February Diners at the Castle - help please!

[Paisleyjane]

I'll be working there 4 times next wk...I just finished learning Suzy/Perla for the new wishing presentation magical moment with the Fairy Godmother. It's very sweet.

I didn't think it was all that sweet. It was okay. But I really would have liked a moment with the Fairy Godmother posing even between a couple tables, to take a picture of her, since she is never greeting in the parks. A seven minute show! Yes, they ask you to raise your hand if it is a special occassion, but they don't really do anything for it. If you tell them when you make your reservations it is a special occassion, they will put mickey confetti and streamers on your table, but that is it.

 

[Paisleyjane]

Nah, there's no need to order a big cake. The tables that the Fairy Godmother approaches are random. It's really just a matter of luck. But she speaks to the entire resturant (she wears a microphone and is an equity performer), and the part with the wish-making isn't about the parties celebrating something, it's about believing in your dreams. Your daughters shouldn't feel left out.

I will admit that our view was obstructed, but last night I did not see the Fairy Godmother approach any tables, she and Perla and Suzy just kind of flitted around. They all moved so quickly you could not snap a picture.

 

[MinnieGi]

Thanks AngieBelle for the inside scoop. It sounds very cute!

 

[MainStreetFan]

Nah, there's no need to order a big cake. The tables that the Fairy Godmother approaches are random. It's really just a matter of luck. But she speaks to the entire resturant (she wears a microphone and is an equity performer), and the part with the wish-making isn't about the parties celebrating something, it's about believing in your dreams. Your daughters shouldn't feel left out.

Sorry, I don't have my schedule for the end of Feburary yet. I get them weekly- today I'll get my schedule for the week ending the 18th. If you send me a pm when it gets closer, I'll tell you if I'll be there or not.

We were there last night and I have a couple of tips, if I could. Suzy and Perla moved so fast that we were unable to get even one picture from across the room. Fairy godmother only went close to one or two tables just to put a hand on a shoulder or make a point in her speech. We didn't get a picture of her either. No one is individually recognized. Additionally we got no card with autographs, would have loved that.

Having said all of this, we knew what to expect and would go again. But many of the posts here have been misleading if our experience last night was what is scheduled.

 

[Paisleyjane]

No, that's not true at all! They do single out those with celebrations, but the characters float around to all the tables and encourage everyone to join in during the presentation. Everyone will receive a pretty pre-signed card with their autographs

Suzy and Perla do a very quick flitter to each family (no posing for pics or signing autograhs, just a hello) before the Fairy Godmother comes out, and there are moments for everyone. I don't want to spoil too many surprises though.

I would love to know what "MOMENTS" I missed. No one was singled out or individually recognized for any celebration, or otherwise. We did not recieve any pre-signed card with autographs, either. I don't mean to be critical, or complain, I just think that the Guest Services people need to get all their facts right. It just wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I knew we would not get photos with the characters, but would have liked them to have at least walk by our table.

 

[AngieBelle]

Yes, that's true. It is hard to see if you are on the side wings because of the columns, although they all try to acknowledge those people.

The Fairy Godmother does direct a few of her lines at specific guests as she moves around. She is right there with the center tables when she says her monologue. I think there are a few opportunities to take pics of the characters. They do a last quick pose at the entrance before they leave, and you can take pics during the presentation. I know the Fairy Godmother has moments when she stays in one spot long enough. The mice have to flitter qickly in the beginning because they have 3 minutes to get through half the resturant, which in a normal character dining situation would take half an hr at least.

 

[goofy4tink]

AngieBelle...have to ask..is the Fairy Godmother the regular one? We must have 3 or 4 pictures with the same FG on different trips. She is terrific. I heard there weren't too many of them, maybe just the one or two. Just curious.
I think we may do lunch on dd's birthday...either that or GF Cafe. I just can't decide yet.

 

[AngieBelle]

No, she's an equity performer- different union than the character department.

 

[Paisleyjane]

Does anyone feel that it seems strange that a 9 year old will pay less and get a sword/wand, while a 10 year old is charged adult price and does not get anything, I know that would not go over well with my 2 girls(8 and 10). So I am waiting to hear experiences and how it was handled, he for those prices I want a tiara for myself. or a jester hat, I could not find a smilie with a tiara.....

We dined last night and there were no swords or wands passed out.

 

[gothmommie]

Any reviews/information on the lunch? We'll be there 2/10.

Also, I mentioned that we are celebrating our anniversary (daughter in tow) when I made the ADR. I've found in the past that I also need to mention it when we check in for your ADR and this always feels so uncomfortable. Wondering how other handle this?

 

[taramarie]

I would love lunch information too!

We are going on the 25th and we are dying to know about it.

Tara

 

[MareQ]

We were there for dinner on the 5th. It was "ok". We were a party of 5 (only paid for 4 as youngest is 2)- received two photo packages. No swords or wands for dinner- you receive limited edition lithos intead.

No Major Dumo's pie on dinner menu. Limited appetizer and dessert menu. Everything was ok I just hoped for larger menu selections.

We definitely wouldn't do this again - just not worth it for us.

 

[gothmommie]

We were there for lunch on 2/10.

