Ariels Grotto Outdoor Seating

[mystic_path]

My family just decided we are going to try the Ariels Grotto Princess dinner in August. My question is, if you want to sit outside on the patio, do you have to request it? Or is it first come first serve? We are really hoping to sit outside, but I didnt know if this is something I need to request when I call or email to make my reservations, or if I just ask when I arrive. I know that this Princess dinner is new, so from past experiences from other princess meals I was hoping someone had an answer. Thanks so much!

 

[disneydreamer74]

It's been a couple years since we did the AG dinner ( they had the dinner option then) and we did specify when we booked that we wanted indoor seating. When we checked in they had it marked down already. I think indoor seating goes quicker than outdoor so you should be fine. We like indoor to get a break from the warm weather and we love the theming inside.

 

[HydroGuy]

My family just decided we are going to try the Ariels Grotto Princess dinner in August. My question is, if you want to sit outside on the patio, do you have to request it? Or is it first come first serve? We are really hoping to sit outside, but I didnt know if this is something I need to request when I call or email to make my reservations, or if I just ask when I arrive. I know that this Princess dinner is new, so from past experiences from other princess meals I was hoping someone had an answer. Thanks so much!

My only experience was with WOC dining packages. When making the res they asked inside or outside and we always requested outside.

 

[DISHoppy]

When I booked the princess dinner I was asked indoor or outdoor. I asked about the difference, and was told that the theming and the pre-greet 'show' was the only difference b/w the seating options. I likely would have preferred outdoor, but since ours is a birthday celebration, I wanted to make sure the DDs had the complete experience, so I booked indoor.

-Kevin

 

[pixiewings71]

When we've booked we've always been asked if we inside or out, we usually take outside because we love to sit on the patio to eat.

 

[mystic_path]

Great replies. Thank you so much. I was thinking that I would try the new email reservations system when it is time to book, but maybe I will call up disney dining anyway to confirm. Ive been to Ariel's for the WOC show and we sat out on the patio then and it was AMAZING! I loved the cool breeze, the park lit up, the sounds of happy people and the smells. I just only remember being told at Ariels when we got there that we were sitting outside. I never knew there may have been an option. But I am happy to hear we may be able to do this again.

 

[krispin41]

I was also given the option for indoor or outdoor when I made reservations for July. I opted for indoor, just in case it's too hot outside. (We're doing a late lunch)

 

[mystic_path]

Did you find it nice and air conditioned inside Krispin?

 

[pixiewings71]

It is very nice and air conditioned inside. Sometimes I get cold in there.....LOL

 

[milan15]

Last year we did the WOC Ariel package and asked to be seated outside...
We liked it, but it got cold.

If your reservation is after 7ish, then I'd consider either bringing warmer clothes or switching to inside. They have heaters outside, but it still gets a bit chilly.

 

[mystic_path]

Yah we sat outside in November last year and our reservations were for 5:30. We wore light jackets as they were needed but it was still really beautiful. But good call on bringing other clothes to warm up if its after 7. I think I will try to make my reservations a bit earlier because I dont know what time the WOC starts, and I want to enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

 

[starshine514]

If you want outdoor, I'd request it when making the reservation. I read somewhere that at peak times the princess breakfast/lunch were a few dollars cheaper per person when sitting outside. We've only done Ariel's once for breakfast in the off-season; they didn't give us the option because the restaurant was only half-full and they didn't seat anyone outside.

 

[mystic_path]

If you want outdoor, I'd request it when making the reservation. I read somewhere that at peak times the princess breakfast/lunch were a few dollars cheaper per person when sitting outside. We've only done Ariel's once for breakfast in the off-season; they didn't give us the option because the restaurant was only half-full and they didn't seat anyone outside.

Good to know. I do believe you are right though. The last time I did a character meal it was at Minnie and Friends, and when buying meal vouchers there were a few options. Breakfast and lunch were about $37 and if you wanted a dinner it was considered a "Premium" meal and it was $40.