We have past experiences with dining at the Castle to compare our last visit with. The experience has declined significantly, which is why we won't go back. I guess those who haven't done the Castle more than 3 years ago, have nothing to compare it to so it seems okay.
I absolutely felt rushed when our group included my parents who are elderly and handicapped and a hostess came over to our table and said, "You've got to get seated, now!" I replied, "My parents are elderly and handicapped and it takes as long as it takes. Please leave us alone."
Why the rush? This was lunch by the way. Because the whole presentation is now timed like an amusement ride.
It consists of line 'em up for pictures, seat 'em, serve 'em, run the princesses 'round the room, clear the room and repeat. We were in the last seating for lunch and it didn't seem to help at all. If anything, CMs were more eager than ever to get people seated, served and out of there!
We were totally disappointed with the princess character interaction. Comparing the whole experience to 3 or more years ago it was pathetic.
Plus our boys used to love visiting with David -- their favorite waiter. The waiters are now so busy running and trying to get the meal served and removed in the limited time available, that they have no time for small talk. David used to have time to trade pins with the boys, etc. Not any more.
It used to be that we could get prime rib at lunch. Now that it's a set meal on a clock, that's not possible. We asked about rolls and were told, "Those are only served at dinner now".
So, in sum our visit a few months ago was a total and complete disappointment. So much so that I told the manager we won't be back and we won't.
For those who've enjoyed it -- I'm glad. We were truly disappointed. And, comparing it to our lunches in the past was particularly sad.
