CRT Dinner - Why no love?

[nbs2]

In rearranging our schedule, we happened upon a 1600 Dinner slot at CRT. I took it since it was the only option that was available and CRT is pretty important to me (after all, the missus is only letting me go to Akershus twice).

But, as I take the time to look into the place, I keep finding largely negative reviews. It doesn't matter what site I go to, they all seem to be made up of folks that compare the quality of the place to IHOP or Dennys (not even good enough to make it to local diner status!).

So, while I realize that there will be no rest for me as I keep making calls looking for a breakfast slot, I can't help but wonder why the dinner (and the lunch to an extent) gets no love from folks - especially those like us with small kids (3 and 1).

 

[pearlieq]

This is my opinion only, but I didn't enjoy the dinner menu. I thought the choices were uninspired and the quality was middling at best. For the price they want, there are much better dinner options.

If I'm going to go to CRT, I much prefer lunch. I know that I'm primarily going for the atmosphere, but at least there are a couple of decent entrees. Plus, I think the castle is more attractive during the day, which is important to me since, again, I'm mainly there for the experience of being in the castle.

 

[sydneysmom]

I loved the dinner there! It's so much fun just eating in the castle. The prime rib is wonderful and the buckle dessert is very good. Are you getting top-notch gourmet ? No, you're eating at Disney in the castle. For what it is, it's a wonderful experience. I haven't gotten anything other than the prime rib, so I can't tell you anything else that's good.

But I'm giving it my love !!!

 

[Brian Noble]

I think a large part of it is that people generally expect a little more for the $50-$60 (or two dining credits) that dinner costs. Also, many of those reviews probably pre-date the recent addition of Princesses for the final meal, and I don't think the Fairy Godmother "celebrations" show ever got that much traction with anyone.

I've pretty much written off CRT at the current prices. But, we've been there a couple times already, my kids are getting old enough that the characters aren't what they once were, so it's not that hard for me to say "don't bother". The place is still full, so apparently enough people are still willing to roll with it.

 

[nbs2]

I think a large part of it is that people generally expect a little more for the $50-$60 (or two dining credits) that dinner costs. Also, many of those reviews probably pre-date the recent addition of Princesses for the final meal, and I don't think the Fairy Godmother "celebrations" show ever got that much traction with anyone.

I've pretty much written off CRT at the current prices. But, we've been there a couple times already, my kids are getting old enough that the characters aren't what they once were, so it's not that hard for me to say "don't bother". The place is still full, so apparently enough people are still willing to roll with it.

What strikes me the most is that with the massive amount of free dining that I'm seeing Disney give away, I would have thought that dinner would be doing better now that the princesses are there, what with the better exchange rate with the evening meal. Instead, people are still pretty unhappy with it.

In the future, if they meet expectations I plan to make Akershus or CP our character meal of choice (of course, I'd go to Akershus even without the princesses). CRT is sort of a signature experience this time because of how immersed the kid is in the whole princess thing.

 

[Familyof4lovesDW]

I loved the dinner there! It's so much fun just eating in the castle. The prime rib is wonderful and the buckle dessert is very good. Are you getting top-notch gourmet ? No, you're eating at Disney in the castle. For what it is, it's a wonderful experience. I haven't gotten anything other than the prime rib, so I can't tell you anything else that's good.

But I'm giving it my love !!!

I second this post. Awesome prime rib. CRT is a must do for us.
Looking at your ticker we will be at WDW at the same time. Not much longer for our prime rib lol. Enjoy!

 

[catne]

well, we've been there twice and we liked it both times...haven't gone since they added the princesses (and actually wish they had not...we enjoyed the quieter atmosphere of dinner when there was just a little 10 min. show with the Fairy Godmother & mouse maids. Characters are great & all, but don't always want the interruption.)

Anyway, we thought it was awesome place to eat (as did our guests...adult daughter & friend the first time, adult son & friend the 2nd time) We all enjoyed our food very much. Excellent service, too.

We liked the prime rib a lot...guests liked the salmon and the lavendar chicken. The only dish that didn't get rave reviews was the pasta...and DD said it was "better than college cafeteria food but not as good as Olive Garden." So wouldn't order the pasta, lol.

Go, and ENJOY! I think a lot of people look at the price tag and think for $50 a person the food should sensational-gourmet-delights. Forgetting that the $50 is about $20 location, $5 photo package and $25 food/service. If you look at it that way, you'll enjoy the whole experience a lot more.

(Pictures can be found in my September 2009 reviews, by the way...towards the end...it was our last table service on that vacation...early dinner on a MNSSHP night. Awesome way to kick off a Halloween party, too.)

 

[Brian Noble]

In the future, if they meet expectations I plan to make Akershus or CP our character meal of choice (of course, I'd go to Akershus even without the princesses).

Having been to both, I thought Akershus was superior to CRT in nearly every way. The food was better. The character interaction seemed less rushed. It is less expensive, and I can choose whether or not I want yet another overpriced photo of us with Random Princess Whomever. (Granted, I usually buy it, but still... ) The castle itself is obviously a more spectacular setting, but that's about it.

