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86
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86
Family Style - All You Care to Eat
Norwegian
American
$65-99 per person**
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THIS REVIEW SCORE :
86
Dining with Royalty in Epcot's Only Castle
The Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot's Norway Pavilion is a large-format (aka family-style dining) restaurant that's set inside Epcot's only castle. In fact, of the three castles that are located here in the four-park Disney World complex, I feel like Akershus is probably the most realistic. Be Our Guest at the Magic Kingdom leans a little more toward an "animated fantasy" castle, while Cinderella's Royal Table is more regal, but splits the difference between fantasy and reality.

Oh, it doesn't look much like a castle from the outside, but the interior rooms have a very "summer manor house" vibe that I would expect to see in a medieval era Norwegian royal residence.

Actually, this main spire on top of the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is not over the main dining area, but off to the side, over the "country summer" wing of the popular Epcot restaurant.
Actually, this main spire on top of the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is not over the main dining area, but off to the side, over the "country summer" wing of the popular Epcot restaurant.

But, I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm going to split this review into sub-sections, because there's a lot here, and it's a pretty cool place to dine.

Getting In
Most character meals require a bit of waiting to get in and Akershus is no different… unless, you make a reservation very early, right at the beginning of the lunch or dinner period… aka 12:15pm or 5:25pm respectively. Once you check in at the reception desk near the entrance door, you'll probably have to get into the "waiting to get in" line… which unfortunately, is outdoors.

There's almost always a little "waiting in line" at Disney character meals (which are mostly served buffet or all-you-care-to-enjoy style). It's a little hard to figure out how long guests are going to stick around eating and visiting with the princesses. At least the line outside Akershus has umbrellas that help keep the sun off those waiting in line.
There's almost always a little "waiting in line" at Disney character meals (which are mostly served buffet or all-you-care-to-enjoy style). It's a little hard to figure out how long guests are going to stick around eating and visiting with the princesses. At least the line outside Akershus has umbrellas that help keep the sun off those waiting in line.

There are a couple of umbrellas to provide some shade, but lets not beat around the bush — it can get hot in the summer. Fortunately, there's a couple of snowflakes to keep everyone cool.

Snowflakes adorn one of the exterior walls at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. (You have no idea how much I want to write an "it looks like someone is leaving their holiday decorations up all year long" joke.)
Snowflakes adorn one of the exterior walls at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. (You have no idea how much I want to write an "it looks like someone is leaving their holiday decorations up all year long" joke.)

Once you party's name is called, you'll be escorted inside to another minor holding area (in air conditioning). The bathrooms are on your right, (along with a couple of large chairs) — and to your left, there's a storybook under plexiglass.

Once your party's name is called, you'll be escorted though the main entrance doors into this room. Straight back, is the main central dining area. To the right, would be the bathrooms (which you can't really see in the photo), and to the left is the "summering in the country" dining area.
Once your party's name is called, you'll be escorted though the main entrance doors into this room. Straight back, is the main central dining area. To the right, would be the bathrooms (which you can't really see in the photo), and to the left is the "summering in the country" dining area.

The storybook, lays out the premise of the meal in just two sentences. Basically, the king and queen of the manor invited a bunch of royal princesses to diner (or lunch) — and you're invited to join in on the royal feast too! Which explains why the place is chocked full of roaming princesses meeting with everyone from table to table.

This plexiglass covered storybook near the entrance to Akershus explains why the place has so many princesses floating around. They're actually royal visitors that have been invited by the king and queen for a feast at castle Akershus.
This plexiglass covered storybook near the entrance to Akershus explains why the place has so many princesses floating around. They're actually royal visitors that have been invited by the king and queen for a feast at castle Akershus.

Our rating system here at Mealtrip breaks things down into four categories, the environment (surroundings and ambiance), service, food, and overall value. Rather than go over all the details haphazardly — I'll write about my dining experience here at Akershus, broken down into those categories.

If you would like to see a bunch of photos without reading everything (I don't blame you), there's a ton of photos on our photo gallery page for Akershus (click here)… and they're all captioned too!

