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This week's restaurant review is for Auberge de Cendrillon, in Disneyland Paris' Fantasyland.
Auberge de Cendrillon (or simply Auberge as we'll call it, for easiness sake) is an expensive character dining location, that offers lunch and dinner in the company of Suzy, Perla and the Disney Princesses.
Auberge is designed after the Tremaine's stately French home, and the theme throughout tells the story of Cinderella.
There are murals, glass engravings, stained glass windows, and pumpkin chandeliers that all add to the ambience and mood of the restaurant.
The restaurant is beautifully designed, and comes complete with Cinderella's pumpkin coach in the courtyard.
The setting is quite formal, and the experience is a table service one.
You have to chose from a set menu, of which there are fairly limited options for such an expensive experience, I think.
The menu is, for the want of a better phrase, "very French". We have dined here several times, and I have to say it's not my most favourite place in the world! The food has improved over the years, but it's definitely an acquired taste.
For example, to most people, roasted vegetables would be served hot. Not in Auberge. They are cold, on purpose. If you're not expecting it, it's quite a shock!
France is notorious too for under-cooking meat. If you are a "well done" person, you need to ask for the food to be cremated, and even then it'll be more like medium-well.
For starters, I actually think the soup is pretty good, but I haven't seen it on the menu recently. I'm not sure if it has been removed completely, or if you can still ask for it.
Dessert is a set trio of items all served together, and again, is pretty good.
I think the biggest problem really, is if you order a starter that is particularly French, and then the mains are not anything to write home about anyway, you could have a pretty dire experience. But, on the other hand, if you order the right starter (I'd definitely say the soup is the safest option, if available), and you order the goose option, or potentially a dark meat but ensuring it is cremated, then along with dessert, you could end up with thinking Auberge is not bad.
You get one drink included, called the Prince's Cocktail. It's a non-alcoholic mixed fruit drink, and it's quite nice.
Of course, one of the primary reasons for wanting to dine here is that it is the Resort's only dedicated Princess dining venue.
At every meal you are pretty much guaranteed Suzy, Perla and Cinderella. Quite often Prince Charming is in attendance too, and on rare occasions the Fairy Godmother.
Other Princesses and Princes join Cinderella, but these can vary day to day. You might find here any random combination of Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip, Snow White and the Prince, Belle and Prince Adam, Ariel and Prince Eric, Rapunzel, or Princess Tiana.
Disneyland Paris is the only place in the world you can meet Princess Aurora in her blue dress, and where you can meet the Beast in his human form of Prince Adam! Though it should be noted that Princess Aurora's dress colour may change - sadly - once she receives her new dress design from the US Parks. It is unknown at present if they have designed a new blue one for her, or if it'll become the new standard pink one.
As with any character meal, the characters will walk around the dining room, greeting each family at their table as they dine.
Overall, I would say that if you are a big character fan, then meeting Princess Aurora in her blue dress and meeting Beast in human form could make the expense worthwhile - but of course they aren't guaranteed at any given meal, as the characters rotate depending on which member of royalty is available that day.
If you're a fan of trying new food styles, or not much phases you, again, you might not care so much, but I would definitely err on the side of caution for most non-French guests.
Before we look at the prices, let's take a look at some more interior photos we have taken over the years, detailing some of the exquisite details and superb theming that this restaurant has to offer.
Lunch and dinner both offer the same menu, and prices start from €65 (about US$88!) per person for adults, and €29 for children aged 3 through 11 inclusive.
Annual Passholders receive a maximum of 10% discount no matter what pass they hold, and Shareholder Club members receive 15% on presentation of a valid Shareholder's Club card and ID.
Reservations are recommended, and can be made at any guest service location at the two theme parks, any Disney Hotel concierge, or by calling the Disney Dining line up to 30 days in advance on +33 1 60 30 40 50.
You can leave your comments by clicking here, where you will be magically transported to our forum.
Dan.
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Hello everyone,
This week's restaurant review is about one of Jon and I's absolute favourites at any Disney Park or Resort - Inventions at the Disneyland Hotel in Disneyland Paris.
