You Should SKIP the MOST EXPENSIVE Restaurant in Magic Kingdom and Go HERE Instead

Let’s face it, dining at Disney World is as much a part of the experience as riding Space Mountain or meeting Mickey, but when it comes to planning your meals, not all Disney dining is created equal.

If you’ve got Cinderella’s Royal Table (CRT) on your must-do list at Magic Kingdom, we’re here to make a case for why you should skip it and head over to a different restaurant instead. Yup, we said it. So let’s dive right into why we’re suggesting that you skip the most expensive restaurant in Magic Kingdom and consider an alternative.

As we were saying, we’re suggesting that you skip the most expensive restaurant in Magic Kingdom and consider hitting up another spot – a restaurant that offers not only great food and character experiences but also a smarter use of your time and budget. We’re talking about you heading on over to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion instead.

The Magic of Dining in the Castle

First off, don’t get us wrong. Dining inside Cinderella Castle is a dream come true for many of us Disney fans. The theming is, as you’d expect, straight out of a fairytale. You’re literally eating in the castle! And yes, you’ll get to meet Cinderella and a rotating lineup of Disney princesses. But here’s the thing: while the setting is magical, the experience has its drawbacks.

For starters, Cinderella’s Royal Table is expensive. Like, “Do I need a second mortgage for this?” expensive. While dining in the castle is an iconic experience, you’re also paying for that prestige – more than $60 per adult at breakfast and upwards of $80 for lunch or dinner. On top of that, reservations are notoriously difficult to snag, and the meal can take a significant chunk out of your day.

And time is money at Magic Kingdom. Every minute you’re sitting in the castle is a minute you’re not riding your favorite attraction or snapping a photo in front of the castle itself. If it’s your first time at Magic Kingdom, spending hours at CRT might mean missing out on your other must-dos in the park.

Why Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Is a Better Bet

Now let’s talk about Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Located in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion, this dining experience also offers princess meet-and-greets, but with a few key advantages that make it a better choice for many families.

First off, Akershus is a little easier on the wallet. It’s still a splurge (around $60+ per adult), but it’s not quite as steep as CRT. Plus, the character interactions here tend to get rave reviews. Many guests feel like the princesses spend more time at each table, making the experience feel more personal and less rushed.

The menu at Akershus leans into Norwegian-inspired cuisine, with options that cater to adventurous eaters and those who prefer more familiar flavors. So whether you’re excited to try the Scandinavian dishes or stick to kid-approved fare, there’s something for everyone.

But the real selling point is the location. EPCOT’s leisurely pace makes it much easier to fit a table-service meal into your day without feeling like you’re missing out on major attractions. Since EPCOT is more about exploring and strolling, you can enjoy your meal at Akershus without the stress of rushing back to packed ride queues.

When CRT Just Doesn’t Fit the Plan

If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom for the first time, the park is likely going to feel overwhelming (in the best way possible). There’s so much to see and do, and it can be tough to squeeze everything into one day. Between hitting the iconic rides, catching the parades, and staking out a prime spot for the fireworks, your time at Magic Kingdom is really precious.

That’s why Cinderella’s Royal Table might not be the best choice for first-timers. While it’s a bucket-list experience, it’s one that might be better saved for a future trip when you’re not trying to fit in every ride and show.

The EPCOT Advantage

Over at EPCOT, the vibe is completely different. With fewer headliner attractions and a more relaxed pace, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall fits seamlessly into your day. You can explore a few pavilions, enjoy your meal, and still have plenty of time to tackle the park’s biggest rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

And let’s be real, spending time in EPCOT’s World Showcase is a highlight all on its own. After your princess-packed meal, you can wander through Norway, grab a treat from a nearby bakery, and even hop over to the neighboring pavilions for more cultural adventures.

The Bottom Line

So, while dining in the castle sounds magical (and it is), it might not be the best choice for every trip, especially if it’s your first time at Magic Kingdom. We’d recommend skipping the castle for now, head over to EPCOT, and let Akershus show you that royal dining can be just as enchanting (without eating up your whole day).

We are always on the lookout for new food around Disney World, so make sure to continue to follow along with AllEars to stay up to date on all the best Disney World eats!

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What is your favorite Disney World restaurant? Let us know in the comments!

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