The Environment
For me, the interior design of these restaurants is just as important as the food and the characters. Back when Epcot was built, a lot of detail work was done on these spaces to make them authentic, while still being practical for dining. I'm not sure if Akershus were built from the ground up today, it would look as great as it does. (Yes, I'm looking at you La Crêperie de Paris and your "office supply store break room" vibe — but I digress.)

Akershus really does look like a European manor house… with the added benefit of being cleaner, more solidly built, and with air conditioning. The seating at Akershus is now split into four areas… I think I've sat in most over the years, and I definitely have a favorite area.

If you're just walking in the front door, off to the left is kind of a "country summer" room that is mostly one long dining space with windows on one side. The area is large and open, with plenty of room for the princesses (and guests) to move around in.

This is one of four different dining areas at Akershus. For me it has a "country summer" sort of feel — regal carpeted flooring with big windows — a little more modern than the rest of the castle. (Yes, that is Belle back there, near the china cabinet.)
This is one of four different dining areas at Akershus. For me it has a "country summer" sort of feel — regal carpeted flooring with big windows — a little more modern than the rest of the castle. (Yes, that is Belle back there, near the china cabinet.)

Off to the very back of this area are some of the only "half-booth/half chair" tables at Akershus, if you happen to like padded bench style seating.

While there is some great ceiling work and wall art in this area — it's probably number four on my "top four areas list". Unless you keep reminding yourself that you're in the Norway pavilion (and especially if you're drinking some Norwegian spirits) — this area could start to feel a little 1850's Americana, Colonial, Liberty Tree Tavern-ish — but with cool carpet.

I can't be certain, but I think the princesses have a teleportation device behind that door at the back of the room.
I can't be certain, but I think the princesses have a teleportation device behind that door at the back of the room.

Next up, if you walk past the indoor lobby, into the main great room and hang a right, there's something like a "dining and hearth" area, which is also very large. This area has some cool room shapes and alcoves along with tapestries hanging on most walls (which are probably more period authentic than the paintings).

This is part of the north-western dining area at Akershus. I usually call it the "hearth" room because of the fireplace (non-functioning) in the back. This area has more of a rustic manor house feel.
This is part of the north-western dining area at Akershus. I usually call it the "hearth" room because of the fireplace (non-functioning) in the back. This area has more of a rustic manor house feel.

This area is also very open and well spaced for the princesses to walk around, and is one of the two rooms that have wood-like flooring.

This cool little alcove in the back of the photo is actually what's inside the second, smaller spire that can be seen from the outside. Traditionally, it would be called a corner tower or a castellated tower with crenellations. This one, however, is only two stories high, capped with a metal roof, and seating for three or four tables.
This cool little alcove in the back of the photo is actually what's inside the second, smaller spire that can be seen from the outside. Traditionally, it would be called a corner tower or a castellated tower with crenellations. This one, however, is only two stories high, capped with a metal roof, and seating for three or four tables.

This area does feel more medieval-era authentic with the large block, white washed walls, odd little spire rooms, a fireplace hearth area, and some of those great tapestries.

Here's one of the more detailed tapestries hanging on the wall at Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion. (It's not "The Last Supper", it's just the king and queen having a feast with family and friends.)
Here's one of the more detailed tapestries hanging on the wall at Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion. (It's not "The Last Supper", it's just the king and queen having a feast with family and friends.)

The third, newer area at Akershus is one of the smaller areas that I'm calling the "modern Norway" seating area.

The seating area near the on-stage kitchen is one of the smaller rooms, but if you like seeing the hustle and bustle of kitchen life, this area is for you!
The seating area near the on-stage kitchen is one of the smaller rooms, but if you like seeing the hustle and bustle of kitchen life, this area is for you!

This is where the old mini-buffet line used to be — which has been repurposed as on on-stage kitchen where salad and dessert prep takes place. Cast members slide by the area and pick up salad bowls and desserts to bring to the tables — which I actually like quite a bit more than the buffet.

