Disappointed in CRT

[tlenzendorf]

Just back from a week at the world last week. Our places we ate were, in order, CRT, Chef Mickeys, 50s Primetime, WCC, CP and Ohana(plus counter service meals...)

My last trip was 2003, DHs last trip was in 2005. Both of us remember the princesses being less rushed and the food was much better. Our food was brought right away, we weren't done with the rolls and fruit yet. The princesses barely took anytime to talk to our 3 girls before the rushed off to the next table. I'm really not that much of a complainer, but it just wasn't the same. I didn't have huge expectations, but I was quite surprised at this. For a 2 TS credit meal, we have decided that was our last time eating there since everyone has been there. Actually, the same thing happened at Ohana, but since it was our last meal on the way to the airport we were in a hurry anyhow.

When we ate in 2003 the Princesses definitely were not rushed. They spent time to talk with DD, asked her about her trip, her pens she had, just small talk like that, but enough that it was more than a "Hi", sign the book, pic and gone.

Now if you want an awesome dining experience, we HIGHLY recommend 50s PT. HILARIOUS! Cousin Jennifer was the best. I got in quite a bit of trouble there and had to stand in the corner and get the finger pointing with "Shame, shame, shame"

 

[ash&abby'smom]

We felt the same way about CRT. We now do PSB in Norway. I found the princesses spent a little more time and I didn't feel quite as rushed.

 

[tlenzendorf]

We felt the same way about CRT. We now do PSB in Norway. I found the princesses spent a little more time and I didn't feel quite as rushed.

We are thinking that or Raglan Road for next time. We loved, loved, loved the stepsisters and stepmother. They were super funny with the sneers and jeers Its just so sad we have to wait 3-5 years before we go again.

 

[mickey family]

We loved 1900 Park Fare! The character interaction was fantastic. Each character spent a good amount of time at our table, especially the step sisters. They were hilarious.

 

[tlenzendorf]

We loved 1900 Park Fare! The character interaction was fantastic. Each character spent a good amount of time at our table, especially the step sisters. They were hilarious.

Oh yes, I meant Park Fare, not Raglan Road

 

[natalielongstaff]

I wouldn't bother with CRT again, been there done that

 

[ElizabethB]

Regarding CRT -- yep, we were totally disappointed, too.

We used to love, love, love lunch at CRT. 6-7 years ago it was great fun, relaxing with pretty good food including decent appetizers (not the silly plate of cheese and carrot and celery sticks served now), entrees including prime rib (no longer on the menu) and nice dessert selections. Lunch used to be relaxed and pleasurable. We often had David as our waiter. Our boys adored David and would insist on booking CRT just so they could visit David and exchange pins with him.

When we went last Sept., it was simply ridiculous. It's no longer a restaurant -- it's an attraction like any other ride at MK. They line everybody up, snap pictures, seat them in the restaurant/theater, bring out the pre-plated food, run the princesses around in a relay race, empty the room and repeat.

A hostess told my 80-year-old parents (who are handicapped as well as elderly) that they needed to "hurry up and sit down".

The food is marginal at best, now. We asked for rolls and were told "those are only served at dinner".

The waiters have no time to chat now as they have to get meals out quickly to every table at the same time.

And, the princesses are run around so quickly, there is no real interaction. Snow White can't have spent 30 seconds with my 4-year-old niece.

I complained to the manager on duty, stating that the CRT experience had deteriorated so much we won't even bother anymore. We regretted not only the 2TS credits per person we wasted on the lunch -- we regretted the hour of our life we wasted!

Never again.

Really, is there anything at Disney that a few MBAs with sharp pencils can't ruin?

 

[loperella]

Sorry is was not a great experience and thanx for the feedback on it.

We have an 8:15 a.m. ressy & I've been thinking hard about this one. We have no little girls and if we end up taking the 40% CL then I'd prob def bag CRT. I know someone would prob be delighted to take our place.

I also have 1900 booked & it actually sounds like fun as well as 50's (but I don't have that adr.)

Does anyone know if you can at least go into the castle & look around or do you HAVE to have an adr/ressie to go inside? I've tried to search for an answer but couldn't find anything on this and I'd love to see the inside/stained glass, mosaics, etc.

 

[goofy4tink]

We had breakfast at CRT on Thursday morning. I've eaten there, for breakfast, several times before this trip. I thought that perhaps I was remembering those previous trips through rose colored glasses!! Evidently not. It would seem that many others have been left with the exact same thoughts I was....rushed food delivery, rushed princesses, mediocre food. I will say that our server did go to great lengths to get what my dd needed as replacement for her breakfast.....really needed the children's offerings vs the adult one.
We much preferred our lunch in Norway the day before. We will return there but not to CRT.

 

[rudy7696]

What everybody is saying is correct. Back in Dec. 08 my wife, parents, and I ate dinner at CRT. It was by far the worst meal of the trip. We felt rushed, food was barely edible, and the wait staff seemed to be in a hurry to serve us then get us out of the restaurant. After that dinner service my wife and I vowed to never return to CRT for dinner. On a good note though in Dec. 09 my in-laws and my wife and I ate breakfast at CRT. The breakfast was possibly the best breakfast I have had in a very long time . So in my opinion if you choose to do CRT, do breakfast and stay away from dinner service there.

