Character Dining at Disneyland Paris: A Magical Meal Experience

A getaway to Disneyland Paris is already a dream for many people. But if you want to make it even more magical, there’s one thing you absolutely must do. Character Dining at Disneyland Paris. This is when you enjoy a full meal while Disney characters walk around the restaurant and come to meet you at your table. They talk to you, pose for pictures, and sometimes even dance or play. You eat, laugh, wave, and smile for pictures.

You can find Disney characters in the parks, sure. But character dining is extra special. It’s more relaxed. You don’t wait in long lines. The characters come to you while you eat! Some characters, especially princesses, only appear in certain restaurants. So, if meeting them is on your dream list, this is your best chance.

Let’s explore where you can experience character dining at Disneyland Paris, who you can meet, and what to expect.

What Is Character Dining at Disneyland Paris?

Character Dining means you sit down for a meal, either breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and while you eat, Disney characters walk around the restaurant to greet you. You don’t need to chase them. They come to your table. You can:

• Hug them.
• Take pictures.
• Ask for autographs.
• Chat a little.
• Watch them interact with kids and families.

It’s a fun way to meet characters without standing in long queues in the parks. And since you’re seated, it’s perfect for little kids who might get tired easily.

4 Best Restaurants for Character Dining

You can enjoy Character Dining at Disneyland Paris in four main places. Each restaurant is different with its theme, characters, and food. Let’s go through them one by one.

1. Plaza Gardens Restaurant

This is one of the most famous spots for character dining. It’s right inside Disneyland Park, so it’s easy to reach during your visit.

Tip: Book the 8:15 am breakfast. You’ll enter the park before it officially opens, which means you can walk down Main Street without the crowds and take amazing photos in front of the castle before you eat.

Characters You Might See

At breakfast, you’ll meet 5-6 classic Disney characters, usually not Mickey or Minnie. At dinner, Mickey and Minnie join in, along with other friends like Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, Daisy, Winnie the Pooh, and more.

Food Highlights

• For breakfast: Pastries, fruits, eggs and bacon. You see, a mix of continental and English breakfast
• For dinner: International dishes, including French and American favourites, plus vegetarian options

2. Auberge de Cendrillon (Cinderella’s Inn)

This is the go-to place for Princess fans. It’s located in Fantasyland and feels just like stepping into a storybook.

Important Note: Breakfast with princesses only runs during specific times.

Who You Might Meet

Of course, expect to see Cinderella, plus princesses like Snow White, Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, Rapunzel, or Mulan. You might also spot Suzy and Perla (Cinderella’s mouse friends) or Princess Minnie. Belle and Tiana appear less often here, but they’re seen more at other restaurants.

Food Tip: This place serves gourmet French food, including dishes like coq au vin and beef bourguignon. It’s fancy. Not everyone (especially picky kids) will love it, so check the menu before booking.

3. La Table de Lumière

This is a royal dining experience inside the Disneyland Hotel, and it’s only available to guests staying there (for now).

Top Tip: If you’re not staying at the Disneyland Hotel, you can sometimes ask about availability at City Hall on the day of your visit; they might let you in if there’s space.

Who You Might See

This is the only place where you’ll see royal couples together. You might meet:

• Belle and Prince Adam
• Ariel and Prince Eric
• Cinderella and Prince Charming
• Snow White and Prince Florian
• Tiana and Prince Naveen
• Aurora and Prince Phillip

Food Experience

The menu includes a starter, main course, and dessert, all served at your table with elegant presentation. The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles inspires the setting, making everything feel fancy and magical.

4. The Royal Banquet

This is also inside the Disneyland Hotel and offers a more casual buffet, perfect for families. The characters wear royal clothes you won’t see anywhere else in the park, like Minnie in a gown or Mickey in a prince’s suit. Kids love the atmosphere because it’s both royal and playful.

How to Book Character Dining at Disneyland Paris

Character dining is very popular. It fills up fast, especially during school holidays and weekends.

Here’s how to book:

• Use the Disneyland Paris app (up to 2 months in advance).
• Book it as part of your holiday package.
• Call Disney Experts or customer service for help.
• Ask at your hotel concierge if you’re already checked in.

Extra Tips Before You Go

You must follow these tips!

Bring an Autograph Book and a Pen

It may seem small, but kids (and adults) love collecting signatures. Each character has their unique way of signing, and it’s a fun keepsake to look back on later. You can buy official Disney autograph books at the shops in the park or bring your notebook to make it even more personal.

Charge Your Phone, and Bring a Power Bank

From surprise hugs to funny poses, there will be many times you’ll want to snap a picture or take a short video. And because it’s indoors, good lighting helps, so having battery power for that flash or camera app is essential.

Ask a Cast Member Questions

The staff working in the restaurants are called Cast Members, and they’re not just there to serve food, they’re part of the Disney magic. If you’re unsure which characters are visiting that day or want to know the best time to snap a group photo, just ask them.

Keep Your Camera Ready, Not Tucked Away

Characters might appear suddenly, sometimes from behind you, dancing across the room. You could miss the moment if your phone or camera is buried in your bag. It’s best to keep it in your hand or on the table.

Tell the Characters if It’s a Birthday or a Special Occasion

They love making those moments extra special. If it’s your child’s birthday or anniversary, inform the restaurant in advance, and mention it to the characters when they arrive. You might get extra attention, like a hug, a dance, or even a group photo with more characters at once..

Why It’s Worth It

Character dining at Disneyland Paris isn’t cheap. But for many families, it becomes the most memorable event. You’re not just eating, you’re laughing, smiling, and capturing magical moments up close with your favourite characters. If you’re planning your Disneyland Paris holidays, adding a character dining experience can turn a great visit into a truly magical one. Instead of standing in long lines under the sun to meet Mickey, you can wave at him while enjoying dessert. Your child might hug Cinderella while nibbling on a croissant.

These moments feel special, and that’s what Disneyland Paris is about.

FAQs

Can I celebrate a birthday during a character dining experience?

Yes, character dining makes it extra special. If you’re celebrating, let the staff know when you book and arrive.

Do characters still visit the table if we’re in the middle of eating?

Yes, but they’re very thoughtful. If you’re eating, they usually wait a moment or return later. Cast Members help manage this so you don’t miss a character.

Are there photographers at character dining restaurants?

No official photographers are assigned to tables like in meet-and-greet zones. You must take pictures or ask a Cast Member to help.

Are character dining menus kid-friendly?

Generally, yes. But if your child is a picky eater, especially of French cuisine, it’s a good idea to look at menus online before booking.

Can I just visit a character dining restaurant to meet characters without eating?

No, all character dining experiences require a meal reservation. You can’t walk in and meet characters without dining.

Can adults go to character dining without kids?

Absolutely. Many adult fans of Disney enjoy character dining for the atmosphere, food, and fun. The characters interact just as warmly with grown-ups as they do with children.