The backsplash and colors make me think about a modern Norway castle refresh (there might be an HGTV show in that idea somewhere) — and while small, I think this is one of the more vibrant areas. You get to see the constant motion of the servers and chefs making food.

This is the new "on stage kitchen" area at Akershus, which is really more like a salad and dessert prep and staging area. This is where the mini-buffet items had been in previous incarnations of the restaurant.
This is the new "on stage kitchen" area at Akershus, which is really more like a salad and dessert prep and staging area. This is where the mini-buffet items had been in previous incarnations of the restaurant.

My favorite area (and the one I got to sit in for this review) is the main royal dining area directly in the center of the complex.

This photo of the main dining hall at Akershus was taken from the three tall windows at the south end of the restaurant, looking toward the main entrance doors (all the way at the back, through the archway).
This photo of the main dining hall at Akershus was taken from the three tall windows at the south end of the restaurant, looking toward the main entrance doors (all the way at the back, through the archway).

The wood beams in the ceiling, tall windows in the back of the room, arched doorways and the coat of arms flags hanging from the rafters really give off a castle vibe.

The thing that really makes the main dining area feel like a royal hall is the high beamed ceilings with hanging crest flags and chandeliers.
The thing that really makes the main dining area feel like a royal hall is the high beamed ceilings with hanging crest flags and chandeliers.

You can see most of the other areas from this location — so you get the princesses, the tapestries, the "modern" Norway off to one side, the medical Norway off to the other side — it's a really special, almost cathedral style room where there's just always something cool to look at.

The main dining hall at Akershus is quite large. The tables are spaced out nicely and you don't really feel too crowded or boxed-in.
The main dining hall at Akershus is quite large. The tables are spaced out nicely and you don't really feel too crowded or boxed-in.


The Service
If you've browsed through a couple of my reviews, you notice that I don't give out 10's for service very often. I'm pleased to report that this is one of those rare times.

Your experience will vary naturally, because no two people are the same, but my server was from Norway (as many of the servers are here actually), and he struck the perfect balance between talking about the food and making sure everything was perfectly paced with my meal. He spoke about how the various dishes are authentic and how some were more seasonal specific than others, and even how they might change in different regions of Norway. He never let my soda glass get empty and even swapped out used flatware for new flatware between courses. Hands down, one of the better service experiences I've had on Disney property.

The Princesses — Spanning the Environment, Service, & Value Gap
Character meals are a little more expensive than non-character meals, because there's more people to pay (not to put too fine a point on it). On the day I visited, there were five princesses (we've heard occasionally, there's only four)… either way, the place feels like it's full of princesses.

Aurora, Snow White, and Ariel are some of the princesses you might meet at Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. There's usually four or five princesses on any given day... but they do change the lineup, every now and then.
Aurora, Snow White, and Ariel are some of the princesses you might meet at Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. There's usually four or five princesses on any given day... but they do change the lineup, every now and then.

One more bit of housekeeping… no, there's no Anna or Elsa. They're across the way in a dedicated, non-dining, meet and greet location. (Not to spoil too much of the magic, but it's hard enough to find one shift of Anna's and Elsa's, plus an extra "on-call" set as a backup — yet alone to find enough Anna's and Elsa's for multiple locations.)

I think being a "face character" must be a really challenging experience. These princesses stay in character the whole time. They have to look the part and play a little "stand-up improve" with the guests — as the princesses that they're representing.

Tiana asked me if I liked jazz music and talked at length about making (and eating) beignets.

At the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot's Norway pavilion — Tiana from "The Princess and the Frog" might be one of the princesses you'll meet over the course of your meal.
At the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot's Norway pavilion — Tiana from "The Princess and the Frog" might be one of the princesses you'll meet over the course of your meal.

Aurora told me she thought Prince Philip and I should hang out and that we had a lot in common.

Aurora from "Sleeping Beauty" meets with guests at Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.
Aurora from "Sleeping Beauty" meets with guests at Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.

