For those who've done both...CRT or Akershus?

[hart6066]

DD will be 4 when we go in Jan and she has recently "discovered" the princesses! Her favorite is Sleeping Beauty and she does really like to see and interact with characters. Last year we met 3 of the princesses at Toon Town and did Chef Mickey's, but are thinking that maybe we should do a princess meal for her. The thing is that I've heard CRT isn't very good for food--so is the atmosphere that much better than at Akershus? Do they still give out wands and swords (DS will be 7 when we go and LOVES knights) at CRT? Does Akershus have the feeling of being in a castle? She's still little enough that I don't think just knowing that we're at THE castle will be that big of a deal--it will probably be more about the character interaction and the surroundings, not to mention that DH and I would love if the food were somewhat decent--esp since 2 table credits could get us into a ton of other (better, but not for kids!) places. Any ideas? I'm torn because CRT seems to be such THE place to go, but now is Akershus just as nice? Thanks so much for all the help!

 

[jkearson]

I just posted the same question. We ate breakfast at CRT last year and really enjoyed it. The stuffed french toast was great. We saw Cindy for pictures before the meal. My DD3 was upset that she didn't get to see her during the meal and "eat with her". We also saw Aurora, Belle, in her blue dress and the Fairy Godmother. We were really hoping to see Snow White.

 

[kathie859]

It seems a bit more subdued and relaxed and you see 5 princesses (they can vary). Our last lunch @ Akershus was Oct. 08 and we were a party of 4 adults and 2 children. There were plenty of opportunities for pictures, autographs and conversation with the princesses

I admit that I haven't been to CRT for at least 5 yrs...I love the surroundings, but always thought it missed the mark considering the expense of the meal. IMHO

 

[ms*mountaineer]

Akershus does have the feeling of being in a castle - the atmosphere is very nice. I have not been to CRT (hope to try it next time) - but I think you'd be very pleased with Akershus.

 

[GC&S]

We did both when dd was 4 and I would pick Akershus as her favorite. Everytime a new princess came around, dd got so excited. She liked the castle but everything there seemed so rushed that it wasn't as "magical" as seeing all the other princesses. Plus she was able to see Muluan (who was her favorite at that time).

 

[abeyst]

CRT wasn't worth the price when it was 1 TS credit. Definitely go with Akershus. It has a castle-y feel, and the food is SOOOO much better! The princesses were great with my kids in Aug 06 when we were there.

 

[emh1129]

We have done both & liked both.. but Akershus was a little better, in our opinion.

 

[hart6066]

I definitely feel better about choosing Akershus--I'll just pack a plastic sword to keep DS happy!! Thanks again for all of your help!

 

[lady_hlh]

I think you'll be really happy with Akershus, we went there twice when my DD was little and really in to the Disney Princesses. She loved seeing all the princesses and had no idea that she wasn't in the actual castle. Last year I took her to CRT and she thought that it was cool to eat at the real castle but I noticed that the character interaction wasn't as good as Akershus.

 

[wildirishrose]

Askerhaus is great because if you miss a princess more than likely you can find them at Epcot. We saw Belle, Aurora, Jasmine, Cindy and Ariel. We then walked over to Germany and China which are close by and got photos and autographs with Snow White and Mulan. Also you now get a photo as part of the package at Askerhaus. I agree its a better deal (we did dinner at CRT)