World of Color Dining Package?

[tikibirds]

We did the dining package last week. We hadn't been to DL/DCA in 6 years, so this was our first (and only) experience with WoC. Dinner at Ariel's Grotto was dismal - in fact, when we left, my husband said "I think that was the worst $100 I ever spent ($40 pp plus tax/tip). When we checked in (early) I mentioned we would like to be seated inside and was told that our reservation was for inside. When our pager went off, they then began to try to seat us outside. We again asked to be seated inside.

We selected the grilled vegetable appetizer, which was okay. We then had to wait forever to order our entrees. I ordered the trip tip - the beef was just nasty (ate one piece of the three), and my husband had the red snapper, which he did not like either. The desserts were pretty, but not enjoyable. As for Ariel's - we won't be going back again.

That said - we lined up 45 minutes ahead of show time for WoC and had an excellent view in the dining section, so I would try the package again, but try the Trattoria next time (although the reviews from that restaurant don't seem very favorable either).

 

[kipperoo]

Has anyone done the prefered dining experience recently? We are headed there in 3 weeks and are debating to do it or not. The last time we saw WOC last Christmas we watched from the bridge but hated having to wait for the lines ot open and then almost 2 hours for the show to begin. With little kids it was a very long wait! Does anyone have picture of the area? Do you really have to wait in line an hour prior to entering the area? And if so is it shortly before the show begins or is it an hour before the show begins? If we do gow ith the dining package is there a dining that you recommend.

Thanks!

My husband and I did the Ariels Grotto dinner for our Honeymoon this past Saturday and had a great experience. We were early for our reservation and were seated almost immediately. We did the meat and shellfish app and both got the tri-tip (we really like tri-tip...) It was all delicious. We spent less than we usually do at a park restaurant, food quality was surprisingly good, and we arrived at the viewing area about 15 minutes before the first show and were right up front.