Ariel's grotto question

[goofyshell]

Does Ariel's grotto open the same time as MK or is it usually delayed until 10 or something? Also, we're going the week after Easter, how early do you think we would have to line up before then to beat most of the crowds? TIA

 

[makinorlando]

Here's a link that might help -http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

This week they show the Grotto from 9-8:30.

He states on the site that he normally updates on Saturday night when the new schedules are published.

Can't help with the line - we had not ever taken time to go back to see Ariel - we finally got her and Prince Eric at th Pirate and Princess Party!

Have fun!

 

[beattyfamily]

Having a little red head who LOVEs Ariel, we've seen her many times in her grotto.

In my experience, it has sometimes opened the same time as the rest of the park but sometimes, for some reason, there is a delay by 1/2 hour to an hour.

The line gets long fast so IMHO, if you really want to see her, do it first thing in the AM if you can. The line is also slow moving and makes frequent stops for breaks. Luckily there's stuff for the little ones to entertain them there. Water sprays out at certain times of the year.

They also added more umbrellas so not as much of the line is in the sun as it used to be.

 

[LBKMAMA]

I agree...when we went in Sept. the line opened at 10 - we got there around 10:30 and it was very slow and there were quite a few people ahead of us.

 

[#1 Pocahontas]

I agree that the line gets long and it goes slow. We always try to hit it right when it opens.

The last time we were there in April I think we waited over an hour for Ariel. This was also during spring break though so it was REALLY crowded. Is spring break over after Easter? I think as long as you are there right when it opens you won't have to wait that long.

 

[bradk]

don't forget to ask her to show you her dinglehopper

 

[goofyshell]

Thanks everyone! Does anyone know if Ariel is ever out anywhere else at the parks?

 

[beattyfamily]

Thanks everyone! Does anyone know if Ariel is ever out anywhere else at the parks?

I have only seen her at Ariel's Grotto, parades and at the Princess Storybook lunch at Epcot.

That's it.

 

[bradk]

well, also in voyage of the little mermaid...

but for meet & greets, akershus (don't ever book counting on seeing someone in particular though) and the grotto.

 

[The Sweetness]

Heres my plan, Ill see in a couple of months if it works

Either me, DD15, or DH will wait on the line for Ariel. One of us will also keep a close eye on dd2 while she plays with the water jets etc... Also, one of us will buy a big cold drink, or one of those snow cones, and get on line for Dumbo (if the lines a long one) Then, after ddd2 meets Ariel, whichever one of us was on line for Dumbo, can trade the baby for some of that cold drink or snow cone (We'll be HOT!!!) I will see how this works out. I have done it with dd when she was younger, having one of us wait for Ariel, while she played, and the other (me or DH) watched her play. Worked great, and the shaved ice right by there was a real treat

I feel like I'm coaching a football team, giving out positions and calling plays

 

[write2caro]

Does anyone know if Ariel's grotto opens any earlier during EMH, or is it unaffected?

 

[Taylor'sMom]

This actually brings me to my question (as we have yet to go back there to visit her)... CAN the kids play in the water while in line (like, does the line just wind through the play area?) or is the "play" area and the "line/M+G" area separate things. I'm basically asking, should we plan for a half hour to "play" and then another half-our/45-min. to do the Meet & Greet?

And to the previous poster, isn't holding spots while a spouse and child do a separate attraction frowned upon, from a "courtesy" stand-point? Not making judgemenets AT ALL, just asking for everyone's knowledge (and my own).

 

[bradk]

most of the queue is outside and separated from the play area by a rope.

 

[The Sweetness]

Here's how I see it. I want our 2y old to get to meet Ariel (or ride Dumbo, or whatever) IMO, it doesnt matter which member of our family waited with her. It is still going to take the same amount of time to get a pic, or in the case of the rides, it will take the same ride vehicle (ie an elephant) The only dif, IMO, is that the line will be far less tedious for EVEYONE (not just me) if my 2y old diapered darling is distracted during the wait time. If I am alone in my opinion, than so be it. If I am forbidden to do so specifically, (by a CM) than I will cut it out. I havent been to WDW since '99, and never had this problem when dd15 was a tot herself. If the rules have changed, than I am sure a CM will stop me

No offense intended. This is just what I have always done. I learned my habbits and strategies BTW, by seeing other doing the same

 

[The Sweetness]

most of the queue is outside and separated from the play area by a rope.

It may no longer be the same, but I remember the line being around the perimiter of the play area. With soaked cuties always ducking in and out of line. Especially close to the front of the line, where I remember there being a wall, forbidding any further *passing*. I always had to wrangle dd in before I went behid that wall. Never had a problem. It was however common, to get a little damp by the drenched shorties joining the line w mom or dad. Never bothered me, as I expected it, and my DD always did the same

Things may be different now. Alot can change in 8 years

 

[beattyfamily]

Does anyone know if Ariel's grotto opens any earlier during EMH, or is it unaffected?

I believe it is not open for EMH.

I can't imagine trying to do something else (a ride) while waiting for Ariel other than a drink, restroom or letting the little ones play in the water.

Yes, the kids can easily play with the water while the parents wait in line for Ariel. They are right next to each other and only divided by a rope. Just be forewarned, your little ones might end up wet...bring an extra outfit if you think they'll like getting wet.

 

[Taylor'sMom]

On average, if I'm going at the end of this month while its busy with Spring Breakers, about how long would anyone estimate we'll have to wait?

 

[The Sweetness]

I dont think Ive ever noticed the actual time, but whatever it was, it felt like tripple as the sun burned down on my pretty lil red head ruthlessly

The payoff was always worth it though