Question! First trip to Disney. :)

[heather7]

Planning a 4 to 5 day stay (probably 5.) in April for my daughter's birthday. Will be booking on the 30th when rates become available. Definitely want to do something special like eating at the royal table. Do you all have opinions on that? Would it be better to celebrate with the princesses there, or at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall?

Another thing, the most important thing that I am wondering about is the dining plan. If we get the deluxe dining plan, I know that the royal table takes 2 credits per person...(I think) But when making the advanced reservation, will we have to pay to reserve? A bit confused.

 

[Baptist]

Overall, CRT is a great experience. There is something magical about eating in Cinderella's castle. Akershus is nice too, but lacks the same ambiance. If I asked the family, they would say hands down CRT is better.

However, here is the accountant in me speaking, Akershus is a better deal. It costs less out of pocket and is only one table service credit (compared to two) on the meal plan. You get to meet the princesses and get pictures as a take home at both places.

Beware of the dining plan, it rarely is a good deal financially (there's the accountant talking again!). It only saves you money if you have lots of kids under 9 years old. Of course if it's included in your package for "free", then it's a different story.

 

[Msdaisy811]

Planning a 4 to 5 day stay (probably 5.) in April for my daughter's birthday. Will be booking on the 30th when rates become available. Definitely want to do something special like eating at the royal table. Do you all have opinions on that? Would it be better to celebrate with the princesses there, or at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall?

Another thing, the most important thing that I am wondering about is the dining plan. If we get the deluxe dining plan, I know that the royal table takes 2 credits per person...(I think) But when making the advanced reservation, will we have to pay to reserve? A bit confused.

depends CRT has the venue going for it for sure but akershus has more princesses and interaction. you still have to pay in advance but when you go to actually pay at the resturant you tell them that you will be using your dining plan

 

[My1promise]

I plan on taking my daughter to the castle for her birthday simply because it's the castle and I think it will be a birthday that she will never forget and plus the castle has been the only place I can find the "her royal highness" package for a birthday and I know that will be so special to her. When I made my ADR for it I was not charged an upfront payment and I am on the dining plan. They asked for my credit card number to reserve it but nothing was charged.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

We are going to eat at the castle as well. Another option is 1900 Park Fare. They have the prince and Cinderella, and the stepmother and stepsisters as well. You could always take her to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at the castle for her birthday.

 

[monique5]

Planning a 4 to 5 day stay (probably 5.) in April for my daughter's birthday. Will be booking on the 30th when rates become available. Definitely want to do something special like eating at the royal table. Do you all have opinions on that? Would it be better to celebrate with the princesses there, or at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall?

Another thing, the most important thing that I am wondering about is the dining plan. If we get the deluxe dining plan, I know that the royal table takes 2 credits per person...(I think) But when making the advanced reservation, will we have to pay to reserve? A bit confused.

We do both, CRT & Akershus, on each trip. There is nothing like CRT, eating in the castle & each princess presented before entering. Girls receive a wand, boys a sword. Akershus not as organized, but fun. Girls & princess have a parade around the restaurant. The 2 credits are worth it. If money or credits an issue, Akershus is a great selection. If not, do both or CRT only.

If you book dining plan @ time of reservation, payment in full is not required, only credit card guarantee. If no dining plan @ time of making reservation for CRT, payment in full required. Most say DDP not worth cost. For us, DD6 so child price, we always come out ahead. Receipts total more than DDP cost. And food, snacks & resort refillable mug paid for in advance. We are in the princess, Disney Jr. & Mickey Mouse Clubhouse phase. So character meals daily.

Only @ CRT, Her Royal Highness Package, great birthday surprise. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/...oyal-table-offers-her-royal-highness-package/

Also, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, ages 3-12 @ MK in Castle. How old is DD? Princess fan? Different packages. If not, you can go in & just ask for pixie dust to be sprinkled on her.
http://allears.net/btp/bibbidi.htm

Note celebrating birthday on all reservations, room & dining. Also, remind @ check-in. Receive button button @ resort. Restaurants bring special birthday treat @ end on meal, varies based on location. You can order cake for TS meal or glass slipper dessert @ CRT & 1900 PF.
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/disney-world-cakes-faq/

Edit: I see you are new to the boards & 1st trip. Note you can make dining reservations 180D in advance. Very important for TS meals during Easter & Spring Break.

 

[Mikie]

Good advice above - I have kids and kids-at-heart, so princess character dining is a daily event on our trips. We will do both Cinderellas Royal Table and Akhershus on our upcoming trip. The Castle is such a special treat because it's the castle - especially if it's your first day of the trip, but really any time.

As one PP mentioned, since you're a first time visitor, I'm not sure if you know the challenge of getting a reservation at CRT and many other character meals. If you are staying on site, you can make reservations 180 days before your arrival date for all days of your stay, offsite guests can make reservations 180 days before the desired meal date. This means for your best chances , you should call at 7am eastern time (I prefer calling, but many prefer using the online system, I'm not sure if you can book that sooner - I think it's midnight) on the morning of your 180day window. Cinderellas Royal Table, Be Our a Guest and a few others routinely fill up within hours of becoming available each day. If you're staying onsite, you may have better luck getting a reservation later in your stay, because it's still >180 days away and other guests haven't yet had a shot at that day.. If you have trouble getting a reservation at all or at decent time for you, don't stress! Many people keep looking after the fact by checking the web site once a day or so and waiting for an opening to pop up. Good luck and have fun planning!