princesses, and on our way to meet Jiminy (the highlight of my day).

I don't find the price that out of line for breakfast for the other character meals - as the photo package is included. At the PSB we paid $30 for the same package of photos, so in turn I think that actually cost us more? I know in some cases people might not choose to by the photos when given the choice, so in that sense it could be more expensive.

We are a party of only two, and I know that does make a difference... but in my opinion I enjoyed the experience of eating in the castle. Also, we went there specifically for CRT and Jiminy yesterday, as we are local, and not really missing out on park time.

It was strange walking out with a fully tummy, magic wand, and photo package in my hand, and not having had to take out my credit card. I felt odd not leaving gratuity, and double checked that it was included!!!!

Since you have done it before, well maybe you would want to chose another character meal or time in the park? LIke the other poster said - it's all a matter of choice, and this is my personal experience and opinion!

 

[kaysmommie]

How much does your DD like Cinderella? That would be a deciding factor for me. We are going to CRT in September, not crazy about price change but DD 6 wants to eat at the castle. Next trip we will probably skip it. You do know about Princess Storybook dining at Epcot in Norway? They have princesses there too but not Cinderella usually Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Mulan,Aerail, Belle & Mary Poppins (assortment of these). You don't have to buy the photo pkg. Also there is 1900 Park Fare at GF and they have a Cinderella character Dinner there, it is a nice buffet and more affordable than CRT becuase again your not paying for the photo pkg. My DH likes the breakfast at the Castle so we are going on our first morning and missing some park time, hopefully it won't be crowded when we get out.

 

[Chap7]

Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences with me. I'm definitely leaning towards going now. After all, for DD4, Disney means princesses and the look of excitement on her face when she sees them really is priceless. So while I may think it's a little too expensive or that it's a little crowded or rushed, I'm sure that in her eyes it will be just perfect! Thanks for helping me to see that.

I also acknowledge that while I would like a lot of princess interaction for my own daughter, I really don't want to wait while others are having their turn. I now realize that's not right and that I can't have it both ways.

Any other experiences to share?

Craig

PS We do also have ADR's for 1600 Park Fare. That's our first night meal. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[TwinTinks]

We have ADR for CRT in June. makinorlando, were Belle and Aurora there when you had breakfast at the castle?

 

[DVCLiz]

Belle and Aurora were there with Snow White and Cinderella when we had breakfast at the castle in March.

Honestly, why wouldn't you want to take a 4 year old who loves princesses to this event? You just can't think of it in such practical terms - this is CINDERELLA's CASTLE AND YOU GET TO EAT BREAKFAST WITH HER!!!! AND HER OTHER PRINCESS FRIENDS!!!! AND SEE THE FAIRY GODMOTHER!!!!!! WHOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!

OK, I've calmed down now. This is so much fun if you have a ltitle one- it won't be very long before they are too grown up to enjoy it, so please go now and have the memory. I promise you won't regret it...

 

[tlcintheberry]

Belle and Aurora were there with Snow White and Cinderella when we had breakfast at the castle in March.

Honestly, why wouldn't you want to take a 4 year old who loves princesses to this event? You just can't think of it in such practical terms - this is CINDERELLA's CASTLE AND YOU GET TO EAT BREAKFAST WITH HER!!!! AND HER OTHER PRINCESS FRIENDS!!!! AND SEE THE FAIRY GODMOTHER!!!!!! WHOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!

OK, I've calmed down now. This is so much fun if you have a ltitle one- it won't be very long before they are too grown up to enjoy it, so please go now and have the memory. I promise you won't regret it...

I second that !!! I wanted to go soooo bad, glad I had a daughter to take with me so I would not look silly sitting there all by myself. LOL. Even though I would not have a daughter I would of still booked. Heck, that is where magic comes to life.

 

[EmmaAndQuinnsMommy]

Is Aurora always there? My DD7 doesn't actually like Cinderella (I know! I know!) but Aurora is her very favorite. She has a whole Sleeping Beauty room, etc. I hope that she is there for breakfast!!!