Ariel's Grotto

[Samantha_Mommy]

During our stay we will be having lunch at Ariel's Grotto.

Is this a character lunch?
If it is a character lunch, what goes on at these lunches?
Is it sit down by meanu or buffet and
What is the pricing?
Should I make reservations?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[sonnyjane]

During our stay we will be having lunch at Ariel's Grotto.

Is this a character lunch? Yes, breakfast and lunch at Ariel's are character meals (princesses specifically).

If it is a character lunch, what goes on at these lunches? I believe you meet Ariel at the entrance and then the other princesses make the rounds to the tables. Others that have gone can tell you more.

Is it sit down by menu or buffet and
What is the pricing? Here is the pricing and menu: http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/men_ag.htm It is served family style as far as appetizer and dessert, and then you get your separate entree.

Should I make reservations? Absolutely. It's not necessary to make them at exactly 60 days out, but you'll want to make a reservation to get your desired time.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[smiles33]

Yes to everything sonnyjane posted. DDs loved Ariel's Grotto.

My personal opinion is that the food is way overpriced (think college dorm food trying to be fancy--though my dorm food at UCLA 16 years ago was MUCH better), but the time is well worth it as then you can possibly skip Princess Fantasy Faire. We got to see Ariel plus 4 princesses on our trip last month (Snow White, Aurora, Belle, and Cinderella). Read my TR for more details and pictures!

I opted for an inside table (where it's air conditioned) and you can hear/see when they announce each princess. The anticipation just about killed my girls, though, as we were maybe the 11th table so they watched the princesses slowly make their way around the room until they got to us.

HAVE FUN!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Yes to everything sonnyjane posted. DDs loved Ariel's Grotto.

My personal opinion is that the food is way overpriced (think college dorm food trying to be fancy--though my dorm food at UCLA 16 years ago was MUCH better), but the time is well worth it as then you can possibly skip Princess Fantasy Faire. We got to see Ariel plus 4 princesses on our trip last month (Snow White, Aurora, Belle, and Cinderella). Read my TR for more details and pictures!

I opted for an inside table (where it's air conditioned) and you can hear/see when they announce each princess. The anticipation just about killed my girls, though, as we were maybe the 11th table so they watched the princesses slowly make their way around the room until they got to us.

HAVE FUN!

We thought the food was really good.

 

[smiles33]

We thought the food was really good.

I know opinions differ on this which is why I said it's my opinion. For reference, I am not a food "snob" but I like to get good value for my money and for $40/adult and about $20/child ages 3 and up, I didn't think it was that good. If it had been $20/adult and $10/child, I would have thought it decent/pretty fair. For $10/adult and $5/child, I would have thought it was a great selection.

I had the tri-tip, DH had the seafood stew, and DD5 had the chicken skewers. They gave DD2 a free meatball lollipop with about 1/2 cup of spaghetti.

OP, if you're going to eat inside DLR just for food (and not to see the characters), I will add that I loved DCA's Corn Dog Castle hot link corndogs and my Dole Whip. My girls loved their Mickey Mouse ear ice cream bars.

 

[kirstie101]

Yes make a reservation.

Now the rest is all subject to opinion...but I personally really like the food there. It went for the first time last year and it was easily our favorite meal in the parks. I had the tri tip, DH had the cioppino, my mom had some chicken thing and I can't remember what DD had. She was way more interested in the princesses than she was in eating any food, at least until dessert showed up

We were seated outside by accident last year and I pesonally really enjoyed it! I just felt as if we were away from the hustle and bustle and noise. It was very pleasant sitting on the patio, overlooking the water. All the princess came out to see us and they still did a little show out there just like inside. This year I have requested that we be seated outside.

 

[bcdisney]

So is it better eating outside there? Just wondering since my wife wanted to do the World of Color dinner for our anniversary dinner on Oct 25, and when I was making the reservation I was given the choice of outside or in, and I chose inside because I figured it might be cold, but now I'm wondering if I should have chosen outside. I'm realizing it's still pretty warm down there in the Fall.

 

[Malcon10t]

We thought the food was really good.

We really liked it also.

In our case, everyone LOVES the salad, and there is never enough, but just ask a server and they bring more.

 

[ladeeesquire]

We've done AG 3 times, always for lunch. Two times seated inside, the last time outside which at first I was a bit annoyed about. But, like the poster above, it turned out to be very nice. We sat in the gazebo area out the door and to the left. Other than the CA screaming coaster it was quiet and very pleasant and even though the coaster was a bit loud, dd loved watching it! She also enjoyed the ducks in the water. Truthfully it felt like a bit of an escape from the park.

I also enjoy the food. I've had the chicken twice--tasty-- and the last time got the veggie ravioli thing which I do not recommend. Not horrible just not very good imo. DD enjoys the meat and cheeses and we all enjoy the desserts tray!!