Help me decide on CRT!!!!!

[mcever4]

I am trying to decide if I want to book CRT for our next visit. It will be me, DH, DS(15 at time of visit, and has been to WDW many times), and DD(who will be 3 and it will be her FIRST visit). We will be on the DP and will already be doing mostly character meals. I had thought of NOT doing the DP this time as I didn't think it would be worth it with DD who doesn't eat enough to feed a bird and I didn't want to be tied down to a TS meal everyday. DH said I needed to do the DP since he and DS can put the food away without a problem. My questions are:

Is CRT worth 2 TS credits?
Do you get enough food that DH and DS will be filled up?
Will DD enjoy this at her age?

DD loves the castle and goes NUTS when she sees it on tv, so I thought this might be fun for her and it really isn't a meal we would normally do. See ing as it will be her first visit I thought it might be special.

Thanks for any advise and comments!

Robin

 

[rjvose17]

I hate being the first poster with a negative opinion but my vote is for NO don't go. Here are my reasons why. We went with our two girls ages 4 and 7 and both LOVE the castle and princesses and it seemed like a dream to take them for the experience. I was so disappointed that I cried. It was rushed and un-personal to start out with. Then inside is so crowded that you can barely move, then the food was awful! I know that some Disney restaurants have cut back but it was disgusting. The potion size was small too. The princesses were ok just like all other character dining they spend three mins or less at your table and you have to take your time or sit long to make sure you see them all because they don't all come out at once. So that was no big deal. The desserts were cute for the kids but overall it was not nearly as magical as we expected it to be. We only did it because we had free dining and it does take two credits. I'm glad we tried it on the dining plan because I wouldnt have paid the prices for the horrible meal we got. OH and our server had zero personality. The overall experience was just not good. We will never go back. We also did the Princess experience at Norway and that was much much better. It's bad when you leave hungry and your bill was 230.00 for two adults and two kids with no specialty drinks or requests. Thank god for the free dining offer we got. I say save your two credits and go to 1900 park fare or Akersus at Norway. There are plenty of good places and I may be in the minority here but I wouldn't waste your time. Good luck on your decision I hope this helps.

 

[JimmyV]

Boy. That's a really hard question to answer. We did CRT for breakfast before the DP came into existence when the only character meal was in the morning. I left with the exact same impression as rjvose and vowed never to do it again, and I have kept that promise. It was a tremendous waste of moeny as far as I'm concerned. But having been and saying that I would never do it again is not the same thing as advising someone to never do it the first time. Sometimes you just have to do it, knowing that it might disappoint, but you do it just so that you can join in the coversation and feel like part of the crowd who has been. If you are curious, and you are certain that your DD will enjoy it, then do it but be prepared. Also, without knowing how else you might use those 2 credits, it is difficult to weigh and balance your options. For example, if you asked me if 2 credits are better used at CRT or at California Grill for dinner and fireworks, I know how I'd vote. But if those 2 credits are going to be used for a couple of run-of-the-mill meals, then getting inside of the castle for a meal might have more appeal.

 

[VickieMouse]

Without knowing where else you are eating, my first thought is also to say don't do it. Our first trip to Disney was last year, and it was a no brainer that we were going to eat in the Castle. It was, by far, our worst meal of the trip from the adult's perspective. Sure, our girls loved it, but not because it was the castle - but because it was our first character meal and we were in Disney! After that we did Chef Mickey's dinner, Crystal Palace Breakfast and Akershus (princess breakfast) at Epcot. All 3 were much better than the castle from our perspective (and, now, a year later, from my little girl's perspective as well). These are the reasons why:

1. The food was not good at the castle - we went for dinner. At least not what my husband and I chose to order. YUCK! Worst by a mile! And the portions were small. My husband ate about 2 hours afterwards.

2. We saw the exact same 5 princesses at Akershus. The food (breakfast) was great. We also liked the hot foods being brought to the table as well as the cold buffet. A nice mix...

3. I did not notice any difference in character interaction- the princesses were the same, very rushed, at both locations. That is why we are not doing a princess meal this year at all. However, the pictures at both are great keepsakes.

4. When asked what they would like to do again on this trip to Disney the Castle wasn't even mentioned. Neither was Akershus unfortunately. BUT, for the 1 credit vs. 2, I would DEFINITELY do Akershus. A better all-around experience.

5. We all loved interacting with the characters as opposed to the princesses. It was special... we had to be more creative since they couldn't talk so we asked lots of yes and no questions. I would do other character meals in a heartbeat before spending 2 credits on CRT again.

With that being said, everytime I see the castle on TV with my girls, they must remember being in the castle and being in the castle together. That is a special memory. You don't see pictures of Akershus on TV.

