Where You Can Meet Ariel at Disney World
For many of us, Ariel is OUR first Disney princess. Although I don’t remember going to The Little Mermaid in theatres, I know it was one of my first movie house experiences. The film captured my heart in a way that only your first Disney princess on screen can. Each age group has one to call their own. For many youngsters it’s Elsa, for our little it’s Moana, but for me it’s Ariel. Thankfully there are many places you can meet Ariel, as a mermaid and as a human. Just recently, you can now meet Ariel without even having to step into the park. So take a look below at all the great places you can get a picture and an autograph with The Little Mermaid.
Magic Kingdom
Ariel’s Grotto
From open until close you can find Ariel in her Grotto. This character spot offers FastPass +. Ideal for guests with this on their must-do for the day. The Grotto is sheltered, great for hot days or rainy days. Although there isn’t anything to do in this sheltered line. You can’t see Ariel until you reach the end of the line making it difficult to gage the wait. So make sure to check the Wait Time sign on the way in. Ariel’s Grotto is found in Fantasyland beside Under the Sea – Voyage of the Little Mermaid. At this location Ariel is still a mermaid, so expect shell top and fins.
In recent years we’ve seen Ariel appear at Cinderella’s Royal Table for breakfast. This price fixed, pay ahead character dining experience, is a great way to get several characters off your list without having to wait in line. The breakfast meal here is one of my favourites, plus you get breakfast appetizers, I mean it’s made for kids! You have eats as soon as you arrive. Breakfast is served from 8am until 10:15am. Make your reservations 180 days before as this is one of the most popular restaurant on Walt Disney World property.
Epcot
Ariel does not appear at a traditional character meet and greet spot in Epcot, because she doesn’t really represent any specific country but you can find her at the Akershush Royal Banquet Hall. Found at the Norway pavilion, this restaurant is a buffet serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is open from 8:00am until 8:35pm. This is almost a better option than going to Cinderella’s Royal Table because you can add an extra princess element to your Epcot day which can be a little less magical than your character filled day at the Magic Kingdom. Other princesses you can expect to see here are: Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, Princess Aurora and sometimes Princess Jasmine.
Boardwalk Inn
This Italian restaurant offers a character breakfast with not just Ariel but her beloved Prince Eric as well. Making this the perfect way to start your day at Epcot, Hollywood Studios or non-park day. It’s the only place to meet Prince Eric, outside of the Halloween Party. The resort restaurant serves breakfast from 7:30am until 11am. You’ll also meet Tangled’s Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. Trattoria al Forno is found on Disney’s Boardwalk, which means you don’t have to pay park admission. Four characters for the price of breakfast, not a bad day.
It may seem as though there is only one place to meet Ariel when glancing at the Walt Disney World website, but now you know there are three other places. All that give you a chance to meet other characters as well. Happy Planning Friends.
