When you think of Magic Kingdom, you think of Cinderella Castle. It’s the first thing you see when you make the loop around Town Square and head down Main Street, U.S.A.
Boom! There she is in all her glory. So, what if you could dine inside the magnificent beauty?
Well, you can! Cinderella’s Royal Table gives guests of all ages the chance to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner inside the castle — and meet several princesses during the meal, including the one and only Cinderella.
For all three meals, you’re served a prix-fixe menu. If you’re debating whether or not to book lunch or dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table, know that the experience, food, and pricing detailed below are exactly the same. The breakfast menu and pricing is different.
We had lunch at Cinderella’s Royal Table on August 12, 2023. Here’s how our dining experience went.
The basics
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Location type: Character Dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 table service credits
- Pros: The experience, view, and characters (which include Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Snow White, and Jasmine), are all good. Food has improved over the years.
- Cons: Expensive, waits can be long to get in even with a reservation.
How we got a Cinderella’s Royal Table reservation
Cinderella’s Royal Table is a popular dining choice for obvious reasons. Many guests want to dine inside the castle. So, you should book this one immediately. No matter the restaurant, we highly recommend booking dining reservations as soon as possible.
Reservations for all the restaurants at Disney World currently open up exactly 60 days in advance — and you should book dining as soon as you can.
Grabbing dining reservations at Disney World is extremely competitive. We snagged our Cinderella’s Royal Table reservation 34 days prior to our trip.
You never know when there will be availability, but the most surefire way to get any reservation is booking 60 days before your trip begins.
Other ways to score a Cinderella’s Royal Table dining reservation
Set dining alerts
If you don’t get a dinner reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table want to try to book one last minute, try setting up a dining alert.
Reservation finding services are built to constantly check for openings at restaurants that you choose. Depending on the service, you can receive an email and/or text alert or a push notification when something becomes available.
Keep checking
You can also keeping checking yourself to see if anything opens up. We’ve had a lot of luck with this method. Trust us when we say reservations become available all the time — even the day of!
Join the waitlist
Many Disney World restaurants also have a waitlist option that you can either join in the My Disney Experience app or in person.
If you don’t have luck snagging a reservation, this might be your next best bet. But, keep in mind, it’s not always a guarantee.
Checking in
Like with many Table Service restaurants across Disney World, you are able to check in for dining reservations 20 minutes prior using the My Disney Experience app.
If you check in via the app, you can only do so up to 20 minutes prior to your reservation time. For our 12:35 p.m. lunch on August 12, 2023, we checked in at 12:15 p.m.
We walked over to the restaurant and found a long line, as you can see below. Some of these people already had reservations, whereas others were putting their names on the walk-up list.
When we finally made it to the front of the line, we gave our name to the Cast Member working who told us that we were all checked in and could go sit inside until our table was ready.
While we waited, we got in line to meet Cinderella (keep reading for more details on meeting her). She doesn’t come to your table, rather diners meet her prior to their meal. PhotoPass is also available. The restaurant has this all timed and it usually goes pretty smoothly.
After we met Cinderella at 12:37 p.m., we waited about 20 minutes until our name was called at 12:55 p.m. Keep in mind that you probably won’t sit down to eat until 20 to 30 minutes after your reservation time due to meeting Cinderella and this being a busier character meal.
What’s included at Cinderella’s Royal Table lunch and dinner
Let’s take a look at what’s included during lunch and dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table…
Cinderella’s Royal Table 3-course prix-fixe lunch and dinner includes:
- One appetizer
- One entrée
- One dessert
- Beverages (all alcoholic drinks cost extra)
You also get to meet a range of princesses (they all sign autographs, and we were also given an autograph card).
This is the other side of the card and how pretty is this? It’s like a mosaic of Cinderella!
