Talk Me Into (or out of) Trying Ariel's Grotto

[DangerMouse]

So it's almost time to call to make my ps ressies. My dd has expressed a strong desire to see the princesses this time since PFF ruined it for us on our last visit and we didn't see a single princess our entire trip.

I am not a character meal person at all. I think they are a waste of money and time that could be spent in the parks, and waste a TON of food (we just don't eat $20-30 worth of food at one sitting). However, I'm considering a meal at Ariel's just so dd can have some time with the princesses. And kicking myself that I'm even considering it because I feel like Disney is holding the princesses hostage and forcing you to pay an extremely high ransom in order to even see them. (Ok, off my soapbox)

So, I really need some help from those of you who have had experiences at Ariel's. Should I do it? Will I walk away feeling like it was money well spent or that I flushed $100 down the drain for the sake of a few photo ops and some mediocre food (yes, I've read the reviews). If you liked what you ate, please tell me what it was, so I can consider it.

I'm thinking of possibly telling my dd that she can see Ariel at King Triton's Gardens and maybe we'll just catch a storytime at PFFT. Perhaps that will satisfy her princess craving??

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

Dangermouse you only live once break down and just do it lol.

Also you tell me is the Blue buyou worth it, how about the rainforest cafe.

Im also considering a character meal trying to decide if breakfest or lunch is better and which character meal has the best food.

 

[gnbuggy]

We had a terrible experience at Ariel's Grotto in May. Hair in salad, raw burger, and our waitress disappeared for what seemed like forever with our check. The time with the princesses seemed very short. We were so excited to try Ariel's, it didnt hold up to our expectations. The best part was the fresh hot sourdough rolls. If you decide to go, I hope that you have a way better experience then we did.
Why is it that the princesses arent out in the parks like I remember seeing in the past? Maybe I havent been in the right place at the right time.

 

[DizMe]

I've gone 3 times (the last 3 Octobers) and will soon be going for number 4.

I totally agree with you about both the princesses and the character meals. I can't stand character meals, but mostly because I don't like the big stuffed characters. Even as a kid I thought they were creepy--I was never fooled into believing that wasn't some (strange) guy/gal in a plush suit. I didn't like that they couldn't talk but seemed to expect you to do so. I feel pretty much the same way now

However, I did like the "real" characters, like the princesses, Alice, Mad Hatter, etc that didn't cover up their faces with giant fur heads. I think that's one reason I was so pleasantly surprised by the princess meal. The princesses speak, look at you with real eyes as well as pose with your kids. I've had nothing but great experiences with the ladies who came to our table to interact with us. They actually had been versed on the characters pretty thoroughly and were able to give wonderful answers to my dd's questions. She has always gotten to visit with each of the 5 princesses that are there and pose with them while we take pictures.

We always go for dinner (same price as lunch, better food and a nicer time of day IMO) and we always sit outside by the water. When you get there (unless it has changed), a page announces your prince/princess(es) and gives them a crown to wear as they walk down the red carpeted steps. Well, I think they're red. Anyway, it's a great start! The food has been surprisingly good every time we've gone. I wish I could tell you what I've gotten but I don't remember other than apple pie thing for dessert! I know it was much better than the Goofy's Kitchen breakfast buffet we got (which we did only because it was the hotel's way of appeasing us for our sink backing up some foul stuff in the middle of the night ). I know either dh or I got bbq chicken last year. Everything is included--drink (non-alchy), salad, entree, dessert, tax and tip, so the price isn't AS bad as it sounds. And they do serve beer and wine if you need something before facing Snow White's simpering.

The cost just went up though, so that's a bummer. I thought it was pretty reasonable, considering, but now it's getting up there. Luckily we got our vouchers at the old price. I read on someone's post that you can still get the old priced vouchers from getawaytoday but I've not checked that out myself. Disney Dining has said they will honor the vouchers and not make you pay the difference in cost.

So, from MY experience, I'd give it a big for the simple reason that everyone in our party, including dh who is not a huge princess fan , has always come away very happy. This year we're taking the little sisters (4-year-old twins) so we're hoping it's still a hit.

 

[KirklandTutu]

We go every time we visit, but not for the Princesses. We like the food and think it's a v. good deal. The portions aren't too large, which is perfect for us so we're not tempted to gorge ourselves. My only complaint is that because you give your full order at the beginning, the entire meal feels rushed. Next time we eat there I think I'll refuse to give the order for the next course until we're finished with the first one.

 

[Kailua's Belle]

We enjoyed our dinner at Ariel's. I had the pasta dish, my DH had the meatloaf, and DD14 had the burger. I can't really remember what the little ones ate, though. We all thought the food was good. The princesses were great. Well, with the exception of Ariel. She was kind of odd. While all the other princesses were totally in character, she just acted like she was just a normal girl dressed up like Ariel. Kinda disappointing, especially she's DD4's favorite. I had gotten her an Ariel locket before we went, and DD was so excited to show it to her. Ariel didn't even really pay attention. Snow White and Belle commented on the locket by saying sweet things like, oh, yes, that's our friend Ariel. Fortunately the Ariel over at Disneyland was great when we were there, so that made up for it.

