Which dinner with Ariel?

[quinnc19]

Ariel is DD3's favorite princess, and I want to take her to a dinner for her birthday that includes Ariel. Ariel seems to be frequently at CRT and Akershus, although it's not guaranteed. Right now, I have CRT booked. My major concern (in addition to Ariel not being there) is that some/all of the windows will be covered due to the Fantasyland construction. I'm not sure how much of a detraction that will be from the atmosphere ? We have Deluxe Dining. I would welcome any and all comments!

 

[Belleandtinker]

Ariel was at Akershus when we were there in April. She was delightful.

Have fun!

 

[BranNich]

I would do Askerhus. We loved CRT but Ariel was not there when we went in 2009. We've been to Askerhus 5 times (last visit was a month ago) and we've always seen Ariel.

 

[MommytoaSweetie]

I hope the other posters are right! We've done Akershus twice (1 breakfast, 1 dinner), and a CRT lunch and we have yet to see Ariel... We're hoping the 3rd time is a charm for this next visit

 

[AirGoofy]

We did CRT in October for dinner and Ariel was there. I did not notice the construction while eating in the castle.

 

[jacksmom]

We have done Akershus 3 times and Ariel was there each time! Have done CRT 2 times and she was not there! We really enjoyed Akershus much more than CRT also! We are planning on doing Akershus on our upcoming trip again because it was so good in the past!

 

[quinnc19]

Thanks for the replies so far - keep them coming! The disney dining site says the construction will affect CRT beginning in January and that you will not be able to see into Fantasyland. There is something iconic about Cinderella's Castle (or Mickey's house as DD calls it), so it does it have the edge for that. But if Ariel is more likely or the food better at Akershus, that will sway me. Of course, Akershus is only 1 credit so it has that advantage also.

 

[FindingFigment]

We did lunch at Akershus in October and there were 5 princesses there, including Ariel. We also saw Belle, Cinderella, Aurora and Snow White. After that, we didn't have to stand in line to see them at MK which was great! Just had to find Jasmine and Tiana which we did. And then we also saw Rapunzel.

Here are the 2 reasons why I chose Akershus:

1) The food is almost 1/2 the price of that at CRT
2) Akershus has a kids menu. Once I read over the menu for CRT, I knew my picky husband and DD4 would have a hard time finding something they'd like. As it turns out, the food was great at Akershus! DH got the chicken dinner and I got the traditional Norwegian meal which was great! Even DH tasted it and liked it. And of course, DD4 ordered a Norwegian hot dog. LOL! Ok, so it wasn't Norwegian...but for the price we paid, I like to think it was more exotic than it really was.

 

[Eliza'sMom]

Thanks for the replies so far - keep them coming! The disney dining site says the construction will affect CRT beginning in January and that you will not be able to see into Fantasyland. There is something iconic about Cinderella's Castle (or Mickey's house as DD calls it), so it does it have the edge for that. But if Ariel is more likely or the food better at Akershus, that will sway me. Of course, Akershus is only 1 credit so it has that advantage also.

Can you possibly point me to where you're seeing this info? If it's still true for our trip, it might change our plans. Thanks!

 

[quinnc19]

On the WDW site, overview of CRT it says:

"Reservations from Jan 11 - June 30, 2011: Due to a refurbishment of portions of the back side of Cinderella Castle taking place, elements of the restaurant will be refurbished and there will be themed window coverings that will not detract from your experience, but will block the view into Fantasyland."

Not having dined there since the 70s, I'm not sure how much this will impact the experience. Hope that helps you, though!

Can you possibly point me to where you're seeing this info? If it's still true for our trip, it might change our plans. Thanks!

 

[*sarah*]

I am *hoping* Ariel will be at CRT in January when we are there, but not getting my hopes up. She is my favorite princess. DS is most excited to see Belle and Cinderella when we are there.

 

[Hootch]

three meals at CRT (all lunch) we have had Ariel once, but it was the most recent trip.

If they are using some type of window covering, I don't see how it will detract from the experience. Getting a window seat is very dependent on when you are being seated. We haven't gotten one yet. With not having a window seat at lunch, the biggest impact from the windows is the light that can make it hard to get certain picture angles.

 

[OhThePain]

If they are using some type of window covering, I don't see how it will detract from the experience. Getting a window seat is very dependent on when you are being seated. We haven't gotten one yet. With not having a window seat at lunch, the biggest impact from the windows is the light that can make it hard to get certain picture angles.

I was thinking the same thing. I don't think the windows being covered will hurt the atmosphere and overall experience too much.

As far as seeing Ariel goes, my girlfriend and I saw her at Akershus durring lunch back in May. We did not see her at CRT a couple of years ago, but that was when Ariel's Grotto was still there.

As you said OP, there is no 100% sure way to know what characters you will see at a restaurant at a given time. A lot of people say they see Cindy at Akershus but she was not at our meal (we had Jasmine instead).

 

[caitbrianna]

We just came back from the World. Akerhaus was the winner by far, but Ariel was at both CRT and Akerhaus for us. Menu at Akerhaus was much better, and only one credit on the Dining Plan.

 

[nushiekitty]

When we went in September Ariel was at CRT both times we went as well as Akerhaus.

 

[ladeeesquire]

we did akershus in sept and ariel was there. unfortunately out of all our princess experiences, and we had many, she was the only one who was a bit snippy. I'm sure that's unusual though as every other character was truly charming.