Royal Banquet at Disneyland Hotel: What Changed? My New Top Tips!

UPDATE: I’ve just been back to Royal Banquet at Disneyland Hotel Paris, and this time I went for dinner instead of lunch. I wasn’t expecting it to feel that different, but you know what? It changed my opinion entirely. If you’ve read my original review (check that out here, it’s got all ther basics you need to know about this restaurant before you go), keep reading to find out what’s new, what’s improved, and whether I now think it’s worth the hefty price tag.

Dinner Feels a Bit Fancier (In a Good Way)

There’s just something about arriving at Royal Banquet in the evening that feels a little more… elevated. The lighting is softer, the lobby has that golden hour glow, and since I was done with the parks for the day, I could finally let my hair down. No squeezing it in between rides or checking the time to make sure I didn’t miss a parade. Just dinner. Lovely, calm, sparkly dinner.

That said, if you are planning to catch the fireworks after your meal, don’t panic. My dinner was booked for 6.15 pm, and I still had plenty of time to eat, meet the characters, and get to a good viewing spot. You could easily do both with a bit of planning. (And maybe a quick shuffle if you’re a slow eater.)

Characters Were on Their A-Game

Remember in my first visit when Mickey and Minnie mysteriously vanished before they reached our table? This time, they were out in full royal splendour. In fact, Mickey came around twice, which felt like a lovely little bonus. A waitress even came over to ask if I’d met all the characters before I left.

It really did feel like the character experience had been polished up since my last visit. I left with photos, hugs, and the kind of innocent joy that only happens after Donald pretends to steal your bread roll.

New Room, Better View

When I arrived, they tried to seat me in the same room I’d sat in last time: the Carousel Room. Now, I love a carousel and I’m not one to say no to a wall full of Disney animals, but I was feeling adventurous. So I asked to sit elsewhere.

This time, I ended up in what I’m calling the Family Room, with portraits of Disney families on the wall and a slightly more open layout. It felt more spacious, less like I was tucked behind a decorative wall divider, and I think the characters found it easier to spot guests here too.

If you’re visiting solo, or you just want a table with a clearer view of the action, this room is a good bet.

Food & Desserts: Still Fancy, but Finally Accessible

The food itself was pretty much the same as before. Think lots of seafood, veggie options, and beautifully plated mains that make you feel like maybe you should have worn a tiara.

This time, I even had lobster, and it was genuinely lovely. Would I have loved a little pot of hot butter to dip it in? Absolutely. But I’m a woman of simple pleasures.

The big difference was the desserts. Last time I came for lunch, they were practically gone by the time we got to the counter. This time, they were fully stocked and kept being topped up while I was there. Everything looked fresh and inviting, and no one had to go begging for shortbread.

That said, while the desserts look stunning, the flavours are still a bit subtle. Lots of berry mousses, glossy glazes, and dainty little tarts. They’re very French and very pretty. But if you’re hoping for something a bit more child-friendly, like ice cream or Mickey waffles, you might be left wishing for a little more fun.

An ice cream dispenser / sundae bar with some pic-n-mix would not go amiss here. Disney, if you’re listening, the kids (and let’s face it, the adults) would love it.

Service and Overall Vibes

From the moment I was seated, the service was friendly and warm. My server was genuinely lovely. She made conversation, checked in on me often, and even had a bit of a cheeky sense of humour, which was perfect since I was dining solo.

There’s always something comforting about having a chatty server when you’re on your own, and she absolutely nailed it.

The only minor hiccup was waiting a while for the bill, but I’ve learned that this is always a thing when you’re using a meal plan voucher. Apparently, those little pieces of paper cause a bit of confusion behind the scenes. Still, it didn’t spoil anything.

✏️ Quick Note on Characters Currently at Royal Banquet

I actually booked dinner this time hoping to meet Pluto and Goofy, since I’d already seen Donald and Daisy during my lunch visit. But here’s the thing: Disney loves a last-minute switcheroo at Royal Banquet. Over the past year, the character line-up has changed multiple times without notice, and it’s been known to flip back and forth between lunch and dinner.

So while Mickey and Minnie are pretty much guaranteed at every meal, I wouldn’t plan your booking solely around which duck or dog you’re hoping to see. My advice? Go with the time that fits best into your day — and treat any extra characters as a bonus surprise.

My Final Verdict (Dinner Edition)

Compared to my first visit, dinner at Royal Banquet was a total glow-up.