Inventions is situated on the second floor (European, or third floor to Americans), in the main "hub" area (known as Main Street Lounge), of the deluxe Disneyland Hotel.
The Disneyland Hotel is hard to miss, as it serves not only as the resort's flagship hotel, but also as the entrance to Disneyland Park.
Inventions is one of two restaurants at the Disneyland Hotel, the other being California Grill right next door. There is also a bar across the way, called Cafe Fantasia.
Inventions is always a buffet restaurant, regardless of the meal, but don't let that fool you, as I know some people don't really go for buffets.
The theme of the restaurant is a beautiful infusion of Victorian architecture, with that typical Disney twist, but a decidedly French flair.
The dining rooms are filled with details and artefacts from the Victorian era of discovery and travel. Bicycles, cogs, dirigibles, cameras and instruments line the walls and even the ceiling!
Virtually all tables (though not all) are situated next to windows which look directly onto Main Street below! You can see Main Street Station, the tops of the buildings beyond, and even the majestic Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Inventions has class, theme, detail, an unbeatable view, and as you'll discover below, incredible food at every meal!
Let's start at the beginning of every day, and that's with breakfast.
Breakfast at Inventions is served free for Disneyland Hotel guests, on presentation of valid Hotel ID, and is available usually from 7am until about 11am (it's best to check on the day of your arrival).
If you are staying at one of the other on site Disney Hotels, you may also eat here, but you may be charged an extra €12 per person, depending on how busy the restaurant is.
The main reason for other hotel guests to dine here is that Inventions actually serves really good, hot food, such as sausages, eggs and beans.
The other Disney Hotels offer decent food, but it's all croissants, rolls, cold meats etc. The Disneyland Hotel is a premium buffet, and that's why it's usually extra for non Disneyland Hotel guests.
Moving on, and we come to lunch and dinner. Lunch is usually presented from 12.30pm until 3pm. Dinner is from 6pm until 10.30pm.
Lunch may or may not be attended by Disney Characters - you'll know when you arrive as they usually have a sign - but dinner is always in the presence of our beloved Disney pals.
Lunch and dinner offerings are varied, and really good. I could go on and on about the food, but I'll let the photos speak for themselves!
There are several stations, each offering different a course for your meal, from seafood, cheeses, salad and starters, to mains, and finally desserts.
Characters in attendance at dinner can be fairly standard, but they can also be pretty random at times - you just have to get lucky!
Here's a few of the Disney Characters we've seen during dinner here over the years.
Finally we come to the best thing about Inventions, and the best character dining experience at the resort. The Sunday Brunches.
The Inventions Sunday Brunch happens every Sunday, from around midday (times can vary) until 3pm.
The brunch theme changes every week, meaning that every week the Disney Characters who appear are from a particular theme, movie or region of the world! Some of the brunch themes include:
and at seasonal times of the year can include:
The food at the brunches is usually a mixture of their standard lunchtime fare, and some additional items especially for the theme (for example London cuisines, or exotic dishes).
They usually try to decorate the buffet area too, and you may find the Cast Members in special clothing, as well as excellent themed ice sculptures, or other carvings!
Here's some of the fun characters we've met during the small number of themed brunches we have attended (we really want to attend them all, but that would mean being there all year round!)
Prices for Inventions can vary depending on when you visit, but are upwards of €35 for lunch and €54 for dinner. Brunch starts at €59, but at seasonal times can be a lot more. The drinks available for purchase are varied, and include wines, fruit juices and soft drinks. Birthday cakes can be arranged, and come at a significant extra cost (at least €25 for a cake that serves up to 8 people).
Reservations are highly recommended at Inventions, as the themed brunches can be very popular. You can make reservations with any Disney Hotel concierge, any guest relations location at the theme parks, directly at the restaurant itself, or 60 days in advance over the telephone by calling +33 1 60 30 40 50.
Annual Passholders get a maximum of 10% discount (as it's classed as table service), and Shareholder Club members get 15% with a valid Club Card and ID.
Yes, it is expensive, but to us, it's always worth it for the beautiful theming, the excellent food and the wonderful characters. If you are coming for the first time, it's a once in a life time trip, or you visit infrequently enough that you can save some money and you want something special, then Inventions is definitely worth the extra cost.
