Who hasn’t dreamed about exploring Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World? One of the most iconic destinations for any Disney fan, Cinderella Castle is home to the popular restaurant called Cinderella’s Royal Table.
What do you need to know before eating at Cinderella’s Royal Table?
Make a Reservation Early
Cinderella’s Royal Table is a beautifully themed, intimate restaurant that has a very limited number of tables. As a result it can be extremely difficult to find a reservation.
Book your reservation as soon as the window opens up for your trip (180 days in advance) or you may find there isn’t any availability.
Prepare to Pay in Advance
Whether you’ve made a reservation for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Cinderella’s Royal Table is an experience that you will pay for in advance. Don’t be surprised when your credit card is billed for a meal you’ll be eating several months later.
Payment is required in full when booking. However, you may cancel your reservation 24 hours before your meal and receive a full refund. If you don’t cancel prior to that 24-hour window you will be charged the full price of the meal.
You’ll Meet the Princesses
Cinderella’s Royal Table is a great opportunity to meet several Disney princesses. You’ll first meet Cinderella prior to heading up the stairs to the main dining room. There, guests will typically meet with four other princesses who will walk around the room and stop to visit at your table.
The list of princesses you will meet is subject to change, but we personally met Ariel, Jasmine, Snow White and Aurora.
Note that there is typically only a photographer during the meet and greet with Cinderella. Photographers are not available to take photos with the other princesses who are in the dining room. They princesses will happily pose for photos, but you’ll have to take your own.
The Theming is Amazing
Walking up the stairs and into the main dining room is an experience on its own. The room is beautifully decorated and feels like you’re actually visiting a royal palace. There’s something truly magical knowing that you’re in the castle, especially if you happen to be seated by a window overlooking the Magic Kingdom.
It might be Loud
Be aware that some dining experiences at Cinderella’s Royal Table can be a bit loud. Due to the layout and the design of the room, sound tends to carry.
Guests are also encouraged to make a wish during a portion of the meal. This involves some guest participation, music and flashing lights.
It’s not a Buffet
This is not an all-you-can eat experience. Guests order off of a prix fixe menu that may only have a handful of options. Consider reviewing the menu before booking to ensure there’s something offered for every member in your party.
Arrive Early for Your Reservation
This point is particularly true for early breakfast reservations or if you hope to get a table with a window view. The lines at breakfast can get fairly long even with a reservation, potentially delaying your plans for the remainder of the morning.
Meanwhile, due to the size of the restaurant, there are only a handful of tables with a unobstructed view into the Magic Kingdom. You’ll have a better chance of having your table requests fulfilled if you arrive early.
You’re Paying for the Location
Don’t interpret that as a slam against the food. We found our breakfast selections to be extremely tasty. However, the price for two adults can range from around $100 before tip to around $200 before tip depending on the time of the year that you visit.
We personally wouldn’t pay that much for the food we received, but we were able to justify the cost thanks to the incredible theming, the fun interactions with the princesses and the fact we were eating in the actual castle.
It’s a Must-Do for Serious Disney Fans
Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table is a one-of-a-kind experience that should be considered a must-do for serious Disney fans. It’s a rare opportunity to spend time in the castle, enjoy a good meal and meet the princesses all in one go.
However, due to the price, we consider this a “you have to do it once” kind of experience. We have personally dined here on one occasion and haven’t felt the need to return at this time.
Photo via Disney
