Disney’s theme parks are famous for delivering magical moments, but for one unlucky visitor at Disneyland Paris, the magic was spoiled by moldy food. This incident has reignited discussions about the park’s long-standing issues with its culinary offerings.
A Legacy of Culinary Excellence (With One Exception)
Across the globe, Disney parks have earned praise for elevating their food game. From whimsical snacks to gourmet dining experiences, the company’s efforts have even led to accolades like the Michelin Star awarded to Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. But while other Disney resorts thrive in the kitchen, Disneyland Paris continues to struggle.
Despite its location in France, a country synonymous with world-class cuisine, Disneyland Paris falls short of expectations. Guests frequently complain about limited options, high prices, and lackluster quality (and sheer amounts of shortbread cookies. If you know, you know).
Some restaurants, such as Victoria’s, operate on restrictive hours, often opening for just five hours daily. Meanwhile, the resort’s hotels lack convenient quick-service venues, a stark contrast to the situation at value resorts at Walt Disney World. If you’re staying at the likes of Disney Hotel Santa Fe or Disney Hotel Cheyenne, which are a good 10-minute walk from Disney Village if you’re in one of the farthest buildings, that can pose an issue if you find yourself hungry once back in your room.
Adding to the challenge, Disney Village, the resort’s primary dining and shopping hub, remains under extensive renovation, further reducing available options.
Moldy Bread and Online Backlash
These frustrations came to a head when a guest at The Steakhouse, a Chicago-themed restaurant in Disney Village, reported being served moldy bread. Sharing a photo of the bread on Reddit, they captioned it, “Mouldy bread from the Steakhouse today.”
Mouldy bread from the steakhouse today
byu/BusinessLuck9590 indisneylandparis
The Steakhouse is one of the resort’s pricier dining establishments, with steak dishes costing up to €44 (USD $46). Despite its upscale image, it seems to have failed to meet even basic expectations.
According to the guest, the moldy bread was replaced without an apology. They summed up their experience by calling the restaurant “overpriced and genuinely poor.”
Other Disney fans quickly joined the conversation, sharing similar grievances. One commenter called The Steakhouse “the worst restaurant I’ve eaten at anywhere in the world.” Another recounted being served a frozen Mickey doughnut and expressed disbelief that a theme park in France, of all places, could fail to provide fresh croissants or crepes. These criticisms echo a common sentiment: Disneyland Paris seems to prioritize cost-cutting over delivering quality dining experiences.
Changes on the Horizon?
The incident comes as Disneyland Paris undergoes a massive transformation. Walt Disney Studios Park, often regarded as Disney’s least impressive park, is set to debut several major expansions. New attractions include World of Frozen, a Tangled (2010)-themed ride, a Lion King (1994)-inspired area, and a reimagined entrance land called World Premiere. The park will also be renamed Disney Adventure World.
Among these updates is the upcoming Hollywood Garden Restaurant, a new dining venue that many hope will set a higher standard for food at the resort. Whether this signals a turning point for Disneyland Paris’s culinary reputation remains to be seen.
Have you experienced the dining scene at Disneyland Paris? Share your thoughts (good or bad!) in the comments.
