As indicated in the title, I was able to get an ADR for California Grill at 9:50 (after obsessive, daily checking). What are the chances of being seated in time for HEA? If the chances are slim, if I ask nicely, will they let us go up?
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California Grill--9:50 ADR
- Thread starter Sans Souci
- Start date
Tuvalu
Premium Member
When are you traveling?
In May Happily Ever After is at 9 pm. Being seated 50 minutes prior to your ADR is unlikely. In June and July HEA is a bit later, 9:15 pm, but since most people with earlier ADRs linger until the fireworks are over chances are still high you won’t be seated early.
That said, you can tell the CM at the check in desk on the 2nd floor you would like to see HEA and are willing to sit at the bar or lounge area until your table is ready. Guests with very early ADRs are allowed to return to watch the fireworks so it’s possible that guests with post-fireworks ADRs might be allowed up early.
In May Happily Ever After is at 9 pm. Being seated 50 minutes prior to your ADR is unlikely. In June and July HEA is a bit later, 9:15 pm, but since most people with earlier ADRs linger until the fireworks are over chances are still high you won’t be seated early.
That said, you can tell the CM at the check in desk on the 2nd floor you would like to see HEA and are willing to sit at the bar or lounge area until your table is ready. Guests with very early ADRs are allowed to return to watch the fireworks so it’s possible that guests with post-fireworks ADRs might be allowed up early.
Aha. I don't know why, but I thought HEA started at 10. Oops
. At any rate, I am just happy to have ben able to score an ADR two weeks out after checking and checking everyday. Thank you for your help! 
Tuvalu
Premium Member
It certainly doesn’t hurt to try checking in early. The staff aims to please. Enjoy!Aha. I don't know why, but I thought HEA started at 10. Oops
Unless something has recently changed, everyone that had a reservation on any given night can return if they ate early or go up in advance if they eat late for fireworks viewing from the balcony.
I had brunch there in December and they told us we could return with our receipt that evening to see HEA. I just didn't know they let you up before your ADR. I'll worry about it on the day of! Thanks!
They absolutely will, and it's so worth it. Enjoy!
I thought I would update this thread with my experience.
I had a 9:50 ADR, but we arrived at 8:30 to get a glass of wine or two and wait for the fireworks to start. They brought us up and we really didn't know where to go, so we went to inquire at the podium and there was a ticket with my surname on it. At that moment, I had gotten a text, too. So, were seated at a little after 8:30, which meant we could watch HEA while eating our dinner.
Thanks to my friend's cheekiness, we got a table near a window with a great view of MK.
It was all excellent.
We split the poached pear flat bread. I had a tuna dish they put on the menu that night. It was served with rice noodles and pickled vegetables. It was served with a broth that was miso based, but tasted like there was ponzu and mirin in it, too. I wish I remembered what the menu said, but I was so excited at my luck. I did not get dessert, however, as this meal capped a week of gluttonous eating and I was stuffed to the gills.
It was a nice little surprise to be seated early and sometimes you get a nice little sprinkling of pixie dust when you least expect it.
I had a 9:50 ADR, but we arrived at 8:30 to get a glass of wine or two and wait for the fireworks to start. They brought us up and we really didn't know where to go, so we went to inquire at the podium and there was a ticket with my surname on it. At that moment, I had gotten a text, too. So, were seated at a little after 8:30, which meant we could watch HEA while eating our dinner.
Thanks to my friend's cheekiness, we got a table near a window with a great view of MK.It was all excellent.
We split the poached pear flat bread. I had a tuna dish they put on the menu that night. It was served with rice noodles and pickled vegetables. It was served with a broth that was miso based, but tasted like there was ponzu and mirin in it, too. I wish I remembered what the menu said, but I was so excited at my luck. I did not get dessert, however, as this meal capped a week of gluttonous eating and I was stuffed to the gills. It was a nice little surprise to be seated early and sometimes you get a nice little sprinkling of pixie dust when you least expect it.
Horizons '83
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- No
Thanks for the review! Question, the sushi rolls seem very pricey but wondered if you knew how large they were.I thought I would update this thread with my experience.
I had a 9:50 ADR, but we arrived at 8:30 to get a glass of wine or two and wait for the fireworks to start. They brought us up and we really didn't know where to go, so we went to inquire at the podium and there was a ticket with my surname on it. At that moment, I had gotten a text, too. So, were seated at a little after 8:30, which meant we could watch HEA while eating our dinner.
It was all excellent.
It was a nice little surprise to be seated early and sometimes you get a nice little sprinkling of pixie dust when you least expect it.
JohnD
Well-Known Member
For a 9:50 ADR, I would go up anyway and check in before HEA. Get beverages/apps from the bar if you want. Sit in the lounge (if you can find a seat). Otherwise, just go outside to the deck to watch the show. You're a paying customer with an ADR after the show. There is no reason they wouldn't let you go up.
JohnD
Well-Known Member
I thought I would update this thread with my experience.
I had a 9:50 ADR, but we arrived at 8:30 to get a glass of wine or two and wait for the fireworks to start. They brought us up and we really didn't know where to go, so we went to inquire at the podium and there was a ticket with my surname on it. At that moment, I had gotten a text, too. So, were seated at a little after 8:30, which meant we could watch HEA while eating our dinner.
It was all excellent.
It was a nice little surprise to be seated early and sometimes you get a nice little sprinkling of pixie dust when you least expect it.
I read this post after my first reply. See? I was right.
I didn't order sushi, but the couple next to me had a roll for their starter. It looked like an 8 piece roll. I don't know which kind it was, though. I'm sorry I can't give you a better idea, but yeah, their rolls are pricey.
That was my plan--to just get some apps and some drinks at the bar. But it was packed and all of the seats and tables were taken. It all turned out better than I had expected.
danyoung56
Well-Known Member
8 pieces is standard. All I've had is the Spicy Kazan Roll, and it's so yummy that I have to get it every time I visit the CG!
Horizons '83
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- No
Thanks! 26 bucks for a roll is tough to justify but I'm sure they are delicious.
HwdStudio
Well-Known Member
It has started at 9:15 for at least the last 2 nights. I’ve seen it twice.Aha. I don't know why, but I thought HEA started at 10. Oops