We checked in at the podium and were led into the castle foyer where you wait in the 'picture line'. Cinderella is there for pictures. The throne has been removed and fake evergreens with white lights are used as the backdrop for the photos. We got our picture taken and then waited about another 20 minutes for our table. Considering we were there on time I thought the wait was a bit long but it always is at this location, at least IMO.

Lunch included an appetizer plate - grapes, cheeses, raspberries, chicken, etc and various choices from the menu. We selected Salmon with asparagus and risotto for DH, Major Domo for me and Minor Domo for DD. Beverages - coffee, chocolate milk and unsweetened ice tea were included (unlimited refills on coffee and soft drinks). Dessert was a blueberry cobbler with lemon sorbet.

Children received a wishing star magnet (it twinkles) and a wand for girls/sword for boys. Fairy Godmother leads a special wishing ceremony and Princesses Aurora, Belle and Snow White are present for pictures and autographs.

While dining they will deliver your photos - 1 5x7 and several 4x6s in a special folio with a picture of the castle. I assume if you hate your pictures you could do a retake - we didn't ask, although I'm not overly fond of the picture. I'm sure it will grow on me.

We also received pixie dust, streamers and champagne flutes (with Cinderella's Royal Table printed on them) as DH and I were celebrating our anniversary - actually on 2/14 but we consider our annual February pilgrimage part anniversary celebration/part kid spoiling. So...if you are celebrating a special event, make sure you say something and they will make much of you.

 

[lovinpoohbear]

Thank you so much for the lunch review!!! I can't wait for my lunch in april!!!

 

[joliesmom]

I just booked the dinner for May and specifically asked the CM about wands or swords with dinner and she said they are given with dinner and not lunch because the princesses are not at dinner. Am I going to be disappointed? I get a little aggravated when I try to clarify something specific and am given the wrong info by a CM. Has anyone at dinner received a wand or sword?

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I'm thinking of switching from CRT dinner to lunch. Although I think the dinner's a better value for the price, I think the kids would enjoy the wishing ceremony and the little wands and swords more. I keep hearing that they are only for lunch and breakfast - does anyone know for sure? Thanks.

 

[Wendy31]

Thank you for the lunch review! We have a lunch ADR for June, and I've been worried that the princesses don't come around to the table. And the swords & wands sound so cute too!

Quick question: For the children's dessert at lunch, is their only choice the blueberry buckle cobbler or can they also choose the crown cupcake? Just wondering! I think both my DD & DS would be so impressed w/ the crown cupcake.

 

[gothmommie]

Thank you for the lunch review! We have a lunch ADR for June, and I've been worried that the princesses don't come around to the table. And the swords & wands sound so cute too!

Quick question: For the children's dessert at lunch, is their only choice the blueberry buckle cobbler or can they also choose the crown cupcake? Just wondering! I think both my DD & DS would be so impressed w/ the crown cupcake.

Oops, yes, thanks for jogging my memory. Adults had the blueberry thingie (picture a large blueberry muffin with brown sugar crumble on it and a scoop of lemon sorbet. Children had vanilla ice cream with a chocolate crown on top. (Royal Crown Sundae - vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce,
and rainbow "Mickeys" coronated with a dark chocolate crown)

One thing I should mention - we did have the last lunch reservation (2:30pm) for the day. I'm not sure if that's why we had wands/swords/wishing stars and the princesses but I wouldn't think it would make a difference. We were given the lunch menu and it was just as it appears on allearsnet.

 

[gothmommie]

I just booked the dinner for May and specifically asked the CM about wands or swords with dinner and she said they are given with dinner and not lunch because the princesses are not at dinner. Am I going to be disappointed? I get a little aggravated when I try to clarify something specific and am given the wrong info by a CM. Has anyone at dinner received a wand or sword?

Very strange as again, we were at the lunch with our DD and she received a wand and a wishing star AND the princesses (Aurora, Belle and Snow White - Cinderella downstairs and Fairy Godmother were there. No Perla or Susie. Although they always say characters vary). Maybe it had something to do with the fact that we had the last lunch seating (2:30pm). Doubt it though.

One thing though - if they've told you your DD or DS will get a wand or a sword and you don't, say something and express your disappointment. I'll bet they'll fish one out for you from the back or wherever. They are nothing fancy - say a $3 trinket, maybe $8 in Disney stds. (think Pirates of the Caribbean sword, small wand with a glittery fabric star and feather) but they do make a kid's day/night.

 

[SnwflkCts]

My DH and I had dinner at CRT on 2/13/2006. I give a full review of what we had for dinner at the "Cindy's New Dinner" thread. I will say as another did that you wait in the lobby for quite a while -- for picture with Cinderella and then wait for your table so be prepared!

At dinner, only mice and Fairy Godmother and a quick run through the dining room but the mice pause for quick hugs and a picture. Get your camera ready as soon as you see them appear!!!

No wands or swords to be seen at dinner -- I was not with a child but there were many around us.

We enjoyed the dinner immensely. The BLT salad was the best salad I had all week. Expensive dinner but fun. I don't think I would put it on my list for another visit but I definately was glad to go at least once!