September Trip!

[Taylorthepixie]

So, for a grad present, my mom is possibly (75%) taking me to Disneyland.  She'll be paying my flight and our hotels, park tickets... the works!  It's cheaper than World and we haven't been to 'Land in 13 years, so it's about time.

Anyone who has seen me on these boards, and just by looking at my avatar, knows I love Ariel with all my being.  The thing is, with her new ride coming soon, and rumours that her Grotto is gone, where could I possibly go meet her?

Also if you have any awesome tips (not staying at a Resort, unfortunately - but a hotel nearby!) and some souvenir ideas, that would be fantastic!  How are the stores in the Park?  Despite being laid off from my job two weeks ago, I'm still working here and there on freelance jobs to pay for the souvenirs myself (gosh I sound young and childish.  I'm 17 yrs old, btw).

Thank you,
xoxoxo

[weemcp]

I have never been to disneyland, but what an awesome gift from your mom!

[scratch]

Most hotels are within walking distance of the Parks!  Actually, everything is within walking distance!

You'll have a great time! 

Make sure you ride Pirates!  It's awesome!  And the Matterhorn!  Finding Nemo! and all the other great rides!

I love DL because it was the Original and don't be shocked by the size of the Castle!

[amw]

Ariel's Grotto is a restaurant. I hadn't heard of it closing.  My DDs loved the lunch here. It's plated (not buffet) and they saw Ariel (in a light green land dress), Snow White, Mulan, Belle, and the Godmother. More info:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/dining/detail?name=ArielsGrottoDiningPage

The shopping is great in Downtonw Disney, and I loved that it was walking distance from the parks. The newest, hippest store for your age-range is "D Street." My kids loved the Build-a-bear store where you could get Disneyland t-shirts and ears for the bears (only available there).

Here are some websites for your Disneyland research:
http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyland.html
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=26

[Taylorthepixie]

Ha, see, there's where my lack of knowledge begins. 
When I had met Ariel 13 years ago, she was sitting in a sort of shell like this :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN_iA82iNMw

That's why I call it Ariel's Grotto, haha!  I had heard this sort of meeting spot closed, so that's why I was wondering.

So I'd have to meet her through the restaurant?  Does that mean that I'd need to eat there as well?  Thinking back, that's probably a really stupid question.
Gotta save up some lunch money, then!

Thank you guys so much!  I can't wait for this trip!  How's the weather that time of year?

[disneymom]

We have gone to Disneyland every year since 2006. And yes, you do have to go and eat at the restaurant to meet her. That's the one character meal that we do every time! You also get to see the other princesess. And we went the first week in Sept back in 2007 and it was really hot!