Is Cindy's worth the 2 credits?

[karensokool]

Has anyone done one of the Cinderella character meals? Is it worth it to spend two Table service credits?

 

[WDWorBUST]

No it isn't worth it in my opinion.....however when we asked our 3YO DD where she wanted to eat she told us in the castle....guess where we are eating But I really don't think it is worth it. The food is okay - not great - but I have felt like we were being rushed through the meal the two times we were there....there was no interaction to speak of with the princesses (Oh hello - pose for a picture - move on) and it's pre-plated but they'll bring you more of anything...but you have to ask, it isn't offered, and they have acted put out when we have. That said it is really cool to be in the castle...but I think it's highway robbery. Of course this is just my opinion based on only 2 prior experiences. I have actually been considering cancelling it this next trip - but I'm still undecided just because Sammi did ask to eat there. OH....the VERY BEST character meal I have ever done is Play & Dine at Hollywood and Vine - the food is good (regular breakfast fare - although a buffet) and the character interaction is WONDERFUL. (We have now done it 3 times and haven't been disappointed yet)

 

[Emiems20]

Have done several character meals, favorite is chef Mickey's! It was so much fun, mind you I was 20 at the time and having a blast, the charcter's sing and dance, and there is so much food to chose from, a wonderful time, plus it is at the CR, which is right on the monerail so you can go to the park right afterwards!!

 

[JimMIA]

I'm not a fan of Cindy's at any price, and surely not at 2 TS.

1900 Park Fare is a much better Cinderella event, with better food, a lovely setting, and 10X more character interaction. Unlike the 30-second photo op downstairs at CRT, Cindy dropped by our table four times at 1900!

That said, if you have a little princess, you have to do Cindy's once. I would pay cash -- there's no way it's worth 2 TS.

 

[domesticdiva]

IMHO, I have to agree with the other posters, I didn't find the character interaction or meal any better than anywhere else, just the price tag was a lot higher! OUr family loved Chef Mickeys for the character interaction and we loved the food at Coral Reef, Le Cellier and 50's Primetime. I think if I were doing a character diiner again I would try the Luau at Ohanas, I hera it is fantabulous!

 

[Disneydreamer5]

Hate to jump on the band wagon but I too have to agree with everyone else here and say No way to Cindrella's castle. My son who will eat anything wouldn't eat anything there. He was so hungry and we waited all day for our ADR time and when we got there it was gross! The waitress did end up giving him 2 desserts as she noticed he was not eating but other then that I have to say it was pretty awful. Even myself and DH could barely eat whatever it was they gave us.
That said I have heard the breakfast isn't too bad. Just your basic. Not sure if that is 2 TS as well but its something to look into if your little one really has her heart set.
Good luck with whatever you should decide.

 

[Pirate Dad]

I actually liked CRT. Our meal was very good and my daughters were mesmorized by the castle. 2 TS is expensive, but it's in the castle, and you get two portraits with Cinderella and each of my girls got a princess wand. Plus, it's the only place we got to see the Fairy Godmother. I'd do it again.

 

[Laren]

I'd say for food- definitely not. It used to be a great place for prime rib dinner but the last two trips we ate there, our food was cold.

For the experience of your children meeting Cinderella in the castle if it is their dream- maybe.

We also enjoyed the Cinderella dinner at GF way more. The food was phenomenal- we got to spend a lot more time with Cinderella, the prince was there too and she loved Suzy and Perla.

If I was going to do again and was on dining I think I'd pay OOP for Cindy and double up the credits for another fine dining experience.

Having said all that. . .if your heart tells you go, GO. If you're getting dining free, then the experience is free anyway! And it could very well be priceless. This is the first trip my daughter actually said to me "Oh mom, lets not take the time to do character dining. Where can I get a good steak?" LOL She's only 11. The time has gone by so fast. Two minutes ago, she was sneaking and planting a kiss on surprised prince charming's cheek at the GF dinner- and having her portrait drawn in the lobby afterward.

My husband and i actually both got teary eyed that night watching the artist draw her- thinking how soon she'd be grown up and look so different from the portrait in her little princess gown. We never imagined how true that would be, only four years later.

