Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Elaine!
I have been traveling to the Disney Parks with my daughter since she was 18 months old, so I know just the spot for your little princess! If you book a reservation for either breakfast or lunch at
Ariel's Grotto in Disney California Adventure Park, you will meet Ariel upon entering the restaurant and a few of her regal friends will visit your table while you dine. While the character line up changes often, when we visited last, we met Princess Tiana, Jasmine, Belle, and Rapunzel during our lunch. Have an autograph book and your camera ready as each princess is happy to sign autographs, chat with you, and pose for photographs. It's such a magical meal!
As far as what time is best, it depends on what works best for your family. If your daughter is an early riser like mine, you will have likely already eaten breakfast by the time Ariel's Grotto opens - usually around 9:00 a.m. So a lunch reservation might make more sense. Or, if all the fun and excitement to be had at the parks means that nap time comes early in the afternoon, then a breakfast reservation would probably be better. Each meal offers great food and fabulous character interaction, so you really can't go wrong.
In addition to this wonderfully royal meal, don't forget to meet other princesses at Royal Hall in
Fantasy Faire. Typically there are up to three princesses to meet here and sometimes a few others meet in the courtyard. Use the
Disneyland app to look up when and where to meet your favorite characters.
I hope you and your little princess have a magical time at the Happiest Place on Earth!
-Linda M.