A few ?'s. Kids at DL, Ariel's Grotto, PFF and Disney Outlet?

[Thump2250]

We are anxiously awaiting our departure and I have come up with a few burning questions. We are leaving in less than two weeks and I am going crazy trying to get everything together. Anyway my questions are...

I thought I saw in another post that there was a outlet of sorts for disney items nearby is this correct? And if so where is it and what is the name?

I saw a post a while back, but now can't find it regarding what to pack in a bag for young children, I have DS2 and DD6. Can someone bump this post or maybe we can start new?

And lastly for Ariel's Grotto is it less crowded at lunch or dinner? Oh and what time does the Princess Faire open, should we get in line then or is there a better time in the day?

 

[bumbershoot]

The address for the outlet is the first on the list here.

Packing for kids...I pretty much pack what I would pack for a day's outing to the zoo. When DS was in dipes I brought those (and we used cloth, so I also packed a waterproof bag to put the used ones) and extra clothes, now I just pack extra clothes (down to underwear and shoes, if we're visiting DCA and the water play area (see my September trip report for THOSE pictures) and granola bars.

I do not know about Ariel's!

For PFF, the line to meet the (random, don't expect any particular) princess is long, and I've heard that there can be a line to get in in the morning. So I figure, a line is a line, might as well do it in the morning when some people are still sleeping or having a late b'fast or whatever! That would be our plan, at least, to go when it opens (opening time should be in the Times Guide you can pick up along with maps when you get to DL/DCA).

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

Starting last September-ish, Ariel's Grotto started serving breakfast. Not sure if they are still doing it, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that it was less crowded then.

I would recommend getting a priority seating at Ariel's.......we tried to eat there on an off-season weekday (DCA was nearly empty) by just showing up and we had no luck. The next year we had a PS time, and every table was full (again, it was off-season on a weekday). But the princesses get around to every table, so I'm not sure how much crowds affect the experience. I guess if the place was less full you might get more time with them.

 

[EMAW]

I would definitely make a priority seating res for Ariel's- we tried to get in 3 days in a row and couldn't get in.

I think the PFF opens at 9am - I would check the DL website. We got there 1/2 hour before PFF rope drop, in the rain, and then waited an additional 1/2 hour or so in the actual line. But I heard from others that they had waited well over 2 hours- so I think getting there before it opens helped. Also, if you do get there before rope drop, take DS2 out of the stroller before the actual queue opens- we lost our first in line position because I got up to the queue only to find out I had to park my stroller first.

Here's my list, I just started it but maybe others will add to it...

Change of clothes
Snacks & water
Blanket (for parade)
camera & batteries
autograph book and marker, if doing that
coins for pressing (quarters and pennies - mini m&m tube works great for this)
sunscreen
wipes/diapers
juice cup
swimmies diapers

 

[kingshockey04]

I saw a post a while back, but now can't find it regarding what to pack in a bag for young children, I have DS2 and DD6. Can someone bump this post or maybe we can start new?

I would add some type of children's ibuprofen or children's pepto, those two came in handy for me during our trip last weekend.

 

[pixiewings71]

You need to get a PS for Ariel's or it's likely you will be turned away at the door. They aren't doing breakfast anymore, they stopped that last month I think. We did it in Dec. and it was definitely less crowded. We've eaten there around 1 and it's been OK both times, busy yes but the Princesses come to your table and they don't rush, especially if they notice they are a favorite at the table. Cinderella always lingers for us, as does Belle, they are big faves of my girls so they indulge us a bit.

Sorry, I don't have answers for the other questions.