✔️ Characters showed up
✔️ Desserts were plentiful and pretty
✔️ The room layout was better
✔️ Service was friendly and seamless

The whole thing just felt far more polished and enjoyable. I wasn’t stressed or rushed. I wasn’t awkwardly watching empty dessert trays or wondering where Mickey had gone. I just had a nice dinner. In a castle. With royalty. Casual.

Would I go back again? Probably not every trip. It’s still expensive. My meal plan voucher was worth €45 and I had to top it up by around €55, so yes, it’s a splurge.

But for a treat? Or a special occasion? Or if you’re staying at the Disneyland Hotel and want a magical dinner without leaving the building? I would absolutely recommend it.

And if you’ve got little ones who love meeting characters, it’s a brilliant way to tick off four at once, in fancy outfits, without waiting in the park queues. That’s a win in my book.

🍴 My Original Lunch Review – October 2024

Curious how dinner compares to lunch? Keep reading for my original review from last year when we first tried Royal Banquet during the day. Spoiler: it wasn’t quite the fairytale ending we’d hoped for, but it makes a great contrast to how much the experience has improved since!

At a Glance

Here’s a quick rundown of the essentials you need to know about dining at Royal Banquet:

• Cost: €100 per adult (ages 12+) and €50 per child (ages 3-11)
• Characters: Lunch: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy; Dinner: Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy
• Location: Inside the Disneyland Hotel, just steps away from the entrance to Disneyland Park
• Cuisine: Upscale buffet with a range of seafood, vegetarian dishes, carvery options, and signature Disney fairytale-themed desserts (Plus kid favourites chicken bites and Mickey potatoes!)
• How to Book: Available to all guests. Book ahead via the website or the official Disneyland Paris mobile app up to 2 months in advance (or upon booking ​confirmation for Disney Hotel Guests).
• Check out the menu for Royal Banquet

Good to Know: Booking the Royal Banquet at Disneyland Paris is Now Open for ALL Guests

One of the best parts about Royal Banquet is that it’s open to everyone! You don’t need to be staying at a Disney hotel to book. Simply hop onto the Disneyland Paris app or the website to reserve your spot. It’s a popular spot, though, so definitely book ahead—there are two meal times, lunch and dinner, and trust me, you’ll want to be there early for both. More on why later!
📌  If you need help booking, check out: 9 Tips

A Peek Inside the Refurbished Disneyland Hotel

Now, I have to tell you—seeing the refurbished Disneyland Hotel is a treat all on its own! Even if you’re just dining, make sure to budget a little extra time to explore the lobby and maybe do a little shopping in the hotel’s gift shop (it’s full of beautiful goodies you won’t find in the parks). And, of course, no visit is complete without the obligatory photo on the grand staircase! Channel your inner Disney princess and give that staircase your best royal wave—you know I did!

A Royal Setting: Ambience and Dining Rooms

Royal Banquet has definitely upped the ante on Disney dining ambience. Each room here has its own unique theme, and every detail is spot-on. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different rooms:

• Chefs Room: Located by the buffet, this room is a dream for foodies and fans of Disney chefs. Portraits of Disney’s culinary greats (yes, including Tiana!) line the walls.
• Carousel Room: We sat here, and it’s just beautiful! Portraits of Disney’s lovable animal sidekicks make it feel lively and warm.
• Villain Room: A dark and dramatic setting with portraits of classic Disney villains. (Perfect for a little edge with your meal!)
• Family Room: If you love classic Disney vibes, this room has portraits of beloved Disney families.

Each area is gorgeously themed, and you’ll feel like you’re dining in your own little Disney world. The characters themselves are dressed in full royal attire, which makes meeting them extra special. For lunch, you can expect visits from Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy, and for dinner, it’s Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy. Now, let’s talk about our personal experience with the characters, because there were some highs…and a few lows.

Characters in Their Royal Outfits: The Highlights (and a Few Hiccups)

We dined for lunch and were lucky to meet Daisy and Donald—twice, actually! They were adorable, lively, and stayed for plenty of photos. They may be “mute” characters, but they were so expressive, chatting in their own way and making us laugh.

Now, for the downside: Mickey and Minnie were supposed to make the rounds, but they never showed up at our table! I asked our waiter, who seemed as confused as we were, and he simply said he didn’t know where they’d gone. This was disappointing, especially since we’d paid quite a hefty sum (€200 for the two of us!).

So, if character meets are a top priority for you, my advice is: Avoid late lunch or dinner bookings. This same thing happened to us at Auberge de Cendrillon before, so it seems to be a trend with the later slots. If you’re keen on meeting everyone, go for an earlier seating time.

