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    Ariel's Grotto

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This dining venue's final day of operation was January 7, 2018.
The information below is provided for historical reference.

Location

Disney California Adventure Park in Paradise Pier

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 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.

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

House 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.

Other Recommendations

Surf and turf for dinner, and a kids' menu featuring octopus-shaped hot dogs and angel hair pasta.

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