Having initially uploaded this post in 2020, it is now significantly out of date and in need of current info!
If you are familiar with other Disney parks in general then you may feel like DLP really does not have as much to offer. Its a fair assessment. It doesn’t mean there is nothing to offer though!
Character dining is one of our favourite things to do at Disneyland Paris and we have not yet done a trip without one. So far we have eaten at Auberg D’Cendrillion, Cafe Mickey and Plaza Gardens but thanks to the pandemic we did not get to have a Sunday Brunch in the Disney hotel prior to its closure for refurbishment.
In hindsight, we have always enjoyed the character dining so will always recommend factoring a character meal into your budget. I really think they are a highlight of our trips.
What are the options? Well effectively there are only a few places where you can eat and meet Disney characters. However some restaurants are only open for breakfast and others are only open for dinner. In short though, character dining is only currently available at Plaza Gardens (breakfast and dinner) and at ADC. Cafe Mickey is now closed for good whilst Sunday Brunch will not reopen until the main hotel does. Sadly, this means that options are very limited.
It is also worth noting that Buffalo Bills is also no more!
Auberge De Cendrillion
Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ita’s absolute favourite restaurant at DLP. This is Cinderella’s restaurant where you will meet lots of princesses as well as Jaq and Suzy and Perla. Typically you get to meet the princesses; usually Aurora, Cinderella, Belle and Rapunzel however we have also been lucky enough to meet Tiana here! I know a few have said they have met Ariel here, but we haven’t (yet).
There are 2 breakfast sittings here; 8.15am (for Disney residents using their extra magic hours) and 9.45am.
ADC is based in Fantasy Land quite close to the castle and is a table service restaurant. You will need a valid park ticket to eat here.
You can now have breakfast, lunch and dinner here at ADC. I would personally recommend a breakfast as the optimal option since you gain access quite early to the park.
There is actually a 4 princess policy here – if you do not get to meet at least 4, tell your waiter and they will make sure that you do! Not many people know this and it really is a valuable tip.
Plaza Gardens
Breakfast and dinner.
Breakfast here is my favourite as they serve an American style buffet which frankly is delicious. Here you meet Mickey and friends. We have had breakfast here twice and we absolutely love it.
There are 2 breakfast sittings here; 8.15am (for Disney residents) and 9.45am.
Plaza Gardens is at the bottom of Main Street USA and like ADC, you will need a valid park ticket to eat here.
Inventions
Sunday Brunch.
Inventions is a buffet restaurant based on the 2nd floor inside the main Disneyland Hotel just outside of the park. As such, you do not need a valid park ticket to eat here. This restaurant is where you will meet Mickey and friends, but also hosts the more obscure characters too.
Every Sunday this restaurant hosts their Sunday Brunch. Now, for some reason this seems to be a bit of a secret?
It takes place each Sunday between 1-4pm. Every week the theme of the brunch changes which makes it very different from the standard meal (lunch or dinner) at Inventions. The themes include Lilo and Stitch, Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland however you will not find out in advance what the theme will be!
In addition to rare and special characters, you will also get the VIPs (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Daisy, Pluto, Chip and Dale) in special outfits each week as well.
HOWEVER! This is currently close due to the ongoing renovations at the hotel.
Buffalo Bills Wild West Show
Is no more. Which is quite sad considering it was the most unusual character dining/ experience that DLP had to offer.
Garcia Family UK 