Good luck in your decision!!!

 

[ktlm]

I would say go! We took DD to CRT for lunch twice when she was 3, and once when she was 4, and had wonderful experiences each time. DD absolutely loved it. It won't be long before your DD will realize the Princesses aren't "real", so I would say go for it while they are completely real to her. There is just something special about eating in the castle. Plus, if your DD goes nuts over the castle, I'm guessing she would LOVE being inside the castle. We like the food at lunch, and have never had any problems with it. DD loves that she gets a wand and a wishing star (something you don't get at the other Princess meals). We find that the characters are usually more rushed at the restaurants than the meet and greets at the parks, but we have never felt that CRT was worse than anyplace else. It also seems to depend on the day and the character too. We have been to Akershus 3 times. Twice we thought the characters were much more rushed than the castle. The other time it seemed about the same. I think whether the restaurant feels crowded depends on where they seat you. We have never felt crowded at CRT. We did however get a table at Akershus where someone was bumping into one of us or the table about every 2 minutes, and felt like Sardines; however, we have also had a table there were it seemed fine. We got a table at Tusker House once where we could barely move and the characters could barely get through and pose for pictures with DD. I would say whatever you do, be sure and get your DD to a Princess meal somewhere. She is the perfect age for it!

 

[mcever4]

Thanks for the replies so far! I have 1900 Park Fare and Askerhaus on my maybe list as well. So far it seems most would suggest one of these 2 instead of CRT. DS and I went to WDW last year and did Chef Mickey's (we have done that 2 times now), Tusker House (he LOVED it!), and Garden Grill. Those 3 are on the must do list for the next trip. I have 4 more credits to decide on. One of those will be Crystal Palace so I can try to get into the park before it opens. So I guess now I actually have 3! I was also thinking Hollywood and Vine, only for early park entry. And one other for consideration is Whispering Canyon. That one sounds fun and DS and DH should get their share of food! Keep sending me advise, please! What are opinions on the other choices on my list?

Thanks!
Robin

 

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Took my DS9 and DD7 last year for the first time (after many trips to WDW) and it was magical. Both kids loved the stories they told and the princesses entering. DS got a sword that he thought was cool. They ate from the kid's menu. I had the beef medalions and they were very good. We were in love with the castle and the fact that we were IN Cinderella's castle!

 

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Oh, and Askershaus (sp!) was the worst food and character experience (princesses did not interact; they posed for a 5 second picture and moved on)we have had next to Crystal Palace (filthy carpet/tables and only ever saw 2 characters!).

 

[3pletprincesses]

If you had ask me this a few months ago I would have said no however we took our 4yo triplets and they loved it. Also i have to admit that it was nice to eat in the castle. However, I feel like the others. Everything is really rushed IMO. The princess spend less tiem with the kids then Akershus. the food was good. If you want the experience of eating at the castle, I would say yes but if you main goal is to see the princess my vote is for Akershus in Norway.

If you do H&V, do it for breakfast. Luch was not good and cold. Whipering canyon was one of the worse meals we had but we sure laughed when the waitress made dh go around the room with the kids on a wood stick horse and sing songs because he was late .

 

[KELLY]

We haven't done it for 2 years my youngest was a infant. If it wasn't for the fact they she really likes the princess and we have a late arrival and early depature. So we will have a extra ts meal. I would probably skip it. We are on free dining but we are also doing Akshurs. We are also there for 10 days so we can have a couple of princess meals and mix it up with others.

IMO Norway is a better experience.

 

[tina.tina]

Maybe I have very low expectations but I really enjoyed CRT & I didn't think I would. I had the pork 3 ways & DH had lambchops. I had food left over and I thought it was really good. I didn't think the interactions were really rushed but some of the princesses interacted more than others. I think it would be magical for your DD. We liked Garden Grill, too. Crystal Palace certainly didn't seem nasty to me. I don't understand how people can say something at Disney is "nasty." I certainly thought even their restrooms were cleaner than our local McDonald's & even my workplace. Instead of getting in before the park opens, I would suggest a late breakfast. We had a snack in our room and ate a late breakfast at 10:20. That way, we weren't too full running around & riding rides first thing in the morning.

 

[Lucky St. Louis]

I absolutely do not think this is worth two TS credits however, it was worth paying out of pocket when my girls were into princesses. They loved it and they were awed by the castle. A word of caution though...my kids don't remember the castle or much of our trip when they were three and we took them. They DO remember it very clearly when they were 5. Also, breakfast and lunch are better than dinner IMO.

