Click on the image below for  photos from this year's holiday celebrations at Disneyland Resort.

2018 saw the transformation of the hugely popular Cove Bar and Ariel's Grotto into Lamplight Lounge.  Whilst many guests may mourn the loss of a character dining venue, there is much to explore inside Lamplight Lounge, as Disney explain:

"Renovated from an old warehouse factory, this eclectic eatery boasts cool architectural elements like concrete and exposed brick walls that reveal its storied past—all while creating an airy, bright and organic-yet-sophisticated ambiance. Guests will be excited to see a trove of Pixar treasures sprinkled into the California casual décor, including concept art, napkin sketches, knick-knacks, collectible toys and other mementos “left behind” by the filmmakers."

Of course the venue still retains that wonderful view of the Pier - and the much loved lobster nachos!

Inventions is a buffet restaurant, situated in the Disneyland Hotel.  It serves lunch and a Character dinner each dinner but on Sundays also hosts a Character brunch.  The brunch has a different theme each week, for instance One Hundred Acre Wood, Fairytale, Hawaiian and of course seasonal Halloween, Christmas etc.    Although I've had breakfast in the restaurant a number of times, I'd never been to a Character meal so on my last trip to Disneyland Paris, I decided to try the brunch. 

Inventions isn't cheap - an adult ticket costs €64 but there was an amazing selection of food and it was very good quality. My dilemma was balancing eating my money's worth with being able to move afterwards! If you'd like more information on the Inventions buffets, including upcoming themes, check out Character Central's site.

One more item off my Disney Bucket List! On my last trip to Walt Disney World I finally booked to eat at Cinderella's Royal Table (side note, I had no problem making an ADR for this or for Be Our Guest but 'Ohana?  Total fail.  For the third trip in a row).

I decided to book for dinner.  Too early a sitting to be able to view Wishes but as you can see below I had a window seat with a wonderful view over Fantasyland.

For those who aren't aware, Cinderella greets guests and poses for photos upon arrival to the castle.  She does not actually visit the banquet hall itself.

Whilst I wouldn't booked the meal if nothing on the menu had appealed to be, I'll admit that my main reason for booking was simply to experience being in the castle.  That being said, I'm pleased to say I was very impressed with the meal.  Small portions but delicious!  For those who are interested in such things, the photos feature the following:-

Appetizers of the Court:  Pork Belly Confit served with Raspberry Habanero Sauce, Blistered Tomatoes, Micro Cilantro, and Radish
Entrées Royale: Steak and Shrimp (Grilled Beef Tenderloin and Roasted Shrimp served with Heirloom Tomatoes, Gouda Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Carrots and Caramelized Onions)
Finale: The Clock Strikes Twelve... (White and dark chocolate in a tribute to the moment when Cinderella loses her slipper)