Ariel wanted to know what the thingamabob (camera) I kept looking into was.

Ariel from "The Little Mermaid" meets with guests at Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. (Clearly, she has feet and not a flipper at the moment.)
Ariel from "The Little Mermaid" meets with guests at Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. (Clearly, she has feet and not a flipper at the moment.)

Snow White talked to me about the wishing well over in the Germany Pavilion. (How she gets over here without breaking a sweat, I'll never know).

At the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot's Norway pavilion — Snow White (minus any of the seven dwarfs) might be one of the princesses you'll 
meet during the course of your meal.
At the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot's Norway pavilion — Snow White (minus any of the seven dwarfs) might be one of the princesses you'll meet during the course of your meal.

And Belle — come on, she's cuter than Emma Watson.

Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" meets with guests at Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.
Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" meets with guests at Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.

This Belle is totally legit too — I caught her actually talking to a teacup and plate when no one was looking. That's pretty authentic.

Upon closer inspection, Belle was, in fact, having a conversation with these dishes.
Upon closer inspection, Belle was, in fact, having a conversation with these dishes.

These princesses were all fantastic, and anyone that thinks this meal is "just" for little girls — it's not. Dads out there — come up with a couple of lines and play into it. Ask the princesses a question about their cartoon world — ask Arial how Sebastian is doing — just like you're talking to a bloke at work, and I guarantee you'll not only strike up an interesting conversation — but your kids will think you're a genius.

Tiana and Belle meet with guests at Epcot's Akershus Royal Dining Hall.
Tiana and Belle meet with guests at Epcot's Akershus Royal Dining Hall.

At some point in the meal, you should also receive one "signature card" with all the princess's autographs on it. It's a glossy, commercially printed piece… and it's a nice touch.

This is the back of the autograph card that's given to guests as a keepsake at the end of a meal at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. There's usually four or five princesses appearing on any given day, but they might change slightly, depending on availability. (Princesses are very busy, doing princess things, naturally.)
This is the back of the autograph card that's given to guests as a keepsake at the end of a meal at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. There's usually four or five princesses appearing on any given day, but they might change slightly, depending on availability. (Princesses are very busy, doing princess things, naturally.)


The Food
Yay... we've finally made it to the best part! Is the food really good?  Yes.  Is the food Norwegian authentic?  Honestly, I think it's probably as authentic as you want it to be... and trust me... you don't want it to be 100% authentic.

You'll find things like Sheep's Head (Smalahove), Dried Lamb Ribs (Pinnekjøtt), and Aged Stockfish (Lufefisk) in Norway "actual".  Do you really want to eat any of those things?  Heck, if you ask a Norwegien what their national dish is — they'll probably tell you "Pizza Grandiosa" — a frozen pizza brand. What does that tell you about "authentic" Norwegian food?

The food here at Akershus Epcot, is better than 98% of the stuff in Norway actual. Flavor profiles like cardamom, lingonberry, berry based sauces, and poppy seeds, show up in different ways throughout the meal — and I think there's probably something for everyone on the various plates that are delivered to your table over the three courses — even those with picky "American" palettes.

Let's take a look at one of the more authentic and tasty starter items, it's the Lefse with Cardamom-Cinnamon Butter.

One of the "starters" at Akershus are these Lefser. (Lefser is the plural form of Lefse.) Lefse is a traditional Norwegian alternative to bread, and can be made with wheat or potato flour.
One of the "starters" at Akershus are these Lefser. (Lefser is the plural form of Lefse.) Lefse is a traditional Norwegian alternative to bread, and can be made with wheat or potato flour.

I know, it looks like a Tortilla. It's actually a Norwegian Potato Flatbread that you more or less eat like "dinner roll" over the course of the entire meal. These are best when they're still warm — but remember, this is all-you-care-to-enjoy... so if you run out, totally ask for more and try them as soon as they're dropped off.

