Cinderella's Royal Table--should I keep it?

[woodys_girl]

I've read reviews, I've talked to people that have been there, but I can't decide whether to keep my CRT reservation. My reservation is during fireworks time (potentially cool) and we've never eaten in the castle before (also potentially cool). But honestly, the menu doesn't really excite us--I know the food is supposed to be good and at least the adults would enjoy it, but it's just hard to book a dinner when you're not that excited about the food. I know there is also a premium because it is a character meal--and we love character meals, but don't feel like there's a ton of value in this because we have met these princesses before and since we are on a longer trip will probably have the opportunity to see them at normal meet and greet locations if my kids really want to meet them again. I just need somebody to tell me something that will push me to one side of the fence or the other.
P.S. We already have a Crystal Palace breakfast booked (different day) that my family is super excited about. I haven't asked my kids about CRT because they aren't paying for it and the cost is definitely what is giving me pause.
Edited to add that my kids are 6, 8, and 10. The 10 year old is a picky eater who does not care about meeting princesses, the 6 year old is a picky eater who does care about meeting princesses, and the 8 year old is a non-picky eater who does care about meeting princesses.

 

[RoseGold]

I didn't like CRT at all and would pick Akershus any day, but not because of the food. I'm a food snob, and I thought the food was decent. They had a mushroom soup that I thought would pass at a quite nice restaurant.

I thought the food at BOG was pretty good too.

For little kids, I think Hollywood and Vine is the ticket. It's cheaper and the buffet is just massive and surprisingly good. It's the right size so that you really have time to get good character interaction, as opposed to Akershus. But we are indifferent to Pooh.

 

[woodys_girl]

I didn't like CRT at all and would pick Akershus any day, but not because of the food. I'm a food snob, and I thought the food was decent. They had a mushroom soup that I thought would pass at a quite nice restaurant.

I thought the food at BOG was pretty good too.

For little kids, I think Hollywood and Vine is the ticket. It's cheaper and the buffet is just massive and surprisingly good. It's the right size so that you really have time to get good character interaction, as opposed to Akershus. But we are indifferent to Pooh.

We loved Hollywood and Vine! We went last summer and we still talk about it. We're doing Crystal Palace because we think it will be similar, but with characters we haven't met yet.

 

[woodys_girl]

I didn't like CRT at all and would pick Akershus any day, but not because of the food. I'm a food snob, and I thought the food was decent. They had a mushroom soup that I thought would pass at a quite nice restaurant.

I thought the food at BOG was pretty good too.

For little kids, I think Hollywood and Vine is the ticket. It's cheaper and the buffet is just massive and surprisingly good. It's the right size so that you really have time to get good character interaction, as opposed to Akershus. But we are indifferent to Pooh.

If it wasn't the food, what was so bad about CRT?

 

[nw6675]

We are also a family that isn't in love with CRT. We've eaten there 3 or 4 times and the last time was it for us. We were there during fireworks and had a good view, but I would never book it for that reason alone as it isn't all its cracked up to be IMO. Many tables do not have a nice view. Plus, you are essentially captive and can't leave during that time. My DD didn't feel well and there wasn't anything we could do about it. Then you leave out into the masses exiting after the fireworks.

The food had gone downhill and just was not worth the money. As you mention, the princesses can be seen elsewhere.

I don't mean to be Debbie Downer! But all that being said, at the ages of your kids and for the wow factor of eating in the castle, it may be worth it for you at least as a one and done.

 

[TaraS29]

We loved CRT when we went in 2019, with our 8-yr-old son who had no interest in the princesses at all! I wanted to go to get inside the castle so I forced the booking on ds and dh but we all enjoyed our food and the whole experience.

 

[Marthasor]

I've eaten at CRT twice (breakfast and lunch) over the past 3 months and I don't intend to go back anytime soon unless I'm with a first-timer who absolutely has to eat in the castle (which is the only reason I was there in the first place). The food is severely mediocre. The only reason to go there is to eat inside the castle and meet the princesses - if that doesn't interest the majority of your party, I would skip it.

 

[DWillowBay]

JMHO: I would never knowingly dine at a restaurant....for that price.... if I wasn't happy with the menu. Too much money to be disappointed in the food. The firework viewing is limited and also not worth being inside for. Again, just me.

 

[Micca]

For a true Disney devotee, you should probably try it once. It's pretty cool being in the castle--the food is variable. Not good for fireworks viewing (But maybe they let you out to watch the pyro and return to your table after?) If you are less than an ardent fan of Disney, it's a pass.

 

[NashvilleMama]

If you have 2 princess-loving kiddos....just do it. You won't regret it. We only did it once when my girls were around those ages and they loved it but don't ever need to go again. The princess years are short, enjoy them and do all the things!

 

[RoseGold]

If it wasn't the food, what was so bad about CRT?

