Plaza Gardens Restaurant, located at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Paris, is a Victorian-themed buffet restaurant that has long been a favorite among park visitors. Known for its charming atmosphere and character dining experience, it offers a blend of Disney magic and classic dining, and faces directly onto the castle (though is obstructed in places by Paris’ many trees). For the first time, we had the opportunity to attend and get to know a bit more about one of the more sought after bookings at Disneyland Paris.
Atmosphere and Theming
Plaza Gardens Restaurant is beautifully themed in the style of a Victorian-era conservatory. The elegant design, complete with large windows, chandeliers, and detailed woodwork, transports guests back in time to an era of grandeur and refinement. The restaurant’s ambiance is one of its strongest points, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the park outside.
The dining area is spacious, with tables spread out in various sections, though a number are close together, and we were sat in the middle of the floor quite close to a large number of other tables.
The decor includes lush greenery, classic furnishings, and ornate details. Being evening time and dark outside (9pm), it was well lit without being too overpowering.
While the setting is undeniably charming, the overall experience can sometimes feel rushed. The character interactions, which are a highlight for many guests, are a bit hurried, with characters moving quickly from table to table, though we did see some more unique and longer interactions with other guests; perhaps our kids were just more interested in eating the food. This is understandable given the number of guests, but it can leave some visitors feeling like their time with the characters was too brief.
The Food
Plaza Gardens Restaurant is a buffet-style dining experience with a number of dishes to choose from. The buffet includes both hot and cold options, and while the variety is impressive, the quality of the food can be inconsistent. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Lunch and Dinner Buffet: The lunch and dinner offerings include a mix of international and French cuisine. From mickey shaped ravioli pasta and shaped potato pieces, to roast chicken, veal, rice, and full salad and cheese range, there is something for everyone.
I will say that I was not particularly impressed with the range or amount of options available (second time Ive noted this in Paris, it was similar in Royal Banquet in the Disneyland Paris hotel), and of what was served, a number of them were lukewarm at best. Food was rotated out and a second helping was warmer, but I expected more. Don’t expect pizza, burgers, chips (fries), they are not here.
Desserts: A spread of desserts is available on either end of the buffet set up. On our visit, I was impressed by the macarons both in display and quality (genuinely, as good as any you can get), and also by the chocolate fountain and marshmellows which the kids enjoyed. Other cakes and pastries are on offer, though I did not find them to be as good as those found at Royal Banquet.
Character Experience and Service
One of the major draws of Plaza Gardens Restaurant is the character dining, where guests can meet and interact with various Disney characters. During our visit, characters such as Pluto, Pinnochio, Gepeto, Captain Hook, Smee and Eeyore made the rounds, stopping at each table for photos, autographs, and brief interactions.
Our’s were quick enough as mentioned; I don’t always know what to expect at character interactions or how much my own kids will want to do it, so I generally let just what happens be fine. I will say that character meetings with those that can speak (eg Princesses) are more interactive and interesting. With these characters, a high five, a signature in the book, and maybe a hug are about the limits. I did see some other longer interactions with other families, including Pinnochio sitting down to enjoy a meal with someone whos partner had made a bathroom break, and Hook chasing kids around the restaurant.
I will say that the mixture of characters here is… odd. I guess there are only so many places that can have the fab five all in one place, and that there is a place for more obscure or non-mainstream characters to have a meeting in a restaurant setting. However, you can see that it struggles to generate the chemistry that other character dining can have, and it is nowhere near as strong as meeting any of Mickey, Minnie, Daisy or Donald, or the Princesses.
Service at Plaza Gardens is generally good, with staff being attentive and quick to clear plates. However, during peak times (which is basically always), the restaurant can feel crowded, and the service might not be as personalized as in some other dining locations within the park. When we very first arrived, you are made to pay, and then was informed that they ‘close at 10.40 sharp’. I found that a bit heavy to put on me right then; I hadn’t planned to stay in a buffet for 90 minutes…
Value for Money
One of the advantages of dining at Plaza Gardens Restaurant is that it offers better value for money compared to some of the other character dining experiences in Disneyland Paris, such as the Royal Banquet (of course, context matters; you are still paying €240 for a family of four, €80 adults, €40 children at time of writing). The buffet style allows you to eat as much as you like, and the variety ensures that most guests will find something they enjoy.
The food quality may not always be exceptional, the character meetings may be a bit rushed and odd, but it still is a quality experience and a memory of one of the iconic locations of the park. The elegant setting and buffet do a lot of the heavy lifting. Plaza Gardens is solid choice for families looking to experience Disney dining and meet some characters.
Tips for Visiting
- Reservations: Due to its popularity, it’s essential to make a reservation for Plaza Gardens, especially if you plan to dine during peak hours or want to experience the character breakfast. Booking in advance will help ensure you get a table at your preferred time. We originally got a 9.30pm booking but managed to find a 9pm booking the week of our trip.
- Best Time to Visit: It’s going to be busy all day, so just make sure that the reservation that you get will work with your eating schedule.
- Dietary Needs: The buffet includes a variety of options, but if you have specific dietary needs, it’s a good idea to speak with the staff. They are generally accommodating and can help you find suitable dishes.
- Ultimate recommendation: Book The Royal Banquet instead. It’s a bit more, but it’s better in every department except (debatably) the location.
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