which princess dining is the "best"

[KelseyLaPerle]

We're going for DD's 3rd trip in August (she'll be 7). She's always wanted to eat with the princesses but I've said no because it's just SO expensive. I've decided to take her this time, as a surprise for her birthday.

Which princess dining experience offers the most "bang for your buck". I'm not so concerned with the actual food, but more so with the princess interactions. She's not a fussy eater at all and if I'm going to spend a lot of money for her to eat with the princesses, I want her to have the opportunity to see them for more than a quick table visit.

Recommendations? Suggestions? Places to avoid? Lunch vs. dinner?

Also, we will have PH so can eat anywhere and will not be on the dining plan so will be paying OOP.

Thanks!
~Kelsey

 

[XGrumpy1]

Best bang for the buck is probably at Askerhaus.

 

[realhousewife]

We like Akershus for dinner. We had an 8 pm reservation on a Weds night, so we did not feel rushed at all like at some character meals where they push you through. Upon coming home, I read that is it technically a family-style buffet restaurant and they will bring you more food if you ask - like a second entree. They did bring us more dessert when we only ate one of the selections.

We had good interaction with Snow White, Ariel, Aurora, and Cinderella with a parade at the end of the meal that the little girls could join in.

You may want to compare pricing b/c I noticed on the CRT menu that it is "prix fixe", while Akershus is "family style". I'm not sure of the difference, but maybe they don't bring you more at CRT or have a buffet table.

At Akershus, your photo package is with Belle, and at CRT the photo package is with Cinderella.

Good luck! I bet you'll enjoy either place.

 

[GoHerbie]

Best bang for the buck is probably at Askerhaus.

That's true, but even then your table visit might only be about a minute. Basically long enough for a quick chat while they sign the autograph book, then a picture, then bye bye.

We've done the Askerhus princess dinner on all 3 trips, and on the most recent we paid cash because we were only on the quick service dining plan.

We've had Cinderella's Royal Table lunch in the castle once, so if you've never done CRT I'd highly recommend it. I don't know how the out of pocket prices compare to Askerhus. There is something magical about eating in the castle.

 

[Pakey]

Cost wise, Akershus is less expensive.

I think the food is a little better at Akershus.

Character interaction has been pretty quick at both places.

But CRT is in the Magic Kingdom inside the castle. That's pretty magical.

 

[karibritt01]

If you want CRT, you can always do the breakfast, which is a little cheaper. Unless it has changed, the food is plated and served to your table, but they will bring more upon request. Family style means they bring dishes to the table and you serve yourself, and they will bring more on request.

Our favorite has always been 1900 Park Fare for dinner. The characters seem to spend a lot more time with the kids, and the food is buffet. They have Cinderella, Prince Charming, Stepmother and Stepsisters, and Fairy Godmother.

 

[realhousewife]

We had GREAT interaction with Cinderella, Belle, and Aurora at the Princess M&G. We got a ton of Photopass photos, too, b/c I told them I bought the CD. They signed autographs, danced with my DD2, talked to her, hugged, and really spend a good bit of time making her feel special. It helped that she was dressed as Snow White, too. Make sure you check that out when you are at MK.

 

[minnieandfamily]

My daughter is a huge princess fan and we dined at both Akershus and Cinderella's Royal Table. I think CRT is the best for atmosphere....like the other posters have said, the castle is so magical! We went for breakfast - it's a little cheaper than lunch or dinner plus we were able to get some great photos on Main Street and in front of the castle before the park opened.

I know many people say that Akershus has better "facetime" with the princesses but, in our experience, they were equal.

Either way, your daughter will love it - what a great surprise!

 

[tofubeast]

I've done both CRT (breakfast- first seating) and a dinner (later) ressie at Akershus. I feel like we had equal time with the princesses, but they seemed a little less rushed at Akershus. I would imagine because we were one of the last seatings there for dinner. I loved both.

 

[Tinkerbellah]

CRT is worth the extra. You can meet princesses in Epcot & other places for free too. But to eat in the Castle is the best.

 

[3pletprincesses]

Although I like CRT I would pick Akershus over it anytime. I find the princesses have more time for the kids there and the food is much better IMO. Both restaurants also have a photo package included in the price.