Ariel's Grotto (formerly Avalon Cove)

[Blackunicorn]

So, anyone have any opinions on Ariel's Grotto, which was apparently previously Avalon Cove? We're thinking of doing it for our character dining, as DD is an Ariel nut. She's 5 and our DS is 9. Is the food child-appropriate? Do you feel that it's a good value as far as what you get vs. character interaction?

 

[renzdr]

We absolutely loved it this past summer. Great character interaction and my kids (7,9,11) loved the kids menu. We ate outside and it was fun to people watch out there. I read many bad reviews but it was our favorite meal. Get the meatloaf!

 

[stitchthealmighty]

Good food and a great place for kids. The characters come out to visit the kids and take pictures and sign autographs. Took my 8yr old niece there last summer and she loved it. Go. Don't pass it up.

 

[cuterlt]

We went there this past January. The food was okay (for adults-we didn't eat from the kids' menu) but the character interaction was fantastic!!!! Ariel was a face character (I think that's what you call it), sitting in the front - and she didn't move around the restaurant or anything. I really really loved the character interaction. I would go again in a heartbeat, even though the food wasn't great.

 

[dsnylndmom]

We love Ariel's Grotto it's one of our favorites. The food has always been good for us, the characters plentiful and fun and we love to sit outside on the water! My kids lovvveee the cotton candy at the end of the meal!

 

[MATTERHORN]

We thought it was great, and I have to say we got a tip to go for late lunch as the portions are supposedly the same as dinner but with a cheaper price. It was great. Had tons of time with the characters, we have a DD 3.5 and a DD 5 months at the time of the trip, and the pictures I got are priceless. We had the fish, but have heard good things about everything except the pasta. We were stuffed afterwards and we are pretty big eaters on vacation. Also saw in another post of yours you were there Sept. / Oct. 2003. We were there Sept. 28 - October 3 for opening of Haunted Mansion Holiday. That's when we tried Ariel's. We probably passed you guys!

Andrea

 

[westjones]

Cotton Candy at the end of the meal! I am SOOO there!

DJ

 

[CalGal]

I'm one of the people that wouldn't give it great reviews for food quality (I prefer some healthier choices, and while the deserts were good, the main courses were just OK). BUT I think its a great choice for kids, especially Ariel fans. The characters were plentiful and the location is nice. We sat inside, but I think outside would be nicer.

 

[Carlen T]

Just saying HI!

Carlen

 

[drewc]

We did the character dinner there last Saturday night.

I thought the food was pretty good. It's actually a pretty good deal considering everything is included (app, entre, dessert, drinks). Certainly a lot better deal than Goofy's Kitchen, which is like $25 per adult and $14 per child, just for breakfast! What a rip off!

The kids really liked it also. We sat outside and it was a nice view of the lagoon and the lit rides on Paradise Pier. The kids joined in a little conga parade with Pluto and thought it was wonderful.

 

[lulubelle]

We went last week and we were surprised after reading so many so-so reviews about it that we loved it! We got a 15% discount with my PAP and we thought it was a bargain for Disney. We had the salmon BLT, Fish-n-Chips and Cheeseburger meals. For dessert, the cobbler and churro with apples and ice cream were to die for. The restaurant itselt is very nice, the murials on the walls are beautiful and the bathrooms are not to be missed The characters and the interaction with the guests are awesome. It is hard to get a value for your meal as well as a wonderful atmosphere, you do get that here. I would recommend Ariel's for sure if you are in DCA at lunch or dinner time - have a great time like we did

 

[westjones]

I think AAA gets you a discount there too, doesn't it? Has anyone used this before for a discount?

We can't wait to try it! Ariel is a favorite princess of one of my daughters.

DJ

 

[AnNaNiCoLe]

What is Ariel's Grotto?

 

[cuterlt]

It's a restaurant that is located at DCA with a nice water view of the Paradise Pier. It has an inside and an outside seating area, lots of great character interaction, and food. I don't know if it serves lunch or breakfast, but I know it serves dinner - at one price for appetizer (soup/salad), entree, dessert, and then cotton candy!

 

[Blackunicorn]

I don't know if it serves lunch or breakfast, but I know it serves dinner - at one price for appetizer (soup/salad), entree, dessert, and then cotton candy!

Yes, it does serve lunch, at a slightly lower price. One of the coupons in last years Birnbaum's guidebook was for dinner at Ariel's Grotto for the cost of lunch.