 

[LisaInNc]

I felt the same thing. We were regular CRT diners on evey trip for years. I gave up on it after they went to the new format.

They took was was an ok dining experience and dumbed it down even more. I felt so rushed, everything is on a timer now it seems. I am someone that is pretty good at not being rushed by servers, forget it at CRT. It's like a train that won't be stopped.

I felt like the server flung the food without stopping, the food wasn't hot and it was mediocre, the Princesses were very rushed. I missed that special Princess interaction we have some many great memories from those breakfasts.

Lately I have been more and more disappointed with Disney Dining, it used to be a lot better than it is now. It seems like it's a gradual change but little by little they are really changing the experiences.

 

[hoosiergirl7]

I have never been to CTR and don't plan on going due to everything everyone has ever said to me. Way overpriced and not worth it!! There's no way you could get me to part with 2 TS credits there. I'd rather do it at Narcoossee's!!!

We've heard fabulous stuff about 1900 Park Fare and Akershus.

 

[Eponine1]

I went here many, many years ago (probably mid 90's) before the DDP, before requiring 2 table credits, etc.

My best friend and I went to breakfast and we were in and out with 45 minutes. It was pre-plated and dropped on the table within 5 minutes of arrival. The princesses spent very little time at our table.

I said never again and haven't been back. Save your money and go to another character meal.

 

[mickey2000]

I went here many, many years ago (probably mid 90's) before the DDP, before requiring 2 table credits, etc.

My best friend and I went to breakfast and we were in and out with 45 minutes. It was pre-plated and dropped on the table within 5 minutes of arrival. The princesses spent very little time at our table.

I said never again and haven't been back. Save your money and go to another character meal.

Ah the good old days before Disney got $$$$$ !

Not that long ago for $14.95 Adult ! 90's Sure went down hill !!!

 

[clanmcculloch]

We've never eaten in the castle before so I'm planning to book CRT for our December trip. I've been trying to decide between lunch and dinner. The menu looks more to our liking at dinner but lunch has the princesses so I've been torn. With what everybody is saying about the character interactions, we're probably better off with dinner. I'm still very nervous about just what kinds of options they'll have for our food allergies with the idea of the whole preplated meals, but at least at dinner most of the meals should be fairly easy to make safe.

 

[jackets9]

I agree with the previous posters. My 3yo daughter and I had breakfast there a few weeks ago. The food was good. Although it was served almost immediately after being seated. Our server was very nice and was more than happy to bring my daughter more eggs and some water. However, the character interaction was very rushed. Cinderella was less than a gracious host (although the picture of her and my daughter turned out beautifully). We had much better interaction with the princesses the day before in the World Showcase. This meal was simply not worth the $75.00 we were charged (or the two TS credits). Unless my daughter really wants to go back to the castle, I will do everything to convince her to try the princess meal in Norway.

 

[JUJU814]

We just ate there sunday for lunch and I couldn't agree more. We were soooo rushed. The princesses were very gracious, but were like on fast forward motion or something..they were "hi" how are you princess? pretty dress! autograph. quick pick..and I mean quick..and they were out of there! The waitress was nice and kind, but just very rushed. The kids choices were aweful...(although that's the way it is everywhere...but you couldn't even get fries on request here)

It was fun to eat at the castle, but the price tag just was a little steep for the way we were so rushed.

We look forward to storybook lunch in norway on Saturday.

Julie

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

We've never eaten in the castle before so I'm planning to book CRT for our December trip. I've been trying to decide between lunch and dinner. The menu looks more to our liking at dinner but lunch has the princesses so I've been torn. With what everybody is saying about the character interactions, we're probably better off with dinner. I'm still very nervous about just what kinds of options they'll have for our food allergies with the idea of the whole preplated meals, but at least at dinner most of the meals should be fairly easy to make safe.

Save your $$$. You will find the exact same menu at Boatrights at Riverside. Had had dined there the night before CRT.

I was in a scooter because of an ankle injury - they were less than accommodating....rushed us upstairs only to find the menu was the same....for a WHOLE LOT MORE $$$.

We asked to leave and they refunded our $$$. THAT was the best part of that meal! Never again.

As far a looking at the castle, there isn't much to see inside but a big room. What we miss seeing are the mosiac walls of the walk-through now used for stage shows.

Save your $$$.

 

[madelyn]

Wow-thanks for the reviews. Have a reservation for dinner for 7:20 on Nov 20during the Christmas party and have been questioning whether I should keep that one. Now I am thinking I can cancel and not feel too bad about it!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

We felt the same way when we went there for lunch on our last trip. I felt like I could barely get the princesses to hold still for a photo. We're going to take a break from CRT for a while. Akershus, on the other hand, exceeded our expectations so at least we have another princess meal if DD wants one next trip.