Since June 10th 2018, Disneyland Paris has launched two ‘signature collection‘ experiences: the Marvel character dinner and the Disney Character Tea Time. Both of these are sold with the Signature Package, but can also be booked by all guests 3 days before the desired day. The Disney Character Tea Time is part of the Celebration signature package and takes place daily between 15:00 – 17:30 (with two 45 minute sittings), when purchased separately this costs €30 (Annual Passholders get their discount as normal).
A fun and relaxing experience
The Lucky Nugget is a large space and so I entered with some trepidation on how busy it was going to be and the amount of character interaction we would receive. I need not have worried, the restaurant was not full and, when seating you, the Cast Members are very conscious of giving you enough space so that you can fully enjoy the experience. The tea time consists of: a slice of birthday cake, a small platter of cakes, a hot drink and a cold drink. You are brought the cold drink and cake assortment first, these are beautifully presented on traditional tea plates and some even have Disney touches (Mickey Maroons, for instance). The hot drink follows at the end. You never feel rushed by any Cast Members and the experience is truly a pleasant one when it comes to taking a break from the park.
There’s not really too much to say on food quality, it’s a very standard cake affair, the cake selection is bite-sized and so will not fill you up; the birthday cake however is of a reasonable size and is delicious (if you have ever had the Disneyland Paris standard birthday cake, this is exactly the same). The tea time will not substitute a meal as there’s simply not enough here to sustain you all day. However, there is a good chance that you’d be attending this for the characters and not for a meal.
The most amazing Disney Character experience
This is the standout Disney Character Experience at Disneyland Paris at the moment, there is simply no other way to describe it. You get a very quiet restaurant, with 3 characters (Mickey, Minnie and Goofy) in Frontierland dress each with a PhotoPass+ photographer. The Frontierland costumes are stunning, adding a real layer of immersion to the experience. In addition, the characters spend a lot of time with each table. This isn’t like an Inventions brunch where you might get your photo and move on, here you will be playing and enjoying your time. Of the 45 minute experience, I think the characters spent about 20 minutes at our table. Each character also having PhotoPass is a real plus here..
In addition to the meet and greets, each session of the tea time experience features a show with the Disney characters, live music from a pianist as well as a performance of the Toy Story puppet show. It is a thoroughly entertaining 45 minutes.
One of the best things to do in Disneyland Paris
All in all, this is one of those ‘must-do’ things in Disneyland Paris over the Summer. The experience is highly interactive and enjoyable; the food is good and the service is unbeatable. Disney character fans will get a real kick out of this style of event and should look to book it during their stays. We can only hope that this gets extended beyond September 30th as I would not hesitate to book and do this one again.