Location

Disney California Adventure in Paradise Pier

Entree range

Fixed-price meals, Peak Season: $40.99, Non-Peak Season $36.99

Setting and Atmosphere

You're under the sea with bright 3-D ocean-themed murals, jellyfish lanterns, and seashell tables, all with views of the wharf, Paradise Bay, and Paradise Pier. The overstuffed semi-circular booths along the back wall are the best seats in the house and well worth waiting for.

House Specialties

Slow-roasted tri-tip steak, a seafood soup, herb-crusted chicken, and rich pasta dishes. Each table starts with a tower of antipasto and finishes with a dessert platter featuring lava cake and s'mores.

Other Recommendations

Herb-crusted chicken and a kids menu featuring chicken skewered on sugarcane and spaghetti.

Summary

Ariel's Grotto is fun but very pricey and is also one of the most popular dining spots in DCA. Kids will love the fact that Ariel and two to four other Disney princesses Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, or Belle are on hand for pictures and autographs. One set price buys adults an antipasto starter and salad, main course, and dessert, or a kids appetizer of celery and carrot sticks with ranch dressing, a main course, and dessert (slices of Granny Smith apples and caramel dipping sauce or fruit parfait). Even toddlers will enjoy the bright surroundings and nonthreatening character visits. Demand is high here for obvious reasons, so book your Priority Seating early.

Adults can escape upstairs to The Cove alfresco bar for a cocktail, glass of wine, or bottle of beer. The Cove also serves a small selection of appetizers, including enormous lobster nachos. A $10 cover charge is levied during World of Color performances; views of the fountains from here are great, but the oblique angle to the projection screens isn't ideal.

Note that as of Summer 2012, World of Color dining packages are no longer offered at this venue.

Menus

Details

Requires Credit Card to Reserve: Yes
Requires Pre-payment in Full: No

Discounts

Type Discount Valid Weekdays Valid Meals
Disneyland Premium Annual Pass 15% All All
Disneyland Annual Pass - Not Premium 10% All All
DVC Member 10% All All
Lands