If there is one experience that can make your trip to Disneyland Paris truly magical, it is having breakfast with Disney characters. Imagine sipping your coffee while Mickey, Minnie or even a Disney Princess stops by your table for a chat, a hug and a photo. For children this is a dream come true, but even adults often describe it as one of the highlights of their visit. Still, many people don’t know how it works, what it costs or how to book. That’s why I will guide you through everything you need to know so you can decide if this special breakfast is worth it for your family.
TlDr
- You can have breakfast with Disney characters at Plaza Gardens Restaurant and Auberge de Cendrillon inside Disneyland Park.
- Prices start around €41 per adult and €35 per child at Plaza Gardens; Auberge de Cendrillon is more expensive.
- You need a valid park ticket for the day of your booking.
- Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via the Disneyland Paris website or app.
- Hotel guests often get early booking access.
- Best tip: book the earliest slot for a calmer atmosphere and better photos.
- Other character dining options include lunch and dinner experiences.
What breakfast with characters really is
A character breakfast is not just about food. It is about starting your day with Disney magic before you even step into the attractions. While you enjoy a buffet or a set menu, well-known Disney characters walk around the restaurant, stopping at each table. They chat, pose for photos, give hugs and sign autograph books. For families with children it is the easiest way to meet several characters without waiting in long lines in the park. For adults, it is a relaxed way to soak up the atmosphere and collect memories.
Where you can have breakfast with characters
There are two main places where you can enjoy this experience:
Plaza Gardens Restaurant
- Location: At the end of Main Street, right next to the castle.
- Theme: Victorian-style dining hall with large windows and lots of space.
- Food: Buffet breakfast with pastries, eggs, sausages, cereals, fruit and hot drinks.
- Characters: Usually classic ones like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Winnie the Pooh or friends. The lineup changes, but you always see several favorites.
- Atmosphere: Lively, family-friendly, and the most popular choice for character breakfasts.
Auberge de Cendrillon
- Location: In Fantasyland, near the castle and the carousel.
- Theme: Royal banquet hall with medieval arches and murals. Perfect for a fairytale feeling.
- Food: Table service breakfast with a more refined touch compared to Plaza Gardens.
- Characters: Disney Princesses such as Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora or Ariel, sometimes with their princes.
- Atmosphere: More elegant and intimate, especially loved by families with little princess fans.
Both options give you character interaction, but the style and theme are different. Plaza Gardens is bigger, louder and usually features the “classic” Disney stars. Auberge de Cendrillon feels more like a royal experience, with fewer characters but a special focus on princesses.
What it costs and what you get
Character breakfasts are not cheap, but they include both the meal and the priceless character interaction.
- Plaza Gardens Restaurant: about €41 per adult and €35 per child (3–11 years).
- Auberge de Cendrillon: usually from €50–55 per person, sometimes more depending on the season.
The price includes:
- All-you-can-eat buffet (Plaza Gardens) or table-service meal (Auberge).
- Hot and cold drinks like coffee, tea, juice and milk.
- A variety of breakfast dishes, from French pastries to cooked options.
- Unlimited time with the characters walking around the restaurant.
What it does not include:
- Park entry (you need a valid ticket).
- Professional photos (you take your own, although sometimes Disney PhotoPass photographers are present).
While the cost is high compared to a regular breakfast, the real value is that you save hours of queueing later in the park. Meeting four or five characters during your meal is worth far more than waiting in multiple 45-minute lines.
How to book your spot
Booking is essential because character breakfasts sell out quickly. Here’s how it works:
- Through the official website or app: Go to the dining reservations section, search for Plaza Gardens or Auberge de Cendrillon, select date and time, then confirm with your details.
- Through a Disney travel partner: If you book a package, you may be able to add character dining directly to your booking.
- Hotel advantage: Guests staying at a Disney Hotel can often book character meals earlier (sometimes months ahead). Non-hotel guests often get access closer to the date, sometimes only a few days before.
- Timing: Book as early as possible. If you cannot find availability, check the app daily as cancellations happen.
Important: you must also have valid park admission for that day, since both restaurants are inside Disneyland Park.
Tips to make the most out of your breakfast
- Pick the earliest slot (8:15): You’ll have a calmer environment, more relaxed characters, and afterwards you can head straight to rides before the biggest crowds arrive.
- Charge your phone or bring a camera: You will want to take lots of photos. Characters spend good time at each table.
- Bring autograph books: Kids love collecting signatures from each character.
- Dress for the magic: Children can wear princess dresses or Disney outfits to make the experience even more special.
- Arrive early: You don’t want to lose time from your character interactions.
- Manage expectations: Characters are not guaranteed. You may meet Mickey and Minnie, or different friends depending on the day.
- Enjoy the food but focus on the moment: The breakfast is nice, but the main value is the time with the characters.
Other character dining options
If breakfast doesn’t fit your schedule or budget, there are other ways to enjoy character dining at Disneyland Paris.
- Lunch and dinner at Plaza Gardens: The same restaurant offers character meals later in the day. These buffets are more expensive than breakfast but include a bigger selection of food.
- Lunch or dinner at Auberge de Cendrillon: For princess fans, the royal banquet continues throughout the day with table-service menus.
- Other seasonal events: During Halloween, Christmas or special anniversaries, Disneyland Paris sometimes adds extra character dining opportunities.
- Disney Hotel experiences: Some hotels, especially the Disneyland Hotel, have character meet-and-greets during breakfast for guests.
These options can be a great alternative if the breakfast is sold out, or if you prefer meeting characters later in the day.
Why it is worth considering
Many families hesitate when they see the price of a character breakfast. But there are several reasons why it is worth it:
- You meet several characters in one go, without long queues.
- The atmosphere is magical and relaxed, giving children time to interact.
- It is a once-in-a-lifetime memory for many families.
- Starting your day with Disney characters sets the tone for the rest of your trip.
For many visitors, it ends up being one of the best parts of their Disneyland Paris holiday.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not booking in advance: Spots sell out quickly, especially for Plaza Gardens.
- Forgetting the park ticket: Without it you cannot enter for the breakfast.
- Arriving late: You risk missing characters or having less interaction.
- Expecting specific characters: The lineup changes daily and is never guaranteed.
- Focusing only on the food: Remember, the magic is in the characters, not the croissants.
Final thoughts
Breakfast with characters at Disneyland Paris is more than a meal. It is an experience filled with laughter, hugs, autographs and photos that your family will remember for years. Yes, it is an extra cost on top of your park tickets, but for many it is the highlight of the trip. If you plan ahead, book early and follow a few smart tips, you will walk away with magical memories that make every euro worthwhile.
So if you are already dreaming of seeing your child’s face light up when Mickey walks to your table, don’t wait too long. Book your character breakfast, pack your camera, and start your Disney day the most magical way possible.
👉 Ready to book your magical morning? Check availability and prices here
