Originally Posted By oztodl06 What's a must see/do when you go? And how early do I book Character Breakfasts...is Ariel's Grotto still good, or is there somewhere better? The girls are basically into the princesses and also Lilo and Stitch. Thanks!
Originally Posted By mamacita You can book priority seating 60 days out. Ariel's is still really good. Haven't tried the Lilo and Stitch meal but will on this next trip.
Originally Posted By Pixie Glitter I believe there is a princess breakfast at the Plaza Inn, but I'm not certain--hopefully someone else will post regarding that. Regarding must dos. . .how old are your children? Is this a first trip to DLR, or if not, how recently were you there? I think must see/must dos vary quite a bit based on these facts.
Originally Posted By JAYDOE the princess breakfast at Plaza Inn isn't there anymore. I took my daughter to that last year (may, 2005)...I think it's Minnie and friends now at the Plaza Inn. I'm taking my daughter to Ariel's Grotto this time. Hopefully, it'll be just as fun!! :0)
Originally Posted By oztodl06 Sorry, should have said, I've got 2 girls 8 & 5. Yep, first trip, from Australia, will probably not be back! Sarah
Originally Posted By Pixie Glitter Oh, boy! Then I highly recommend you get a copy of the book "The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland" by Bob Sehlinger and read it from cover to cover. His books are hands down the best guides to Disney parks. He covers ev-e-ry-thing, and he doesn't work for Disney, so you get honest opinions and advice. If the parks are going to be busy while you are there (he'll tell you that, too), follow his touring plans in the back of the book. I read his guides before my first trip to WDW and to DLR, and they were simply invaluable--I can't imagine we would have seen nearly as much or had nearly as fantastic a time if I hadn't prepared in this way. If you're going to be at the resort for more than three days, you won't have to be as strict about following the touring plans to get everything done. But I still think the books will be very helpful for you, plus they're just fun to read as you prepare for and get excited about your trip.
Originally Posted By smoaky We went to Disneyland last summer when my kids were 5 and 8. We stayed at the Paradise Pier and had the character breakfast with Lilo and Stitch. Pluto was there along with Minnie and Daisy in Hawaiian outfits too! Stitch played games with all the kids and they just had a ball. It was expensive, but in my opinion totally worth the money because there was great character interaction! I haven't been to Ariel's Grotto, we're leaving in 3 days and have ressies for dinner there, but I hope it's as good as breakfast with Stitch.
Originally Posted By oztodl06 Hmm, I'm thinking I'll have to do some serious convincing of dh before I get there! This one was hard enough! Thanks everyone for those suggestions! They're so much appreciated. I've got the book already, but sometimes it's just better to ask people who've BTDT. sarah
Originally Posted By SDmom My DD, (6 years old) and I went to Ariel's Grotto a couple of weeks ago. It was kind of a disappointment. The wait staff was actually nicer than the Pricesses. They stopped at all the tables, however, only long enough for a signature and one, not two, picture. Only one asked fro DD's name. The rest were in too big of a hurry and didn't even look us in the eye when they said hello.
Originally Posted By nemopoppins ^^^That was our exact experience! It's definitely not the character meeting that you get anywhere else--don't expect that. It's more like a heartless assembly line.
Originally Posted By practicallyperfect The Princess Meal at Ariel's Grotto is set up differently from other character meals--which is why it probably feels like an assembly line! The princesses visit every time so people do not get up and mob the characters. You know that everyone will come by your table. That's the only thing I really liked about this meal--I knew that we wouldn't miss a princess. At Goofy's sometimes it is hit or miss with characters! I strongly suggest you do the Lilo and Stitch Breakfast. It is one of our favorite meals. Less hectic than Goofy's or Plaza AND you are able to order off the menu (my girls are not big buffet eaters!). The breakfast has great character interactions and lots of fun games!
Originally Posted By smoaky practicallyperfect, So the princesses come around to every table? We have ressies for dinner outside on the patio...do you know if they make their rounds out there too? We had breakfast at Goofy's kitchen once and had to sit on the patio. Only 2 characters ever made their way out there and it was just as we were leaving after waiting nearly an hour to see any of them!
Originally Posted By SDmom hi smoaky, the princessess will come to your table outside as well. They seat sections at the same time so they don't miss anyone. The organization is the best feature - the food isn't anything to write about. Avoid the salmon blt, ;{ Also, they include the gratuity for you just so you won't "forget" to tip 15%
Originally Posted By smoaky Thanks for the info SDmom! Last summer when we went to Disneyland my kids were dissapointed because everytime they saw a princess they were rushing off somewhere else and they couldn't get a picture let along an autograph! That's pretty much why I even booked dinner at the Grotto, so they could get some princess interaction. I'd heard the food was nothing great, but we are pretty easy to please!
Originally Posted By nemopoppins They will get a picture and an autograph. But the interacting part is what I was offended by. (While you watch the second hand go around once--) Princess 1: "Would you like an autograph?"...sign..."Come stand next to me if you would like a picture."...pose..."Bye, Princess." (Repeat four times with other princesses.) Our princesses were not only brief, but they didn't even hardly look at us or seem to be at all royal or friendly. I regret that my kids had that experience because usually character meetings are something that make them feel good and they were clearly disappointed. I think us patrons should NOT accept this new streamlined character "experience."
Originally Posted By smoaky nemopoppins, Wow...that doesn't sound like much fun for the kids. Mostly my kids interactions with characters has been great, it just seems like the princesses never have time for them. Hopefully it won't be too bad so I'm hoping for the best but expecting the worst!
Originally Posted By nemopoppins I'm hoping for the best for you too. I'm sorry to sound so down on the Ariel's princess thing but I was so disappointed. But, I actually like the food there very much. And the setting outside can't be beat. Come hungry; the portions are very large.
Originally Posted By joeysmommy nemopoppins-were you there during a busy time of day or an off time? I have booked a princess lunch at 2pm on the Monday that we arrive. I was hoping a late lunch would guarantee a little more one on one time with the princesses. Looks like I shouldn't expect too much?
Originally Posted By nemopoppins I was there at about 2:00PM on a summer Tuesday. Yes, they were busy, because even with priority seating, our party of 7 had to wait, I think, about 20 or 30 minutes.
