Dining in the Castle: Our Honest Review of Cinderella’s Royal Table

A Disney Debrief from Travel n Taste Journal

Our 8:20 PM dinner reservation for two at Cinderella’s Royal Table was nothing short of a fairytale. Set inside the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, this experience is one of Disney’s most coveted—and most talked-about—dining reservations. Here’s how our evening unfolded, and whether we’d do it again.

Arrival & Fireworks Magic

Getting into the castle during the fireworks proved to be a bit tricky, as several areas were roped off. But after navigating a few checkpoints, we made it to the grand entrance—just as the excitement (and sparkles) began to build.

We had requested a window seat in advance, hoping for a prime fireworks view. While these requests aren’t guaranteed, we were incredibly lucky: we were seated right by the glass. As the lights dimmed and the music swelled, we watched the Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After show from one of the most magical seats in the park.

Some families were even invited to stand at the windows for a closer view, and seeing little princesses sit on the ledge, mesmerized, was one of those core Disney memories you never forget.

The Setting & Special Touches

Before dinner, we explored the castle interior, including the Royal staircase and Cinderella’s stained-glass window—both perfect for impromptu photos. Though Cinderella wasn’t greeting at check-in, the staff let us know when she’d return and directed us to the priority PhotoPass line downstairs later in the evening.

Each child received a royal wand or sword and was invited to participate in a “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boop” moment—a magical twinkle-light ceremony that added even more sparkle to the evening.

The Food & Dining Experience

We were seated promptly and welcomed by our wonderful server, Jeffrey, who was warm, attentive, and quick to answer any questions.

Princess Meal Highlights:

• Appetizer: Garden salad with fat-free ranch — simple, fresh, and surprisingly loved for the cucumbers and carrots.
• Entrée: Chicken strips with buttered corn and seasonal veggies — tasty, though slightly messy for post-makeover royalty.
• Dessert: The Sword in the Stone — a showstopper in presentation, even if she only made it halfway through.

My Meal:

• Appetizer: Shrimp cocktail — our favorite dish of the night: fresh, flavorful, and beautifully chilled.
• Entrée: Filet with asparagus, whipped potatoes, and herb butter — delicious, though slightly overcooked. I’ll order medium instead of medium-well next time.
• Dessert: When the Clock Strikes 12 — rich, chocolatey, and decadent. If you love chocolate, this one’s for you.

Character Encounters

During our meal, we were visited by a royal lineup of princesses: Jasmine, Aurora, Ariel, and Merida. Each one took their time to chat, pose, and make little guests feel seen and special.

While Cinderella only greets guests in the lobby, having the opportunity to meet her with a PhotoPass photographer before or after dinner is a fantastic bonus—especially for those celebrating something special.

Final Thoughts

Would we do it again? Maybe not—but we’re so glad we did it once.

This is a “bucket list” Disney experience. The ambiance is incredible, the princess interactions are next-level, and the view of the fireworks—if you’re lucky enough to get it—is unforgettable. Our little one said she felt “super special,” and honestly, that’s everything.

If you’re considering this experience, we highly recommend doing it at least once—especially if you have a little prince or princess in tow.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Timing: Plan for a 1.5 to 2-hour experience, especially during fireworks.
• Dress the part: Many kids come dressed as royalty—bring an outfit for extra magic.
• Photos: PhotoPass photographers are available with Cinderella in the lobby.
• Booking: This is a prepaid dining experience—your meal, tax, and tip are included. You’ll only be charged more if you order wine or cocktails.
• Restrooms: Located inside the castle and very convenient for costume touch-ups.

Looking for more Disney dining recaps? Stay tuned as we rank and review all the character meals we tried this trip.