How to Dine With the Disney Princesses At Walt Disney World

No matter your age, one of the most popular dining experiences at Walt Disney World is enjoying a meal with Disney's Royal Princesses. Two different castle locations create the settings for characters meal fit for royalty. Cinderella's Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom, and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot's Norway Pavilion.

In both locations Guests are welcomed with a meet and greet by a Royal Princess and treated to a photo package with a picture of the dining party and Princess taken with before being seated. While you dine at both locations you'll be a nearly endless parade of of Disney Princesses will visit at each table making sure that the guests have everything they need. These lovely Royal Ladies will chat to your party and pose for pictures as you enjoy a hearty meal created by the royal chef.


How to Dine With the Disney Princesses At Walt Disney World


Cinderella's Royal Table

From the moment you check in at the hostess stand you know that things here are just a little bit different. Hidden behind large wooden castle doors, the waiting area in the Grand Hall is full of gothic arches and royal details. It's here that you'll have a moment to meet your hostess Cinderella and have a photo taken with her. Once your table is ready, your party will be escorted up stairs where the impressive banquet hall is reveled.

The pricing for meals at Cinderella's Royal Table are prix fixe, however a little known fact is that it's also "all you care to enjoy." Guests can choose from a selection of menu items available for each course, and they will be brought to you at your table by a server. If you would like to try more than one item, just ask. The food here is good, but not on par with other Signature Dining in Disney. Over the past few years it has been obvious that the Chef has taken care to create menus that are much more flavorful and on trend than they used to be. That being said what you're really paying for at Cinderella's Royal Table is the experience of dining with the Princesses in the Castle. Many Disney fans consider enjoying a meal in the Castle the ultimate right of passage.

The adult price range for Cinderella's Royal Table is between $53.29-$ $71.83 depending on the time of year and which meal you plan to eat there. The child's price range (ages 3-9) is subject to the same variables is between $34.64-$43.24. Tax and gratuity are included in the price, as is a standard, non-alcoholic beverage, the photo package, and a special gift for kids. Tables in Wonderland is accepted, some black-out dates not withstanding. For those using the Disney Dining Plan, this is a Two Table Service Credit experience.

*Please note that at the time of publication Cinderella's Royal Table is undergoing a lengthy refurbishment scheduled to last from January 5, 2015 until March 6th, 2015. While the refurbishment is happening Cinderella and her friends have moved to Citrico's in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. At this time it's unknown if this location will be a permanent option.


Cinderella's Royal Table In The Magic Kingdom


Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

The atmosphere at Akershus is not quite as elegant at it is in Cinderella Castle, however in the main dining room you still have a castle feel with stone arches, leaded glass windows and heraldic banners hanging high above the main hall. I like the more casual feeling at this location, and the Princess interaction feels less rushed to me.

The fixed-price meal at Akershus is a combination of dining styles. There is a cold buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which starts off the meal with tasty Norwegian fruits, cheeses and deli meats. For breakfast then an all you care to eat platter is delivered to the table. For lunch and dinner after having enjoyed the cold board, Guests can choose from a selection of menu items of single-serving main courses, and in the evening it's finished off with a delicious family-style dessert. The food is served up hot and fresh, and in my opinion this is one of the best "deals" when using the Disney Dining Plan. I also have to point out that since Akershus is located in Epcot, alcohol is available and they served me one of the best mimosas I've had on Disney Property.

The adult price range for Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is between $40.46-$55.37 depending on the time of year and which meal you plan to eat there. The child's price range (ages 3-9) is subject to the same variables is between $24.49-$29.81. Tax and gratuity are not included here, but it does include a non-alcoholic beverage, and the photo package. Tables in Wonderland is accepted, some black-out dates not withstanding. For those using the Disney Dining Plan, this is a One Table Service Credit experience.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot


Is Dining In With The Princesses Romantic?

The atmosphere inside Cinderella's Royal Table is about as magical as it gets. With the soaring ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows that look out onto Fantasyland, dining inside the castle is pure romance. That is of course, if you don't mind the dozens of young children around that may, or may not, be well behaved at their tables. If romance is what you seek, be sure to make your reservations for dinner, and be sure to select a time that coincides with the fireworks to enjoy some of the most magical moments.

For some extra special romance a Magical Proposal Package can be added on at Cinderella's Royal Table to provide an all-inclusive dinner at featuring a specially created Chocolate Slipper Dessert, an engraved Glass Slipper in which the engagement ring is presented, champagne flutes and more. To indulge your Princess in this dream come true, call (407) 824-4477 or email [email protected] for pricing, details and proposal arrangements.


A Magical Proposal Package Is Available


That's Great! How Can I Get A Reservation?

Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR) for meals with the Princesses are an absolute must, with an ADR at Cinderella's Royal Table being one of the most difficult reservations to get in all of Walt Disney World. I'm not exaggerating when I say that it's not uncommon for all of the reservations to book up within 3 minutes of the dated becoming available.

It's much easier to book an ADR at Epcot's Akershus, and during slower times of year I've even booked Breakfast with the Princesses just a few days in advanced here. Plus it's half the price of dinning in the Castle at the Magic Kingdom. Akershus reservations require a credit card to hold the reservation, but will not be charged ahead of time.

All Disney Dining Reservations open to the public 180 Days before the date you wish to book. However Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels may book 180 Days +10 from the starting day of their resort reservation. This means that staying on property gives Guests as much as a 10-day advantage. If staying at a Disney resort, call 180 days in advance and ask for availability during all days of your stay.


Dining With The Disney Princesses


Thanks so much to our friends over at the Disney Food Blog for exclusive use of their images. You can find reviews on their website of both Cinderella's Royal Table and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Do you enjoy dining with the Disney Princesses? Which location is your favorite? Personally I really enjoy Akershus for the great Character interaction and relaxed dining pace. Leave a comment and let us know which you like best!