Out of curiosity, do you think the food at Cali Grill is currently wonderful? I think I'm a bit more "optimistic" (for lack of a better term) about WDW dining than you, but I'll admit that I think Cali Grill is a bit of a letdown compared to other signature restaurants, although I do still like it.
Jiko, Yachtsman Steakhouse (another dated restaurant), Sanaa (not Signature), The Wave (also not Signature), Bistro de Paris, and Flying Fish are all better, in my opinion. And those are just the restaurants that quickly come to mind.
Glad to see this happening. For those upset that they won't be able to eat at Cali Grill...it's a needed update and there are dozens of other comparable restaurants at WDW.
Can't talk about currently, Tom. I haven't been there since 2009. It's become near impossible to get in when I want without dining at an uncomfortable time or calling in a favor. It's just become not worth it especially when I see my $25 filet is now $45 (sorry Mickey, inflation ain't that bad!) ... I will say that from 1995 to my last visit, CG was consistently the best food and service of the WDW fine (now 'signature') dining locales. It was a place I always went to and had special ocassion dinners etc. I do recall my last 2-3 meals being great, but being bothered by what I can only term a lower element clientele ... i.e. folks coming in dressed like they went from riding Splash Mountain to CG and folks on the DDP who all wanted 'the steak plain, none of that fancy sauce on it and no veggies, we want fries!'' (BTW, that is almost a word for word quote from my last visit).
That's the problem with the DDP. People who (should I say this nicely or provocatively, so some will tune me out and not listen and think ... yeah, he's right ... hmm... I say it's the Fourth, so celebrate freedom by going the scortch and burn way) have no business dining at a place like CG are, and they are ruining it for those of us who want more than beef and taters.
Again, though, my experiences always placed CG as the best WDW experience (tied with Bistro de Paris and Jiko when it first opened) except for V&A's and that is a very special place that you don't go to every visit unless you are a foodie and one with loads of $$$.
I like all the places you mention except for The Wave. I find it boring with small portions that have left me hungry and I feel it is pricey, even when dining at 40% off, for what you get.
I love Bistro, but have read it is now included on the DDP so that means it will no longer be EPCOT's best-kept secret and likely means more rubes with brats.
Sanaa I really enjoy ... been four times, but last time had a bit of a food and service issue and haven't been back, although I'll always give a place a second chance especially after all the great experiences.
Flying Fish ... it's been so many years since I've been that I can't comment either. I've always had great meals there too, but everything has changed with the DDP (hey, let's all go to the Coral Reef for Pork Chops ... or why not have a $50 pizza at EPCOT?)
OK, I ranted ... but I am hungry for pizza and it's too late to get one ... but did I answer your question?
