Lunch at Cinderella’s Castle Is a Memorable Event
My husband and I recently took our daughter to Disney World for the first time (it was my first time, too!). We were planning to be in the Magic Kingdom on her 6th birthday, so we went ahead and booked a lunch reservation at Cinderella’s castle so she could meet the princesses and we wouldn’t have to track them down individually in the heat to get autographs and pictures (if that’s even possible; I really have no idea). This is in the park itself and requires regular park admission.
Word of advice: If you want to try this, book your reservations early! While we were making our plans and signing up for our time slot, others filled up as we watched. This was months in advance and we went during the off-season.
There are several times available, and you can do breakfast, lunch, or dinner, but in order to make sure you get the time you want, sign up as far in advance as you can (you can book up to 180 days prior to your visit).
The whole experience is absolutely magical for the kids, of course, but it’s a nice break for parents, too. One, the place is nice and cool, which is a big deal if you’re there during the hotter months. Two, it’s nice to be able to sit and relax while someone else brings your food instead of trying to find a place to plant your butt and juggle a million things while managing to get food into your mouth.
The staff is exceptionally friendly, the decorations are just what you’d expect to find inside of a castle, and the food is delicious (I had the cod, my husband had the ribs, and my daughter chose cheese pizza, plus we had an appetizer and desserts). It really feels like you’re in an upscale restaurant rather than a theme park, even if you’re sweaty and wearing shorts and Mickey Mouse ears.
The pricing is $30 to $59.99 per adult before taxes or gratuity. The pricing differences appear to be based on whether you have breakfast, lunch, or dinner. When you walk into the castle, you wait in line to have your (or just your child’s) picture taken with Cinderella. There’s time for a very short chat, and then you wait for your family’s name to be called and to be escorted up the stairs.
Once you get to your table, you can order from a short list of menu items. Someone will bring out your keepsake photograph with Cinderella in a protective folder at the beginning of the meal. Over the course of the meal, you’ll meet more princesses (we met Ariel, Jasmine, Aurora, and Snow White, but characters may change), talk with them, get their autographs, and have pictures taken.
At the end of the meal, kids can wave their wands (included with the meal) and make a wish upon a (plastic) star, also included.
Because it’s so expensive, I wouldn’t do this for just any trip to Disney. For birthdays, once-in-a-lifetime trips, and other special occasions, I would highly recommend it, though. There are plenty of meal options for the kids, from the easiest cheese pizza to more “grown-up” type dishes, and the experience itself is something I know my daughter will never forget.
Photo credit: cdharrison
