I'm a Disney fan and this was my first visit to Disneyland Paris. Look, guys, I get it: the Euro version of Plaza Gardens can't hold a candle to its U.S. counterpart, but despite the expense (it's DISNEY, after all!) and the aloof French service, this was a tasty, hearty meal and I have few complaints.
The Plaza Gardens is set up in an all-you-care-to-eat style, but this is a decidedly European buffet. What do I mean by that? Well, what American Disneyland or Walt Disney World buffet have you seen where the kid's section has fresh salmon and beef bourguignon and not one chicken finger in sight? Even more shocking was that all the French kids were gobbling down the "fancy" foods. The selections were a cut above your regular U.S. junk food buffets (in fact, most adults eating at U.S. theme parks wouldn't have touched these foods because they would be looking for fries, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes) and I was impressed to find plenty of green vegetables, a gorgeous salad bar, and a fancy fresh cheese platter that blew me away!
There was a nice selection of well prepared pastas, including a shrimp pesto penne in a cream sauce, steamed broccoli, sauteed green beans, gourmet ingredients like sundried tomatoes on the salad bar, and classic French dishes like beef bourguignon, quiche, and poached salmon. The ricotta stuffed pasta was so delicious that I ate a small portion of that as my dessert, even when tempted by some flaky pastries.
The dining area was crowded and noisy with tile floors and uncomfortable chairs. Disney designs their seating that way on purpose -- they want you in and out and discourage lingering. The service was pretty bad, but I'm not so sure that isn't just because French standards are very different than American standards. You can't really gulp your drinks in Europe or you won't get another. It takes a bit of getting used to, but that's just one of those lovely cultural differences.
The restaurant was busy with a long line but thankfully they were able to accommodate us because we were starving and the park had shortened hours that day so we had to eat in the park in order to save precious touring time. You'll pay for the convenience (our check was around 75 Euros for two people, or $80 U.S.
Again, this is not a good choice for picky eaters, especially picky children. If I ever have the pleasure of returning to Disneyland Paris, I wouldn't hesitate to dine here again. read more