Guest Review- Akershus…A great and often overlooked alternative to Cinderella’s Royal Table

Akershus…A great and often overlooked alternative to Cinderella’s Royal Table
-By Heather B.

I would like to start out by saying that we have experienced many of the character meals, including 1900
Faire and Cinderella’s Royal Table. Today I would like to take this opportunity to highlight Akershus in
Epcot’s World Showcase Norway Pavilion.

Akershus, I believe is often overlooked for a few reasons; one being fear of the menu, two it is in Epcot
and three, it is not a huge landmark. As with all Disney experiences, they are up for interpretation and
personal preference. We personally loved our recent dinner experience at Akershaus. Upon admission
into the restaurant you are placed in line to have a photograph/autograph opportunity with a princess.

On this occasion we got to meet with Belle. On top of that, we received an 8x10 and two 4x6 photos
included with the cost of the meal. In our case, we were on the Disney dining plan. We were seated
in the rounded alcove, which was cozy but comfortable. The center dining hall has large ceilings with
tapestries. The entire restaurant really has a traditional old world theme. Having been to Europe a few
times, I really appreciated the experience.

Our server was very friendly and accommodating (we had a special meal request for our daughter). We
started out by ordering drinks and were then offered to freely go up to the bar area for appetizers. The
bar included items such as a variety of cold salads, rolls, cheeses, meats and fruit. We made at least two
trips each! On the dining plan most restaurants do not include an appetizer per se, but with this style
of meal the bar was included. For our entrees my husband and I each ordered the seared herb-dusted
beef tips in a mushroom sauce, which came with mashed potatoes and vegetables. It was outstanding!

Off the children’s menu the girls ordered pizza and the ravioli. They too were both very pleased with
their dinners! For desert we ordered the apple cake, chocolate mousse and traditional rice cream, and
again, we were all pleased! For those who are put off by the menu, there is plenty to choose from. All
of our meals at Akerhus were hands down better than when we ate at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

All the while we experienced princesses coming to our table for autographs and photo-ops. I have
to say that in our opinion, Akerhus’s character experiences felt more intimate and less rushed then
they did at CRT. We were greeted by Cinderella, Ariel and Snow White and they were all outstanding,
including making our less than enthused two year old son get into the experience! Towards the end
of our meal and after the princesses finished making their rounds they announced the royal princess
promenade. Set to music, all the children were invited up to make their rounds through the restaurant
accompanied by the princesses. It was a big hit!

Although I think you can’t beat the one of a kind castle experience at Cinderella’s royal table, I would
do Askerhus over again and I cannot say I would do CRT again. I really appreciated the intimacy of the
character experience, it truly felt personal. Sometimes with character meals you have to wait a long
time to see everyone and you have crabby children on your hands to appease. We were able to eat,
enjoy, be merry and on our way. To top it all off, we were able to leisurely stroll the world show case
and enjoy the sights after dinner! Akerhus really was outstanding and I would highly recommend it as a
wonderful alternative to CRT!

Have you used my services and want to provide a review about a restaurant, resort or something else? Contact me at Amanda@mouseketrips.com