Ariel's Grotto ... indoor or outdoor seating? UPDATE 8/13

[eyeheartgoofy]

What is the difference between the indoor and outdoor seating (besides the obvious ) ... does one have a better ambience or character interaction? This would be for lunch next week ... outdoor is available at 1:10pm for our trip, but the earliest lunch indoors is 3:30pm. I booked the outdoor seating, but if we are going to be neglected by the characters or will be uncomfortably hot outside or will miss some terrific theming ... I'll probably see if I can still get the later indoor seating and call it a very early dinner.

I've NEVER been to California, so all this outdoor dining seems odd to me. The CM on the phone was really pushing me to take the 1:10 reservation - he said outdoor seating is quieter, there is a nice breeze in the area, it's completely shaded and there really aren't any bugs or birds around ... is this correct?

Any help would be appreciated ... thanks!

 

[lozzypop]

I've done indoor and outdoor seating with my DD in the past. Although the decor indoors is fabulous, I would give outdoor seating the edge. Nothing quite like eating while overlooking Paradise lagoon and hearing the sounds of the pier.

The character interaction was just fine outside. I felt like there was more room out there too - the tables are quite close together inside.

No birds that I can recall (other than baby duckies swimming in the lagoon) and definitely no bugs.

 

[HydroGuy]

We have done outdoor dinners at AG twice - both for WOC. We loved it! There is ample shade and it is so nice being outside amidst all the activity. Lots of people really like it indoors at AG too so you will not go wrong. But we have a bias for outdoor seating every time. Especially in the summer when the weather is nice.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

Thanks for the advice! I think we'll keep the 1:10pm outdoor seating. I thought we were beyond the princess dining stage, so I didn't bother to make reservations ... so I was scrambling today. I'm glad they had availability on the day I wanted - I really wasn't expecting much one week out and was pleasantly suprised.

 

[GeneralTso]

Both are good! I think you'll be just fine.

 

[MemoriesintheMaking]

I have a question about the outdoor seating...when I called and made my WOC dinner ps's, I didn't think to specify indoor or outdoor, and they didn't ask me which I wanted, either. If I would prefer outdoor, should I call and see if it's still available, or will they ask me when I check in?

Thanks!

 

[HydroGuy]

I have a question about the outdoor seating...when I called and made my WOC dinner ps's, I didn't think to specify indoor or outdoor, and they didn't ask me which I wanted, either. If I would prefer outdoor, should I call and see if it's still available, or will they ask me when I check in?

Thanks!

Yes you should call.

 

[PatMcDuck]

At certain times of the day, in certain areas, the outside seating can really be uncomfortable.

We requested seating out of the sun, it was early, about 5-5:30 pm, in May. The place was 3/4 empty. Yet they sat us where the sun appeared within 10 minutes, and it was pretty darn uncomfortable. Enough so that I would not take outside eating again, or would at least insist on sitting on the jetty like area in the water, they appeared to be ok over there. We were stuck up against the building.

 

[Doc Goofy]

Memories -
They stop outside dining at 7:30 pm so they would not have given you a choice if your dining time is after - or maybe just before - this time.

 

[MemoriesintheMaking]

Yes you should call.

Thank you - I will! It's just a week and a half away so maybe it's too late, but it's worth a try!

Memories -
They stop outside dining at 7:30 pm so they would not have given you a choice if your dining time is after - or maybe just before - this time.

Thank you for the tip. Our ps is for 5:30, I think, so we should be fine. But I appreciate you making sure I had all the info I need!

At certain times of the day, in certain areas, the outside seating can really be uncomfortable.

We requested seating out of the sun, it was early, about 5-5:30 pm, in May. The place was 3/4 empty. Yet they sat us where the sun appeared within 10 minutes, and it was pretty darn uncomfortable. Enough so that I would not take outside eating again, or would at least insist on sitting on the jetty like area in the water, they appeared to be ok over there. We were stuck up against the building.

I'm sorry you were uncomfortable like that. That doesn't sound enjoyable to be directly in the sun and heat like that. I think we will try for the outdoor seating, but do our best to request a shaded table, such as the jetty area you mentioned. Thanks!!


I can't believe our trip is getting so close!

 

[tinkermomma]

Haven't been but outdoors looks like it would be great. I'll have to remember the shade advice though, thanks!

 

[EEyorelover22]

We loved outside! We never ever get to eat outside...we are still baking in the summer heat. It was wonderful when we were there about a week ago.

LOVE IT!!

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

I am wondering when you go to Ariel's Grotto for the World of Color meal, can you use your AP discount? Or do they exclude this because of the tickets to WOC?

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

Back to report that we had a lovely lunch with Ariel and friends last week. We kept the 1:10pm outdoor seating. Aside from a sudden breeze that blew the kids' menus off the table, it was lovely. We were shaded and had a nice view of Screamin' and Mickey's Fun Wheel (we also got to watch some divers working on WOC equipment). It was quite peaceful outside (well, except for the screaming people on Screamin') and pretty empty (I think maybe 1/3 of the outdoor tables were full).

 

[HydroGuy]

Back to report that we had a lovely lunch with Ariel and friends last week. We kept the 1:10pm outdoor seating. Aside from a sudden breeze that blew the kids' menus off the table, it was lovely. We were shaded and had a nice view of Screamin' and Mickey's Fun Wheel (we also got to watch some divers working on WOC equipment). It was quite peaceful outside (well, except for the screaming people on Screamin') and pretty empty (I think maybe 1/3 of the outdoor tables were full).

Glad it worked out for you!