Best restaurant for my parents first signature Disney meal?

[steffib]

I wasn't sure whether to post this in trip planning or restaurants, so mods feel free to move.

We are traveling from the UK to Disney in August this year. Staying at the Poly for 10 nights. There will be me, my husband, 2 kids (4&7) and my parents. We have the dining plan.
I've almost finalised our itinerary, but my parents are going to have a meal on their own one night and want to try a signature meal. Shortlist is Cali grill or Narcossees.

We have been to Disney for the last 4 years but my parents only other trip was 4 years ago but only for a day trip to Magic Kingdom and a day at Animal Kingdom.

i really want it to be a wow meal for them but just can't decide...with us being at the Poly I liked the idea of them being able to walk to Narcocosees and back afterwards but equally Cali grill is still easy to get to. Both seem good for the fireworks.

Any thoughts please? thanks!

 

[Mickey81]

I wasn't sure whether to post this in trip planning or restaurants, so mods feel free to move.

We are traveling from the UK to Disney in August this year. Staying at the Poly for 10 nights. There will be me, my husband, 2 kids (4&7) and my parents. We have the dining plan.
I've almost finalised our itinerary, but my parents are going to have a meal on their own one night and want to try a signature meal. Shortlist is Cali grill or Narcossees.

We have been to Disney for the last 4 years but my parents only other trip was 4 years ago but only for a day trip to Magic Kingdom and a day at Animal Kingdom.

i really want it to be a wow meal for them but just can't decide...with us being at the Poly I liked the idea of them being able to walk to Narcocosees and back afterwards but equally Cali grill is still easy to get to. Both seem good for the fireworks.

Any thoughts please? thanks!

I'd vote California grill. The food is excellent. We always try to book it a little before wishes. We have drinks and apps, order our entrees, and go to the viewing area for wishes. We come back to a delicious meal. Great service too!!

 

[sxeensweet]

California Grill (a fave of ours) and time it with Wishes. We do not care for Narcoosees and much prefer the other signatures.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

I have never been to Narcoossee so I can't speak to that. But we've been to California Grill a number of times and each amazing experience out performs the last amazing experience, of that was even possible. We've had the best meals of our lives there. You can't beat the view, Wishes viewing, the food is just superb, love the theming and being at the Contemp, DH says the wine is awesome, and the service is impeccable.

 

[belledream]

California Grill! It has it all. Food, atmosphere, and entertainment factors... a great way to make any day seem extra celebratory.

 

[21stamps]

I enjoy Cali Grill, but I'm going to be the odd man out and vote Narcoossees.

It's a pretty walk if they want, and then a quick pretty boat ride back to Poly, instead of being on a crowded monorail.
I feel like it's also a little less hectic, and has a bit more of a "date" feel. You will have a gorgeous fireworks view daily on your trip, so I don't know if that will play a heavy factor. Obviously California Grill is closer, but both there and Narcosses are great viewing locations. I'd have them check both menus, describe locations..and choose from there.

 

[sxeensweet]

And to add if you get a window table at Cali Grill you won't even have to get up from your table to view them. They pipe the music inside as well. I know Narcoosees does the same but even with window tables it's not always the best view in our opinion.

 

[Mrhappyplace]

I haven't yet tried CG, tried Narcoosees once and while I enjoyed the meal and watching Wishes from there I'm not sure I'd return.

 

[Redsoxfn79]

California grill. Both are great places but California grill is both exciting to get to, and from the elevated view to fireworks during the meal where almost everyone goes outside while the staff resets your table it's amazing and the wine choices are amazing. I'm not a wino but I even enjoyed a bottle or two.

 

[steffib]

thanks for all the feedback..:looks like most favour Cali Grill..especially as it seems to deliver the wow factor a bit more.

Will go for the Wishes recommendation too.

thanks!

 

[Big Hair]

Family has been to both twice. Each has trip was outstanding. We are the type of people who get seated at the worst seats. Must be our look. My wifes last signature meal was at cali grill. It was the most special meal we ever had at disney and I think we have been at all the signature restaurants. I would pick the cali grill for their special meal. Even a bad seating is special although either place is superb.