Cinderella's Not So Royal Table

[pmama]

I wrote this lengthy review of CRT for my TR but thought it would go well here. It is not so much a review on the food but more of the atmosphere and service. I wish I had read this review before we went so I knew better what to expect.

Let me take a short moment before I continue w/ my report on CRT to make a quick disclaimer. I do not want my comments on CRT to discourage anyone who has not dined in the castle. We are certainly glad we did it. It will always be a good memory that we got to dine in Cinderella’s Castle. I’m not sure if we’ll ever do it again. Certainly no time soon. But I encourage everyone to try it at least once for memory sake.

We checked in at the desk outside the doors and were ushered into what appeared to be mayhem. I think one of the biggest problems is that this area was not originally designed for the crowds ushered in and out of this space. Cinderella was standing in the middle of the room and families were being called by name to line up and take a picture with Cinderella while everyone else stood or sat on the edges. Cmembers kept calling out for the families to stand single file in line so more families could fit.

I took a few pictures of the inner wall detail while we waited. It really is beautiful.

As we sat down and waited to be called DD7 leaned over and whispered that she had thought it was just us dining with Cinderella. I had talked about this breakfast for so long and with such expectation and hadn’t realized DD7 thought it would be just our private family eating with Cinderella in the Castle. My heart sank a little. I smiled and explained that it was just like other character meals we’ve had. How precious the poor thing. She didn’t seem too disappointed, just not what she had expected.

So the time came and it was our families turn to do the military line up for Cinderella. Here is a picture that we took of the girls.

We did get the package with us all in the photo. After the photo we were given and buzzer and had to wait some more before we could ascend the Royal Staircase.

When our buzzer went off I was excited. I was hoping that the mayhem was limited to the entrance and that all things magical waited for us up the stairs. Here is a video of us ascending the Royal Staircase. You will see how unRoyal (okay I know that’s not a word) it was.


Disney really needs to hire me as the manager of this restaurant. I could turn it into the 2 TS dining experience it is meant to be. The first thing I would do is have someone handle the traffic on the stairs so that people are not ascending and decending at the same time. I will say though that the girls didn’t seem to be phased by this at all.

We did like where we were seated. We were seating very close to the windows so we could see the Carousel through the window. The table was decorated nicely with cute folded napkins.

Awww, the girls both look happy.

Our waitress added to my slight frustration by being probably the least friendly wait staffer of our entire trip. She wasn’t terribly rude, just uninterested in us. The only thing she did (which you could tell was required) was to address DH as prince and the girls as princesses. However she never made eye contact or engaged anyone in conversation.

When the princesses arrived we realized that we had already met them all. I hadn’t realized how many princesses would be at Akershus. The only one that was not at Akershus was Snow White and we had met her in the World Showcase earlier that week. A neat thing however is that it was the exact same Snow White. Snow White was DD4’s new favorite this trip so she was glad to see her again.

The girls wanted Belle to sign again because she was in her blue dress this time.

After a while it was time for the kids to make their wishes. It was hard to hear the voice coming over the speaker. Both girls really concentrated on their wishes. I did not find out until recently what their wishes were. DD7 would not tell me until it came true. She wished for a Hannah Montana microphone. (She received it from her Aunt for her birthday. It was only $15.) DD4 wished for a purple car. I guess we know who is going to have a more expensive taste.

Here is DD7 holding the star and making her Wish.

DD4 is holding the wand she received.

I do have this short video clip that does show a bit of Disney Magic.



DD7 loves this picture of herself. She is definitely not camera shy.

While the experience wasn’t quite Royal the girls did enjoy themselves and overall that’s what really matters to me.

The food? . . . I’m always reminded by readers that I forget to mention the food. From what I can remember it was very average. There was an assortment of pastries in a basket in the middle of the table. Much more than the four of us could ever eat. We weren’t given much hot food. Eggs, bacon. I’m sure there was more but really it was not much. DH did notice some men getting seconds. It wasn’t the lack of food so much as the lack of variety. The girls really wanted to meet the Fairy God Mother. Had I known that we would have seen all the princesses already I would have tried to book dinner so they could see her. We were told we had an open invitation all day to come back and see her during dinner time but we never did. (Dinner has Fairy God Mother and two mice). Well if we ever do try it again, perhaps we will try dinner.

On our Royal descent DH went ahead of us down the stairs to take this picture. Too bad the lighting didn’t turn out well.

