A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes - Dining at Auberge de Cendrillon Disneyland Paris

I'm starting my Disneyland Paris posts with telling you all about our favourite memory whilst we were there. As Cinderella once said, 'A dream is a wish your heart makes,' and all of my daughter's wishes came true at Auberge de Cendrillon.

Hubby and I have been to Disneyland Paris quite a few times before but we have never previously dined at this restaurant. It appealed to us as it promises character experience dining with the princesses, which we knew our daughter Eva would love. 

We decided to book a table for lunch at 12pm. I booked this 2 weeks in advance by phoning the reservations team which was very simple to do. It was my 31st birthday the day we went so it was going to be a special treat for all of us.

We also bought Eva a princess Aurora (or alora as she pronounces it) dress from one of the boutiques that day and of course she had to wear it to lunch. 

As soon as we entered the restaurant she was in awe. You are immediately greeted by a beautiful flower and glass display which houses the rose from Beauty and the Beast, Snow White's apple and Cinderella's glass slipper. 

The restaurant is beautifully decorated and does make you feel like you are in a castle. There are stoned arch ways and lovely stained glass windows. Cinderella's carriage is also in the courtyard of the restaurant which provides a stunning backdrop. 

There are set menu's to choose from, all featuring French cuisine. I think it's important to mention that this menu is very catered for French cuisine which is what it should be. I saw lots of people moaning on trip advisor about it and I think they need to realise that not everything has to be British and fast food orientated. There wasn't a great deal of choice which may bother some people but I prefer it when I don't have too many things to choose from. Before we ordered we were all given a princess cocktail.

I chose the crab and crayfish salad for starters and scallops for a main. Eva had a salad to start with (there is no other choice). She wasn't very keen on it if i'm honest. She then had spaghetti for the main. I liked the fact that her dish was separate, so that the sauce, vegetables and spaghetti were all on separate sections. Hubby had a veal dish. There was even baby food for Ophelia.

We really enjoyed our food. I think the deserts were all our favourite dishes. We all had chef's specials.

Now for the best bit. The princes and princesses. Not long after we arrived Cinderella, Prince Charming, Snow White and Aurora all danced in the middle of the restaurant. Eva loved seeing this. All the children sat on the floor to watch which was adorable to see. They perform this dance a few times whilst you are there so you won't miss out.

Each character then visited the table at least once during the time we were there. What we loved was that they don't just pop over briefly, they stay and make your little one's feel extra special. They chat, have photographs and sign autograph books. 

This was Eva being taught princess posing by Snow White.

Overall, we loved every minute. We were there for a couple of hours so I would keep that in mind if you are planning to book. It's not something to be rushed. The staff were very friendly and incredibly patient with all the children excitedly running around. The food is expensive but I can honestly say it is worth it. It's not something you could afford to do every day while you are there but you have to do it once. It beats having the usual fast food outlets and it is nice to relax and give your feet a rest for a couple of hours. 
The character experiences were worth every single penny. If you want to meet the princesses in the park, you have to go to the princess pavilion which you queue for absolutely hours for. Even then you don't know who you will see. It's a waste of time. This is far better.

It was easily the best experience we had whilst in Disney. Eva's face brought tears to my eyes. She believed in everything and was made to feel special and treated like a princess herself. The next time we go to Disneyland Paris, we will definitely be coming back here. Eva still talks about it now, so we know it was all worth it for the memories she has.