Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Princess Storybook Dining Review (Breakfast)
I’m just going to say it up front: I loved breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Like… genuinely loved it.
I know that Cinderella’s Royal Table gets most of the attention when people start talking about princess dining at Walt Disney World, and honestly, that makes sense. Eating inside Cinderella Castle is a core memory kind of thing. But if your main goal is giving your kids a truly special princess storybook dining experience — with great food, relaxed pacing, and real interaction — Akershus deserves way more love than it gets.
This review is focused entirely on breakfast, which is where Akershus really shines. Dinner exists (and is popular), but breakfast is where the value, the food, and the overall experience come together best.
Quick Snapshot: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Breakfast)
- Location: EPCOT – Norway Pavilion
- Cuisine: Norwegian fare with American breakfast favorites
- Experience: Princess Storybook Dining (Breakfast)
- Price Range: $$$
- Disney Dining Plan: Yes – 1 table-service meal entitlement
- Characters: Yes – rotating princess appearances
- Reservations: Strongly recommended
- Atmosphere: Medieval castle, cathedral ceilings, regal but not stuffy
- Overall Take: One of the best value character meals on property
Overall Review: 4/5 for ambiance and atmosphere, 5/5 for character interactions, and 5/5 for food quality
First Impressions: It Actually Feels Like a Castle
Walking into Akershus feels very different from most EPCOT restaurants. It’s tucked inside what looks and feels like a medieval castle, complete with stone archways, heavy doors, and high ceilings that immediately make the space feel grand.
The dining rooms are large, with dramatic cathedral ceilings, but they don’t feel overwhelming. If anything, the space feels calmer than a lot of character meals. The sound doesn’t bounce around as much, which makes it easier to actually talk at your table — a small detail, but a really good thing.
Check-in was smooth using our MagicBand, and Cast Members were friendly without being overly scripted. We were seated quickly and didn’t feel rushed at any point during the meal.
The Princess Experience: This Is Where Akershus Wins
Let’s talk about why people book this restaurant in the first place: the princesses.
During our breakfast, we met:
- Snow White
- Princess Aurora
- Ariel
- Belle (in her yellow gown — absolutely gorgeous)
- Tiana
These are all face characters, and the interactions felt surprisingly personal. The princesses stayed as long as we wanted them to, chatted with the kids, signed autograph books, and posed for photos without that rushed “okay, next table” energy you sometimes get at popular character meals.
Related: One of the best places to eat with Mickey Mouse on Disney property is Topolino’s Terrace
Related: Cape May is a great breakfast option with Minnie Mouse and friends
The Procession Moment (An Unexpected Favorite)
At one point during breakfast, the princesses gathered and did a little procession through the dining room. They twirled, waved, and let their dresses fan out as they moved through the space.
It was such a simple thing, but it was magical. Seeing all those gowns spin under the castle’s high ceilings was honestly one of my favorite moments of the entire meal.
A Very Smart Norway Pavilion Bonus
Here’s a Walt Disney World tip I really love: since Akershus is located in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion, you can easily pair this meal with a visit to Anna and Elsa right next door.
No crossing parks. No dealing with long lines later. From a trip planning standpoint, this is a great opportunity to stack character experiences early in the day.
Related: Another awesome dining option at Epcot is Space 220
The Food: Family-Style and Genuinely Delicious
I’ll be honest — I did not expect to like the food at Akershus more than Cinderella’s Royal Table, but here we are.
Breakfast at Akershus is served family style, with platters of food brought directly to your table. And unlike CRT, this is all you care to enjoy. If you want more waffles, more potatoes, or more of anything else, just ask.
Related: One of the best pizza places in Disney is Via Napoli
What We Were Served
- Norwegian waffles with strawberry sauce and lingonberry sauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Breakfast meats
- Potato casserole
- Fresh fruit
- Various cheeses
- Sliced meats like salami, ham, etc…
It’s a mix of Norwegian fare and familiar breakfast foods that works really well for an American palate.
Related: A great option for dining and fireworks at Epcot is Spice Road Table
Surprisingly Great for Picky Eaters
Even if you’re traveling with a picky eater, this breakfast works. The waffles were a hit (no surprise there), but the potato casserole disappeared fast. The cheese and meat slices were mild, comforting, and easy to like.
Related: Another great option for breakfast at Disney is Whispering Canyon Cafe
Service & Pace
Service was friendly and well-timed. Hot items stayed hot, refills came quickly, and no one made us feel like we needed to hurry up and leave.
For a table-service meal, especially a character meal, the pacing felt just right.
Cost, Dining Plan & Value
Akershus uses one table-service meal entitlement on the Disney Dining Plan, and that alone makes it worth serious consideration.
When you add in:
- Multiple princesses
- Long, relaxed character interactions
- Unlimited food
- A prime World Showcase location
…it’s hard not to see this as one of the best value character dining experiences at Walt Disney World.
Related: Another super fun dining experience is Round Up Rodeo at Hollywood Studios
Reservations & Availability
You’ll still want an ADR, but Akershus is noticeably easier to book than Cinderella’s Royal Table. If you miss out on a castle reservation, this is not a consolation prize — it’s a genuinely strong alternative.
Final Thoughts: Is Akershus Worth It?
Absolutely.
If your goal is meaningful princess time, good food, and a calmer overall experience, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a great thing to add to your plans. In many ways, it felt more relaxed and more enjoyable than dining inside Cinderella’s Castle — and that surprised me.
It’s a great way to kick off a day in EPCOT, especially if princesses are high on your family’s priority list.
