CRT or Akershus????

[Sarah K]

Akershus or CRT? Going to WDW Christmas week. It will be me, DH, DS5 and DD3. My daughter loves the princesses and dressing up so I really want to do one princess breakfast. We have five days at the parks and day 4 is EPCOT but it's going to be our more relaxed day. I was planning on doing a 8am at CRT(if I can even get the ADR) and then when we finished head to EPCOT. I know Akershus seems like the easier option but is it better or as good as CRT? It will be our only character breakfast and we won't be back to WDW in a few years so this may be only time DD3 will be so into this princess thing. So what do you like better Akershus or CRT????

 

[Robo]

Akershus or CRT? Going to WDW Christmas week.

Be aware that MK will be open for AM EMH at 7AM Christmas Week.

 

[mom2rtk]

If all things are equal, I go with CRT every time. There's nothing like eating in the castle.

But all things aren't equal. CRT requires 2 TS credits. Only you can decide if it's worth that if you're on the dining plan.

If you are straight up paying, CRT does require full prepayment, so that's a consideration.

Many will tell you that the character interaction is better at Akershus, but it's all really just hit or miss. Could be good or not so good on any given day.

 

[mom2rtk]

Be aware that MK will be open for AM EMH at 7AM Christmas Week.

Also an important consideration.

I'd still go to the park early then have lunch in the castle just as needed to escape the crowds.

 

[MomForFrozenAddicts]

I like Akershus over CRT. The meal is better and it's much cheaper than CRT. It is a must do on my every trip since my older daughter was 2. I skipped CRT last year with my then 3 years old younger daughter. I knew we will be back this summer and I think she will get more a kick out of eating at Cinderella's castle thing this year. It turns out to be perfect because my daughters are more into Cinderella now with the new movie. However, if it is my daughter's first Disney trip and I'm not planning another for a long time, I will splurge and do CRT.

 

[2Gma]

Do both if you have the time and can afford it!
We've done CRT and Akershus both 2 times each. We liked the lunch better at Akershus and thought the princesses didn't seem as rushed there. CRT is neat because of eating inside the castle but we were not fans of the breakfast or the cost. Both are magical for little girls, you'll have fun either way!!

 

[Flynnismine]

I've also done both for breakfast when DD was 4. I enjoyed each for different reasons but thought Akershus was a little better with princess interaction. As far as food goes, DD ate everything at CRT but would not touch anything that Akershus had. We have a trip planned for October and will be eating breakfast at CRT again because there's just something so magical about eating in the castle for kids of all ages.

On a side note, one of my favorite memories from that trip was our quiet walk down an almost deserted mainstreet, prior to the park opening, and seeing the look of total amazement on my DD's face when she saw the castle for the very first time.....I started crying and then DD started to cry and we both just stood there hugging and crying like loons, LOL. I still get teary-eyed everytime I think about that very moment.

My vote, for a first time Disney experience, is definitely CRT.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

I have also done both for breakfast. In terms of value, I feel Akershus is better, since it is a buffet and cheaper than CRT. Food was enjoyable at both. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is similar at both, except of course at CRT you know you are inside the castle. But the decor in both is impressive. Princess interaction was a little better at Akershus, but as mentioned by PP, it may just be luck. I've done CRT once and Akershus twice, and I will always go back to Akershus from now on for better value. However OP, if this is your only visit while you DD is young, if it fits your budget, I would lean towards CRT only for the "Disney experience" of eating inside the castle.

 

[Sarah K]

Be aware that MK will be open for AM EMH at 7AM Christmas Week.

How does

Be aware that MK will be open for AM EMH at 7AM Christmas Week.

I am aware of that which is why we chose to go to CRT on a non MK day for us because we plan to do rope drop and don't want to waste precious time at a breakfast lol but I'm confused as to why this would be a problem. Will more people be going to the breakfast because of earlier hours? Or are you saying it may be more crowded so leave earlier to get there on time??

 

[KJWA]

Never been to either but we decided on CRT for our trip next month after debating between the two.

One thing to consider is that CRT is more expensive but maybe not THAT much more. CRT price includes tax and tip so you really have to work out the numbers and see. I didn't think it was that much more so decided to do CRT to experience eating in the castle. But I have heard good things about Akershus so probably can't go wrong.

 

[eyehartdisney]

How does

I am aware of that which is why we chose to go to CRT on a non MK day for us because we plan to do rope drop and don't want to waste precious time at a breakfast lol but I'm confused as to why this would be a problem. Will more people be going to the breakfast because of earlier hours? Or are you saying it may be more crowded so leave earlier to get there on time??

People generally take the 8 Am reservations so that they can see mainstreet deserted. He was letting you know that wouldn't happen.

 

[wdwjeffc37]

I would suggest that you do either lunch or dinner at CRT. I feel that it is very expensive for breakfast food. JMHO. Have fun!!!

 

[mom2rtk]

I would suggest that you do either lunch or dinner at CRT. I feel that it is very expensive for breakfast food. JMHO. Have fun!!!

Plus it's a great way to escape crowds and get off your feet. We're doing a very early dinner to get out of the heat right after the parade.

 

[momof2n2]

We've opted for Akershus over CRT because I don't like to give up touring time at MK, but never mind doing that at Epcot.

 

[Robo]

I am aware of that which is why we chose to go to CRT on a non MK day for us because we plan to do rope drop and don't want to waste precious time at a breakfast lol but I'm confused as to why this would be a problem.

OK.

 

[My2litteprincesses]

Both are GREAT and your DD will be over the moon with either one!
However, eating in the castle is truly magical and an experience all in itself. She will feel like a princess

 

[tinkerbella16]

Akershus over CRT in a heartbeat! We absolutely loved Akershus, the princesses, the food, the atmosphere, everything! Unfortunately we can't say the same about CRT, it was a one and done. You are literally paying for the castle and that is it. The food was nothing special for the prices!!! We cannot wait to go back to Akershus.

 

[Nancyg56]

How does

I am aware of that which is why we chose to go to CRT on a non MK day for us because we plan to do rope drop and don't want to waste precious time at a breakfast lol but I'm confused as to why this would be a problem. Will more people be going to the breakfast because of earlier hours? Or are you saying it may be more crowded so leave earlier to get there on time??

She was saying that becasue it is an early opening, you may not get that Pre Park empty Main Street and Castle shot. A lot of people (my family) love walking down Main Street early and getting to be "alone".

AS to breakfast and how many people, I think that because it is Christmas Week, you are going to have all of the popular restaurants fully booked no matter what. Also, I would add in a little extra travel just to have a buffer. I was there pre Christmas one year and it was tough traveling. Now we were using the transportation in the evening so that made a difference, but it was busy.

Now, my feedback is that given your park choice for the day, I would choose Akershus. Even though you want a relaxing day, you will be in the MK for a few hours, so by the time you finish breakfast and navigate you way out of the park, and then get to Epcot, I think you are looking at a lot of a lot of travel time with no benefit. I love the Castle, I really do but I would not hop to two parks during a Holiday. I would plan CRT on MK day or on a rest day.