You can leave your comments by clicking here, where you will be magically transported to our forum.
Dan. |
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Hello everyone,
I have decided that I am going to try and write more for the Blog, on a regular basis, covering all topics from dining and attraction reviews, as well as other important news.
Of course, we will still be a Disney Character based website - that will never change! Our love for the Disney Characters is infinite, and they remain our top priority! But, both Jon and I have felt recently the site has grown so much, and now has such a big fan base now, that we would like to start encompassing more and more of the world of Disney.
Anyway, as my first review, I want to talk about a new dining experience we had at Disneyland Paris recently.
On our most recent trip to Disneyland Paris in October 2013, one evening we chose to eat at Park Side Diner at Disney's Hotel New York, for the first time.
The restaurant is a buffet restaurant, located on the ground level, to the right of the hotel's main lobby if you're entering from the Lake Disney entrance (I guess you could say from the park side entrance, which is true, and perhaps why the restaurant has its name!).
It was actually pretty late when we arrived, and there were literally only a handful of people inside.
My first impressions were that the "diner" felt a bit dated and bland. It was nonetheless clean and well kept, and the service staff were efficient enough, but I don't think the place has been updated since it opened nearly 22 years ago. The theme of course is meant to be a New York diner, and I can see it to some extent, but I have to say, I think it fails a bit. There are giant paintings on the walls of "American" foods, and the cold metal tables and chairs (albeit padded) make the place too sterile.
The food itself was ok, but not anything you couldn't find anywhere else, and actually could have been more varied and better presented. I don't know if it was just because we got there late, but the food looked and tasted as though it had been there for a while, and the desserts were looking a bit of a mess!
Dishes included rice, chicken, pasta, salad, potatoes, pizza, pork, beef and vegetables.
They also had some strange "make your own sandwich" area. Various breads and rolls were laid out, along with cold meats and other toppings, for you to create your own sandwich.
I didn't really think this was a substantial option for dinner, and felt that they could have used the space to have more hot food out.
Overall I was left a little disappointed with Park Side Diner, especially given the price, and that it is located inside a 4-star hotel. Jon and I won't be rushing back any time soon!
The price is €29.99 per adult, and €15.59 for children aged 3 to 11. Drinks are not included for adults, but children get a small drink included in theirs.
Drinks available for purchase include wines, beer, mineral water, coffee, and sodas. Discounts on the buffet and on non-alcoholic drinks are allowed for Annual Passholders and members of the Shareholder's Club on presentation of a valid AP/membership card. AP is to a maximum of 10% and can vary depending on your level of pass, Shareholders get 15%.
Restaurant hours are limited to dinner time only, and are 6pm-10.30pm.
Reservations can be made by calling the Disneyland Paris Dining Reservations line on +33 1 60 30 40 50 up to 30 days in advance.
You can leave your comments by clicking here, where you will be magically transported to our forum.
Dan.
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 | Tokyo Disney Resort Trip Planning - Part Three | |
| DisneyDan
Saturday, March 2, 2013 11:35:24 AM |
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Hello everyone,
Earlier this week I published my two part trip planning guide to Tokyo Disney Resort.
Since then, I have had some questions, and thought of some additional things I think might be useful for you to know.
So, here we have a part three, albeit much smaller than the previous two parts.
[ Read More... ] |
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 | Tokyo Disney Resort Trip Planning - Part Two | |
| DisneyDan
Wednesday, February 27, 2013 10:59:48 AM |
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Hello everyone,
Welcome to part two of my Tokyo Disney Resort trip planning article.
In the first part we discussed the challenges of booking flights, hotels, park tickets, arriving at the resort, transport and Ikspiari.
Tokyo Disneyland is often described as being the most popular or successful theme park of all time (a fact I personally can't prove, but honestly don't doubt!). On all our ventures into the park, from open 'til close we have always experienced complete and utter mayhem.
In this part, I'll talk extensively about how to get the most out of your day at the TDR parks, covering attractions, shows, parades, shopping and dining. [ Read More... ] |
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