Royal Banquet is a reception venue worthy of the most lavish royal feasts, created as part of the royal transformation.
This buffet-style restaurant is composed of four distinct rooms, each adorned with portraits of royal characters from several Disney stories, along with their friends and loyal companions. Guests can enjoy the Prologue room, celebrating the origins of our heroes and heroines; the Antechamber, dedicated to iconic villains; the Chefs’ Buffet, honouring royal culinary masters; and the Carousel room, showcasing faithful companions in these timeless tales. These works of art are the fruit of collaboration between the teams at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris and the Disney and Pixar animation studios.
Horses take centre stage in the Carousel Room, whose distinctive circular design evokes a traditional merry-go-round and whose walls are adorned with portraits of these noble steeds.
Sophie Coudré, Art Director at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris explains: ‘The venue’s distinctive architecture, inspired primarily by Gustave Eiffel, serves as a stylistic extension of Main Street, U.S.A., which can be admired from the room’s tall windows. These architectural elements, combined with the storytelling of royal tales, inspired us to pay tribute to the horses and other noble mounts that play an essential role in the adventures of our Disney heroes and heroines.’
The Carousel room pays tribute to iconic and sometimes unexpected equine companions, including: Maximus (Tangled), Samson (Sleeping Beauty), Khan (Mulan), Philippe (Beauty and the Beast) and Angus (Brave).
As faithful friends, loyal companions, and brave protectors, they represent enduring values that encourage us to embark on this Lunar New Year with strength and hope.
Read on to find out more about the 5 horses pictured:
Angus
Angus is a powerful Clydesdale horse, who is Merida’s most faithful companion in Brave. Hiding behind his majestic appearance, with his mane as black as night and his ivory muzzle and lower legs, is a tender heart. He is sometimes stubborn, headstrong and shy, but he is totally devoted to Merida. Angus allows Merida to escape from her life at the castle into the deep forest and uplands beyond.
Maximus
Maximus is Rapunzel’s fearless protector in Tangled. Belonging to the Captain of the Guard’s, who has made it his personal mission to capture the most wanted criminal, Flynn Rider, Maximus is known for his loyalty and sense of justice. And Maximus is much more than just a horse – he’s a real hero. With his courage and playful spirit, he leaves a lasting impression and never hesitates to stand up for what’s right.
Khan
Khan, the Fa family’s horse, is Mulan’s loyal and protective steed. He is always quick to accompany Mulan, whether it’s running away from home in the middle of the night or fighting the Huns. Khan is more than just a horse; he’s a trusted friend who shares Mulan’s journey to honour and courage.
Philippe
Philippe is Belle’s gentle and steadfast companion in Beauty and the Beast. Loyal and caring, if a little fearful, he warns Belle of her father Maurice’s captivity and then brings her comfort when she too is taken prisoner by the Beast. Philippe guides Belle through the forest, helping her to escape the wolves, displaying courage that few would expect.
Samson
And finally, Samson; Prince Philip’s adventurous horse in Sleeping Beauty. With his playful spirit and intrepid heart, Samson is always ready for a new adventure. He also shows great bravery in the face of colossal danger, such as taking on Maleficent as a fire-breathing dragon.
In this Year of the Horse, these portraits invite us to embrace the same values embodied by these iconic characters: courage, determination, loyalty, justice, curiosity, and friendship.
Happy Lunar New Year 2026!