Ariel's Grotto - best times to go

[mgmcpa]

We're planning to visit Ariel's Grotto on a Sunday in late-Feb (off season) and I'm wondering if there is a time of day that it's less crowded.

When we went to Minnie's Breakfast last year on the same Sunday, we were there first thing when it opened and had the place to ourselves (literally there were only 3 families in the entire Plaza Inn). So, I'd love to have a similar experience with the Princesses if possible.

Any suggestions on time?

 

[Monkey Monkey]

I haven't been in a year and a half, so I don't know for sure if it's the same, but the few times I've gone, it hasn't seemed to matter how empty or busy it was; the princesses spent about the same amount of time at the table. It's a very different setup than Plaza Inn, in that each princess comes to the table for a couple of minutes, takes pictures, then moves on to the next table. Then the next princess comes out a few minutes later, etc. The princesses don't mingle and hang out like at Minnie's Breakfast.

HTH!

 

[CrazyDuck]

The best times for Aeriels Grotto is for breakfast. Usually you can book the first reservation which is 9:40 and that will on most days be before California Adventure actually opens (10am). So you get to do your breakfast when others are still waiting for the rope drop. Just let the people at the ropes know you have reservations and they will let you pass. Days when CA closes at 6pm the last seating for dinner is 4:50 and the only person I know who eats dinner that early was my grandmother. Also if you are staying at the DLR you have access to all the Magic Mornings so to make sure you don't waste one by having to go back to Aeriels make your ressies on a Monday Wednesday or Friday! Oh one last tip... If you are sitting in a booth let the kids sit on the ends that way they can easily get out to interact with the princesses. You can stay in your seat and shoot pics without even getting up.

 

[disneydreamer74]

Last summer we had reservations at Ariel's for 6:40 p.m. we were on of the last seatings and although it was a busy summer day, it was not crowded inside at all. The previous post made mention of a very good tip-children on the outside of the booth..saves a lot of time getting up everytime the Princesses come by. I can say u will truly looooove it,, it really was magical for all of us!! And the food???jYummo!!!

 

[kylieh]

About 15 months ago we selected a 11.30 lunch which was the first PS time for the lunch period. The times with the Princesses around the table wasn't any different from anyone else as everyone was seated before they came out.

What was different was the amount of time DD was permitted to spend talking with Ariel. We were the 3rd family of the lunch session (not just the 11.30 opening time) and DD spent a good 5 minutes or so talking with her. I used the bathrooms inbetween seeing Ariel then the Princesses visiting, and they were rushing the later arrival time kids through as they seemed to be behind schedule.

We're doing the Ariel's again next visit, and again I'm going to try for a 11.30 PS time for the 11.30 lunch, just for the above reason. I would try to do the same for the breakfast or dinner if possible.

 

[mgmcpa]

What do they serve for breakfast at the Grotto? Is it still table service or is a buffet in the morning?