Fireworks and California Grill question

[sublimesting]

Hi guys. We were considering trying to eat at California Grill at a time that coincides with the fireworks. What is our best time to ensure we can be there at fireworks time. We ate there once and it took us about 2 hours to eat. But, do people tend to get seated at 6:00-6:30 and drag their meals out for 3 hours?

 

[wdwmagic]

As part of your dining you get a pass to return to the top level to see the fireworks, so you don't need to worry about the timing. Be aware that Cal Grill is down for a long refurb.
http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/california-grill/news.htm

 

[HouCuseChickie]

If you to try and time it...you might also want to think about where you want to be in your meal when fireworks go off...and ultimately, how many courses you'd order.

We did Cali Grill in 2011...Wishes was at 10:00p and we had a 7:55p adr. We had nearly a 30 min wait to be seated...had drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts and were just being served our desserts when Wishes started. We did Cali Grill in 2012 on a MVMCP night...Holiday Wishes at 9:30p and we had a 7:45p ADR. We were seated within 5 min of checking in, DH just had an entree, I had 3 appetizers (which I shared- well, some ), we both had drinks, and we had a custom cake delivered to the meal for dessert. We were finishing up our cake when Holiday Wishes started.

So, there's no exact science, but you might be able to use this as a rough guide. Still- you could eat early and come back for viewing and avoid all of this plotting and planning.

 

[Sloan]

Also, they will hold your order / food if you want to step outside to watch Wishes on either of the decks - they are very accustomed to that, and have always been very gracious about it for me ...

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

WE went in May to Cali Grill. Our ADR was at 9pm and Wishes was at 10. We had maybe a 10 minutes wait. We got our drinks and Wishes started right before our entrees were brought out. We stayed inside and watched it since we had a great view of the castle. But lots of people went out on the observation deck for it. I think anything about an hour to an hour and a half or so would be good timing.

 

[unkadug]

As part of your dining you get a pass to return to the top level to see the fireworks, so you don't need to worry about the timing. Be aware that Cal Grill is down for a long refurb.
http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/california-grill/news.htm

Is there a Dining cut off time for the viewing privilege? How many people can fit on the balcony anyway? Is there enough room for everybody that ate dinner there all day?

 

[epcotisbest]

Is there a Dining cut off time for the viewing privilege? How many people can fit on the balcony anyway? Is there enough room for everybody that ate dinner there all day?

Every time we have been, the outdoor area was not crowded at all and it seems most people stayed indoors. Now, this has always been at slower times...never been to Cali Grill in summer, or holiday or peak travel times.

 

[GoochDSA]

Personally, while the general view from CG is nice, the view of Wishes is nothing special. Most of the fireworks are shot way out in the distance, so you don't really get that "magic" feeling like you do when you are standing on MSUSA. And, if it is a little windy that night, it could make viewing outside a little uncomfy, IMO. The view of Wishes from CG only adds to the over-hype I think the restaurant gets, but doesn't deserve.

Personally, there is no view of Wishes like the view from MSUSA. I would much rather, depending on what time Wishes is the night you are looking at, either watch Wishes from MSUSA and then head over to CG for a late ADR after Wishes (which will give you a much quieter, romantic meal since the crowd tends to thin out after Wishes) or eat before Wishes and then head over to MK for the show.

 

[Eeyore]

Personally, while the general view from CG is nice, the view of Wishes is nothing special. Most of the fireworks are shot way out in the distance, so you don't really get that "magic" feeling like you do when you are standing on MSUSA. And, if it is a little windy that night, it could make viewing outside a little uncomfy, IMO. The view of Wishes from CG only adds to the over-hype I think the restaurant gets, but doesn't deserve.

Personally, there is no view of Wishes like the view from MSUSA. I would much rather, depending on what time Wishes is the night you are looking at, either watch Wishes from MSUSA and then head over to CG for a late ADR after Wishes (which will give you a much quieter, romantic meal since the crowd tends to thin out after Wishes) or eat before Wishes and then head over to MK for the show.

I agree for the most part. I think the idea of watching the fireworks from there has been hyped up way too much. I really enjoy California Grill though, but because of the food not the fireworks or ambience. From my experience its actually really loud, busy and full of cranky kids around firework time.

 

[Eeyore]

Sorry OP, I didn't mean to poo poo your idea. Seeing the fireworks from Cali Grill is certainly worth doing at least once. As wdwmagic said above, no need to worry about time they allow you to come back to watch the fireworks

 

[JillC LI]

The view of Wishes from CG only adds to the over-hype I think the restaurant gets, but doesn't deserve.

I have to agree. We saw Holiday Wishes from the Cali Grill in December. It was our first time eating there. (We had an 8pm reservation, and the fireworks started at 9:30. We saw them before our dessert was served.) We all agreed that had we not been on the DDP, the food quality would not have been worth the price. It was good but not spectacular. And it was cool to watch the fireworks from up there (at first from the Observation Deck and then from indoors because we were freezing to death!), but having done it once, I wouldn't feel the need to do it again. That said, as Eeyore stated, it's worth doing once for the experience.

 

[MaryJaneP]

We have viewed Wishes from CG on the viewing platform in May and it was crowded but okay nonetheless. I will also agree it is fun to do once but the point-of-view is not excellent Castle and Space Mountain were on the left of the scene, the fireworks were on the right. Best POV is definitely MSUSA, Poly Beach is next. At least you get the music via speakers on the CG viewing platform (also on 4th floor CR outside platform).