Ariel's Grotto

Overall Rating: 3 Stars

I have been to this pier-side restaurant many times and it continues to be one of my favourites - plus it's a great option for character dining for any family whose little ones absolutely must meet a princess while at the Disneyland Resort!  If you haven't tried it yet, I would highly recommend it because there are some great meet-and-"eats" inside waiting for you!

Atmosphere: 3 Stars

One down side: the decor is not that remarkable inside.  The interior showcases the cut corners that were common when Disney California Adventure was first built so there's nothing particularly astounding or breathtaking.  It's just a dining room.  If you do happen to get a seat out on the pier, though, you have some spectacular views of Paradise Pier.

​On the positive side: the presentation of the princesses is pretty cool!  Everyone meets Ariel before you're seated and each of the four princesses for that meal are presented one at a time and make their rounds inside and outside the dining room to each table.  I've seen Snow White, Belle, Cinderella, Tiana, Mulan, Rapunzel (just to name a few) and the group changes all the time so it can be a surprise who you'll see.

Food: 3 Stars

The food is amazing at Ariel's Grotto.  I even love the seashell-shaped sourdough they bring out.  They have a remarkable butternut squash soup and their desserts are always a highlight for me.  The only downside comes in their lack of selection.  If you're not the biggest seafood fan (present company included) there are not a lot of fish-free options available.  There's always a vegetarian option, chicken and beef or pork, but the rest of the menu is seafood centered so you can be left feeling as though you don't have much of a choice.  Seafood lovers, though, you have a lot of options!  Does anyone else find it odd that Ariel offers to fry up a lot of her fellow fish folk?

Value: 3 Stars

It can seem a little pricey, but it's all a prix fixe menu so everything from your drink, appetizer, entree and dessert are included so at least you can feel as though your money is going somewheres somewhat substantial.  Plus, if your kids love princesses, it's worth it to see them get so excited when Cinderella is walking over to your table.

Also, if you're interested, Ariel's Grotto offers World of Color dining packages so you can get preferred seating at the nighttime spectacular.  It's also the only way you can get an actual "dinner" reservation.  All others are for lunch.