If you plan on spending the entire day exploring Disneyland Paris. There are a few ways to approach lunchtime.
Since breakfast is typically hard to come by inside the parks, having a heavier lunch at Disneyland Paris can be an important strategy.
It is especially important to eat a big lunch if you plan to resist the urge to spend your whole budget on delicious snacks.
However, snacks may be a big part of the draw for you and your family. In that case, a budget-friendly quick-service meal may serve you better.
Park strategies aside, I have some favourite lunchtime places. I do preference the ones that serve larger appetites. It’s easier to make lunch your one meal. You are able to do more things in the morning and evening.
Afternoons are notoriously the busiest times of day. So another thing I love about having lunch at Disneyland Paris is the opportunity to rest.
At a big meal, I can sit and wait for my second wind to take me onwards to the finish line. Disneyland Paris is magical at night and I don’t want to miss it for anything.
Now a hearty sustainable meal is best in most situations, but as I mentioned there are plenty of terrific quick service options as well. My only reason for not including them is that there is no specific advantage to enjoying them at lunch time.
Here, in my opinion, are a few of the best places to grab lunch at Disneyland Paris while you’re in the resort area, regardless of which dining plan you have chosen.
Inventions
I love Inventions! It’s unfortunately closed now while the Disneyland Hotel is renovated. I sincerely hope it doesn’t change when it reopens.
The new hotel will feature Disney Princesses more prominently, so it may be that Anna will be wandering around the restaurant looking for Elsa.
In any case, Inventions has been a very popular Disneyland Paris restaurant located in the Disneyland Hotel.
One of the things that makes this among the most frequently visited restaurants in the park is that it’s the only restaurant where you can meet Mickey, Minnie, and friends at your dining table.
Make sure that you have your autograph book ready so that you can collect signatures from your favourite characters while they visit you. Whether they be princesses or our favorite cartoon pals.
The buffet-style setting at Inventions means that each member of your group can select from a variety of dishes for lunch, inspired by both classic French and international cuisine.
Due to the popularity of this restaurant, you are almost required to make reservations in order to experience a meal here. Book a meal here as soon as you can to be sure that you’ll get a time during your stay.
Bistrot Chez Rémy
A favourite of fans of the film Ratatouille, Bistrot Chez Rémy gives guests a rat’s perspective of fine Parisian dining.
All of the Furnishings in this themed restaurant look like oversized household items, from Christmas light fixtures hanging above to wine cork shaped chairs.
This fun decor gives guests the impression that they’ve shrunk to the size of a mouse as soon as they step through the door.
As with inventions, your best chance of getting a table during your visit to Disneyland Paris is to book as soon as possible. You can make reservations up to 2 months before the day you’ll be dining.
This restaurant is based on fine dining, but don’t expect a Michelin Star-rated meal. It’s a lot of fun and you will enjoy the atmosphere, especially with kids, but it’s a good idea to manage your expectations before you arrive.
Even so, compared to other eateries in the Walt Disney Studios park it is the best dining experience you could have.
Downtown Restaurant
Located in Disney Hotel New York: The Art of Marvel, Downtown Restaurant is the Art Deco styled American Buffet that used to go by the name Parkside Diner.
It’s on the opposite side of Disney Village from the parks. They also have Scenic outdoor seating, which makes it a great place to grab a quiet lunch with a view away from the parks.
The theme of Downtown Restaurant is the typical 1930s New York diner, replete with American-inspired meals and treats. True to the diversity of cultures in the real New York City, the buffet also features international dishes, so everyone is sure to find something that they love.
Auberge De Cendrillon
If the kids in your party are excited to dine with princesses during their trip to Disneyland Paris, consider booking a character lunch at Auberge De Cendrillon.
This Cinderella inspired fine dining restaurant features a character lunch where guests can meet with princesses including Cinderella, Ariel, Rapunzel, and more.
Just like Inventions, the fine food and character visits available at L’Auberge means that you’ll pay a bit more for your meal.
But, the opportunity for your kids to meet with their favourite characters will be worth the extra expense.
Otherwise it could take hours in the park trying to get all those pictures and character moments. Some you may never find during your whole visit.
The Importance of Lunch at Disneyland Paris
From the fantastic food to the character encounters, eating lunch at Disneyland Paris has all of the charm and Disney magic you would expect from a Disney dining experience. Make reservations today, and you can see for yourself during your upcoming Disney trip.
If you plan to avoid reservations and just chance it with quick service options available, be warned: Many of these often stay closed due to weather or low attendance, so be sure to check in regularly on what Disneyland Paris restaurants are open.
All of these restaurants are hugely popular so advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 2 months prior to your arrival date. Just call Dining Reservation Service on +33 1 60 30 40 50 (international call rates apply, cost may vary according to network). You can also book at the reception desk of your Hotel or check out the Disney;and Paris app to book your reservation.
Considering booking a Disneyland Paris Hotel but unsure which is the best one for you, check out their price estimate calendar and find the best deal for your family.
