Top of the World Restaurant/California Grill at the Contemporary Resort

[KentB3]

I have an old WDW book that was published in the early 1990's, which mentions a restaurant called Top of the World, located on the top floor of the Contemporary Resort. So far, I have found no mention of this in more recent books or online, and it appears that this is now the current location of California Grill. Was the name of the restaurant changed from Top of the World to California Grill, or did California Grill simply replace Top of the World if/when it closed?

 

[Marilyn Alvarez]

I have an old WDW book that was published in the early 1990's, which mentions a restaurant called Top of the World, located on the top floor of the Contemporary Resort. So far, I have found no mention of this in more recent books or online, and it appears that this is now the current location of California Grill. Was the name of the restaurant changed from Top of the World to California Grill, or did California Grill simply replace Top of the World if/when it closed?

California Grill replaced the Top of the World Restaurant. It was an upscale restaurant with fine dinning. It looked very different from what it looks like now. They used to host a black tie New Year’s party with a large orchestra, dancing and a seven course dinner with a wine selection for each course, champagne, cordials, a selection of coffees and wonderful desserts. It was very fancy. The party would end around 1:30 in the morning. I miss that place.

 

[networkpro]

California Grill replaced the Top of the World Restaurant. It was an upscale restaurant with fine dinning. It looked very different from what it looks like now. They used to host a black tie New Year’s party with a large orchestra, dancing and a seven course dinner with a wine selection for each course, champagne, cordials, a selection of coffees and wonderful desserts. It was very fancy. The party would end around 1:30 in the morning. I miss that place.

22 years, amazing!

I ate at the Top of the World with my grandparents in all of its polyester glory in 1972.

 

[Basil of Baker Street]

Reason for closure?

Not sure, but possibly with the expansion of the parks and addition of places like DTD and Pleasure Island. Originally the hotels had lounges and entertainment as there wasn't anywhere else to go in the evening on property. There used to be a small club with live entertainment at the Poly as well...I think called Captain Hooks Hideaway. Now, the expectation is to go to PI for that kind of entertainment.

I'm not finding this Pleasure Island place in my Disney Springs directory