Character Dining at Disneyland Paris - Plaza Gardens!
Embrace your inner child & join some of your favourite Disney characters for dinner or breakfast at the Victorian styled Plaza Gardens, Disneyland Paris!
A character dinner (or breakfast) at Plaza Gardens on Main Street USA is a fantastic dining experience at Disneyland Paris. I've learnt on all my visits that character dining experiences are a must do activity to meet iconic Disney characters, saving time on queuing, and to enjoy some tasty Disney food!
Plaza Gardens
As soon as you enter the Plaza Gardens Restaurant, you'll be transported to a bygone era of Victorian elegance. The restaurant is designed in a beautiful Victorian style, with intricate details and ornate furnishings that will make you feel like you've stepped back in time.
Located on Main Street USA the restaurant has some wonderful view of the plazas, parade route and even Cinderella's magical castle. This means you can take a break from all the excitement of the park and enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful setting without ever feeling like you've left the magic behind. It's central location to the park makes it a great option for breakfast, a post=parade lunch or dinner before the fireworks! Note that Character dining isn't available at lunch sittings.
One of the larger restaurants in the park, the dining room has multiple sections which gives you plenty of space for character interaction. The buffet is set the length of the back wall, so it's central for all tables. We were seated in the bay windows on the side of the restaurant, which meant we could thoroughly enjoy the views of the park and not miss a moment of the fun! We could see the parade pass, but the clever soundproofing and division of the large room means it's not intrusive or noisy in such a busy restaurant.
Plaza Gardens can be selected on the Disney dining plan – which does also allow you to make a booking up to 6 months in advance which I’d highly recommend as it’s extremely popular!
The Food!
There is a plentiful buffet featuring a wide variety of delicious dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The central area of the buffet counter boasts an array of fresh salads, vegetables, classic salad components to make your own and tasty soups.
The side arms of the buffet are mirror images of each other, which is fab at reducing queues. There was succulent roast meats being carved to order, including beef, veal, rotisserie and fried chicken. I particularly enjoyed the main dishes available, including a delicious chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce, a vegan pasta dish, beef & ginger stir-fry and delicate glazed salmon. Accompaniments included staples like mash, chips and plenty of vegetables, sauces, bread rolls and the abundant salad bar section.
Once satisfied by the savoury courses, there is a outstanding section of decadent desserts waiting to be devoured! Oh boy, Oh boy are they good! When I visited it was the 30th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris so we were spoilt with 30 macarons, cheesecakes and more. I especially liked the Minnie brownie bites, that were so rich but perfect in their small size.
And don't worry about the little ones in your group - there are plenty of options for the children too! From easy choices likes sausages, and chips to healthier choices like pasta salads, plus the whole of the adults selection and even sweet treats as well. Plus as it's a buffet it's a fantastic opportunity for kids to try something new. As there is plenty they will love, it doesn't matter as much if they don't enjoy the new discovery of things like courgettes, although the fact they are Mickey shaped can really help! There really is something for even the most discerning young diners.
If you are visiting for a breakfast character dining experience, you can expect the usual components of a splendid cooked breakfast, along with more continental style meats, cheeses and pastries. Plus pancakes, waffles and some Disney specials as well!
Character Interactions
There are no guarantees which characters will make an appearance at Plaza Gardens, although you will meet every character that is there on the day as they are extremely clever to not miss a table, even if you're at the buffet at the time! When I've visited we've always met 6 characters including Mickey Mouse, with the Disney fab five and Winnie the Pooh characters also featuring frequently.
On a previous breakfast session we met Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Scrooge McDuck, Eeyore, Rabbit &Tigger! This time we were lucky enough to meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Eeyore and Geppetto for dinner!
Every character will come to each table of diners to chat, sign autographs and pose for photos with children & adults. There interactions are absolutely wonderful, as you'd expect, and although short don't feel rushed. You will truly make some magical moments for you all.
Goofy was being particularly cheeky during our dinner and kept sitting down at people's tables with cutlery ready to join in, he even roped in Pluto to do the same at one point! Mickey & Minnie both loved that my nieces were dressed in Minnie outfits, and I had a homemade Mickey sweatshirt and nod to Minnie in my outfit that they also applauded!
Verdict
For me Plaza Gardens is a great option for character dining at the parks which is great value for money and will add to your Disney memories. The food is plentiful, with great variety for everyone to enjoy their meal and seeing everyone meet the characters around you adds great entertainment!
Will you be adding this experience to your Disneyland Paris trip?
Cost: €45 per adult & €25 per child, advance booking highly recommended (recommend to book 6 months in advance if possible!)
Time: approximately 1-2 hours.
Location: Main Street USA, Disneyland Paris
Date of visit: February 2023
