Hi there, Julie!
Thanks for visiting us at the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question regarding a visit with
Ariel at the Walt Disney World Resort.
If the schedule goes as planned and Ariel's Grotto is closed for refurbishment during your visit, there is another option.
Ariel usually appears at the
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall inside Epcot Theme Park. The restaurant is located in the Norway Pavilion, and is my personal favorite character dining experience.
Ariel does appear in human form at Akershus.
As an extra measure, grab a Times Guide upon entering Magic Kingdom Park just to be sure that
Ariel does not have any planned greets inside the park on the day you visit. Schedules are always subject to change.
I wish you a truly
magical vacation!
-Jacqui