With that small complaint, I would still recommend going. Your DD will love it, and then you won't feel bad about ditching out on PFF. I always feel so bad that we had such a great time at PFF and yours was pretty awful. I can definitely see how that place can be totally hit or miss. We just really lucked out with that wonderful Cinderella.

Good luck with your decision making!!!

 

[Lilypaige]

Thanks for all the inputs. We ARE going to do Ariel's grotto, but the money spent was getting me concerned, but glad to read that everyone recommends it.

 

[abby]

We have been twice and will go again in December. Why?

-My dd loves princesses and it takes the pressure off to find them the rest of the trip, and PFF is too long a wait,.

-I like the food. I can't remember what I have ordered, but I remembing liking the food.

-It is not a buffett, I personally hate buffett's and want someone to serve me. (maybe I am a princess.....)

We have had enjoyable experiences, and although it is expensive, it's disneyland.....also if you have a disney visa or a AAA card I think you get a discount.

 

[DizneyMommy]

We have eaten there 4 or 5 times for dinner and always really enjoyed it. We even enjoyed going before we had our daughter because the food was good and it was a great value for an all-inclusive meal. We have never felt rushed, always gotten great time with each princess, and never had the problem another poster had about all of the food coming at once, ours was very nicely spaced out. I guess we are just lucky, but we have never had a bad experience there yet, and even if someday we were to have one, stuff happens occassionally in food service and as long as it was appropriately handled, we would continue to go back. We have never sat outside on the patio, though it looks like a very nice view out there, and even inside when every table is full, we have still had a good experience. I do prefer the dinner menu over lunch, and we mainly do dinner there because it is way too much food for a lunch meal when you are paying the same price for either. We just prefer to eat the larger meal of our day at the end of the day. So basically, we have never felt like we wasted our money when leaving there.

 

[m&j'smommy]

I just read that you ARE going to do it but thought I would throw my 2 cents out there anyway...our family was there last week and we HATED it!!
I had the french onion soup, it was cold and very salty, and the hamburger which was fine but it came out just as the Princesses were coming out so I barely got to eat it, then it was cold and our server brought desert. The kids had mac n cheese and chicken fingers I don't think either ate even half of it. I forget what DH had but he didn't like his either. We were at the first table where the Princesses come out and felt very rushed with them,a quick picture and they were off.

I booked this meal because last trip we didn't see any Princesses and DD was very sad. After our meal, we ran into Snow White at the Animation studio and they had only one family in line before us and she spent about 15 minutes talking and dancing with DD before any other kids came around! Then we did Turtle Talk and when we came out Sleeping Beauty was there and we saw her for a few minutes. Then we saw Ariel at DL and talked to her for about 5 mins. and got in line for Jasmine and Aladdin at their Oasis and were the last in line and they spend about 10 minutes with the kids. And we saw Cinderella at Goofy's Kitchen.

After our trip was all done, DH and I felt like it was the only part of our trip we had wasted money. It was 100$ for character interaction that wasn't even that great compared to what we got in the parks and about an hour after we got done the kids were complaining that they were hungry! Maybe dinner is better.

 

[DangerMouse]

I just read that you ARE going to do it but thought I would throw my 2 cents out there anyway...our family was there last week and we HATED it!!
I had the french onion soup, it was cold and very salty, and the hamburger which was fine but it came out just as the Princesses were coming out so I barely got to eat it, then it was cold and our server brought desert. The kids had mac n cheese and chicken fingers I don't think either ate even half of it. I forget what DH had but he didn't like his either. We were at the first table where the Princesses come out and felt very rushed with them,a quick picture and they were off.

I booked this meal because last trip we didn't see any Princesses and DD was very sad. After our meal, we ran into Snow White at the Animation studio and they had only one family in line before us and she spent about 15 minutes talking and dancing with DD before any other kids came around! Then we did Turtle Talk and when we came out Sleeping Beauty was there and we saw her for a few minutes. Then we saw Ariel at DL and talked to her for about 5 mins. and got in line for Jasmine and Aladdin at their Oasis and were the last in line and they spend about 10 minutes with the kids. And we saw Cinderella at Goofy's Kitchen.

After our trip was all done, DH and I felt like it was the only part of our trip we had wasted money. It was 100$ for character interaction that wasn't even that great compared to what we got in the parks and about an hour after we got done the kids were complaining that they were hungry! Maybe dinner is better.

Thank you! No, I'm the OP. Someone else piped in and said they were going, not me. I am still undecided, but you are definitely pushing me towards NOT doing it. I think I'll stick with our original plan of Storyteller's (which we LOVE), and then stalking down some princesses in the parks. At least I know where to find Ariel and Jasmine easily, and Drawn to the Animation usually has at least one princess, if not two. I hate to waste valuable park time in a restaurant.