You absolutely can unroll them and put stuff in them and eat it like a burrito, but the Cardamom-Cinnamon Butter is authentic and the Cardamom-Cinnamon combination is something that's not just limited to "desserts" in Norway — so it's perfectly acceptable to eat these with salad, with the main meal, and with dessert.

The Lefser are served with Cardamom-Cinnamon Butter. While you may think this is a dessert item, the cardamom/cinnamon spice combination shows up in savory Norwegian cooking as well.
The Lefser are served with Cardamom-Cinnamon Butter. While you may think this is a dessert item, the cardamom/cinnamon spice combination shows up in savory Norwegian cooking as well.

There's a pretty great salad that's served as a first course with the Lefse — and it's gone through a slight change (for the better) recently. (You'd be surprised at how hard it is to change even the smallest thing on these menus).

The online menu says this is a Spring Mix Salad with a Lingonberry Vinaigrette — I'm not sure I was really getting too much Lingonberry (sort of a cross between a cranberry and a raspberry) from the vinaigrette — but whatever was in it — it was a pretty great vinaigrette that paired well with the salad.

This is the Spring Mix Salad with a Lingonberry Vinaigrette (Summer 2023) and it's a much-improved version of what had previously been the salad at Akershus.
This is the Spring Mix Salad with a Lingonberry Vinaigrette (Summer 2023) and it's a much-improved version of what had previously been the salad at Akershus.

What's changed? Well, when Akershus opened back up after the great shutdown of 2020 — this salad had what seemed to be an odd mix of mesclun and... gosh I don't  even know — arugula and marigold leaf maybe???  Together with diced cucumbers and sliced baby tomatoes. A valid salad, but maybe not as elevated as you would expect to find at a $65+ per person restaurant.

Now — a great mix of spring field greens is paired with sliced cucumbers and either radishes and/or lightly pickled cucumbers that look like radishes, some baby tomatoes left whole and some cut in half, lightly tossed in that lingonberry vinaigrette and topped with a generous amount of poppy seeds, that add a slight nutty flavor and micro crunch.

They're small changes — even just the way you slice a cucumber though, can make all the difference in presentation and in flavor.

Look at all those poppy seeds! This is a really great, rustic, mixed greens salad that's pretty close to what you would find in Norway actual.
Look at all those poppy seeds! This is a really great, rustic, mixed greens salad that's pretty close to what you would find in Norway actual.

The second course contains all the main hot (temperature) proteins and sides and is served platter style. Ordinarily, I'm not a fan of the family platter serving format — my "everything is touching" and "I know it's family style but you're touching my food" OCD kicks in. This time however, I was by myself… and so I could think of this as a giant plate that was made just for me!

Here's two of the three proteins that make up the main course platter... on the left are the Kjøttkake or Norwegian Meatball with Gravy and Lingonberry Sauce and on the right is the Herbed Butter Grilled Salmon on top of green beans. The third protein (not pictured) is the Kylling go Melboller, or Norwegian Chicken and Dumplings.
Here's two of the three proteins that make up the main course platter... on the left are the Kjøttkake or Norwegian Meatball with Gravy and Lingonberry Sauce and on the right is the Herbed Butter Grilled Salmon on top of green beans. The third protein (not pictured) is the Kylling go Melboller, or Norwegian Chicken and Dumplings.

Gosh, where to even start. Let's go with the Kjøttkake which is a Norwegian meatball with gravy and lingonberry sauce that's all sitting on top of some mashed potatoes.

Here's a photo of the Kjøttkake which is a Norwegian Meatball with Gravy and Lingonberry Sauce. (Summer 2023)
Here's a photo of the Kjøttkake which is a Norwegian Meatball with Gravy and Lingonberry Sauce. (Summer 2023)

The Kjøttkake is probably the most authentic dish you'll find on the menu. I think western minds tend to see the word "meatball" and think Italian — but these are more like moist "meatloaf balls" covered in a brown gravy and topped with a red lingonberry sauce (sort of ... cranberry plus raspberry flavored) — the combo is really quite good.

