Princess Lunch

This memory is so special, it needs its own post!  We were really looking forward to using the vouchers to a character meal of our choice that were included in the vacation package we booked.  There are several options when it comes to character meals, all depending on what you want to eat, who you want to meet and where you want to do it.  We quickly realized the elegant, 3 course meal, featuring the princesses, at Ariel's Grotto in California Adventure Park was the meal for us!

We entered down a glass-encased spiral staircase and immediately met Ariel.  (Please note the smiles on my girls' faces in the following pictures, they were sooo delighted to do this!)

Our family was seated on the outside patio, which had a nice view of Paradise Pier and was not very crowded.  The girls were given crowns to decorate with stickers.  Then we were served a tower of appetizers-- salad, veggies, cheeses, fruit.  After several meals of trail mix, apples and peanut butter crackers, this was wonderful!

All the little princes and princesses were invited to the front by Prince Charming to learn how to curtsy, give a royal wave and do a short dance.  Snow White was there to help teach too.

Then it was time to eat our entrees (seafood cioppino for Dave and tri-tip for me) while the 5 princesses wandered around and visited.

Each princess asked the girls' names, held brief conversation, took a picture and left with a hug.  We know the girls were just dying because they'd knock their chairs down to rush at approaching princesses, then get awestruck and just a little shy when it came to talking with them.

This may be one of my favorite pictures of the trip.  Look how Ella and Cinderella mirror each other!  I just love that they're discussing the similarity of their names too!

Delia spent most of the hour and a half turned around in her seat, scoping the place out for princesses.  She ate almost nothing...which was fine because when the $130 (!!) bill arrived, we didn't pay for any of it!

A decadent dessert platter ended our fancy meal at Ariel's Grotto.  What a total indulgence!  Something sooo special we would have never done if it wasn't free!