Thanks again to everyone for your responses. Just knowing my bent against character meals in general and then reading your experiences has helped me so much.

 

[pixiewings71]

We do this one everytime....I'm feeling weird because we aren't doing it for our Oct trip. LOL We LOVE to eat at Ariel's!!!!! The food has been great everytime!! I had the French Onion soup and it was heavenly (I'm a FO soup freak so I'm really picky), I can't remember everything I've eaten there but the pasta was delicious and I had the burger once as well and it was great. The desserts have been fantastic and my DBF loves eating there as well. Good food, a nice place to relax and time with the Princesses, you can't get it any better than that!! My girls are 11 & 7, the 11 y.o. ate from the adult menu and she had a burger....she ate the whole thing! LOL My 7 y.o. has had the chicken and the mac n cheese and she's loved every bite of it!! I'll be making a PS for our December trip soon......can't let my DD's b-day go by without a Princess visit! LOL

 

[tlovesdis]

We will never do Ariel's again! We've been 3 times and every time it has been a horrible experience. The service is so slow. We end up being there for like 2 hours. The food is horrible! We've had almost everything on the menu between me and all of my cousins and family and nothing has been very good, some things are down right gross! The princesses come by so fast if you blink you will miss them!

I can't believe they just raised the price to like $30! NO WAY IN YOU KNOW WHAT would I pay that much for that place! Corn Dogs at the Castle are better than the food here!

 

[pixiewings71]

I think it's interesting how some of us have had wonderful experiences and some have been really negative. The Princesses have never rushed through our table....in fact in July Jasmine even took pictures with my DBF because she's his favorite. LOL We always have at least 5 minutes with each Princess and the girls absolutely love it. Cinderella and Belle have been the best.....Cinderella is my DD7's absolute favorite, Belle is in my DD11's top 2, once each Princess was told that they spent longer and took a ton of pictures with each girl. This last time Cinderella even asked DD7 "do you know my favorite pose and would you like to do it with me?" so they did......and yes Jade knows Cinderella's favorite pose! LOL It's too bad that every family doesn't have the same experiences we have had. We do tend to go at "off" dining times, maybe that's why??

 

[DizMe]

I think it's interesting how some of us have had wonderful experiences and some have been really negative. The Princesses have never rushed through our table....in fact in July Jasmine even took pictures with my DBF because she's his favorite. LOL We always have at least 5 minutes with each Princess and the girls absolutely love it. Cinderella and Belle have been the best.....Cinderella is my DD7's absolute favorite, Belle is in my DD11's top 2, once each Princess was told that they spent longer and took a ton of pictures with each girl. This last time Cinderella even asked DD7 "do you know my favorite pose and would you like to do it with me?" so they did......and yes Jade knows Cinderella's favorite pose! LOL It's too bad that every family doesn't have the same experiences we have had. We do tend to go at "off" dining times, maybe that's why??

This has been our experience as well! I'm not a gourmet, but I certainly know the difference between good food and crappy food and Ariel's has always been good when we've gone. The princesses have given us more time than I would have expected and were extremely gracious and sweet (except for one time with Jasmine, who was covered completely by a voluminous cloak or something and had little to say). We've had good service and the timing has been just right.

I sure hope we continue to have the same experience!

 

[KirklandTutu]

I haven't had a bad experience, other than the service being too fast. But for other people thats a good thing. The princesses weren't fast, and it was only DH and myself, they took their time...I think we were trying to hurry them along rather than vice versa.

As far as food quality and price goes, I think it depends on what you're used to. DH and I happily pay $30 for a three course meal when we go out. It's standard for us (more if you count the drinks). If I wasn't used to that, I would hate it I'm sure, but it's what we do anyway. Neither one of us has had bad meals there. Have we had better? yes, but we always finish and love the food at the grotto.

We're not going this next visit because we want to try new things, but I still feel a twinge of regret at not making plans to eat at the grotto. Maybe just a drink upstairs instead.

 

[jemilah]

What is it like upstairs? I did not even know you could go up there for drinks. Is it just a bar type atmosphere?

 

[KirklandTutu]

It's a bar with bar food, but it's all outside and doesn't have a 'sleezy' feel that you associate with most bars. I'm not sure if it's 21 and up, or not. Some part of me thinks that thats not the case, but someone else might know better. You can also get any drinks from the bar down in the Grotto. I suppose you could offer to buy a Princess an Alabama Slammer if you wanted... in fact, someone, please do that and record it.

 

[jemilah]

I am sure my boy's would be thrilled with mom getting drunk with the princesses I think it's a great idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[famograham]

We didn't go to Ariel's Grotto this trip, but when we walked past on Friday, there was only a couple of people outside the door.
Could a person walk in on a non-busy day? Or is it always reservations only?

I'm already thinking of all the things I want to do next time...I think it will be much sooner than later...somehow...LOL!
Thanks,
Linda