California Grill closing January 2013

[COProgressFan]

Before I get beheaded for saying anything about anything, I am not saying this will be a part of the CA Grill renovation. I have no idea anything they are doing, and can only speculate and imagine the possibilities. Now...
There is a new technology that uses noise cancellation systems, similar to in Bose headphones, cell phones, and luxury vehicles, in the restaurant setting. It uses microphones and sound processing software to feed the noise back in to the room, cancelling it out. It would be pretty cool to see this used somewhere by Disney, but then again, anything they can do to improve the sound levels in that place would help, even if it isn't that advanced.

Some cool ideas, that perhaps they will integrate. I am sure they get lots of complaints about noise, so I would certainly hope they do something to address the problem. A high tech approach would certainly be great if it worked, but as you mentioned even the low tech approaches can help tremendously. It's amazing how much simple things like flooring choices, ceiling tiles, drapes can make a difference.

 

[NoChesterHester]

Lots of ways to deal with the noise - but California Grill was never intended to be a quiet intimate restaurant. The energy is a big part of the ambiance.

 

[Jim Handy]

California Grill is an excellent dining location. I'm am pleased to see that a refurbishment is on the way.

 

[PeterMarcus]

Yeah it's dated and could use some menu love, but 6 months? For a restaurant? That's on the order of a Test Track or Thunder Mountain refurb.

 

[zweltar]

Yeah it's dated and could use some menu love, but 6 months? For a restaurant? That's on the order of a Test Track or Thunder Mountain refurb.

Yeah, but during those six months they will be integrating the Next-Gen technology to enhance your dining experience. I hear there will be some touch screens. "Welcome to the menu! Or should we say - YOUR menu, Peter!"

 

[NoChesterHester]

Yeah it's dated and could use some menu love, but 6 months? For a restaurant? That's on the order of a Test Track or Thunder Mountain refurb.

There is only so fast you can move and schedule a project. Bigger space doesn't necessarily take longer.

Six months for an interior renovation is likely a total gut job.

 

[TP2000]

Yeah it's dated and could use some menu love, but 6 months? For a restaurant? That's on the order of a Test Track or Thunder Mountain refurb.

The California Grill opened in May, 1995. It was hip and trendy back then. And it has remained locked in time for the last 17 years without any changes to decor or furnishings.

As a "trendy" restaurant it should have received a minor update in the late 1990's, and then a more major if not total update by the early '00's, with a second minor update to that "trendy" theme by the late '00's.

They never did any of that. They let it sit there as a time capsule of what a "trendy" restaurant looked like in Santa Monica, California in 1995. I was having dinner in hip Santa Monica restaurants in '95, and while it was a fun time in my life, I don't really think we needed Disney to create a restaurant time capsule to remember that era.

This update was long, long overdue. Let's hope the new version of California Grill doesn't try to hit the always-moving "hip and trendy" target and instead goes for a more timeless look and feel. Disney can never really be trusted to do "trendy". It almost always ends badly for them.

 

[WDW1974]

This was supposed to originally happen over late 2006 early 2007 ... was then going to be done in time for BLT ... and now it is just being planned for 2013.

yep, this is Disney ...

I hope when it reopens the food remains wonderful, but they remove it from the DDP so all the rubes that aren't used to fine dining will stop coming with their brats and demand dumbed down cuisine.

 

[Bolna]

The California Grill opened in May, 1995. It was hip and trendy back then. And it has remained locked in time for the last 17 years without any changes to decor or furnishings.

That is actually not true. While not a huge change, when I was there in October 2011 I noticed that there was new carpet, new upholstery on the chairs and the server costumes had changed as well. It was subtle changes, but it did help a lot to make it look more contemporary and less 1995.

Still, I think a whole refurb will be wonderful for the restaurant.

In the article they are talking about a new show kitchen, makes me wonder whether they are going to incorporate the open kitchen even more into the restaurant. This might also lead to menu changes as they might cook more dishes that are interesting to watch being prepared.

