Disney princess dining... a few quesyiond

[SwanVT2]

Planning daughter's first Disney trip for next February. She will be almost 3. Should we bring her to one of the Disney princess meals..either Norway or Cinderella's castle or wait until she is older? If we do choose for our first trip, when can I make reservations? Tia!

 

[MickeyChix]

Since she'll only be 3, I'd say Norway. It's a tiny bit cheaper but still packs the punch of many princesses. Belle is the star of the show and you'll get a picture with her as part of your meal. Cinderella does not appear here however so if that's her favorite then Cindy's Royal Table might be better and then you'll get a picture with her. Reservations ADR's can be made 180 days out from either the date of your arrival that day in the park or 180 days out from your room reservation date if your staying on property. Plus if you stay on WDW property you can make ADRs up to ten days of your stay. It's easier to get a reservation at Norway but for the time of year you are going hopefully you could score one for Cindy's .

 

[Five skis]

Since she'll only be 3, I'd say Norway. It's a tiny bit cheaper but still packs the punch of many princesses. Belle is the star of the show and you'll get a picture with her as part of your meal. Cinderella does not appear here however so if that's her favorite then Cindy's Royal Table might be better and then you'll get a picture with her. Reservations ADR's can be made 180 days out from either the date of your arrival that day in the park or 180 days out from your room reservation date if your staying on property. Plus if you stay on WDW property you can make ADRs up to ten days of your stay. It's easier to get a reservation at Norway but for the time of year you are going hopefully you could score one for Cindy's .

Cinderella has been Akershus each time we were there.

I would try for CRT, since at this point your DD will be free.

 

[figment_jii]

Being 3 makes it a tough call...it depends on how much you think she'll remember the experience. I've been to Disney with an almost three year old and she was old enough to enjoy herself at the parks. So I don't think it's too young (i.e., she might remember bits and pieces).

I'd probably choose CRT because it's an "overall" experience opposed to just a character meal. I've been to both (neither with children), but Akerhsus is pretty much like any character meal. Over at CRT, the princesses enter to with a small fanfare and then visit the tables. Also, each child gets a wishing star and a wand or sword as a keepsake. CRT is more expensive, but more of an experience.

 

[BlueFairy]

We have done both with small children. I would say do it, since after she turns 3 you will pay for her. AFAIK children under 3 still eat free even at character meals, so if it is not yet her birthday and in your budget then you are sort of getting a bargain.
Now, will she remember it? No. Will she enjoy looking at the photos and hearing you tell about it - Yes.
We had CRT breakfast and Akershus lunch. We liked the food and the pace better at CRT, but that was quite some time ago. At that time Akershus felt louder and more crowded. The greeting from Belle was really good. I think it would be easier to please a typical child's palate at breakfast. We did not care for the Akershus lunch menu.
The photos we have of Akershus show 2 little ones having a fantastic time. I would say too that having a princess approach your table where you can see them coming and be on your own turf is less intimidating to a little one than walking up to a stranger in a line of people with a bunch of cameras pointed at you. My girls had a more relaxed time at that age when meeting at a meal vs. a M&G line.