Originally Posted By jpmg Hi everyone! I read this board pretty often but don't post very much since I don't get to DL but once every other year or so. Anyway, I remember reading some comments recently that people had been disappointed in the Princess lunch and/or dinner at Ariel's Grotto. The last time we went to DL (12/04), we had breakfast with the princesses and it was the highlight of my older daughter's trip. I read that they don't do the breakfast any longer. Can anyone tell me about the lunch/dinner option and whether it's worth it? Thanks so much for your help! We're heading your way Feb. 4-10. Can't wait.
Originally Posted By minniefan We had lunch there about a year ago and my daughter LOVED it. It's also one of the few places where you can sit down and be served a meal, which makes for a welcome break. I love being able to sit outside too. I would definitely recommend it if your daughter is into the whole 'Princess' thing.
Originally Posted By junglejoy We've also done the princess lunch at Ariels and it was a hit with us too. Magical! DD (3 at the time) was almost speechless the entire time. And my older DD (10) and her friend whom was with us even enjoyed it. The only one out of his element was my 6 yr old DS. Although the princesses gave him a lot of attention, he was about 10 yrs too young to appreciate it. I remember liking the food too, not great, but passable. If you're just going for the food, don't bother. If you're going for the princesses and a meal, it's more than worth it!
Originally Posted By atigger2 My family and I will be at DL Feb. 20-26th and my 4 year old daughter will love doing anything Ariel. This said, if we eat at Ariel's Grotto, are we guaranteed to actually see Ariel or is it a "depends on _____" situation?
Originally Posted By junglejoy If it's like anything else Disney, there is never any guarantee. You can see her at Triton's Garden at specified times in DL, although once we went and she was on vacation under the sea.
Originally Posted By nemopoppins I had posted disappointment with Ariel's Grotto last summer and there were others. On two separate visits the princesses were very short (attention-wise, not height) and unfriendly/disinterested. So much so that my six year old cried when we suggested going to eat there again. But, I have to say that when we went there in December the princesses were really nice. They even gave attention to the grown members of our party.
Originally Posted By momofbuzzfan jpmg - here is a link to a website with a menu and prices for Aerial's Grotto: <a href="http://www.allearsnet.com/dlr/tp/dca/dca_rest.htm" target="_blank">http://www.allearsnet.com/dlr/ tp/dca/dca_rest.htm</a> I hope I'm allowed to post their link....I think I found this website from the LP forums. Anyway, we didn't eat at Aerial's Grotto in November (but we definitely will this coming November). My daughter was almost 3 at the time and even though she is really into all of the princesses it seemed like it was too extravagant. But I know she will love it next year. Plus we didn't have luck meeting her favorite princess at the Princess Fantasy Faire, so we hope this works for us. We did have a lovely (and easy) meet and greet with Aerial next to the castle in Disneyland. I think this is what junglejoy is calling Triton's Garden. There was hardly a line and it made my daughter's day. If you do decide to go to Aerial's Grotto for lunch or dinner, I think you should probably call Disney Dining soon to get a priority seating time.
Originally Posted By busymomof3 We had lunch at Ariel's in December. It was great. I have 2 year old twins, and DS enjoyed himself just as much as DD. My husband and I both enjoyed our meals, and would definately go back. We saw Ariel, Wendy, Belle, Alice and Mulan. Each princess was wonderful with the children, taking plenty of time to talk with them, pose for photos and sign their autograph books. My only complaint is that we had priority seating, and still had to wait 20 minutes to be seated. The dining experience in itself was great.
Originally Posted By jpmg Thank you all so much! I am so relieved to hear the better reviews. My (now 6) year old daughter absolutely LOVED the breakfast the last time. I thought she was going to pass out when Cinderella came to the table. We will definitely make reservations for lunch. Thanks again everyone, especially momobuzzfan for the link to the menu. This board absolutely has the best info out there. I have learned so many good tricks. Can't wait - just a few more weeks!
Originally Posted By drawbridge We love Ariels and it is much more organized than when they tried to do it at the PLaza where it was a free-for- all. Never underestimate a 5 year old in a Snow White costume LOL! At Ariels you can sit and relax, each princesses will make their way to you no matter where you are seated. Ariel (with legs) has been there everytime we were there. I just wish they would make some menu changes , its getting tired for us.
Originally Posted By bobiascastle We did it with our 4 year old twin daughters last year. It wasn't the best meal or experiance we have had. The princesses were rushed & just didn't do it for us. We prefer Goofy's Kitchen in the DLH. Pricey but you get all kinds of characters, great all you can eat food & they have never dissapointed us. We have gone about twice a year for the last 4 years. They only have dinner though. No matter where you go GET RESERVATIONS. Walk ins are a long wait. Have fun! )
Originally Posted By jpmg Thanks everyone! We made reservations for Monday the 5th, thinking that since the park (hopefully) will be less crowded, the Princesses will have more time for us. I'm just not going to worry about the quality of the food since it's really the Princesses that are the draw here. My kids will be happy no matter what, although I have to say I'm a little creeped out by the whole Ariel with legs thing.
Originally Posted By sweetpea70 We are going this Sunday! Yeah! I agree I am not too worried about the food, it will just be nice to sit and relax while enjoying the princesses. A question for anyone who has been recently. Do they still give out the buttons here? My DD loves to collect them from all the character meals. We got one last time but that was during the Capt Mickey days.
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess I got a button there last September. Is that recent enough? We go again in 10 days and will have lunch at Ariel's Grotto. I can't wait!
Originally Posted By nemopoppins Remember to ask about the buttons, because they don't always give them unless you ask.