Seize the time-make the memories. You'll remember the character interaction far longer than the food.

Laren

p.s. (I also wanted to say that we've been to EPcot princess breakfast twice. First time-best character meal ever. Second time- they were swamped and the princess were literally a fly-by. So your mileage may vary no matter which place you choose character dining- but they sure do their best to make every child feel like the only child.

 

[lisabelll]

I have to say it wasn't worth 2 credits. We went for lunch because we wanted a character meal (not a "magical moment"). Once we were in the dining area you couldn't really tell you were in the castle, the princesses rushed by and the food was icky. I am glad that I went once, but we never plan to go again.

 

[bell.of.the.ball]

I actually liked CRT. Our meal was very good and my daughters were mesmorized by the castle. 2 TS is expensive, but it's in the castle, and you get two portraits with Cinderella and each of my girls got a princess wand. Plus, it's the only place we got to see the Fairy Godmother. I'd do it again.

the Fairy Godmother is at 1900 Park FAIRE at the GF

 

[wideeyes]

No we are doing storybook breakfast at epcot and Cinderella Gala Feast at GF so two meals instead of one, much better use of the DDP.

 

[beattyfamily]

Click HERE for another thread on this subject with many opinions/experiences.

 

[timandlesley]

We've been to both and HANDS DOWN it's better at 1900 park Fare, more time with Cindy, the Fairy Godmother is there, Prince Charming and the mice are adorable and come by several times. My DH and I thought it was the best buffet we've had on Disney property. they have chef's there cooking fresh pasta dishes that are INCREDIBLE including eveything else on teh buffet, deserts are great too!
Lesley

 

[FlashScout]

Everyone has their opinion, but ultimately it depends on your family situation. My DD will celebrate her 6th b-day there - that is all she can talk about. Aurora is actually her favorite, but any princess will do and the castle is a must. We're also doing the Akershus Storybook.

That being said, here is the alternative we're taking - we'll use the 2 TS for the kids but pay OOP for my DW and myself. That saves us the 2TS for a "date night" romantic dinner at Artist's Point while the kids are at the Cubs Den. A better use for the credits and we'll just deal with the cost of Cindy's for the grownups.

 

[whogirl'smom]

It is worth it IF you have a child dying to go there, imo. We went last year and DD loved it. This year, she said since she's already eaten with the princesses, she wants to eat with Alice instead (1900 Park Fare). She even turned down the offer of Akershus!
As an adult, I wouldn't go more than once. Food was good, but not $109 OOP good.

 

[NCardella]

I just have to chime in...I feel like CRT is getting a bad rap here...we absolutely loved it!! The food was excellent, the little treats the kids get are adorable (wishing stars, magic wands, swords). Our character interaction was great and the show was cute.

we had special dietary requests and the chef came out and spent a good while with us discussing changes in the meal.

I would do this one again in a heartbeat, no question about it!

Plus the free photo package was a great souvenir.

 

[bless7ings]

Is it worth it?

Positives:

It's worth it to try it once, because if you don't try for yourself you could be out an experience that was nice for you!

It's worth it if you or your children want the thrill of the "castle".

I liked the breakfast foods!

I am glad we went and tried it!(though I'm glad it was at 1 TS)

Negatives:

I was not highly impressed with the decorum.(my opinion)

The princesses didn't give you much time. You hear this alot! Just bank on it and enjoy anyway!

I wouldn't go back now that I have been. That's the key, "now that I have been". (especially for 2 TS. I would rather try something new.)

I think everyone has to try for themselves. We went some places that had bad reviews and enjoyed it! How bad do you want to go and why? If it's for the typical reasons then you might as well try it, if you want it bad enough.

 

[yrdlyprincess]

my Dfriend & "grand gathering family" didn't use their credits either, told me not to waste my that it was cheaper to pay OOP

 

[scullymc]

Did not like the CRT dinner way over priced for what you get

 

[PammyPoppins]

Do you have to guarentee with a credit card and they charge it if you have the dining plan?
PammyPoppins