Questions about Ariel's Grotto Character dining

[starshine514]

So, for my younger DD's 3rd b-day, we were at WDW and did lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table. It was pricey, but memorable. We're going to DL for my older DD's 7th birthday, and I think I have to do a meal at Ariel's Grotto for her. It'll need to be when the princesses are there.

I think I saw that the princesses are there for breakfast and lunch. I believe there are 5 princesses, but all but Ariel rotate. Is it like Cindy's in that we only see Ariel for a photo op at the beginning? Is she dressed as a mermaid?

Does anyone know the hours for breakfast/lunch (or have a guess at what they'll be on November 3)? How much do they cost and what sorts of food are served? I think I read somewhere that inside seating was better...

Also, how far out can I make reservations?

Thanks!

 

[jacs1234]

When we went Ariel was dressed as a mermaid and was at the entrance for a photo op and did not rotate. We saw Cinderalla, Snow White, Belle and Mulan while we were there. My daughter had chicken on a skewer for lunch and she actually ate it. She's a picky eater but the server said something about eating her meal (something lovely) and she just turned around and ate it all. I wish I could remember what dhe said lol For starters there was a tower with jelly cubes with apple and something else in it, a salad and some deli meats. Then the meal, I had tri-tip. Desert was like this amazing chocolate experience. lol . We got a huge chocolate shell and Shyne ate it all, much to Grandmas dismay. lol We ate inside and it was lovely. I've never eaten outside.

I'm assuming that you would book 2 months out at the earliest. We went the day we did the BBBoutique.

 

[jacs1234]

Oh and the Princesses are there for Breakfast and lunch and not for dinner.

 

[mrswh]

Characters for breakfast and lunch only. I don't know the exact hours. We have been several times and saw the exact same princesses each time. Ariel for a photo op (you do not get the photo included in the meal here like you do at CRT) - yes, dressed as a mermaid. Then Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora and Belle. Once we did also see Cinderella's Fairy Godmother. AG is not nearly as nice an experience as CRT, IMO. The facility itself is not as nice and the food is not as good. I actually think the food at AG is awful, with the exception of the dessert, which is a large plate of chocolate and is pretty tasty. (My DD even pretended to like princesses again on our last trip so we would eat there and get the dessert plate!) If you google it you should be able to find a menu. There are only a few choices. I have not sat outside but would not want to - it looks uncomfortable out there, or at least it did before - not sure if they have changed that at all for WOC.

Anyway, it is cute. Your DDs will like it. Your wallet definitely won't and your taste buds might not either. Just remember, it's an experience.

 

[Eeee-va]

In June 2010 we met Ariel as a human...is her being a mermaid new, or just something she sometimes/usually does?

Like everyone else said, you meet Ariel first, one shot, and they try to sell you the photo later. I think dinner (no more princesses) starts maybe 4 or 5? Not certain on that.

 

[mrswh]

In June 2010 we met Ariel as a human...is her being a mermaid new, or just something she sometimes/usually does?

Like everyone else said, you meet Ariel first, one shot, and they try to sell you the photo later. I think dinner (no more princesses) starts maybe 4 or 5? Not certain on that.

Sorry, misspoke - she is a human!

 

[DisSarahK]

Ariel is dressed as a human--in a dress--and she is only at the entrance (at the bottom of the staircase)--she does not walk through the restaurant the way the other princesses do. After you have seen her when you walk into the restaurant, you will not see her again.

The princesses do not spend very much time with the guests. They will take pictures, but that really is about it. They circulate quite quickly and do not revisit tables. It is quite different than our experience at other character meals where the characters stay out for the entire meal and keep revisiting tables. Personally I was quite disappointed with the level of interaction.

You can make reservations 60 days out, but it isn't like WDW where you *must* make reservations ASAP. Things are much more flexible at Disneyland and California Adventure! As for inside vs outside--we make our reservations for inside because we are from the Northwest and we need the a/c at lunchtime and a break from the heat! Being that you are from Arizona, you might like the atmosphere outside next to the water.

 

[ladeeesquire]

we've been to ariel's grotto for lunch 3 times in the last year or so --my dd loves it there! ariel is most definitely in her human form, she wears the light green dress. The balance of the 4 princesses come around to the tables. It is a quick meet and greet for pic and autograph only. I've been to quite a few character meals both at dl and wdw and I'd say its pretty standard and about the same as you get at akershus and CRT.

We've seen snowy, cindy, aurora, belle and mulan.The breakfast as I understand it is served family style. Like I said, we've only been for lunch so I'm not an expert on that. Lunch I can tell you about. It is table service, not buffet. I believe lunch begins at 11:30. Adults have a choice of beef, chicken/rice, fish, veggie ravioli. I've had the chicken twice and thought it was very good. The veggie ravioli is served in almost like a soup and was ok but odd. The meal begins with a crudite to share --cheeses, carrots, olives, jello, breads, fruits. Children have choices but dd always chooses mac and cheese so I don't remember the rest There is a very nice dessert tray to share at the end. Price is like $35 adults, 17 kids or so but I know you can get exact pricing from allears.net

We've sat inside twice and just this last time outside. I actually thought outside was very nice. We sat in the gazebo area (completely shaded) by the water and it was pleasant to be away from clanking plates etc plus it was very uncrowded out there. And to me the biggest benefit was getting to take pix with the water and the mickey wheel in the background rather than other diners! I think most choose to sit inside but I'd definitely choose outside weather permitting.

