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Ariel's Grotto

Ariel's Grotto

in California Adventure at Disneyland

Last updated: November 2, 2017

This dining venue's final day of operation was January 7, 2018.
The information below is provided for historical reference.
At a Glance
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 at breakfast and lunch. One set price buys adults a cup of crab and bacon-topped crab chowder or spring mix salad with craisins and bleu cheese (ask your server for one of each), a main course, and shared dessert; the evening-only combo of thinly-sliced steak with honey-whiskey glaze and whole grilled lobster tail is the clear winner. Kids' meals are child-friendly standards with cutesy cartoonish presentations, like clam-shaped sandwich rolls. Even toddlers will enjoy the bright surroundings and nonthreatening character visits. Evening diners don't get to meet princess, but they do receive reserved viewing passes for World of Color. 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. This is a good spot for catching World of Color without a FASTPASS; views of the fountains from here are great, but the oblique angle to the projection screens isn't ideal.

Our Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Service
Friendliness
Price

Expensive

Food Type

Character Dining/American

Reservations

Accepted

Hours
  • Breakfast: Daily, 9am-10am
  • Lunch: Daily, 10am-5pm
  • Dinner: Daily, 5pm-10pm
Bar

Adult beverages available at The Cove Bar upstairs.

Mobile Order

No

Discounts
  • DVC Member: 10%
  • Disneyland Annual Pass - Not Premium: 10%
  • Disneyland Premium Annual Pass: 15%
Dress

Casual

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you know?

What’s it like inside?

What are the specialties?

Any discounts?

What should you know?

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 at breakfast and lunch. One set price buys adults a cup of crab and bacon-topped crab chowder or spring mix salad with craisins and bleu cheese (ask your server for one of each), a main course, and shared dessert; the evening-only combo of thinly-sliced steak with honey-whiskey glaze and whole grilled lobster tail is the clear winner. Kids' meals are child-friendly standards with cutesy cartoonish presentations, like clam-shaped sandwich rolls. Even toddlers will enjoy the bright surroundings and nonthreatening character visits. Evening diners don't get to meet princess, but they do receive reserved viewing passes for World of Color. 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. This is a good spot for catching World of Color without a FASTPASS; views of the fountains from here are great, but the oblique angle to the projection screens isn't ideal.

What’s it like inside?

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. At night, outdoor tables provide picturesque views of the illuminated Fun Wheel.

What are the specialties?

At breakfast, belgian waffles, spinach-artichoke frittatas, and steak and eggs. At lunch and dinner, oak-smoked tri-tip steak, lobster salad, citrus-glazed chicken, corn cakes, and shrimp pasta. Each meals includes soup or salad, and finishes with a dessert trio featuring creme brulee and s'mores.

Any discounts?

Ariel's Grotto offers the following discounts:

  • DVC Member: 10%
  • Disneyland Annual Pass - Not Premium: 10%
  • Disneyland Premium Annual Pass: 15%

What should you know?
What’s it like inside?
What are the specialties?
Any discounts?

Other Dining Options

You might enjoy the following alternatives to Ariel's Grotto:

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