During our visit, we met the following princesses:
- Ariel
- Aurora
- Jasmine
- Snow White
There’s the special bonus of:
- A PhotoPass photo with Cinderella (more on this below)
PhotoPass with Cinderella
While you don’t get to take a PhotoPass photo with the other princesses, you get to take a nice picture with Cinderella. After all, it is her castle and dining experience.
The photo opportunity takes place inside the castle and before you even sit down for your meal. It’s all scheduled and timed out, so make sure you meet her before you eat or you won’t get to.
Unfortunately, our PhotoPass didn’t turn out that great. My hat cast an awful shadow over my eye.
You can always double check your photo in the app (they show up pretty quickly) and if it’s bad, try asking politely if you can retake it. We saw some guests do this. But, remember, they are on a schedule, so it might not always work out in your favor. Thankfully, we also took some on our phone that turned out better.
Cinderella does sign autographs and takes her time with each guest, especially little ones. Don’t be intimidated if the line looks long, it moves relatively fast.
While this is allows you to take a nice, professional photo at a character meal versus what you snap on your phone, remember — Cinderella will not come to your table and you must get in line to meet her before your meal.
Remember: photos are not included with your dining reservation, unless you have a PhotoPass entitlement (Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day) or are a qualifying Annual Passholder with a PhotoPass download benefit. You can also buy photos individually.
Character Interaction
At Cinderella’s Royal Table, you get to say hello to not one, not two, not three, not four, but five Disney princesses. What’s more magical than that?
Here’s who you get to meet:
Ariel
Aurora
Jasmine
Snow White
Our interactions with the princesses were all fantastic. They were friendly, lovely, and sign autographs. They made their way around to each table in a timely manner.
What we really appreciated were the princesses visited the tables in the order you were sat. It was so nice! At the end of our lunch, a Cast Member even came to check to make sure we met all of the princesses.
And, of course, don’t forget Cinderella, who we met during the separate character meet and greet that we mentioned above.
Cinderella’s Royal Table food and drinks
A 3-course, prix-fixe lunch and dinner is served at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Here’s what was included with our August 12, 2023 lunch at Cinderella’s Royal Table(keep in mind that menus and prices change, so the following may not always be the same).
Appetizers of the Court (choose one)
You get to choose one appetizer. We chose:
- Felicia: Castle Salad (Romaine, Brussels Sprouts, Goat Cheese, Spring Vegetables, and Green Goddess Dressing)
Just look how gorgeous this salad is! It was light, flavorful, and all-around fantastic. We definitely recommend this as an appetizer.
- Allyson: Soup of the Day (Tomato Bisque; plant-based)
The soup of the day isn’t specified on the menu, so be sure to ask your server if they don’t tell you. This tomato bisque was absolutely outstanding, even on a day when it felt like over 100 degrees farenheit.
The other appetizer choices during our meal were:
- Braised Beef: Carrot and Coriander Purée, Shallot Jam, and Horseradish Gremolada
- Chilled Jumbo Shrimp: Avocado Mousse, Crispy Peppers, Corn Purée, and Micro Cilantro
Entrées Royale (choose one)
For our entrées, we decided on the following:
- Felicia: Slow-braised Chicken (Fettuccine Pasta, Pine Nut Pesto, and Edible Flowers)
While this wasn’t horrible, Felicia recognized that it was good for what it was. She’s not a big fan of a creamy sauce and would have preferred straight pesto.
- Allyson: Parisian Gnocchi (Seasonal Vegetables, Celery Root Purée, and Vegetable Demi-glace; plant-based)
This was an absolutely delicious plant-based gnocchi dish. The veggies were beyond fresh and the demi-glace added a lovely flavor. If you’re not a soy sauce fan, you may want to steer clear of this one since the demi-glace definitely resembles it.
