Ariel's Grotto
Ariel's Grotto is a meet-and-greet area at several Disney parks, as well as a former restaurant in Disney California Adventure based on Disney's animated film The Little Mermaid.[1]
| Ariel's Grotto | |
|---|---|
 Meet & Greet with Ariel as it appeared at Disneyland | |
| Disneyland | |
| Area | Fantasyland |
| Status | Closed |
| Opening date | 1996 |
| Closing date | August 17, 2008 |
| Replaced by | Pixie Hollow |
| Magic Kingdom | |
| Area | Fantasyland (Enchanted Forest) |
| Status | Operating |
| Soft opening date | October 12, 2012 |
| Opening date | 1996 December 6, 2012 |
| Closing date | April 12, 2010 |
| Replaced | 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage |
| Disney California Adventure | |
| Area | Paradise Pier |
| Status | Closed |
| Opening date | February 9, 2001 |
| Closing date | January 8, 2018 |
| Replaced by | Lamplight Lounge |
| Tokyo DisneySea | |
| Area | Mermaid Lagoon |
| Status | Closed |
| Soft opening date | March 14, 2005 |
| Opening date | April 15, 2005 |
| Closing date | January 31, 2020 |
| General statistics | |
| Attraction type | Meet and greet area (Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland) Restaurant (Disney California Adventure) |
| Theme | The Little Mermaid |
 | |
Disneyland
This was formerly a colorful grotto in which Ariel, in mermaid form, was available for autographs and photo opportunities. The meet-and-greet area was decorated with starfish, coral, and waterfalls.[2] King Triton's Fountain leading to the grotto featured a soft-surface "sandy beach" play zone dotted with jumping fountains.[2] On August 17, 2008, the area officially closed.[2] It has now been re-themed to Pixie Hollow, a Disney Fairies meet-and-greet attraction amid oversized 'plants' which gives guests the sense of being the size of a fairy.[2]
Magic Kingdom
In April 2010, the Ariel's Grotto attraction at Magic Kingdom was closed.[3] It reopened as part of the New Fantasyland expansion along with the ride Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid.[3] The similar meet-and-greet sits beside the attraction Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid.[3] It is in a cave, next to Prince Eric's Castle, surrounded by waterfalls and large rock formations.[3]
Disney California Adventure
Ariel's Grotto was an "under the sea" themed restaurant that offered Character Dining. This gave guests an opportunity to dine with Ariel and other Disney Princesses. The restaurant was located on Paradise Pier, and featured American, Healthy Selections, and Vegetarian cuisine.[4] On January 8th, 2018, Ariel's Grotto closed to make way for the Lamplight Lounge, a restaurant that opened with Pixar Pier on June 23, 2018.
Tokyo DisneySea
Ariel's Greeting Grotto was a character meet-and-greet attraction. Originally closed on March 31, 2020, it was early closed on January 31, 2020 in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
References
- Sehlinger, Bob (2007). Mini Mickey: The Pocket-Sized Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. Wiley. p. 137. ISBN 9780470085820.
- Weiss, Werner. "Triton's Garden". yesterland.com. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
- Weiss, Werner. "Ariel's Grotto". yesterland.com. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
- "Ariel's Grotto". Disney California Adventure.