One of Disney’s priciest character dining experiences is under fire as guests voice concerns about overcrowding. Despite the premium price tag of $103 per person, diners are finding the ambiance lacking, citing cramped seating and congested buffet lines as major issues.
Disney restaurants are renowned for their hefty price points, especially for table service and character dining experiences. Character dining – which often attracts families looking to meet beloved Disney characters without the usual long lines – commands a significant premium, with the likes of Cinderella’s Royal Table, 1900 Park Fare, and Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White ranking as some of the priciest meals on property.
Guests Criticize Royal Banquet
But if you thought shelling out $88 for Cinderella’s Royal Table was as bad as it gets, think again.
Further afield, Disney recently opened a character dining experience even more expensive than those in Orlando. Royal Banquet, located in the freshly renovated Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris, is among the most expensive Disney restaurants – rivaled only by its sister restaurant, La Table de Lumière where guests dine with princesses – at €100 ($103 USD) per head.
Initially exclusive to hotel guests, Royal Banquet is now open to all park-goers willing to pay the price. However, many visitors argue that the experience doesn’t justify the cost.
“At the Royal Banquet, they put so many tables very close to each other, I felt like I had 0 privacy,” a Reddit user 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 diner expressed frustration over the lack of space, adding, “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 drawn criticism. One visitor wrote, “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.”
Royal Banquet has faced complaints before. Despite being billed as a family-friendly dining experience, some guests feel the buffet’s seafood-heavy menu isn’t suitable for children. As one Reddit user noted, “If that isn’t your thing, it’s a touch limited, particularly for kids, compared to other buffets.”
However, the restaurant does have its defenders, especially regarding its character interactions. Guests can expect appearances from Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and more, dressed in regal attire. “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,” one guest shared.
Have you experienced Royal Banquet or another pricey Disney dining venue? Share your thoughts on whether these experiences are worth the splurge!
The last three experiences at Crystal Palace have been so disorganized with characters. Pooh is the main attraction and though this $500 price tag for my family, we had to beg through out the two hour visit to have Pooh stop for a photo. This has been our experience years back on multiple occasions when the children were younger too. I guess it is the staff coordinators to blame and the overcrowding floor plan.