I would also guess that they are going to add some kind of Chef's Table experience.

I just hope that the prices aren't going to get even more ridiculous after the refurb...

 

[real mad hatter]

I'll be eating there in 23 days,first time,so the decor won't mean too much,as long as the dining experience hits all the right taste buds,I'll be a happy chappy.

 

[El-Fuego]

I'm checking it out for the first time in September. I'll have to see if I like it more or less after the refurb.
RSoxNo1, Yesterday at 6:48 PM #15

Me too. Hope it's not too dated.

 

[janoimagine]

Some of that 1990's vibe? My God, that restaurant is a perfect kitshy time capsule back to 1995! And the noise comes from all those hard surfaces; tile floors, laminate wall units, composite counters, hardwood chairs and furnishings, etc. There is very little drapery, carpet and textiles used in this restaurant, which is economical for Disney.

Exactly, while I love the food and the view, this place needs to be a more mod place, like Zense, Pio Pio or Mestizo, and while they are at it ... maybe dial the lights down about 5%. Please.

 

[PeterMarcus]

I just went back and looked, and the McDonalds/Pollo Campero changeover took about 6 months...though that was in the middle of pedestrian traffic. Seems to me that if they have the design and the new furnishings ready to go, it'd be quicker than that. I've seen a 2000 sqft house build from dirt to closing in 3 months.

But, maybe that's what it takes. Just seems one of the most popular restaurants in the resort would have the least downtime as possible, so it makes me wonder if maybe it is more than just new furnishings and a menu. Not anything next gen or anything, but maybe rearranging the layout for tiered views or something.

 

[Communicore]

They should bring it back to the 70's Top Of The World, wow the architecture of that 70's marvel is truly a sight to behold!

 

[asianway]

They should bring it back to the 70's Top Of The World, wow the architecture of that 70's marvel is truly a sight to behold!

At least bring back access to the SW observation deck. How long did the transition from Top of the World take? That was a total gut job for sure.

One question I've always had, why not try a breakfast up there, they could get $30 ea for scrambled eggs for the view...or do they use it a lot for banquets?

 

[dreamfinder]

I just went back and looked, and the McDonalds/Pollo Campero changeover took about 6 months...though that was in the middle of pedestrian traffic. Seems to me that if they have the design and the new furnishings ready to go, it'd be quicker than that. I've seen a 2000 sqft house build from dirt to closing in 3 months.

But, maybe that's what it takes. Just seems one of the most popular restaurants in the resort would have the least downtime as possible, so it makes me wonder if maybe it is more than just new furnishings and a menu. Not anything next gen or anything, but maybe rearranging the layout for tiered views or something.

Well, remember its however many stories up. So all the demoed stuff needs to get to the ground floor somehow. And all the new stuff needs to get to the restaurant level. Without royally upsetting guests staying in their expensive hotel rooms. Or interrupting the other service needs of the hotel.

And from the ground up is almost always quicker and cheaper than reusing existing space. Otherwise we wouldn't have so many unoccupied Circuit City and Border's Books big box buildings left empty.

 

[Fe Maiden]

At least bring back access to the SW observation deck. How long did the transition from Top of the World take? That was a total gut job for sure.

One question I've always had, why not try a breakfast up there, they could get $30 ea for scrambled eggs for the view...or do they use it a lot for banquets?

Reading this thread I was reminiscing about the Sunday brunch they used to serve up there. Wouldn't mind seeing it incorporated back in.

 

[asianway]

Reading this thread I was reminiscing about the Sunday brunch they used to serve up there. Wouldn't mind seeing it incorporated back in.

That would be ideal, but they eliminated the Easter & Mothers Day brunches at WS so I gave up on that hope long ago.

 

[JillC LI]

I was so looking forward to trying it this December, and I am thrilled to have gotten reservations during Holiday Wishes. I'm relieved that the renovation will not begin until after our trip.

 

[polynesiangirl]

I'm so glad to see that this place will be getting an overhaul! We have been big fans for many, many years.