We often see people asking about Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot. Akershus is a buffet restaurant in the Norway Pavilion that features a character meal full of princesses. Akershus is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All three meals offer character dining. One of our readers recently went and shared her experience with us, thanks Saira!
We traveled to Walt Disney World in November 2015. Myself and my almost 4 year old daughter are vegan, and my husband is an omnivore. We were on the dining plan so we only ate at restaurants that accepted it. We went to Akershus, in the Norway Pavilion in World Showcase for dinner.
We were seated almost right away after a picture with Belle. I had our reservation ticket stamped allergy in red, and asked to see a chef. The chef came out pretty quick and was very personable. She walked me through all the vegan options on the appetizer buffet. The best on the buffet was the balsamic drizzled asparagus, as well as a vegan potato salad which used a vinaigrette instead of a mayo or egg type dressing. There was also a really tasty nut and apple salad, as well as a greens salad with a maple glaze on it. For the entrees she asked us what type of food we liked. My daughter likes pasta and I like anything.
The chef ended up making a delicious pasta with olive oil, basil, herbs, asparagus, kale, peppers and mushrooms for my daughter. For me a dish with lentil and black bean patties, red pepper sauce, balsamic glazed beets and carrots. The food was so good! The bean patties with the red pepper sauce were very flavorful and not dry at all.
My daughter loved her pasta, it was cooked perfectly and the veggies and herbs were all complimentary and cut into perfect sizes for a pasta dish! She also brought us vegan bread which I didn’t love too much. The dessert was great – Erin McKenna cupcakes and Toffuti ice cream with lots of fresh berries. I would definitely eat there again as a vegan. The appetizer buffet alone was amazing. I left very full and with leftovers to take home! The chef also came out at the end to ask how my meal was, which was super nice and much appreciated.
What is your favorite character meal in Disney World?
Hi. I ate here last week and although one of the mains is vegan as-is, I was told that the potato salad contains honey! They had Tofutti ice cream for dessert which was great, but I thought the self-serve smorgasbord could have had some better vegan options.