I went in February and there were zero princesses upstairs in the dining room. Cindy was downstairs doing a normal line up meet and greet, but she wasn't there when we came in, so we went down mid-meal and waited in line.

Akershus actually had the princesses go to your table and talk to you, which is what I wanted.

They are changing these products all the time, so I would try to figure out whatever CRT is doing when you go. It's a very expensive experience to get the mediocre showing we got.

 

[nekonekoneko]

I went in February and there were zero princesses upstairs in the dining room. Cindy was downstairs doing a normal line up meet and greet, but she wasn't there when we came in, so we went down mid-meal and waited in line.

Akershus actually had the princesses go to your table and talk to you, which is what I wanted.

They are changing these products all the time, so I would try to figure out whatever CRT is doing when you go. It's a very expensive experience to get the mediocre showing we got.

CRT didn't have the princesses upstairs until February 28, so you had dined there a little too early to see them. The price for the meals had also gone up to reflect that.

 

[Disturbia]

For our family, CRT was worth it even without the princesses (we got the champagne flite). We went twice after a long hiatus once BOG opened (we didn’t go to CRT prior 5-6 years). We did have a bad server (Kathy) during our NYE dinner (she was short, cut us off, wouldn’t check with chef for allergy order/drink; chef came and apologized later) but we made the best of it. Food was great (mushroom soup was the same as Story Book dining).

That said, we would not skip fireworks for it unless you will be watching them another day. It does take a good 2 hours out of your day as well. It’s fun but not necessary to have a good time at MK. Also it’s a heavy meal so we usually book dinner (can’t ride thrill rides after otherwise).

 

[Disturbia]

Also, the fireworks are barely visible from inside since they’re high up and only a few tables are next to the windows. It is fun (kids got a kick out of it and we were next to the window) we’ve booked it once during fireworks (not inclined to do that again).

 

[woodys_girl]

JMHO: I would never knowingly dine at a restaurant....for that price.... if I wasn't happy with the menu. Too much money to be disappointed in the food. The firework viewing is limited and also not worth being inside for. Again, just me.

Good point. It is, after all, a restaurant.

 

[woodys_girl]

I went in February and there were zero princesses upstairs in the dining room. Cindy was downstairs doing a normal line up meet and greet, but she wasn't there when we came in, so we went down mid-meal and waited in line.

Akershus actually had the princesses go to your table and talk to you, which is what I wanted.

They are changing these products all the time, so I would try to figure out whatever CRT is doing when you go. It's a very expensive experience to get the mediocre showing we got.

Ah, yes, I would not enjoy the experience without the princesses either.

 

[woodys_girl]

Also, the fireworks are barely visible from inside since they’re high up and only a few tables are next to the windows. It is fun (kids got a kick out of it and we were next to the window) we’ve booked it once during fireworks (not inclined to do that again).

Thanks. Yeah, we don't normally watch the fireworks at MK at all because we can't stand the crowds. So I thought however underwhelming the views were, it would be more fireworks experience than we normally get. You also make a good point about it taking up a huge chunk of our time.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I also went this recent NYE
Had to because the NYE before I had cancelled and my 14 /13 year old grandchildren were really disappointed .
It is not easy to get those reservations for NYE .
I could not figure out anything to order cause I am super picky The chef came over and promised he would make something special and I had to tell my server to let the Chef know that was best thing I have ever eaten
I have no idea and can’t remember what is was .
Also a lot of diners left before the NYE fireworks started so those tables were kinda empty by window plus all the servers cam out to say Happy New Year altogether with our countdown including the Princess ,
and then we all received the sword and the magic wand and the Wishing Star .
I make a Wish every night on that Star in my hand before prayers!
It was a special one time memory for my grand teenage kids I hope !

I also loved Hollywood and Dine for Halloween outfits on the characters for photo op.!

When do you visit ?

 

[erinch]

Maybe consider CRT for breakfast, since, as others said, the fireworks are kind of a bust?

 

[woodys_girl]

I also went this recent NYE
Had to because the NYE before I had cancelled and my 14 /13 year old grandchildren were really disappointed .
It is not easy to get those reservations for NYE .
I could not figure out anything to order cause I am super picky The chef came over and promised he would make something special and I had to tell my server to let the Chef know that was best thing I have ever eaten
I have no idea and can’t remember what is was .
Also a lot of diners left before the NYE fireworks started so those tables were kinda empty by window plus all the servers cam out to say Happy New Year altogether with our countdown including the Princess ,
and then we all received the sword and the magic wand and the Wishing Star .
I make a Wish every night on that Star in my hand before prayers!
It was a special one time memory for my grand teenage kids I hope !

I also loved Hollywood and Dine for Halloween outfits on the characters for photo op.!

When do you visit ?

Sounds like a wonderful experience. We visit next week so decision time is soon.