Indulge like Royalty at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: A Magical Character Dining Experience at EPCOT!

If you like medieval castles, fairytales, and all you care to enjoy meals, then you’re going to love Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT!

Located in the Norway Pavilion of EPCOT at Walt Disney World, the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall recreates the atmosphere and awe of stepping into a centuries-old castle. However, we’re pleased to report this castle is fully equipped with modern conveniences and populated by Disney princesses!

Akershus Fortress is a castle located in Oslo, Norway, and it has a compelling history of royal residency and military importance. We couldn’t help but draw some comparisons between Disney’s Akershus and the 13th-century stronghold; both have gorgeous stonework and are used to host regal events! (Though, if you visit Akershus in Oslo, I don’t think you’ll see Princess Belle…)

Likely taking inspiration from this historic fortress, Disney’s Akershus Royal Banquet Hall also has the same air of ancient wonder and royal elegance, making it the perfect setting for a marvelously magical breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Overview

The Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a great character dining experience located in EPCOT, and it honestly feels like it could be part of the Magic Kingdom, thanks to its phenomenal fairytale vibes.

In addition to dinner, on May 14, 2023, breakfast and lunch will be reinstated as regular Akershus meals, which gives you extra opportunities to nab a seat in this cathedral-like setting. That being said, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall reservations are highly recommended, as character dining experiences are extremely popular. (Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance online or using the My Disney Experience app.)

At one time, Akershus used to be a buffet-style dining experience, but now it’s family style and the food is brought right to your table. Fancy! Though the style of service has changed, the meal is still all you care to enjoy (much like Garden Grill at EPCOT), so don’t be shy about asking for seconds!

As you may have expected from a sit-down Disney restaurant, prices aren’t cheap. Princess Storybook Dining is $63.00 for adults and $41.00 for kiddos if you choose to eat lunch or dinner here. An Akershus Royal Banquet Hall breakfast is a little more reasonable at $53.00 per adult and $34.00 per child. Nevertheless, that’s a big bite of anyone’s Disney budget!

Is this Scandanavian soiree worth that many sawbucks? If you or your little one is a bonafide Disney princess fan, then yes, this dining experience is genuinely so much fun! However, if you could take or leave Belle and Jasmine and don’t want to use up ride time on a sit-down meal, then you can probably give this one a pass.

A Scrumptious Scandinavian Menu

Come for the castle and princesses, and stay for the absolutely delicious Norwegian dishes! The Akershus Royal Banquet Hall menu is brimming with both international delights and comfort food favorites.

For breakfast, enjoy Norwegian waffles, light and fluffy pastries, potato casserole, bacon (BACON!!), sausage, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Be sure to ask for allergy-friendly options if need be, and a cast member will be happy to offer you an equally delicious substitute! Hot tea and Joffrey’s fresh-brewed coffee are the perfect complimentary drinks for this well-rounded breakfast.

Lunch and dinner share a delectable menu showcasing Norwegian flavors more boldly than breakfast. Start your meal with lefse (yummy rolled bread) with cardamom-cinnamon butter and a light salad of field green drizzled with lingonberry vinaigrette. For the main course, indulge in KjØttkake (traditional Norwegian meatballs), grilled salmon, and Kylling og Melboller (Norwegian chicken and dumplings – amazing!!). Sides include creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, red cabbage, green beans, macaroni & cheese, and the true fail-safe for picky eaters: corn dog nuggets.

While the red cabbage can be an acquired taste, the Norwegian chicken and dumplings are a warm and comforting dish, and of course, you can never go wrong with mashed potatoes!

While the savory dishes are pretty great, it’s the desserts that really shine! You’ll be served an assortment of Norwegian goodies, such as rice cream with strawberry sauce and chocolate roulade with lingonberry cream, topped with an adorable Norwegian flag. Each dessert is rich, sweet, and totally yummy!

A Parade of Princesses

Part of what makes the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall experience so fun is the presence of Disney princesses!

You’ll get to meet several princesses – usually five! – during your dining experience. These lovely ladies will stop by your table to chat, sign autographs, and take pictures throughout your meal. While there’s no guarantee on which princesses will be present at your meal, the possibilities include Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, and even Mulan and Tiana, has been known to pop in for a visit!

The opportunity to meet and interact with so many Akershus Royal Banquet Hall princesses is often an irresistible prospect for diehard Disney fans of any age! If you come to Disney with your heart set on meeting your favorite characters, this is an especially great option for a day in EPCOT.

While the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT at Walt Disney World may be a little pricey for Disney princess fans, this experience is amazing! With delicious international fare and a plethora of charming photo-ops, it’s hard not to feel a bit like royalty yourself – and who doesn’t enjoy that? Although Akershus might not be a “must-do” for everyone’s EPCOT itinerary, we do recommend it for folks focused on character meet and greets, as you’ll get a “five for one” deal here!

Even if you don’t dine at Akershus, the Norway Pavilion is worth a stop on your way around the World Showcase.

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Have you dined with Disney royalty at the banquet hall? Which princesses did you meet? Tell us all about your dinner party in the comments below!

Looking for a dish-by-dish in-depth review of Akershus? Check out this video by AllEars.net!

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Featured photo: Jennie Park mydisneyadventures via Flickr