The Kjøttkake is one of three savory protein items on the main platter at Akershus.
The Kjøttkake is one of three savory protein items on the main platter at Akershus.

I could have used a bit more of that lingonberry sauce (because it's "the" uncommon flavor that really makes this Norwegian).

I'd also recommend pulling those meatballs out of the mashed potatoes, putting them on a separate plate and trying them individually without mashed potatoes stuck to them.

For me, the potatoes kind of mess up the mouth feel (and the subtle flavor profile) of the gravy + meat + lingonberry combo.

However, the mashed potatoes and gravy tasted great together, separate from the meatballs as well.

The Mac & Cheese is decent. It's a step above your typical buffet style mac and cheese, and I really enjoyed eating it in the mix. The core demographic at Akershus is likely to be Mac & Cheese eating kids, and so it's a logical choice.

The Mac & Cheese from Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot's Norway pavilion.
The Mac & Cheese from Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot's Norway pavilion.

The other side item is quite a bit more usual though, it's kind of a Sweet and Sour Braised Red Cabbage (Rødkål) — and before you write it off as something your children won't eat… I saw an eight(ish) year old princess in a purple dress scarfing the stuff down like it was Lucky Charms. Clearly, she liked purple, and probably had no idea food came in that color. You never know what's going on inside those crazy little minds, but I do know, if you give them half a chance with food — they might surprise you.

The beautiful warm side item at Akershus is Rødkål, or Sweet and Sour Braised Red Cabbage. While the color might suggest otherwise, it has a mild bite and none of that bitterness that's typically associated with cabbage.
The beautiful warm side item at Akershus is Rødkål, or Sweet and Sour Braised Red Cabbage. While the color might suggest otherwise, it has a mild bite and none of that bitterness that's typically associated with cabbage.

Want to try something cool? Unwrap a warm Lefse, put in some Rødkål and cut up a Kjøttkake on top of that — and roll it back up — and you've made a Norwegian burrito!

Also on the main platter is a really great piece of Herbed Butter Grilled Salmon sitting on top of some Green Beans.

The Herbed Butter Grilled Salmon from Akershus Royal Banqest Hall in Epcot's Norway pavilion.
The Herbed Butter Grilled Salmon from Akershus Royal Banqest Hall in Epcot's Norway pavilion.

My piece of salmon was perfectly cooked, fell apart with a slight press of my fork, and just had a really great flavor. I seemed to detect a slight citrus note in there too, but that might just have been some of the herbs — it's been a long time since I've had a great piece of salmon.

The Green Beans were brightly colored, crisp, and simply prepared — no reason to spice up green beans when they're good and fresh.

There were also some Corn Dog Nuggets in a little silver cup. I'm guessing these are more for any children that might be at the table, but you know… they were pretty good with the mac and cheese.

Ahhhhh... Corn Dog Nuggets. Probably not the most Norwegian item, but the main guest demographic is going to be the possibly picky adolescent diner — between the Corn Dog Nuggets and the Mac & Cheese, you've got all the bases covered.
Ahhhhh... Corn Dog Nuggets. Probably not the most Norwegian item, but the main guest demographic is going to be the possibly picky adolescent diner — between the Corn Dog Nuggets and the Mac & Cheese, you've got all the bases covered.

There were no kids at my table, so I wasn't depriving anyone from eating — by keeping these all to myself.

There's one final savory item that came out with the main platter and that was a Chicken Stew called "Kylling go Melboller". The Disney menu currently lists this as being "Norwegian Chicken and Dumplings". I think if you're more familiar with "American" food, I'd describe this as being like a chicken pot pie — only without the pie crust.

This is a bowl of Kylling go Melboller, or Norwegian Chicken and Dumplings from Akershus in Epcot's Norway pavilion. (Summer 2023)
This is a bowl of Kylling go Melboller, or Norwegian Chicken and Dumplings from Akershus in Epcot's Norway pavilion. (Summer 2023)

It's thicker than clear chicken soup, but not "porridge" thick. There's chicken and tiny dumplings and occasionally some veggies like carrots all in a warm, savory, silky stew-like broth.

