What’s Going on with Akershus Royal Banquet Hall?
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is one of the few places that has not only not reopened, but Disney hasn’t said a peep about it!
This restaurant closed with the parks in 2020, but as everything else has slowly begun to reopen, Akershus remains shuttered. What’s up, Disney? No news!


Photo: MealTrip.com
There are currently no princess dining currently in Walt Disney World! Cinderella’s Royal Table is open, but Cinderella is not visiting tables currently.
Other character dining has been in full swing for a year now, and even more has been announced to come back in September. *Crickets* Most other character interactions will be fully back, but no Akershus.


Photo: Disney
What is Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Located in the Norway pavilion in EPCOT, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall was a full on Disney princess dining extravaganza!
This restaurant always came highly recommended in lieu of Cinderella’s Royal Table because it was significantly cheaper, and yet, there were often more princesses present.
Just like Cindy’s, Akershus was in a castle. The backstory was that this is the summer castle for Anna and Elsa, so they would loan it to their friends, other Disney princesses, for parties.
Picture high ceilings, banners, and stained glass windows. Beautiful.


Photo: Jenn Scranton
Princesses that we have seen at Akershus were Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, Snow White, and Cinderella.
Belle played hostess with the mostess at the restaurant, so you would meet her before you sat at your table and had the chance for a beautiful photo op.


DisneyDailyDime.com
Where Cinderella’s Royal Table was often very crowded so characters had to rush from table to table, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is very relaxed. In fact, we were running out of things to say to the princesses as they came by! That’s the best worst problem to have.
See our article on best questions to ask characters here.


Photo: Jenn Scranton
Let’s talk food. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall had an adventurous menu to push people slightly out of their comfort zones. That means…. No chicky nuggies.
Now, we don’t understand that either. Kids love princesses, and they also love a nugget. They may not love Swedish/Norwegian faire. BUT! Don’t be afraid! We went with our small children and explained that we are eating from Elsa’s kitchen and it will be very different.
We all ordered something different and tried a little of everything. The kids surprised themselves with how much they did like. I, on the other hand, was so not into it.
Luckily, Askershus also had a full all-you-care-to-enjoy salad bar that also had an assortment of cheeses and different bread rolls, so basically, “safe food”.


Photo: Jenn Scranton
Overall
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall was the best princess character dining experience we have had in Walt Disney World, and we are anxious to get it back.
Disney, get on it! Give the people what they want! We want princess dining! We want Akershus Royal Banquet Hall…and some chicken nuggets would be nice.


Photo: Jenn Scranton