Subsonic Radio

I am going to WDW soon and was will have only one chance to dine with the princesses so which one is better, Princess Storybook Dining at Norway's restaurant Akershus or Cinderella's Royal Table in the castle? Thanks!

I haven't done the Norway one myself (though I did peer through the windows while it was going on last December), but I've heard that it is a better value than CRT, where they charge through the roof these days. On the other hand you can't really beat the whole castle ambiance. I think you get more/a wider variety of princesses in Akershus too, but I'm not sure... when I was peeking through the window it was because I saw Mulan and was suitably impressed she was in there.

food wise, norways food may not fit your pallate, I love it there, but my parents did not. Norway is also all you can eat from what I remember. I have never eaten at teh castle thought so I cant add any imput there. Sorry.

The food options at Norway we found to be better, however our daughter was disappointed by the princesses, as they were too "scripted", unfortunately they all chose the same script for our table, so each princess said exactly the same thing over and over again, which spoiled the feel, and took away from the experience.

Besides there is something really special about dining in the castle, and it's something you should try at least once.

Val

Dining at the castle was $90 for two people, so it was pretty pricey. However, I recommend going late in the evening near fireworks time. We were seated a little ways back from the windows as the fireworks were going off, and it added quite a bit of ambiance. Plus, people were clearing out, so we got a bit more attention from the characters and cast members.

With two young princesses, I can say that we have eaten at both places many, many, many times. A few years ago, the Castle was the best. But, with the recent changes, its not so easy to say that. If you're going for breakfast, I would still choose the Castle, but that's not to say Norway isn't wonderful, too. Both offer a generous amount of food and quite a bit of time with the Princesses. The ambiance of the Castle, however, is incredible. However, lunch at the Castle in 2006 was one of the biggest wastes of money -- my daughters were SO disappointed, the food was lackluster, and the entire event was hurried. And then there was the tab....

I would say Ankashria (Princess storybook dining) @ Norway, or 1900 Park Fare (Cindy's Gala Feast) @ the GF.

I agree a few years ago Cindy's Royal Table couldn't be beat. But Disney seems to have figured out that they can charge to eat in the castle, and other locations like CA Grill. I use to go to the grill for the food 1st, service 2nd, and the view/ambiance 3rd. By reducing the food/service the charge is now for the view/ambiance in both places is how I feel.

So the short answer is if your princess needs to eat at the castle, then you are done, there is one castle @WDW. If it's meet with the princesses, then I would lean toward 1900 or Ankashari.

As for the food options, the times we've been to Norway, they had both Norwegain food out and American. And it's Disney if they still don't like the options ask the server, lot of times they can make a burger or PB&J or what ever you require (and if you know ahead of time just have it on the ADR.)

johno

I have friends who couldn't get reservations at the castle even four months in advance. Being out of date myself, apparently, I told them to try a walk up. I've successfully done that many time when I couldn't get reservations and it always worked. That not only didn't work for my friends at the castle, the lady at the door was pretty rude to them and talk to them as if they were fools for even trying. That kind of behavior is extremely rare at WDW, so I figure these people are a bit over worked at the castle and the presure may be getting to them.

The castle is a better venue, but the dining is better in Norway.

Yea that is the other thing, to get dining at the castle, even with the way they run people though there. You have to call at 7am 190days ahead.

It's a way to "game" the ADRs. Make a reservation for 191 days before you want to eat at the castle, for 10days. Next morning at 7am call 407-WDW-DINE, make a reservation for the castle, then that afternoon cancel you 190day reservation.

Right now the rule is dumb, it's 180days ahead you can make an ADR, PLUS upto 10days after your reservation starts.

johno