A Grown Up Princess Breakfast at Akershus

I love a good character meal, and over my last several trips to Walt Disney World I've made a point of trying a new one every time. In October I made reservations for the Princess Breakfast at Akershus in Epcot's Norway Pavilion. I must admit I was a little reluctant to book here because I'm not always the most adventurous eater, and the thought of Norwegian food made me a little nervous. I also wasn't entirely sure that I would enjoy the Princess Breakfast as much without my kids. Soon though, Disney showed me that there was nothing to worry about.

Akershus Entry

We arrived in Norway for our reservation at 9:30am, shortly after the Epcot opened, and checked in at the podium in front of Norway's Castle. The friendly Cast member welcomed us, checked off our name, and moved us to a second line. Where I came across the Royal Proclamation declaring it a day of celebration. After a short time we greeted by the beautiful Belle in her yellow ball gown and posed for a picture before being seated.

Royal Proclamation

Akershus has several dinning rooms that range in style from quaint and rustic to the grand banquet hall with royal banners streaming down from the cathedral ceiling. We were first seated in the grand banquet hall, and noticed that most of the tables were family size. Even though it was 9:45 by the time we arrived at our table the restaurant was fairly empty. Our two top was located right in the main doorway facing the line of people waiting to meet Belle, so I asked to be moved.

Looking into the Akershus Grand Hall

We were relocated to one of the smaller rooms, a four top with just two chairs that had been stuck into a corner next to the buffet. The poor location of just about all the tables for two was a disappointment, and something we noticed several times during the trip. At least our second table next to the buffet was quiet and turned out to be a fantastic place to meet the Princesses.

Charming Small Dining Room

Each morning meal at Akershus begins with an adventurous "Taste of Norway." Let me say though that there are plenty of non-adventurous options as well, and even someone like me who can be pretty picky was delighted with the selections. This impressive cold Norwegian buffet (koldtbord) offered many choices of breakfast breads, a yogurt station, cold meats, cheeses, fish and a fantastic selection of fresh fruit. Blackberries, there was a giant bowl of blackberries that made me a very happy girl.

Cold Buffet

In addition to the koldtbord, guests are served a family style all you care to eat meal of bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, and one of the most delicious potato gratin dishes I have ever had.

I also ordered my usual breakfast cocktail, a Mimosa, which can be touch and go at Disney restaurants. The bartender on duty did a smashing job and I was served a fruity, bubbly Mimosa with all the sparkle and character one hopes for in the drink. Again, the best I've ever had at a Disney restaurant.

Hot and Cold Breakfast Selections

Breakfast is served daily from 8:30am to 11:00am. Adult price range is $36 to $59.99 depending guests age and the current season. Tax is included; gratuity is not. A Cold buffet, hot selections, standard non-alcoholic beverage, and desserts are included in this price. The Disney Dining plan is accepted and uses 1 Table Service Credit.

A printed photo package of your arrival with one of the Princesses is included in the fee, and includes 4 - 4"x6", and 1 - 6"x8" print with one of the Disney Princesses in a themed folder.

Princesses Of The Day At Akershus

Princesses rotate through this location, so you never know who you may meet. Many sites will tell you specifically that it does not include Cinderella, however we did. All of the "main" Princesses can to our table and they spent a good amount of time interacting with us in the most charming manner. Never dropping character we were welcomed as a visiting King and Queen and discussed such things as if Erik was a Beast, if one shoe really could change your life, and the difficulties of keeping house when you have so many people under one roof. Snow promised to send me some forest friends that can give me a hand in the future.

If you love Character Dining and are looking for some fantastic interaction with these lovely Royal Ladies, I highly recommend this location as an alternative to the intense atmosphere of Cinderella's Royal Table. The food was good, the atmosphere was delightful and we'll be back, with or without the kids. Have you enjoyed a meal at Akershus? Leave a comment and share your experience below!

*Prices, Princesses, and Photo Package information was correct at time of publication, but as all things Disney, subject to change.