Ariel's Closing in 2009?

[aurora1221]

Hi, my name is Nikki and I've been lurking on these boards for awhile now. I'm looking into having a disney wedding in oct 2010 and have been looking at reception sites. I really want AAR but DBF thinks its too big and plain looking. I don't think we would be able to fill the minimum number of guest anyways. I then found Ariel's and fell in love with that place, but I saw somewhere that they may be closing it for weddings and changing it back into a restaurant. I was wondering if any of you had heard about this. I'm hoping its just a rumor.

 

[Desnik]

Hi Nikki!
My name is Nikki too! I also love the AAR but can't use it because we will not have enough people at our VR. Have you seen the AA Parlor room? That is smaller and it might be what you are looking for. As for Ariel's I hadn't heard that. I thought it was popular for weddings and conventions and there is a restaurant there already for the resort, so why would they change it to a restaurant?

 

[Briarprincess]

Welcome Nikki!
I'm having my reception at Ariel's this August. When I met with DFTW last summer, I was told that I would probably be having one of the last receptions there, as they were going to turn it back into a restaurant for the public. With the popularity of the dining plan, Disney is running out of places.
Now, I don't know how accurate that is, but that is what I was told.
Hope that might help a little.

 

[lpizzuro123]

This has been said for the past few years about it closing. When we went for our Site Visit this past November they said it would be available through 2008 and not sure about anything past this. We loved this place also and went to look at it but right now our numbers are up to around 60 and we thought it would be too small so we are going with Atlantic Dance Hall.

Linda

 

[lurkyloo]

AAr Parlour might be a good choice for you. Also, have you seen the Attic? It's great for smaller groups, and it is a really pretty indoor/outdoor space.

 

[helloirishkitty]

My wedding is in February 2009 and I was told that it wasn't even an option. When I was having a small wedding, it was my top choice (I'm little mermaid obsessed) and my coordinator said it was probably closing before then.

Like lurkyloo said, the attic is beautiful and you get the great views of the boardwalk/swan/dolphin area

 

[mermaidbride1108]

I have have been reading this over and over on these boards too that Ariel's would be turning back into a public restuarant.

I am also a HUGE mermaid fan and doing the theme of my wedding around the fairytale. SO I was really disappointed when I read that too. Still right now it's not confirmed 100% so we shall see.

 

[BayouPrincess]

I must say that I've heard these horrible stories too. I am having my reception there for our 20th anniversary VR November 24th. I heard noting of closing it from my planner or anyone like that, just here on the boards.

 

[Starr W.]

We stopped in the bar next door to Ariel's and the very nice bartender(apologized extensively that it took her so long to run our tab with the DDE card) said it is being turned back into a resturant do to the DDP and BC basically just has Cape May for Breakfast and Dinner.

Two girls had come in looking to get into Ariel's drop off stuff for the reception going on that evening.

 

[Skylarr29]

I also add my vote of the Attic, this is where we might be having our farewell brunch.

 

[aurora1221]

Thanks for responding I like the AAP but DBF doesn't like the look of it. I have my bachelors in American History and love the look of both AAR and AAP, but DBF thinks it looks boring. Does disney allow you to take out the furniture in the Attic? I like the brightness of the space and that you can go outside, but I don't think the furniture would do. I really liked the separate dance and seating area of Ariel's. I was surprised when I heard that it was closing because it was so popular for receptions. I guess i'll have to hope that they change their mind and not close it, or find more disney fans willing to come to my wedding. Thanks!

 

[lurkyloo]

Thanks for responding I like the AAP but DBF doesn't like the look of it. I have my bachelors in American History and love the look of both AAR and AAP, but DBF thinks it looks boring. Does disney allow you to take out the furniture in the Attic? I like the brightness of the space and that you can go outside, but I don't think the furniture would do. I really liked the separate dance and seating area of Ariel's. I was surprised when I heard that it was closing because it was so popular for receptions. I guess i'll have to hope that they change their mind and not close it, or find more disney fans willing to come to my wedding. Thanks!

I have to say, I was scared of the Attic's furniture from pictures - I'm not big on shabby chic/French country/granny cottage, etc. But when I was there, I hardly even noticed the furniture - the whole room just feels so light and airy and comfy. Plus, the floors are so shiny, your guests won't even see the furniture

 

[Starr W.]

Furniture can't be moved at the Attic.

Unfortunately another sit down restaurant will make more money for WDW(Ariel's was closed down as a rest. after the slowdown in travel in 2001/2002).

 

[yearbook50]

Furniture can't be moved at the Attic.

Unfortunately another sit down restaurant will make more money for WDW(Ariel's was closed down as a rest. after the slowdown in travel in 2001/2002).

Actually Ariels closed in May 1997. I remember b/c it was my last year of elementary school & we went to disney & they had this wonderful shrimp dish. We went back in July 1997 for my birthday & we were going to go to dinner there & discovered it was closed!

They closed it b/c they felt there were enough dining options in the area, as Cape May Cafe also has seafood.

Boardwalk had opened in July 2006 which had Flying Fish which in a way competed with Ariel's.

 

[momofbride010103]

Lurky........ you crack me up!!!!!!

 

[Starr W.]

Actually Ariels closed in May 1997. I remember b/c it was my last year of elementary school & we went to disney & they had this wonderful shrimp dish. We went back in July 1997 for my birthday & we were going to go to dinner there & discovered it was closed!

They closed it b/c they felt there were enough dining options in the area, as Cape May Cafe also has seafood.

Boardwalk had opened in July 2006 which had Flying Fish which in a way competed with Ariel's.

A bunch of my DVC friends claimed it was due to 9/11, guess you can't trust those big whiners(even though I belong to the club).

 

[aurora1221]

I have to say, I was scared of the Attic's furniture from pictures - I'm not big on shabby chic/French country/granny cottage, etc. But when I was there, I hardly even noticed the furniture - the whole room just feels so light and airy and comfy. Plus, the floors are so shiny, your guests won't even see the furniture

Just wanted to say congrats on your up coming wedding!!!

 

[yearbook50]

A bunch of my DVC friends claimed it was due to 9/11, guess you can't trust those big whiners(even though I belong to the club).

Nope. Closed over 4 years before 9/11. I grew up in FL going to Disney every month or two. Certain key things I remember when it was a major closing, just like when Flagers closed & became Citrico's (it took me until this past October to actually eat at Citrico's because I was angry over Flagers)

Allears agrees with me too

 

[DisneyFairy19]

My parents ate there a while ago and didnt like it. I actually heard bad reviews about Ariels. I havent been there...

 

[OceanGdss]

Wow..suddenly I feel lucky to be having our Dec '08 reception at Ariels