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

We took our DD for the first time when she was 5. Between last year and this we've gone to 2 breakfasts and 1 supper. I would agree that the food is not that great but the service was terrific and atomsphere can't be beat. Our DD loves it and we will continue to go just because it's the castle for the foreseeable future. In January our DD6 was chosen to be an Honourary Princess of the Day. It was so sweet. She got a private meeting with Cinderella, a sticker badge, special announcement to the breakfast crowd and we got to sit at the royal table which meant the princesses came to our table first! Our ADR was at 8:05am. We love character meals

 

[mb_uh]

We took our kids last year and both DD and DS loved it and wanted to go back the next night. Our food was really good, service was good. I would suggest that you and DD do it as a special meal and then let the rest of the family do something else if they do not think it is worth it.

 

[BebopBaloo]

While the food we had at CRT was not the best, the character interaction was really nice. We're giving it another go at a different meal time per dd's request, which is great with us.

Crystal Palace is actually our favorite character meal...well perhaps tied with Garden Grill... We have never found CP to be dirty in any way. Our food has always been fresh and hot and we've had excellent service. We've seen all four characters that greet there, some multiple times in one visit. DD was also able to take part in the parade around the restaurant, which she really liked. We've been to CP 4 times and don't plan on stopping the tradition.

 

[Castillo Mom]

I think you should go for it and just keep things in perspective. We're taking my niece for the first time and don't have high expectations as far as the food is concerned and are doing it more for the enjoyment of my niece who adores the princesses.

 

[Wadecool]

I am trying to decide if I want to book CRT for our next visit. It will be me, DH, DS(15 at time of visit, and has been to WDW many times), and DD(who will be 3 and it will be her FIRST visit). We will be on the DP and will already be doing mostly character meals. I had thought of NOT doing the DP this time as I didn't think it would be worth it with DD who doesn't eat enough to feed a bird and I didn't want to be tied down to a TS meal everyday. DH said I needed to do the DP since he and DS can put the food away without a problem. My questions are:

Is CRT worth 2 TS credits?
Do you get enough food that DH and DS will be filled up?
Will DD enjoy this at her age?

DD loves the castle and goes NUTS when she sees it on tv, so I thought this might be fun for her
and it really isn't a meal we would normally do. Seeing as it will be her first visit I thought it might be special.

Thanks for any advise and comments!

Robin

We just took our DD3 to CRT for breakfast and it was so worth it! You just have to get the
perspective right: CRT is not about the food, it's about the photos with Cinderella in the castle, it's
about meeting a bunch of other princesses in the castle, and it's about eating in the castle. The food
is an afterthought. Thats it. It doesn't matter if your DD eats like a bird or she eats like Paul
Bunyan, she not eating much at all with the princesses coming around every 5 minutes. Regarding your DH and DS getting filled up, the wait staff will keep bringing as much food as you want, I'm a big guy and I had two plates of food and was stuffed. The food is pretty good, nothing spectacular. But seeing the look on DD's face when she got to see and meet Cinderella and the other princesses was absolutely priceless.

 

[Catie.Hiltz]

Went to CRT on our honeymoon and it was grrat-a truly unique experience where everyone getstreated like royalty!! The food was great and I think your family will def get enough to eat! And your daughter will be mesmerized!

All that being said, I think its worth it as a special one time experience. I wouldn't go there again simply because I wouldn't want to use 2 credits on something like that for a second time.

It was fun though my husband esp loved his Giant prime rib and says it was the best meal of the whole trip!!!

Hope you enjoy it!!

 

[sheila <3 WDW]

We love CRT!
We went back in September for lunch. I didn't love what I ordered, but that's not their fault. DH loved his and DD enjoyed her meal. I loved being in the castle! I didn't think it was crowded, at least not any more crowded than any other restaurant. The princesses were great, the wishing ceremony was awesome for DD, she loved it!
We went a few weeks ago for breakfast. We thought it was amazing! And breakfast is all you can eat, so if you are worried about being hungry that may be the meal for you. Neither DH nor I needed a second plate of food. They bring out a plate of pastries and we had a bowl of fruit and they bring out what you order.
I would totally go back, favorite meal of mine for the setting, if not the food. (Although I would have to say it was the best breakfast I had on the trip.)

 

[WantToGoNow]

We've gone the last 3 visits for dinner and never had a bad experience. I thought the food was good and my kids really loved it. My ds9 even enjoyed the interaction and the sword that he got (of course 3 boys (him and my cousin's boys) with swords make a bad combination). The character interaction seemed about the same as all of the other character meals and believe me, the last trip with a party of 11 was definitely not rushed - sometimes I wished it was.

We were planning to skip it this time since we've done it so many times and when I mentioned it to dd7 she started crying so obviously it was important to her. We will be going there in October again.