Two weeks ago I made a ressie from my cell while in the park for lunch at 1pm.

With very human Ariel:

The gazebo area:

The veggie ravioli:

 

[starshine514]

I like the outside picts! I always like outside lighting rather than flash anyway. We weren't impressed by the interaction at Cindy's either; I find my girls get a much better experience at the PFF.

CRT is the only character meal we've done. You guys say the character interaction at the others is better? I'm now wondering if Minnie's breakfast would be a better choice... The girls love Minnie and I think I read somewhere that there may be a princess there as well? Maybe I'm getting my meals crossed though.

One (possibly) final question. At CRT at WDW, I made the reservation online and they asked if we were celebrating a special occassion. I wrote that it was for DD's birthday and they brought her a 'princess' cake (similar to what ikea sells, but covered in chocolate) w/ a candle and we sang happy birthday to her w/ our server. Do you know if they do anything special like that at any of the DL ones (specifically the character meals) b/c I know it would be a letdown to her if it didn't happen, since it had for her sister. If they don't, I may have to arrange it for her (order a cupcake w/o her knowing and see if they'll insert a candle I brought before serving). It really made an impression on her.

Thanks again for all the info, I really appreciate it!

 

[StarTink]

It seems you have the answers to your questions, but I want to add in that we had a great character experience with Cinderella at Ariel's Grotto. Three adult women and a teenage boy... not exactly their target group.

We sat in one of the half circle booths and one of the people sitting on the inside loves Cinderella. When she came by my friend wanted out to get a picture. I stood up and was wearing a t-shirt that said Dallas in rhinestones. Conversation went -

Cinderella - "Are you from the kingdom of Dallas?"
Me - "Yes, I'm the Queen there."
Cinderella "OH MY!" (The look on her face was priceless. Big round eyes, mouth wide open. You could tell she was about to crack up but trying to stay in character.)
Me - "It's okay, I'm not an evil stepmother Queen... I'm a good Queen."
Cinderella - "Whew!" (faking wiping sweat from brow)

I really appreciated that she went along with it since none of us were children. Magic happens for adults too and I will never forget that experience. It wasn't like the best thing that ever happened to me or anything. Just an example of one of the reasons I love Disney.

 

[Kenny10]

We just had lunch at Ariel's Grotto during the week of August 15th. Our daughter is 7 and loved it! We only meet Ariel inside for photo opp and she was dressed as a person. The 5 princesses we meet were Belle, Mulan, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and of course Ariel.

Yes it's expensive but we were impressed with the amount of food we got and its all worth it for the experience.
We sat outside and it was great and it was hot out but it was shaddy with a nice breeze from the water. Our 4 year old son was excited he could see Buzz, Woody and Jessie from our seats.

If you can do it, it's totally worth it! Yes the food isn't the best but your kids won't care!!

 

[larina]

It seems you have the answers to your questions, but I want to add in that we had a great character experience with Cinderella at Ariel's Grotto. Three adult women and a teenage boy... not exactly their target group.

We sat in one of the half circle booths and one of the people sitting on the inside loves Cinderella. When she came by my friend wanted out to get a picture. I stood up and was wearing a t-shirt that said Dallas in rhinestones. Conversation went -

Cinderella - "Are you from the kingdom of Dallas?"
Me - "Yes, I'm the Queen there."
Cinderella "OH MY!" (The look on her face was priceless. Big round eyes, mouth wide open. You could tell she was about to crack up but trying to stay in character.)
Me - "It's okay, I'm not an evil stepmother Queen... I'm a good Queen."
Cinderella - "Whew!" (faking wiping sweat from brow)

I really appreciated that she went along with it since none of us were children. Magic happens for adults too and I will never forget that experience. It wasn't like the best thing that ever happened to me or anything. Just an example of one of the reasons I love Disney.

This is what I love about Disney!!! CMs totally seem to get that we are all kids at Disney. I've had similar experiences, and I just love it! And, that is too cute! "Kingdom of Dallas"

 

[BlueBayou]

It's been a couple years since we have gone.We have been there a few times, once for breakfast and a couple for lunch.

One year at lunch they were giving those burger king type crowns to some little boys in the group before us when you went down the stairs to be seated. My husband started joking around about how he wanted one too. My DH was very much a jokester - and next thing I knew another guy in leotards was asking if this was our first visit, where we were from etc. I should add we had two little girls in the 4 to 7 age range dressed as princesses.

After we were seated - they announced us as family of the day. "The ____ family from the kingdom of _____ celebrating a birthday." We had to go stand with Ariel at the back (opposite end of the restaurant from the entry stairs) while a proclamation was read. We got our pictures taken there too. It was a very special experience.

