California Grill closing January 2013

[Murphketeer]

The Top of the World Lounge only serves appetizers and is one-fourth or less the size of the California Grill... it's a nice place but I don't think it would help take its place.

Thanks, I thought they served full meals there. I knew it was smaller, but didn't realize it was really just a lounge.

 

[wdwmagic]

The start date has now been pushed back
http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/cali...ll-refurbishment-closing-date-pushed-back.htm

 

[mgf]

Concept art has surfaced via... a website that talks about Disney Every Day. I have linked to the design firm as to not violate any forum rules.

http://puccinigroup.com/project/confidential-restaurant/

Having the castle visible in your concept art hardly seems confidential.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

Concept art has surfaced via... a website that talks about Disney Every Day. I have linked to the design firm as to not violate any forum rules.

http://puccinigroup.com/project/confidential-restaurant/

Having the castle visible in your concept art hardly seems confidential.

I do hope the finished product looks like this. It's sleek and soothing in a palette that won't feel dated in five years (I hope).

 

[Taylor]

The start date has now been pushed back
http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/cali...ll-refurbishment-closing-date-pushed-back.htm

On the update you posted on the site earlier you said it would close Feb 4 2014 instead of 2013.

 

[NDdon]

I hope it is open when I am down there in October.

 

[dolce20]

Check out my sad mini rant on my thread in the dining/restaurant section re Cali Grill concept art. I'm utterly unimpressed w the new look. I wonder if you all agree?

 

[Bolna]

I do agree with you @dolce20. It looks so bland.

 

[Buck]

I do hope the finished product looks like this. It's sleek and soothing in a palette that won't feel dated in five years (I hope).

This. Love it.

 

[MarkTwain]

I like it. It's earthier and simpler than I would have gone with - I probably would have gone a little sleeker and more modernist if it were up to me - but in general it looks nice. It doesn't really look as different as I had thought it would, but maybe that's not such a bad thing.

 

[dolce20]

As far as WDW goes, this is a very important restaurant; a very special venue..I just think they're crapping out. Wasted opportunity. Look at the excitement and modernity of Flying Fish, Blue Zoo..This beige/tan plan they got in place has nothing special..it's so safe.

 

[TP2000]

Check out my sad mini rant on my thread in the dining/restaurant section re Cali Grill concept art. I'm utterly unimpressed w the new look. I wonder if you all agree?

I agree. The only thing I like are the funky-mod chandeliers that remind me of the original 1971 light fixtures from the Grand Canyon Concourse. http://puccinigroup.com/project/confidential-restaurant/

Otherwise, it looks more like a bland First/Business Class airline lounge at an airport. It's certainly a contemporary update from the dated 1990's look, but it's just so.... bland.

I'm not impressed. Or inspired to make a reservation.

 

[dolce20]

I looooove the lights from the Grand Canyon Concourse in the 70's...a nod to the old Top of the World woulda been cool, too. All that mid-cent mod stuff is so hip now - the more I look at the design photos the more I hate it. Do those chairs say "expensive dinner"? No way Jose.

 

[NoChesterHester]

Herein lies the danger of a "photorealistic" rendering. They typically aren't perfect and everyone picks them apart. Looks to bland... Looks too dark... I don't like that fabric....

Relax. It is a classy update. Restaurant design is about creating a stage for food. I'm not going to react until I walk into it because the renderings look good enough.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Doesn't really look *that* much different, to me.

 

[NewfieFan]

I like it! It suits the Contemporary and it shouldn't look dated anytime soon. It's so hard to judge from concept art, I'll wait until I eat in the restaurant again to pass final judgement.

 

[MarkTwain]

As far as WDW goes, this is a very important restaurant; a very special venue..I just think they're crapping out. Wasted opportunity. Look at the excitement and modernity of Flying Fish, Blue Zoo..This beige/tan plan they got in place has nothing special..it's so safe.

Okay you've converted me. Although I don't think the new design is bad, it definitely seems like a HUGE wasted opportunity given the importance of the venue and the re-emergence of high modern design. Something more progressively futuristic, or even mid-century retro would have been better.

 

[dolce20]

Ah, music to my ears..not that I have a selfish need for people to agree with me. Just that you also feel a mid-century mod direction would be so appropriate. I love when Disney "wow's" me! Glad you could let me know what ya think. We can dream!

 

[hokielutz]

Unable to tell if they are nixing the wine room to open up the space for more seating. Anyone have insight on this? That room was pretty special and could separate serious diners from those wearing shorts and t-shirts with kids that are up too late.

 

[Skippy's Pal]

Dunno - is grey and brown a palette, or the lack of one? Losing the "Cosby sweater" look may not be a bad idea by itself, but I would have hoped for something special, distinctive, unique. This looks like it could be located in a newish Marriott.