Visiting Walt Disney World usually comes with the dream of enjoying a meal in Cinderella’s Castle and you can do just that with a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table! With so many differences at the happiest place on Earth right now, many are asking if the price is worth the meal. I’ll break down the top five differences of what you can expect.
1. Upon arrival for your reservation, you will have the option to check-in via the My Disney Experience app when your reservation time is close, and you are in the restaurant’s vicinity. It makes for a total contactless check-in. Your name will be called and you are guided inside directly to the stairs or the elevator to head up to the dining area.
In the past, the inside waiting room was usually filled with guests waiting to go up. Seeing it completely empty is a great experience, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful room and get some good pictures with all the little details. Make sure you look up to find those mischievous mice, Jaq and Gus!
2. Cinderella’s Royal Table has always offered guests the availability to enjoy either breakfast, lunch or dinner. However, currently, the only meals being offered are lunch and dinner in a prix fixe format offering appetizer, entrée and dessert. The menu is limited but the meal is hands down one of the most delicious one you will have during your Walt Disney World stay. Make sure to try the Cheesecake, absolutely delicious!
3. Guests will be able to dine for less now. Previously, adults were charged $75 and children aged 3-9 years for $45. However, as guests can expect a limited menu and a lack of character interactions they were accustomed to, the prices have dropped to $62 per adult and $37 per child.
4. The restaurant which is normally known for its tight quarters, being a small space to begin with and packed with as many tables as will fit, will seem very roomy! Adhering to current guidelines for indoor dining, all tables are six feet apart and a large table is only allowed to sit up to eight people. This will mean that if you are traveling in a large party, you will be split up, sitting at tables next to each other in most cases.
Personally, I found the extra room wonderful! It has always seemed very cramped and almost chaotic in the past because of the number of people seated for their meal. Our server cast member also stopped several times to leisurely speak with us, the attention that normally wouldn’t have happened because of the sheer volume of guests in the past.
5. Probably the biggest difference guests will notice may be the lack of the Disney princess parade, where usually a plethora of Disney princesses stroll through the restaurant and stop at each table, allowing pictures and autographs. In the past, while specific princesses were never guaranteed to make an appearance during your meal, Cinderella, Jasmine, Aurora, Ariel, Aurora and Snow White were the usuals.
Right now, the only princess you will see is Cinderella. She is announced with great fanfare and walks the outer limits of the room on a raised platform. During your meal, she will make two appearances. While she does not visit your table or sign autographs, it was a fun sighting, and she stops several times so you can capture a great picture of her right in her own castle!
Overall, would I recommend visiting Cinderella’s Royal Table now? In short, yes.
While depending on the specific guest and circumstances I may not feel it is the best time for them to experience this dining venue. Overall, I do still believe it is worth the price. I always feel that the experience of dining inside Cinderella’s Castle is really fun and worth your dollars, and the character interaction is simply a bonus.
| Jade Monzo is the owner of Rope Drop Travel, a full-service travel agency specializing in Disney destinations. She lives with her husband and seven little ones ages ten and under. She enjoys helping with her children’s school PTO’s and all things Disney. |
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