Ariel's Grotto or Goofy's Kitchen

[allysmom]

For a late lunch and best character interaction, which do you recommend?

We are having breakfast with Pooh & Friends at the Plaza Inn , but are hoping for a second fun character dining experience.

 

[KMovies]

Both have advantages -

Goofy's Kitchen - lots of face characters, Buzz has been there. Minnie and the gang. Buffet!

Grotto - not a buffet - so that is a minus. Not as busy - a plus. You can sit outside - a plus. Just Minnie, Goofy, Chip, Dale, Pluto and the Little Mermaid herself.

 

[doodlebug]

Hmmm... I really like them both but I would probably do Ariel's over Goofy's.. Reasons

Not a big buffet eater (never seem to eat enough to justify doing to many of these)

Goofy's tends to be overwhelming and busy whereas Ariel's for lunch is relaxing, fun and tons of character interaction. If you can sit outside the view is wonderful of the park.

Lunch at Ariel's is around $13.00 for salad/soup, entree, bread and cotton candy at the end.. Kids meals are fun and come in a sand bucket that you can take with you when you are done. Both adult and kids meals come with more than enough food. Pop is refillable (but you must pay extra for drinks)and that is a big plus for a meal in the park

Love the interaction with the characters in their boating attire..

 

[MamaKate]

I agree with doodlebug! We have eaten @ both many times, but Ariel's Grotto is more relaxing & the characters spend more time with you and are not rushed. It's beautifully decorated & the kids do a conga line with the characters with instruments.

Also, I hate buffets and prefer to order off a menu!

Hope this helps.
Katherine

 

[allysmom]

We are leaning towards Ariel's Grotto! Thanks for the info!

 

[hookedup]

I think that Goofy's kitchen is good if you are staying at the DLH but if you are having to take time out of your park visit to go over there for lunch or dinner then it would not be my first choice.
We love Ariels - it is not inexpensive but you do get a lot of food (we are always way too stuffed after eating dinner there) It is really neat to eat dinner there and watch the lights go on on Paradise Pier. The character interaction is great there and I am not a big buffet fan so I love the attentive service. We have eaten there probably 12 times for dinner and have always enjoyed it. The food quality has varied from very good to decent.
We take our nearly 3 yr old son there whenever we do dinner at DCA - I usually call and make PS over a pay phone at DL (it's a free call to the dinning reservations number) and make reservations for later in the day at Ariels. They can get quite a wait at times esp on weekends for dinner.