 

[Mikes:)Mom]

I can't say dinner is any better. We had a 9:25pm adr. We got there early around 9:00. When we arrived we went right in line for pictures, then sat and waited and waited.....We were only a party of 2. One cool thing was, we didn't have a pager. When your table is ready, they ring a bell and call out something like "Ladies and gentlemen, we now have a table ready for the royal Everett family". That was cool! But we didn't get a table until 10:00! They had a large party that wouldn't leave! they had been there for over 2 hours! They took up half the tables! our waiter wasn't friendly and the food wasn't that great either. Try not to sit in the middle of the room, my son had water dripping on him, they said it was the air conditioner. I'm glad we went too.

 

[auntyaba]

My DD19 and I did this simply because she had always wanted to and didn't when she was younger. I think the age may have a little to do with the disappointment here but honestly I am with you in regard to not having much variety. Since my DD will not touch eggs her breakfast basically consisted of bacon and some pastry. I agree that just seeing the castle is an experience and we were lucky enough to get a table by the window but had I not been on the dining plan I would have been really upset at the cost of this vs. the quality. If you have young girls who just light up at the sight of Princesses you may find it worth it, but if you don't I recommend 1900 Park Fare Breakfast, we loved it.

 

[averill94]

Sorry to hear it wasn't the best experience! I was very worried about going for lunch in September but it was wonderful! We had to wait a bit 10-15minutes tops and if anything I thought we were being rushed a bit.

But the food and princesses were fabulous! Unfortunately my camera was stolen on the trip along with all my pics!

 

[Gixer]

I totally agree with your comments, our experience was very similar, however there is just something special knowing that you have been inside ''the castle'' so although the food wasnt great and the whole affair a little chaotic and rushed, for us it was a ''must do'' I think its one of those things where you chalk it up as a seen it/done it/dont need to do it again, but very glad that we did

 

[catne]

Breakfast has never appealed to us...we'd rather spend breakfast time in the park with early EMH! But we really enjoyed dinner there...first, the meet & greet with Cinderella was not hectic at all. She actually chatted a bit with both my DD & her BF, and then with DH & I. We did have to wait on the steps up for another party to come down, but that wasn't really any big deal (we don't have little ones, though so maybe it would have been more bothersome if we were worrying about small children.)

As for dinner, without the princesses visiting all the tables, it's much more sedate meal...quite, laid back & time to enjoy the ambiance. It really is wonderful experience to see the decor there...it's definitely what Disney does best. We all enjoyed the food & the service. The mouse maids came around to each table, but since they don't talk, it's just a quick hug/picture. And the Fairy Godmother does not come around to the tables, she dances & sings around most of the place so if you're ready with your camera you can catch her when she's in your area.

 

[skiloff]

Wow, very different experience for us. We booked this because I wanted something special for my daughter on this trip, and I knew she'd love this. We started out waiting in line and a cast member came over and asked if my daughter could be the "honorary princess of the day." I'll bet you can all guess how this went over. As a result, we were first in line.

Cinderella was very kind and chatted with my daughter for several minutes before my daughter was to lead the procession up the stairs to the dining hall. Perhaps this is why we didn't notice it was a crazy staircase climb - we were leading the group to the dining hall.

We were seated and greeted by the waiter, who was very courteous and attentive. You could tell the princesses were rushed to get to each table, and Aurora unfortunately inadvertently missed our table, and she was who my daughter really wanted to see. My wife tracked her down, though, and she apologized and came over to meet my daughter. We had lunch, and the food was excellent and plentiful.

Finally, on our way out, we were walking past the next group coming in to have their pictures with Cinderella, and she spotted my daughter and excused herself from the group she was with, came over to my daughter and whispered something in her ear and gave her a hug. My daughter never said what she whispered, but she felt very special and the look on her face was worth every penny we paid.

 

[DjdBrit]

I was womdering as I don't think you mentioned. What time was your ADR for?

 

[KSG'sDisneyMem]

Just want to comment that it is a great experience with young children. Attended with DGS (4) in Sept. He liked the princesses and Snow White kissed his cheek and left a lipstick mark. The waiter was the worst we had the 10 days we were there. Don't know if it's because it is a pre-paid meal and tips are all included, but he rushed me like crazy. It was just the two of us and I had never been there so needed to look at the menu. Waiter made suggestion and I stated again I would like to look over the menu first. When I did order, about 2 minutes later, the meal came out in less than 3 minutes...I'm NOT kidding! Then he came over 3 times and tried to take my plate away before I had finished eating. I was trying to help DGS with some of his meal and waiter came along and asked for the 4th time if I was finished. I stated..."I guess I am now!" He immediately brought out dessert, which he insisted I decide on when ordering the entree's. Good grief. It was ridiculous and he annoyed me to no end. The princesses were fun. The only problem was that we had a 12:00 ressie which apparently is the first seating for lunch. However, they do not begin checking you in until a few minutes prior to noon...then the pictures with Cinderella, then upstairs and of course the restaurant was only about 1/4 full. They really should get check in and pictures started a bit sooner, but what do I know??? There must be a very logical reason that I am not aware of, but no wonder the guy rushed me so ridiculously. We did not get to our seats until about 12:20 or so. Back to my waiter. If I had to actually leave the guy a tip, i am not sure what I would have done. I certainly don't feel the service, or quality of food was worth it. But the experience of eating in the castle with DGS was well worth it. In fact, enough so that I am eating there again with DD, DGD (2 1/2) and DSIL in December. Hoping to have a different waiter/waitress this time though!