We have seen Jasmine at Ariel's grotto too.

Another time my youngest hit her head on a door frame in the waiting area. We went and ate lunch. She was not eating her dessert. She was a toddler at the time. I realized she was about to be sick. I ran her to the bathroom - But she vomited right before we got to the bathroom - in the area in front of the Ariel photo op. Thankfully, they were not doing pictures at the time. The staff could not have been nicer - they told me it happens all the time. By the time I got back from cleaning her up - the area was already clean.

We took her to first aid to make sure she was not showing signs of a head injury - once again a very positive experience.

My daughter is now 8-years-old and she has only vomited 3 times in her life, two of those times at Disneyland. Both times it was excitement not illness related.

 

[Vala]

In 2007 we even saw Princess Minnie at Ariel's Grotto, but I don't think she's there very often.

CRT is the only character meal we've done. You guys say the character interaction at the others is better? I'm now wondering if Minnie's breakfast would be a better choice... The girls love Minnie and I think I read somewhere that there may be a princess there as well? Maybe I'm getting my meals crossed though.

Goofy's normally has two female characters, one of them being a princess. We've seen to princesses (Jasmine/Mulan respectively Jasmine/Sleeping Beauty) and one princess and a female character (Belle/Minnie respectively Alice/Jasmine). Minnie's Breakfast does not have princesses unless I missed a change.

One (possibly) final question. At CRT at WDW, I made the reservation online and they asked if we were celebrating a special occassion. I wrote that it was for DD's birthday and they brought her a 'princess' cake (similar to what ikea sells, but covered in chocolate) w/ a candle and we sang happy birthday to her w/ our server. Do you know if they do anything special like that at any of the DL ones (specifically the character meals) b/c I know it would be a letdown to her if it didn't happen, since it had for her sister. If they don't, I may have to arrange it for her (order a cupcake w/o her knowing and see if they'll insert a candle I brought before serving). It really made an impression on her.

Yes, they will. They bring out a little cake or cupcake with a candle and often a birthday button. If you note it on the reservation you will be okay, but if it gets missed for some reason grab a CM and they'll arrange it.

At Ariel's Grotto it's usually the servers singing. At Minnie's Minnie came over and clapped along and then signed my autograph with my name and "happy birthday." At Goofy's they seem to usually grab one or two characters to come over to the table too. Three years ago I was lucky enough and they had Sleeping Beauty coming over, and she even sang along with the servers.

 

[starshine514]

...
Yes, they will. They bring out a little cake or cupcake with a candle and often a birthday button. If you note it on the reservation you will be okay, but if it gets missed for some reason grab a CM and they'll arrange it.

At Ariel's Grotto it's usually the servers singing. At Minnie's Minnie came over and clapped along and then signed my autograph with my name and "happy birthday." At Goofy's they seem to usually grab one or two characters to come over to the table too. Three years ago I was lucky enough and they had Sleeping Beauty coming over, and she even sang along with the servers.

Well, I gave her the choice, and (suprisingly enough) she chose Minnie's. So, I made the ressie this morning. 9:10 (during MM, park opens at 10 that day). If the park was opening earlier, we would have a done a later seating, but since it doesn't open until 10... I hope I made the right choice there. I told the CM that I made the ressie with that it was her 7th birthday, and she took my daughter's name. So, I'm hoping they'll make it special for her. If they all came around and clapped/sang (I think you're right, most likely no face characters at Minnie's), that would be really special! At CRT, it was just us and our server (I'm glad I had no expectations of the princesses coming b/c that would have been a disappointment).

Thanks to everyone for all the advice!

 

[DisSarahK]

(I think you're right, most likely no face characters at Minnie's), that would be really special! At CRT, it was just us and our server (I'm glad I had no expectations of the princesses coming b/c that would have been a disappointment).

Thanks to everyone for all the advice!

I hope your daughter has a wonderful birthday! As for face characters at Minnie's, I can tell you that both times we have gone, we've always seen the Fairy Godmother and she is a face character--and a wonderful one at that!

 

[Vala]

If they all came around and clapped/sang (I think you're right, most likely no face characters at Minnie's), that would be really special! At CRT, it was just us and our server (I'm glad I had no expectations of the princesses coming b/c that would have been a disappointment).

I must say that is one thing I really like in Disneyland Paris, although I am not a particular fan of character dining there: when you order a birthday cake they make a huge fuzz about telling you that it is not guaranteed a character comes and brings it. But so far I always have seen at least one character joining, even at the princess meal there.

We went in March for my birthday, and my friends had ordered a cake for me as surprise (plus sneaked another one of my friends in to join the party). My face was completely confused.com when the "happy birthday" music started playing and Mickey showed up at our table with a cake and said friend in tow.

 

[jacs1234]

I just looked at my pics and Ariel had legs, not a tail. Also at Minnie's I've seen The fairy godmother. It's great though, there is so many characters you don't get to eat.

 

[jacs1234]

Oh, and I think you made the right decision with book at 9:10 when the park opens at 10. It just prolongs your disney experience for the day. That's what we do too.