Lunch at Cindy's Royal Table
Ok- I was really looking forward to this one! The girls changed into their princess attire and I sprinkled gold glitter with hair spray on their pony tails. They had crowns and looked just as good as the Bippity Bobbity Boutique girls!
First we happened to meet the stepsisters and Fairy Godmother outside the castle! Those stepsisters are a absolute riot!! "Oh you're dressed as that fish girl (ariel) I hope you like sushi!"
Then we entered the castle and waited for Cinderella. We got 2 sets of photos as we were 5. One set just of the girls and the second set of the whole family. Cindy was very sweet, knelt down to talk to the 5 year old. She was not rushed at all. The line was not too long-I found the photographer slightly abrupt but it didn't hurt the experience. The pics came out beautiful and I am glad they were included in the package. Cindy was very gracious, never left character and was worth the short wait.
Then we had to wait for about 20 minutes before we were called upstairs. At first the CM's were calling in the usual manner "Lord and Lady Smith" stuff like that. Then they got giddy and stupid "Survey says the Smith Family come on down!". I found this in bad taste considering the girls' fantasy, the price paid and the whole experience. I went over and told them to please knock it off-that those kind of "Price is Right" introductions were out of place and not right in the castle. They probably thought I was an old fart but they knocked it off right away.
We were finally called, the girls got their wands and wishing stars. They are ok-kind of cheap looking but ...
We have very late lunch ADR's at 2:45 pm and were seated in the upper tier. It was just fine. Our waiter was just so so (the gratuity is included at CRT) but his helpers were outstanding. I will tell you why in a few minutes-
The food:
Since it was almost dinner we had a very nice appetizer platter and they brought over 2 platters for the 5 of us.
It had cheeses, grapes, chicken and pesto sauce and the famous dinner BLT salad. We all enjoyed the taste of everything esp the salad.
The princesses were on their way and Aurora had just arrived when the waiter's assistant arrived with our lunches! He actually stood there holding the plates while they finished taking the pictures so as not to disturb the shot! He was awesome.
The princess came slowly around the room and we were able to eat in between. The princesses that day were-Mary Poppins, Aurora Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine and Belle in every day dress. The spent a lot of time-Aurora showing how to stand in her dress, Jasmine showing how to stand like an Arabian princess, Mary Poppins talking to the adults which a great accent! No rush at all.
May I suggest these later lunches? Most people were now arriving for early dinners and we had the princesses to ourselves!
As for the food:
I had the Major Domo pie and found it delicious. Very light crispy pastry shell and there was just enough beef and veggies. The other adults had the sandwich which they found ok-nothing special but they loved the sweet potato chips.
The kids both had the grilled chicken strips with baked pasta and veggies. One loved the chicken and hated the pasta the other loved the pasta and left the chicken-what can you do??
All in all I enjoyed the CRT lunch-It is beautiful. I doubt I would do it again unless with other little girls. I do not think it is worth 2 table service credits but I do think it is worth it once. I really do.
Jen
