Dining at Disney parks has always come at a premium, but some experiences push the limits of guests’ budgets. Among these is Royal Banquet, one of Disneyland Paris’ most expensive character dining offerings, which is now facing increased scrutiny over its crowded setup and perceived lack of value.
Disney’s restaurants are well-known for their high prices, especially when it comes to table service meals. Establishments like Victoria & Albert’s (Disney’s first Michelin-starred restaurant), Le Cellier, and Teppan Edo are among the most expensive dining options across Disney properties.
Things get even more expensive when you throw characters into the mix. While character dining experiences often come with equally steep price tags, families are willing to pay extra for the convenience of meeting beloved Disney characters without the chaos and inconvenience of waiting in long lines in the parks themselves.
In 2024, Disneyland Paris raised the stakes by introducing two high-end character dining options at its newly-renovated Disneyland Hotel: Royal Banquet and the even pricier La Table de Lumière. Initially exclusive to hotel guests, Royal Banquet is now open to all visitors willing to spend €100 ($103 USD) per person for a meal.
While Royal Banquet promises all-you-can-eat dining and up-close encounters with iconic Disney characters, many guests are questioning whether the experience justifies its price. Complaints about overcrowding have been particularly common, with visitors taking to Reddit to share their frustrations.
“At the Royal Banquet, they put so many tables very close to each other, I felt like I had 0 privacy,” one guest shared. “Some old people were sitting next to our table and they constantly looked around and at us and analyzed everything; people constantly walking around (but barely, like sardines). It really was not a fun experience and it didn’t seem worth all that money.”
Another guest added, “At least you didn’t have a live streamer or vlogger next to you broadcasting you constantly, which happens sometimes in there and plaza! I do think the price is painful and the tables close together!”
The buffet setup has also come under fire, with one visitor noting the inefficiency of the system: “Massive single queue for starters and mains, which makes getting food a bit of a pain and is frankly inexcusable for the price they’re charging.”
Beyond the physical layout, Royal Banquet’s menu has drawn criticism for being seafood-heavy, which some guests feel is not ideal for children. “If that isn’t your thing, it’s a touch limited, particularly for kids, compared to other buffets,” one user commented.
Despite these issues, Royal Banquet has earned praise for its character interactions. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto make the rounds in elegant attire, creating memorable moments for many families. As one guest shared, “I was there a couple of weeks ago for dinner, and I hardly paid attention to the food as I was having such a blast with the character interaction.”
Would you pay $103 for a Disney character dining experience?