The other entrées on the menu were:
- Spice-rubbed Pork Tenderloin: Curry Couscous, Rainbow Carrots, and Red Wine Jus
- Grilled Tenderloin of Beef: Potato Pavé, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, and House-made Steak Sauce
- Sustainable Catch En Papillote: Marbled Potatoes, Chimichurri, and Seasonal Vegetables
Finales (choose one)
At the end of the meal, you can order one dessert. We chose:
- Felicia: The Clock Strikes Twelve (Dark Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel and Crunchy Praline Center, served with Chocolate Sauce and Hazelnut Gelato)
This dessert tastes as good as it looks. Isn’t it adorable? If you want a perfectly-themed Cinderella sweet treat, then this is the one to order. You won’t be disappointed, especially if you’re a chocolate fan.
- Allyson: Jaq & Gus (Cheesecake with Seasonal Flavors and Garnishes)
This cheesecake was so, so, so, so, so good! Let’s just say there wasn’t even a crumb left on the plate.
There is also a plant-based option:
- Coffee Pot de Crème: Coffee-infused Coconut ‘Custard’, Passion Fruit Gelée, and Crumbled Chocolate-Espresso Beans
While we don’t have photos of the kids’ offerings, here’s what you can expect from the kids’ menu…
Kids’ Create-Your-Own Appetizers (choose one)
- Sliced Apples
- Bite-sized Cheddar Cheese and Grapes
- Garden Salad with Fat-free Ranch Dressing
Kids’ Create-Your-Own Entrées (choose one)
- Seared Fish of the Day: Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice
- Grilled Beef Tenderloin: Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice
- Chicken Nuggets: Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice
- Macaroni & Cheese: Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice
Kids’ Create-Your-Own Selections (choose two)
- Seasonal Vegetables
- Rice Pilaf
- Mashed Potatoes
- Buttered Corn-on-the-Cob
Kids’ Create-Your-Own Desserts (choose one)
- Build-Your-Own-Cupcake: Vanilla Cupcake with Cinderella’s Blue Icing and decorations to garnish your Royal Dessert
- Yogurt Parfait
- Seasonal Sorbet
Drinks
Here’s what you need to know about beverages served at Cinderella’s Royal Table…
Included
Water, soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea, and milk are all included with the cost of your meal.
Alcoholic beverages for an additional price
You can also order beer, cider, seltzer, wine, champagne, or cocktails.
- Felicia: Step Sisters Flight for $15.00
This flight consists of:
- Allyson: Royal Sparkling Flight for $19
This flight consists of:
Both of these flights were very good. Plus, you get a lot for your money. If you’re a fan of white wine, rosé, champagne, then these are the flights to order at Cinderella’s Royal Table. They complemented our meals well.
Important: If you or someone in your party has dietary restrictions, many Disney World restaurants have accommodations and they also sometimes list the allergy-friendly items on the menu (online and in the My Disney Experience app). If you have questions, be sure to chat with a Cast Member and they’ll be able to assist you.
Our most recent review of Cinderella’s Royal Table
This particular dining experience at Cinderella’s Royal Table impressed us greatly. We did not anticipate to love it as much as we did, especially because it costs a good amount.
But, we walked away raving about our lunch and overall experience. That’s how much we enjoyed ourselves. We expect dinner to be just as good. (I had breakfast here in January 2023 when Cinderella’s Royal Table was still modified and you could only meet Cinderella. I didn’t walk away loving it, but I would like to try it again based on this lunch.)
Being able to dine inside the castle is peak Disney magic. The views are also great, if you get the right seat. We were lucky enough to sit by the window, which overlooked a small portion of Fantasyland.
Now, keep in mind that this is a tighter dining room. We were very close to other tables and had to shift a few times to allow our server to pass food and drinks to other guests. It can also become a bit loud. But, overall, this didn’t impact our lunch negatively.
It also helped that service was impeccable. Our server did not disappoint. He was attentive, informative, quick, and absolutely wonderful.
Between meeting four Disney princesses and indulging in one of the best character meals we’ve had on property (talk about spot-on presentation), why wouldn’t we give Cinderella’s Royal Table a good review?
Better yet, the meal ends with you being able to take home an adorable souvenir: a magic wand or a sword!
