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.
http://www.killingtime.com/Pegu/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/California-Grill.jpg
But
HELLO 1995! It's like when you step off the elevator and enter the California Grill dining room suddenly Bill Clinton is back in the White House but can still be left alone with pretty interns, my VCR is all set to tape Friends and Seinfeld on Thursday night, and my car stereo still has the "party tape" I made last summer in the casette player.
The cosmetic refurbishment and updating of this restaurant is about 10 years overdue, but good to see they have finally gotten around to it. Let's hope they go with a less kitschy and trendy look for this redo, as they've proven they can't be trusted to update an on-trend decor scheme in a timely manner. Instead they should go with a more timeless but still upscale look.
Although, with a six month closure, I wouldn't be surprised if they ditch the California Grill name and theme and go in a different direction entirely.