 

[pmama]

Sounds like I am not the only one w/ not the best experience at CRT. I am glad that some do walk away feeling like there was good service. It is true just being in the castle is awesome but to have great service on top of the environment would me Magical!

 

[pmama]

I was womdering as I don't think you mentioned. What time was your ADR for?

Our appointment was for 9 a.m.

 

[sharpes84]

We went with my 5 year old son and 6 month old daughter 3 weeks ago.

My wife said she will never go back as their is no value in the meal other than saying we ate in the castle.

I look at what 2 dining meals per person that Disney charges when on the dining plan and this was a 200.00 meal[w/tax].Not worth it.....

I suggest other great options...It is a great conversation piece but not worth the price with or without the dining plans...

 

[sharpes84]

Oh,we had reservations and were 1st seated for Dinner ,,Sorry forgot to add

 

[mindyd]

We went for Lunch on Fathers Day and pretty much had the same experience. Our Waiter was not very friendly and we had saw all the Princess at Akerhaus and it just wasn't what I was hoping for I had enjoyed Akerhaus both times we have gone alot better. We are going to try it again for Dinner when we go back in April so the kids can meet the Fairy God Mother. I really do not want to go back I don't feel it is worth the Money but my Husband wants to give it a second try.

 

[natalielongstaff]

Your girls are beautiful

 

[Mikes:)Mom]

We went for Lunch on Fathers Day and pretty much had the same experience. Our Waiter was not very friendly and we had saw all the Princess at Akerhaus and it just wasn't what I was hoping for I had enjoyed Akerhaus both times we have gone alot better. We are going to try it again for Dinner when we go back in April so the kids can meet the Fairy God Mother. I really do not want to go back I don't feel it is worth the Money but my Husband wants to give it a second try.

Just an FYI: you don't get to meet the fairy God Mother, at least when we eat there. She only comes in and sings a song. It was short and sweet.

 

[mindyd]

Just an FYI: you don't get to meet the fairy God Mother, at least when we eat there. She only comes in and sings a song. It was short and sweet.

Thank You I didn't know that you didn't get to meet her looks like I am going to be changing my ADR. I would really rather eat somewhere else entirely but will have to see what Hubby wants to do

 

[Jenvenza]

I am sorry you didnt have the experience you were expecting. Our experience with dinner at CRT was wonderful! The food wasnt the best food of the trip, but it was still very good and the atmosphere is amazing!! We all decided it was our favorite restaurant of the trip because of the whole atmosphere. I would go again in a heart beat!

 

[TPCShauna]

That staircase climb is scary! I can't believe they let people flow up and down that narrow staircase like that. Someone is going to have an accident.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Your girls are beautiful!

 

[storybookmum]

I'm sorry it didn't work out better for you. We had a wonderful breakfast experience there in 2004.

Sleeping Beauty hasn't changed - it's the same girl! Kind of cool.

We had a male waiter, and he was very funny and attentive. We actually took a picture with him because he was at least as much fun as the princesses were. Snow White and Aurora were the most gentle and kind of the princesses; Cinderella seemed a little brisk to us.

The coolest thing, though - at the afternoon parade, the Fairy Godmother and Cinderella clearly recognised our kids from breakfast (they were in costumes) and made eye contact and mouthed hello (FG) with their names. The Prince, in his bubble, saw Caroline in her Cinderella dress and bowed to her.

I was blown away by the Fairy Godmother with the girls in the castle greeting area. This was before the mandatory photo thing, and she was there to greet people before they went up. She took so much time with the kids, and was so sweet and gentle with them. It was very touching.

I don't think I could tell you much about the breakfast - I know we had French Toast, because I remember asking if it was milk-free for Meredith (it was) and bacon and sausage and muffins. We all ate plenty and were full and content, but it was the environment and the CMs that made our day up there.