What would you do....

[jjohnson]

We will be in DL in a few weeks & want to surprise my soon to be 8 year old daughter with a birthday dinner. I've been researching Ariel's Grotto & Goofy's Kitchen all weekend & can't make up my mind. Already ruled out the b-day party at Plaza Inn but I'm going to have the Sorcerer Mickey birthday bucket delivered to the table during dinner. Price difference is not a concern I just want her to be "wowed".

Also would anyone know, DCA closes during the week at 6:00 is the restaurant still open past then?

Thanks.

 

[year2late]

I would chose Goofys Kitchen...much more upbeat and fun.

 

[jjohnson]

Would you happen to know where I can find pictures of Goofy's? I'm not having any luck.

 

[daannzzz]

I have read that on days when DCA closes at 6:00, Ariel's Grotto closes at 3:00. Ariles Grotto is a nice restaurant with good food and the characters are fun but Goofy's seems like there are more Characters and it is much more lively.

 

[CalGal]

Now I must admit, I've never done Ariel's, but my experience is that the character dining experience tends to be more personal and intimate at the resorts. I've had some of my best character moments at Goofy's Kitchen. It's a great place to celebrate a birthday.

 

[Sonya in Boise]

We have done Ariel's and Goofy's and they are very different. We loved both of the places and it would be a hard decision to pick one.

Goofy's is very loud, with the characters kinda dancing/jumping from table to table. Lots of energy and excitement.

At Ariels we sat outside near the water and the characters seemed a bit more laid back. There was dancing inside, but we really didn't notice since we were outside. If the park closes at 6pm Ariels will close before that. I think they only serve Lunch on those days.

We are planning a trip in November and I think we might go to Goofy's for dinner this time. Last time we did breakfast.

Good luck with your decision. I'm sure it will be a hard one.

 

[jjohnson]

Thanks for the input everyone. I guess if we go with Ariel's its going to be lunch instead.

 

[preshi]

Is Goofy's a buffet? We'd like to go but we'd much prefer a sit down meal... Thanks

 

[mousemom11]

Goofy's was a buffet when we went there for breakfast. I don't know about lunch or dinner, though.

 

[jjohnson]

Yeah! We've decided on dinner at Goofy's. Just made the PS & reserved the birthday bucket. I was surprised at the limited availability, but I got Tuesday at 6:30 & we'll figure out another day to see the parade. Thanks everyone.

 

[kazzie]

Sounds wonderful,I hope you all have a lovely Birthday treat

 

[Cinderella_68]

Goofy's Kitchen is still a buffet. It has improved over the past few years. Love the PB&J pizza! Don't get me started on the desserts and the great coffee!

 

[jiminy579]

Last year we had our son's 8th birthday party at Goofy's kitchen, and there are a few things you can do to make it extra special. For a small fee you can have your table decorated with balloons, and purchase goodie bags from the restaurant ahead of time. We even brought in little Mickey ear hats for everyone to wear. When they found out it was a birthday, the characters made great efforts to give us time for a lot of pictures. If the restaurant isn't that busy...well, it usually is but try anyways......ask if you can have several characters pose with you up front in the photography area for birthday pictures. They turn out WONDERFUL!!!
I know your daughter is going to have a truly magical time!
Have fun!!!