One Day in Park -- Where to Eat? Sit-Downs, Counter, and Snacks?

[RyMickey]

We will have one day in DLP (with a quick jaunt over to the Studios possibly) during the first week in May. Admittedly (and I'm quite ashamed of this), Disneyland Paris has taken a backseat to all our other planning as this is our first trip to London and Paris. However, our family couldn't pass up a Disney fix.

The question now is where do we eat? It looks like the park will be open from 08:00 to 22:00 (which includes EMH since we will be staying onsite). We're all adults so we're not opposed to a nice sit-down meal, but we don't want anything with characters. Anything to recommend or definitely avoid? Also (and maybe this should've been my first question), are we likely already too late to book a reservation? Is it like at WDW where you must book a good three months out in order to secure a table? Do we even need to book ahead of time or is a walk-up reservation possible?

Similarly, what are some good counter service locations? Any recommendations for breakfast?

What are some folks' favorite snacks? At WDW, we're all about the popcorn (there's something so simplistic about it, but it's still so good), but it's not exactly what some would call "special." Are there any signature snack items that should not be missed at DLP?

Also, we'll be staying at the Hotel New York for a few days and traveling around France during the day. Does anyone recommend any of the Disney Village or other hotel restaurants for a late evening dinner? I notice there's an Earl of Sandwich there which is always reliably good here at WDW.

I'm going to continue doing some Disboards research, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ms Poppins]

The question now is where do we eat? It looks like the park will be open from 08:00 to 22:00 (which includes EMH since we will be staying onsite). We're all adults so we're not opposed to a nice sit-down meal, but we don't want anything with characters. Anything to recommend or definitely avoid? Also (and maybe this should've been my first question), are we likely already too late to book a reservation? Is it like at WDW where you must book a good three months out in order to secure a table? Do we even need to book ahead of time or is a walk-up reservation possible?

You still have plenty to time to make reservations if you wish. I'd suggest Walts in Main St for a nice relaxing meal. They are also offering a Dreams special, which will give you VIP viewing area to watch Dreams the same evening. With that in mind, Walts is likely to get busy, so if you want to eat there (with Dreams or not) I'd suggest booking this soon. There are plenty of restaurants you can just turn up to. If you have a look on the Sticky, you'll find some good info.

Similarly, what are some good counter service locations? Any recommendations for breakfast?

If you're staying at HNY, breakfast is included. It's buffet style with plenty of options.


What are some folks' favorite snacks? At WDW, we're all about the popcorn (there's something so simplistic about it, but it's still so good), but it's not exactly what some would call "special." Are there any signature snack items that should not be missed at DLP?

I love the popcorn smell at DLP!


Also, we'll be staying at the Hotel New York for a few days and traveling around France during the day. Does anyone recommend any of the Disney Village or other hotel restaurants for a late evening dinner? I notice there's an Earl of Sandwich there which is always reliably good here at WDW.

Eos is great We also like Rainforest Cafe in the Village and Annettes. You can't book either of these, just walk up when you fancy. Never experienced many queues here.

I'm going to continue doing some Disboards research, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hope this helps a bit.

Forgot to mention, for counter service we like Toad Hall in Fantasyland - lovely fish and chips and something a bit different to the usual burger/hotdogs throughout the park. Also in the Studios, Blockbuster Cafe have amazing Croques - a big toasted sandwich...mmmmm

 

[Ware Bears]

I'd recommend Walt's too.

 

[cherrymarzipan]

Another thumbs up for Walt's here.

For late night dining I can recommend both the restaurants in the HNY - the Manhattan is table service and the Parkside is a buffet. Both are open until quite late, the food is delicious and they couldn't be more convenient for you as you are staying at the hotel.

 

[Ms Poppins]

Another thumbs up for Walt's here.

For late night dining I can recommend both the restaurants in the HNY - the Manhattan is table service and the Parkside is a buffet. Both are open until quite late, the food is delicious and they couldn't be more convenient for you as you are staying at the hotel.

Forgot about those I agree, Parkside buffet is lovely

 

[Happy Tappy]

Breakfast: Should be included in with your room. It is for guests who book in Europe so I presume the same applies to you. If it isn't included, you can pay to eat breakfast at any of the hotels. The Disneyland hotel would be the best. I believe it's about 14e per person which isn't bad.

