We love CRT and don't care all that much for Akershus. My DD has always been a character and Princess fanatic and for years we had to do both every trip. Since Enchanted Tales with Belle opened, Akershus has been the only place to get a decent interaction and photo with Belle in her yellow dress. However, I would note that we have had at least two times where a photographer has been rushing kids through so fast that Belle herself became unhappy with the photographer- and once that Belle was even apologizing to the guests. Typically though, unless you have photographer issues, it is a really good interaction with Belle and the photograph generally turns out well. For a kid whose favorite is Belle, it is definitely worth it.
We have felt rushed many times there. I have heard reports of people feeling rushed at CRT, but we have never once felt rushed there. At Akershus, we had one time where we sat down and were handed the menus and the server stood there as we were handed the menus waiting for our order. He didn't even give us time to look at the menu. I nicely said "Could we have a minute" and he said "Yes" and then continued to stand at the table waiting until we ordered. We have almost always felt rushed in that restaurant. One time they took DD's plate without asking while she was still eating.
There isn't much in the way of atmosphere there, unlike the castle. The tables are very close together. One time we were seated near the salad bar/buffet and people bumped into my chair about once a minute (or more) the entire meal as they were going to that area. It became a huge joke. DD and DH thought it was hilarious. If you mention Akershus, it is still the first thing you will hear them both talk about. Because the tables are close together, depending on where you are seated, it can be hard to get a decent picture with the Princesses.
The food has been inconsistent. At times it has been really good and other times just meh. It has never been awful though. It has always been okay. Basically, we only went there for the meet and greet and photo with Belle, and because if there was a meal that involved Princesses, DD wanted to be there.
Have you thought about maybe doing a late CRT lunch after the BBB appointment? We used to always do CRT lunch after the BBB appointment while the hair and rest of it were all still fresh. Really, if all your DD cares about is princesses, she will probably be fine either way. If Belle is her favorite, she may love Akershus. We have seen Cinderella there making the rounds with the tables every time that we have been there, so unless something has changed, you should still be able to get a picture with her too- just not the nice formal picture.