The Kylling go Melboller is a lot like a chicken pot pie — only ... with small dumplings instead of a pie crust topping.
The Kylling go Melboller is a lot like a chicken pot pie — only ... with small dumplings instead of a pie crust topping.

Because I was curious about what you would get when you asked for more of something, I asked for some more salmon with green beans.

The Akershus meal is served family style and "all you care to eat" which means if you want more of something, just ask! So what does more look like? I asked for some more salmon and green beans, and this plate is what came out of the kitchen!
The Akershus meal is served family style and "all you care to eat" which means if you want more of something, just ask! So what does more look like? I asked for some more salmon and green beans, and this plate is what came out of the kitchen!

A whole new plate of salmon was brought to my table with twice as much salmon and green beans that was on the original platter! Soooooo good.

Look at that hot herbed butter roll off the salmon as it melts! Yummy!!!
Look at that hot herbed butter roll off the salmon as it melts! Yummy!!!


Dessert
The third and final course at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is dessert! There's two primary items on the dessert platter a Chocolate Mousse Cake and Rice Cream with Strawberry Sauce.

Here's the dessert platter at Epcot's Akershus restaurant. On the left is Rice Cream with Strawberry Sauce and on the right is a Chocolate Mousse Cake.
Here's the dessert platter at Epcot's Akershus restaurant. On the left is Rice Cream with Strawberry Sauce and on the right is a Chocolate Mousse Cake.

We have seen in the past, that this was in the shape of a log, but that "Chocolate Roulade" is more of a holiday thing. This Chocolate Mousse Cake was served rectangle style with an edible Norwegian white chocolate flag on top.

Here's a closer look at the Chocolate Mousse Cake from the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall restaurant in Epcot's Norway pavilion.
Here's a closer look at the Chocolate Mousse Cake from the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall restaurant in Epcot's Norway pavilion.

The cake was very good with a "not too sweet" coco profile, and it is dense… because it is a mousse cake after all. The first couple of bites were great and gave me a feel for the dessert… however, I ended up with some vanilla gelato (more on that in a minute) and a separate cup of the other dessert's strawberry sauce — both of which paired extremely well with the Chocolate Mousse Cake.

The second feature dessert on the platter is Rice Cream with Strawberry Sauce (Riskrem) which is a holiday dessert, that's usually enjoyed on Christmas Eve.

Some people don't like the texture of the thick rice cream itself... but it's really not much different than something like overnight oats. The flavor is semi-sweet and it's served cold with a sweet strawberry sauce.
Some people don't like the texture of the thick rice cream itself... but it's really not much different than something like overnight oats. The flavor is semi-sweet and it's served cold with a sweet strawberry sauce.

Some people will like the light, sweet rice cream, while others probably won't like the texture so much. I really enjoy a good rice cream so this dessert was the one I favored on the plate.

As a side note, if you're interested in making your own rice cream at home (it's really pretty easy to make and can be topped with all sorts of things)… I've published a step-by-step Rice Cream with Strawberry Sauce recipe over on the Digital Food Works site. Click Here to check out the Rice Cream with Strawberry Sauce recipe.

I was also given a small dish of Vanilla Gelato. I'm not sure if you would normally get that… but it is on the "plant based menu" as a dessert. I think since everything is all-you-care-to-enjoy, you should be able to ask for a small dish, even if it's not served with the dessert platter.

This is a small dish of Vanilla Gelato. It's on the plant based menu as a dessert. While it may look simple... it was really nice to have together with that Chocolate Mousse Cake (which is not plant based).
This is a small dish of Vanilla Gelato. It's on the plant based menu as a dessert. While it may look simple... it was really nice to have together with that Chocolate Mousse Cake (which is not plant based).