We also want to note that at the beginning of the meal, you receive a “wishing star.” Typically, there’s supposed to be a moment when all of the diners make a wish. We stuck around for a little bit to see, but it didn’t happen for us.
Even though we didn’t get to put our “wishing star” to good use, we still had the best time at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Is Cinderella’s Royal Table worth it?
We truly believe Cinderella’s Royal Table is worth it, especially when you compare it to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.
If you want to dine inside a castle, Cinderella’s Royal Table is the way to go.
Let’s compare pricing…
Akershus pricing…
- Breakfast: $53 per adult (ages 10 and up), plus tax and gratuity; $34 per child (ages 3 to 9), plus tax and gratuity
- Lunch and dinner: $63 per adult (ages 10 and up), plus tax and gratuity; $41 per child (ages 3 to 9), plus tax and gratuity
Cinderella’s Royal Table pricing (you must prepay when booking)…
- Breakfast: $65 per adult (ages 10 and up), plus tax and gratuity; $39 per child (ages 3 to 9), plus tax and gratuity
- Lunch and dinner: $79 per adult (ages 10 and up), plus tax and gratuity; $47 per child (ages 3 to 9), plus tax and gratuity
Cinderella’s Royal Table and Akershus are the two main Disney princess character meals at Disney World.
While Akershus is a bit cheaper in price, Cinderella’s Royal Table isn’t that much more in cost when you really break down the experiences and what you’re hoping to get out of princess character dining.
If you don’t care about definitely meeting Cinderella, eating inside her castle, or being able to choose your own entree, then you might just want to try Akershus for the reduced cost. You get a “unique” meal at the Norway-inspired character dining experience and can still meet five Disney princesses for a smaller fee.
But, if you want to have a cooler atmosphere and to have more of a say in what you’re eating, Cinderella’s Royal Table is probably the way to go. Plus, we had a much better time at Cinderella’s Royal Table than we did Akershus.
Of course, you also have to factor in what you’re willing to pay. Really, you’re still spending a good chunk of money on both princess meals. The additional amount you’d fork over at Cinderella’s Royal Table is worth it.
If you’re wondering how these compare to Be Our Guest, there isn’t a comparison. Don’t let anyone tell you different. You don’t get to meet princesses and the food isn’t great. You really only get to walk away saying you waved to The Beast and saw inside his castle. Pay the additional $12 per adult and $10 per child to eat inside Cinderella Castle, meet a handful of princesses, and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner.
*****************
Have you ever had lunch or dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments.
The following products and services give us a commission on sales.
Get our free Quick Start Guide
Have our guide delivered right to your inbox with our 6-step Disney World planning process to make it less overwhelming. Snag our free guide ➡️
Take our course
Check out our course that will help you learn all about Walt Disney World planning with dozens of videos and downloadables for each step along the way. Get access now ➡️
Our recommend travel agency
We partner with Small World Vacations, Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacations Planners in business since 1996. Get a quote now ➡️
Want to stay deluxe on a moderate budget?
It’s 1 of our top fave ways to save! By renting DVC points, you can stay in deluxe accommodations for a fraction of the price. Check availability ➡️
Private car service
Quicksilver Tours will transport you in style. They assist with luggage at the airport, provide car seats, and include a free grocery stop. Book your car ➡️
Need a stroller, wheelchair, or scooter?
Buena Vista Scooters is a company with a great reputation who offers in-person resort drop off and pick up of strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs. Book your rental ➡️
Amazon recommendations
Check out our Amazon shop with trip essentials we love. Start shopping ➡️
WDW Prep merch
Get WDW Prep merch to show off your Disney knowledge (especially fun for spotting others during your trip!). Check out the WDW Prep merch shop ➡️
- 2023 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Food (exclusive treats, dining options) - November 10, 2023
- Where to find the Characters at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party - November 10, 2023
- Gingerbread houses at Disney World for Christmas 2023 (plus resort trees and other decor) - November 3, 2023