Cinderella’s Royal Table Review 2026: Is Dining in the Castle Worth It?

Hey, Disney fam! Let’s talk about the ultimate bucket list item for so many Walt Disney World visitors: dining inside the Cinderella Castle at Cinderella’s Royal Table. However, 2026 brings some significant changes—from a major castle refurbishment project to brand-new pricing and a game-changing “Kids Eat Free” dining offer.

Here is the updated guide for anyone planning to dine inside the Magic Kingdom’s crown jewel in 2026.

The 2026 Castle Refresh: What to Expect

Starting in January 2026, Cinderella Castle is undergoing a significant repainting project to return to its “classic” storybook look (shifting from the 50th-anniversary pinks back to a palette of grays, creams, and deep blues).

• Will the restaurant be closed? No. The restaurant remains open during construction.
• Visual Impact: You may see cranes or scaffolding around the exterior during the morning. However, Disney has committed to lowering all heavy equipment by noon each day to preserve “picture-perfect” views for lunch and dinner guests.
• The View: If you have a window seat, you might notice the moat being drained or work being done on the lower spires during the early months of 2026.

Cinderella’s Royal Table Photos & Important Info

• This is a table service character meal experience

• Located in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom

• You need a park ticket and park reservation for each guest

• Available for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

• Reservations can be difficult to get for Cinderella’s Royal Table, especially for breakfast. Call or go online 60 days in advance for reservations. If staying at a Disney resort, call 60 days in advance and ask for availability during all days of your stay.

• A credit card number is required at time of booking and you will be charged the entire amount upon booking.

2026 Pricing & Logistics

Cinderella’s Royal Table is a “pre-paid” experience, meaning you pay the full amount (including tax and gratuity) the moment you book.

Current 2026 Rates:

• Breakfast: $74 per Adult | $45 per Child (Ages 3-9)
• Lunch & Dinner: $88 per Adult | $52 per Child (Ages 3-9)
• Note: Prices include tax and a 18%–20% gratuity. Alcohol is additional for those 21+.

Disney Dining Plan (DDP) for 2026:

• Credits: This remains a 2-Credit Table Service meal.
• The 2026 “Kids Eat Free” Deal: For most nights in 2026, kids (ages 3–9) stay and eat FREE when you purchase a non-discounted vacation package that includes a dining plan for the adults. Because this is a 2-credit location, using the “Free” credits here is one of the highest-value ways to use that promotion.

The Royal Welcome: What to Expect

The magic begins the moment you check in. You’re escorted into the Grand Hall, where you’ll meet and take photos with Cinderella herself. After this regal introduction, you’ll ascend a majestic spiral staircase (or take the gilded elevator) to the banquet hall above.

The dining room is breathtaking. With soaring stone archways, magnificent medieval flags, and stained-glass windows overlooking Fantasyland, you truly feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. It’s an atmosphere that’s almost impossible to beat.

Side note: Be aware that just because you have a reservation does not mean you will not wait for your table. Due to the nature of this ‘experience’, you may end up waiting anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour (or so I heard). We waited about 20 minutes for our table.

Meet the Princesses

While Cinderella greets you downstairs, the main event upstairs is the rotation of visiting Disney Princesses. As you dine, princesses like Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, and Snow White gracefully move through the dining room, stopping at each table for photos, autographs, and a quick chat.

Insider Tip: The interactions are wonderful, but they can be quick. Have your autograph books and cameras ready to go when you see a princess heading your way! This is one of the most efficient ways to meet several princesses at once without waiting in long lines in the park.

I found this room to be absolutely beautiful! With its plush tapestries, outfitted in red and purple velvet, and glowing with light coming through stained-glass castle windows. Yes, it’s a real-life fairytale! Now let’s talk about the food…but are you really here for the food? Honestly, probably not. It’s about the ambiance, characters, and the fact that you are inside the castle!

The Royal Menu: What’s the Food Like?

Cinderella’s Royal Table is a prix-fixe meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One of the biggest perks? The price includes your basic beverages like coffee, tea, and soda, which isn’t always the case at Disney signature dining.

2026 Menu Highlights

The menu has seen a few “refreshes” for the new year, leaning into more elevated “Signature” flavors.

• Breakfast Favorites: The Caramel Apple-stuffed French Toast remains the fan favorite, alongside the Beef Tenderloin and Eggs.
• Lunch/Dinner Entrees: The Grilled Filet Mignon is the most popular choice. For 2026, the Braised Beef Short Rib has replaced the standard grilled steak on several seasonal rotations.
• Signature Dessert: Don’t miss “The Clock Strikes Twelve”—a dark chocolate ganache tart with salted caramel-coffee mousse.

Click to see the current menu options.

Is the food worth the price? Honestly, you are paying a significant premium for the location and the characters. The food is very good, but it’s not the absolute best culinary experience at Disney World. Think of it as a fantastic meal that comes with a priceless view and unforgettable memories.

Pro Tip: Although you pre-paid for your meals, any alcohol you order is billed after your meal. For those that have an annual pass, get them out. You can give it to your server and you will recieve a credit back to your credit card for the pass discount!

Essential Tips for 2026

• The 60-Day Rule: Reservations still open at 6:00 AM EST exactly 60 days out. If you are staying on-site, you can book for your entire stay (up to 10 days) at that 60-day mark, giving you a massive advantage.
• Cancellation Policy: You must now cancel at least 2 hours prior to your reservation to avoid the full per-person charge. Because this is pre-paid, failing to show up is an expensive mistake!
• Check the App: With the castle construction, showtimes for Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire (the stage show in front of the castle) are slightly modified in early 2026. Use the My Disney Experience app to ensure your dining time doesn’t clash with a show you want to see.

Is it worth it in 2026? If you have children in the 3–9 age range and are using the “Kids Eat Free” promotion, absolutely. The value of getting a $52 character meal for “free” (via the DDP) makes this the best year in a decade to book the Castle.

The Verdict: Is Cinderella’s Royal Table Worth It?

You should dine here if:

• It’s your first visit, and you want that “quintessential Disney” experience.
• You have a major princess fan in your group.
• You are celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary.
• You want to meet multiple princesses in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting.

You might want to skip it if:

• You are on a tight budget.
• If you have very small children that don’t like to be confined to a table and are vocal about it, you may want to pass.
• Your primary focus is on gourmet food over atmosphere.
• No one in your party is particularly interested in meeting princesses.

I know we had a blast and enjoyed every minute! For certain people, Cinderella’s Royal Table should be on your ‘Must-Do’ list. It is a unique experience that you will never forget!

Exploring Beyond the Parks: Pointe Orlando 2026

If you’re looking for more magic outside the Magic Kingdom, 2026 is the perfect year to visit the newly revamped Pointe Orlando on International Drive. While the Castle offers classic fairytale charm, Pointe Orlando is debuting high-energy experiences like the Museum of Ice Cream and the Live! at the Pointe entertainment district.

From the “legacy” vibes of the Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop to family-friendly fun at Main Event Entertainment, it’s a great way to balance your princess-themed mornings with modern Orlando nightlife and attractions. Check out our full 2026 guide to Pointe Orlando for the latest on these new openings!

Thanks for reading!