It might not seem like much, but I really loved having this with all the other desserts! It had a nice light Vanilla flavor and Danish Gelato texture (not Italian Gelato though), and it was cold. I ate some if it on it's own and some of it with the Chocolate Mousse Cake (a la mode).  I ended up having a couple of those Lefse with Cardamom-Cinnamon Butter from the very beginning of the meal still on the table (I might have gotten two or three plates of those over the course of the meal), and as odd as it might sound — a little Lefse with Cardamom-Cinnamon Butter together with a spoonful of Vanilla Gelato was a really great secret pairing for dessert!

Overall, the meal was really great. I've heard grumblings lately about how Disney is cutting back on portions — but not here. You're going to sail through $100 really quick at Cinderella's Royal Table — and honestly — you're probably going to be hungry a couple hours later.

The all-you-care-to-enjoy style of dining at Akershus means you'll leave full — and the food quality is all a step above what you'll find at most of the in-park character buffets these days.

If I had to find one pessimistic thing to say — it would be that this whole meal does tend to remind me of a "winter dining set" more so than a "light summer meal". The food is hearty. If you enjoy a little of everything — and then step outside and it's still 90°F (32°C) — you're going to feel it.

The Value
Well… dining in a Disney park is expensive, but relatively speaking… I think Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a pretty good value.

If you look at one of the other castles like Be Our Guest — it costs just as much per person as Akershus does (maybe it's $3.00 less, I don't know).  You do get to map out your meal path a little more ... (Be Our Guest is currently prix fixe) — but here at Akershus, I think you end up sampling a little of everything … a "taste of Norway" if you will — and if you find something you really like — you can get a full plate of it.

One thing you won't get at Be Our Guest, is four or five really great in-character princesses that float from table to table interacting with your whole party. That alone, could be worth the extra $3 over Be Our Guest.

If you've ever tried to wait in a photo-op line to meet just one of these princesses… it could take 15, 20, maybe even 30 minutes of your time. Snow White, for example — occasionally shows up near the Germany Pavilion. If you catch her when she first shows up — you're lucky... because within a minute, there will be a dozen people in a line to meet with her.

Snow White from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" meets with guests at Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.
Snow White from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" meets with guests at Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.

Here at Akershus... you're sitting down, you've got a/c, chances are pretty good you've got some food a drink in front of you — and the princesses come to your table. If you tired meeting with them outside, in a line (and I'm not sure you could even line up all four or five in a single park), you're probably looking at saving two and a half hours of your time.

If you really like the looks of the location and the idea of seeing all the princesses — but want to save a few bucks — Breakfast at Akershus is another really great option.

Our review from Breakfast was from a meal in 2014 — while things have changed a bit at Akershus in that amount of time — you could still get the gist of things from our previous review. I have had the chance to sample a couple of the new items on the Breakfast menu — and honestly — I'm really looking forward to going back and reviewing Breakfast at Akershus sometime soon.
 
Conclusion
All in all, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a great meal, and a lot of fun — unless you're terrified of princesses.

You'll get a hearty meal that includes a couple of the better "flavors from Norway" and the service was amazing and informative. Most of the waitstaff are from Norway — you can learn a little about the food and culture if you start asking questions, and they seem to really enjoy talking about their homeland.

The princesses were amazing, and I honestly don't know how they stay in-characters hour after hour, day after day — but I'm glad they do because for me, interacting with them was a lot of fun, and not something I would normally wait in a line for out in the park.

At the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot's Norway pavilion — Aurora
from "Sleeping Beauty" might be one of the princesses you'll 
meet during your meal.
At the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot's Norway pavilion — Aurora from "Sleeping Beauty" might be one of the princesses you'll meet during your meal.

And price-wise, this meal was right in-line with most of the other prix fixe, buffet, and family style meals in the parks — even when comparing it to places that don't have characters floating around. If you look at them as the proverbial "icing on the cake" — it's a win-win dining destination!

If you want to check out more dining options at Epcot, visit our Dining Locations at Epcot page, where you can sort by high scores, meal period, and dining experience type — to help find just the right dining location for your next visit!
This review posted on Thursday, June 22, 2023

Have you ever visited any of these dining locations in our Epcot directory?