 

[sydneysmom]

I second this post. Awesome prime rib. CRT is a must do for us.
Looking at your ticker we will be at WDW at the same time. Not much longer for our prime rib lol. Enjoy!

YAY!! We can't wait to go!! Are you going to MNSSHP also ? We're doing our CRT dinner before MNSSHP ( very early dinner) Can't WAIT !!!

we also made ADR's in the Castle for breakfast....haven't done that yet but we're looking forward to it.

 

[treehugnmama]

we have had lunch and dinner and would do either but we prefer lunch menu.

 

[FirestoneRocks]

My family and I prefer the breakfast menu, but I think the dinner menu is just as good! Enjoy!

 

[eliza61]

In rearranging our schedule, we happened upon a 1600 Dinner slot at CRT. I took it since it was the only option that was available and CRT is pretty important to me (after all, the missus is only letting me go to Akershus twice).

But, as I take the time to look into the place, I keep finding largely negative reviews. It doesn't matter what site I go to, they all seem to be made up of folks that compare the quality of the place to IHOP or Dennys (not even good enough to make it to local diner status!).

So, while I realize that there will be no rest for me as I keep making calls looking for a breakfast slot, I can't help but wonder why the dinner (and the lunch to an extent) gets no love from folks - especially those like us with small kids (3 and 1).

Pretty much the food is mediocre at best and it's expensive. You are paying for the princess experience only.
That would be the only reason I would step foot in there again.

 

[hellokittiemama]

I just found a 7:05 PM opening for 9/25 (a saturday). Unfortunately we can't use it or I would have booked it. I'm sure it will be gone very quickly.

Good luck!!!!

 

[solpo]

We went last year (late September) and are doing it again this year for dinner. If you go expecting gourmet cuisine, you'll be disappointed. Then again, if you're looking to eat gourmet food 24x7, there are better places to go than Disney World.

To evaluate if it's a value, consider this.... You'd be spending $13 for an entree, $7 for a salad or appetizer, $6 for a dessert and $3 for a drink plus 25% tax and tip at a local casual dining restaurant (and good luck finding those prices for MEDIOCRE food in SF/LA/NY). That meal would cost $36.25. CRT costs $57.19, all in. Is it worth $20.94 to get a photo and dine in the castle at WDW?

My vote... CRT's a steal for dinner.

 

[Joshua_me]

My current dislike of dinner at CRT is based on a comparison to my memories of how the restaurant used to be in the 1980's.

Back then, the food was wonderful. Giant Caesar salads were made fresh table-side, the prime rib was sliced to order by a chef in the dining room, with seconds and thirds offered if you wanted them. Service was attentive, and best of all there was no feeling of being rushed out of the place. This was, after all, the castle - the very emblem of the Magic Kingdom.

Those days are long gone. Now the food is less than half as good for three times the price.

Just my opinion, of course.

 

[nicole0992]

I love the dinner at CRT. I have also done breakfast and lunch and the dinner is my meal of choice when dining in the castle. I have had the chicken numerous times and it is always delicious. I tried the pasta once and was not a fan. I think everyone who can afford it should dine in the castle at least once. It really is magical being inside.

 

[princessallegra]

We're dining here for the first time in November on DH's birthday, before MVMCP. We're really excited for it! I agree that it doesn't get a lot of love at all. But the menu looks good to us, and we're psyched to eat in the Castle for the first time. Now we won't be expecting gourmet food, that's for sure! But the experience and all will hopefully be worth it.

 

[MODisneyfan]

I love the castle. I had only ever used the dining plan there. But I thought that it was a great option for those. I have always been during free dinning and an upgreade to deluxe so I had plently of table services to cover it.. I personally just go for the atmosphere!! And it is the CASTLE.. I know that I booked it only because I stumpled upon a reservation for my upcoming birthday trip in December. I htought that it would be something different that my parents have never done!

I think that the food is awsome. Breakfast was great and dinner I have the chicken and it was so good.

 

[tracipierce]

We love the castle too First time we went we paid oop and had dinner and loved it, next trip on the dining plan we tried breakfast, wasn't too keen on it to be honest, then we tried lunch and that was good. Now we stick to dinner as it is our favourite, we usually go on our last night and dine around an hour before the fireworks, that way when we have finished, the cm's lead us out right at the front of the castle (excellent spot).
We tried Akershus on our last trip and didn't like it at all, we felt very rushed, didn't like the atmosphere or the food and the character interaction wasn't great, it certainly didn't compare to the castle in any way.
Yeah the castle is a little pricey, but we have tried all different things on the menu and like the lavender chicken and the lamb the best. For the magical atmosphere though it just can't be beat. :

 

[kennedyandkailey]

I give CRT all my love!!

Really, as PP post mentioned the higher price includes the photo with Cinderella and, of course, atmosphere! Regardless, we have dined in the castle every trip over the years and have done Bfast, lunch, and dinner. All good in our opinion. I like lunch the best though! Go... Enjoy... and build beautiful memories for your little ones! The wishing ceremony in one of my kids' FAVORITE things at WDW (even our son with his sword!)!