Snacks: The popcorn is great! They even have cocount and honey varieties. The honey is particularly good! I'd say that the Paris special is crepe's. You can get them from the stall near Dumbo. The Mickey Mouse Brioche (sweet bread) and ham and cheese pretzel are also worth trying.

Sit downs: Walts is the best eatery in the parks. It's very nice inside and the food is usually good. The Dreams package certainly sounds good. Blue Lagoon is also great. It's inside the PoTC ride and is beautifully themed. It's menu isn't to everyone's tastes though.

Counter Service: Paris doesn't really do counter service very well. Most are very well themed (especially Toad Hall) but I find the food to be average at best. Avoid the burgers at all costs! The Pizzas are decent and some people on here rave about the hot dogs. The Croque Monsieurs (posh grilled cheese and ham) are pretty good.

Village: I like Annette's the most by far. I presume you're American so it might not seem as interesting to you (as it's an American diner). EoS is always safe and there's a McDonalds if you want something cheap and quick. Avoid Planet Hollywood, the tables are far too close together, the food is awful and it's a bit dated.

 

[RyMickey]

Thanks to all for the recommendations.

Yes, breakfast is included with the room, but we'll actually be staying at HNY for multiple days and traveling out into other parts of France (DVC made the lodging "free") so I didn't know if there was something special in the park...sounds like that isn't the case (and not sure we'd want to waste park time with any breakfast).

Walt's is definitely where we were leaning, although I saw one of the more recent reviews on dlrpmagic wasn't too keen on it. Good to hear that it's still recommendable. I'll have to look into the Dreams package. With only one day, we want to make the most of things, so "reserved" viewing for the nighttime show may be worth it.

Nice to hear about the flavored popcorn...I know that it's really big in Tokyo, so I'll be interested to try it here. And, thanks, Happy Tappy for those other snack options.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi,

If you have a sweet tooth the shop on the right in Main Street as you walk in is well worth a visit.
The Mickey marshmallow ears (especially with the chocolate on) are fab.

We found Casey's ok for a quick hot dog, Toad Hall last year we liked the fish n chips, it was decent food and can be double the price elsewhere - we went last week later in the afternoon and was very disappointed.
Food not really hot enough, tables not cleared etc, might be best advised going at lunchtime maybe soon after it opens.

If you want some snacks for your room I can highly recommend a visit to Val d'Europe and the Auchan supermarket, excellent value for money and you can buy things to keep you going when away from the parks.

The breakfast at Disneyland hotel , where we stayed, was absolutely fantastic, a real buffet treat.

 

[RyMickey]

Hi,
If you want some snacks for your room I can highly recommend a visit to Val d'Europe and the Auchan supermarket, excellent value for money and you can buy things to keep you going when away from the parks.

Thanks for that tip JohnnySharp. I'm writing that down in the plans right now!

 

[Royal Consort]

ARGH! One day in DLRP and you want to sit down and eat?!?! I don't understand.

Personally, I'd ditch the whole sit down meal thing if you're only there for a day. Have a big breakfast, get there early, and grab something quick for dinner. Food is wonderful... if you're there longer and you can take your time. Would I lose an hour or so for lunch/dinner when I could be maximising my time at DLP or Studios? Never.

 

[Kittina]

I will also vouch for Walts, never had a bad meal there on our three visits.

Another option is DLH for Inventions at lunch time. I am not a fan of character meals (no children yet) and the lunch menu is the same buffet as the evening, without the characters and half the price. It's usually quite quiet in the afternoons there.

For snacks I would recommend the croque monsieur as well. It is a shame but I think the Mickey Broiche has been discontinued for now. A few days ago I posted a thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2903967 and there are some lovely pictures of desserts and treats (3 mini deserts and coffee)available from some restaurants and also info about mickey waffles in the DLH. I can't wait to try this myself!

If you like cocktails I would suggest the Glowtini - I've found that the best one is served in the Sequoia Lodge Bar as some restaurants serve them but in long glasses, not in martini glasses which I don't like...but i'm picky!

As for evening meals in the hotels I have not tried those in HNY, but I do love Beaver Creek in Sequoia and in June will be trying the Yacht Club in the Newport bay as the menu on DLRPmagic looks good to me.

Happy planning and enjoy your holiday !