Most every American heading to France has two things on their minds: food and wine. It is impossible to extract the city of Paris from its gastronomical lore, and visitors to Disneyland Paris certainly expect the same. Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort have themselves become culinary Wonderlands, so our anticipation may be acute. Once again, managed expectations will yield the happiest results. I will share my favorites, along with some tips for what you may find in Disneyland Paris restaurants. (Finally, like the websites for the American Disney Parks, you CAN find menu details at Disneyland Paris Dining.)
Top Picks for Disneyland Paris Dining
Table Service
If you are headed to the Inaugural Disneyland Paris Princess Half Marathon Weekend, these are the spots you can find me!!!
Disneyland Park
Walt’s- an American restaurant (Main Street, U.S.A.)
By far my favorite experience in all of Disneyland Paris dining, this exquisitely-themed restaurant perched atop Main Street, U.S.A. serves food that most closely matches what we expect from the French! More importantly, it closely reminds me of Disneyland Resort’s Club 33 or Dream Suite; in a clear homage to the great man himself, each room is appointed to reflect each of the six lands in Disneyland Park. My personal colorful favorite was Adventureland, as pictured above. Walt’s is now a “Premium Gastronomique” restaurant, so the price point is now commensurate. (Walt’s famous Chili Con Carne is now 39.99 Euro!!)
Captain Jack’s- Restaurants des Pirates (Formerly Blue Lagoon Restaurant) (Adventureland)
Patterned after the Blue Bayou in Disneyland Resort, this cousin has a Caribbean theme to match the attraction it overlooks. Yes, alcohol is served throughout these parks, and my then 20-year-old buccaneer took full advantage. We found the rum!!
Walt Disney Studios Park
Bistrot Chez Remy (Toon Studio)
May I just say- let me at it!!! We enjoyed several “pleasant” meals here. Certainly nothing to rave about, but we loved the entertaining view of Ratatouille: The Adventure.
Disney Village
King Ludwig’s Castle
Strike up the oom-pa-pah at this Bavarian banquet hall is a fun place with pretty good food. And a really great beer list!
Disney Hotels
California Grill** (with reservations!) (Disneyland Hotel Paris)
This is NOT the Walt Disney World Resort version. Ambience, food quality, and price point are all quite different from its namesake atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort; when we stayed at Disneyland Hotel Paris, THIS WAS THE BREAKFAST ROOM. I’m sorry, it just does not rise to “premium” Disneyland Paris dining for me. Nuf said.
Character Dining
Characters do not abound at the Disneyland Paris restaurants, so if you want the coveted and almost expected character photo and signature, head to one of these three destinations:
Disneyland Park
Auberge de Cendrillon (Fantasyland)
This one’s especially magical, with all of the flourishes your prince or princess is looking forward to. Characters make their entrance with a grand dance in the ballroom, followed by a “holding court” session with royal Guests. Though also “Premium Gastronomique” we felt the food (Table Service) and extras here warranted that title. (And grand pricing: 77 Euro Adults)
Disney Village
Café Mickey
Not the buffet-style of Chef Mickey’s, this Table Service Italian restaurant offers pizza, pasta, veal, and other dishes. Mickey Mouse and his pals will come to visit your table, without the white napkin fanfare! (Starter, Main Course, and Dessert Adults 65 Euro Child 35 Euro)
Disney Hotels
Inventions (Disneyland Hotel Paris)
Also located in Disneyland Hotel Paris, this buffet does showcase a character lunch, dinner (Adult 70 Euro, Child 40 Euro each). The food is good, diverse, and is served in pleasant surroundings.
Buffet Service
Disneyland Park
Restaurant Agrabah Cafe (Adventureland)
Step inside this Arabian bazaar in Adventureland for a buffet of unique Mediterranean flavors. The atmosphere is vivid and full of life, and the food beats the burgers served in so much of this park!
(Adult 34.99 Euro, Child 17.99 Euro)
Walt Disney Studios Park
Sadly, I just can’t endorse the only buffet service spot here- Restaurant des Stars. This entire park is simply not the top choice for Disneyland Paris dining.
Disney Hotels (Disneyland Hotel Paris)
Inventions
See above!
Quick Service
Disneyland Park
Fuente del Oro Restaurante (Frontierland)
Billed as “A Taste of Southwest Sunshine” this is a Tex-Mex hideaway that will remind Southwest Americans of home. Order Mini Taquitos Aux Legumes and a Draught Beer, and watch Big Thunder Mountain. (The BEST Big Thunder there is!)
Walt Disney Studios Park
Restaurant en Coulisse (Front Lot)
Fairly standard fare, but with fun “Atmosphere! Atmosphere!” Get your burger. pizza, or salad with a side of Hollywood. We even got to overlook some terrific jazz entertainment while we ate!
Disney Village
Earl of Sandwich
Always tasty and you know it well.
** If you are not receiving free breakfast at your hotel (or if you are staying at a Disneyland Paris Resort hotel and want a hot breakfast) stop in daily from 8:30 am- 11:00 am!
Lounges
Disney Hotels
Cafe Fantasia (Disneyland Hotel Paris)
Set in a musically-inspired piano bar, the notes from Fantasia surround you. A full cocktail menu, as well as pastries and sweets are served. If you want to visit this beautiful hotel, and can’t afford a dinner at either California Grill or Inventions, this is the hot spot for you! Be warned, though, there is limited seating in this lounge.
Captain’s Quarters (Disney’s Newport Bay Club)
I confess. I eat around. And this is the BEST Croque Monsieur I have ever eaten. Oh le fromage…
Redwood Bar and Grill
Redwood Bar and Lounge (Disney’s Sequoia Lodge)
Cozy or what? Especially after running a half marathon. Perfect occasion for Cuvees Disneyland Paris!
New York City Bar (Disney’s Hotel New York)
Larger in size, this is another happening late night spot to be. I can’t say that it reminded me of my Big Apple, but that’s not why you travel to France anyway!
Where will I be dining with you? Send me your comments and questions below. Disneyland Paris dining est enchanté. And chEARS!!
Fantastic and informative piece! What an experience and I appreciate your honesty with regard to what was worth your comment and what wasn't. You certainly have me wanting to visit DLP at some point in my life!
I so appreciate your kind commets Tina- my word is my bond, so I try to tell it like it is! Here's WISHING you get there some day. 😀