The Royal Feast: Food Fit for Disney Fans (and Dessert Drama)

The food at Royal Banquet is an upscale buffet that really tries to cater to all tastes. As pescatarians, we were happy to see a range of seafood options and lots of veggie dishes, but there’s something for everyone, with seafood, vegetable dishes, salads, and carvery options. Here’s what stood out:

• Seafood Galore: We enjoyed the crab and were especially pleased with a salmon dish that was fresh and flavourful.
• Veggie Options: There was no shortage of tasty salads and vegetable dishes, which were beautifully prepared.
• Carvery: Perfect for those carnivores!

And now…the desserts. These aren’t your average Disney sweets—Royal Banquet is known for its fairytale-themed desserts that are inspired by classic Disney stories. Think Belle’s rose, a Tiana mousse, a Wish pumpkin cupcake, and more. They looked as magical as they sounded, and earlier diners definitely enjoyed a beautiful spread.

The Dessert Debacle

Here’s where our timing let us down…

By the time we got up to the dessert counter, most of the treats were gone! I managed to flag down our waiter, who kindly brought out a couple of mini desserts from the back for us to share: a Tiana mousse and a lovely Excalibur ‘sword in the stone’ treat. They were delicious, but facing a €100 a plate buffet of empty trays and crumbs was… not ideal. If desserts are a priority for you, go up early! Don’t wait until the end of your meal, or you might miss out like we did.

👱🏻‍♀️ Pros and Cons: Our Honest Thoughts

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. We had some wonderful moments, but there were also a few bumps along the way. Here’s what we loved, and what we felt could be better:

 What We Loved

• Character Fun: Daisy and Donald were lovely and gave us plenty of time, even though it felt a bit cramped around our table. They really made us feel welcome and happy.
• Upscale Buffet: The food was fresh, high-quality, and suited a variety of tastes. We especially enjoyed the seafood and vegetarian options, and the buffet looked fantastic when we first walked in.
• The Setting: Each room was beautifully themed, and there’s a certain charm to dining surrounded by Disney characters and artwork.

 What Could Be Better

• Character Visibility: Our spot in the Carousel Room was lovely, but sitting in the centre circle made it harder for characters to spot our table. Mickey and Minnie never came over, which was disappointing for a birthday meal.
• Desserts Running Low: With desserts disappearing fast, I’d suggest going up earlier in the meal. No one wants to miss out on Disney’s creative treats!
• Food Waste: Near the end of the service, we saw a chef clearing plates of beautifully prepared meat straight into the bin. To be honest, seeing that waste left us with a slightly sour taste as we left.

The Unexpected Magic: A Surprise Meet with the Fab Four

A lovely, unexpected highlight: while I was on my way to the ladies’ room, I ran into the Fab Four! Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, and Donald were all together by the restaurant entrance, and I got a quick photo. Unfortunately, my son wasn’t with me, but it was such a nice surprise to see them all dressed up as a group. These little spontaneous moments are what make Disney feel so special, even if they’re just by chance.

Special Birthday Details

One last tip: if you’re celebrating a birthday, Royal Banquet has an adorable option—a red rose cake from Beauty and the Beast. We saw a nearby table being served, and it was absolutely gorgeous. The staff were friendly and accommodating, even letting me snap a photo of the cake. If you want a memorable birthday experience, I’d say this special cake is worth the splurge!

Our Verdict: Who Should Dine at Royal Banquet at Disneyland Hotel?

So, is Royal Banquet worth it? If you’re a hardcore Disney character fan (like me) or love themed dining, then yes, it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else at Disneyland Paris. The characters’ royal outfits and the beautifully themed rooms make it a unique place to meet your favourites and take memorable photos.

But, with a high price tag, it’s a splurge. For us, the timing issues around characters and dessert left us feeling like we didn’t get the full value of the experience. However, with a little planning (like booking an early seating and asking for a table with a good view of the character route) you can avoid some of the hiccups we faced.

In the end, I’d recommend Royal Banquet for Disney fans who don’t mind a bit of an investment for the chance to meet the Fab Four in royal style. And don’t forget to explore the Disneyland Hotel lobby while you’re there. It’s been beautifully refurbished, and a photo on that grand staircase is an absolute must. Even if you’re not dining like royalty, you can still feel like a Disney princess!

Over To You

There you have it, our full Royal Banquet experience! I hope these tips help you make the most of your meal and avoid some of the little issues we had. Let me know in the comments if you’ve been, or if you have any questions!