California Grill Lounge

[SewIn2Disney]

Hello
I remeber reading somewhere that the California Grill had a lounge area, that you could also see the fireworks from, and that you didn't need a reservation for? Is any of that true? And if so, do they have a small menu? Do they serve appetizers and desserts? Or is it just appetizers? I found a menu on allearsnet.com for a lounge, but I wasn't sure if it was the lounge on the top floor.
Thank you for any help.

 

[mousermerf]

Used to be, until the freeloaders over did it and made it unpleasent for the people paying for the expensive meals.

Now you check in at a desk on the 2nd floor, and if you don't have a reservation, you don't get in the elevator, and you don't goto the 15th floor.

 

[trr313]

Used to be, until the freeloaders over did it and made it unpleasent for the people paying for the expensive meals.

Now you check in at a desk on the 2nd floor, and if you don't have a reservation, you don't get in the elevator, and you don't goto the 15th floor.

I can see that I would be annoyed if I was paying a lot of money for my meal and then other people were in there and it was super crowded.

 

[WDFAN1977]

Used to be, until the freeloaders over did it and made it unpleasent for the people paying for the expensive meals.

Now you check in at a desk on the 2nd floor, and if you don't have a reservation, you don't get in the elevator, and you don't goto the 15th floor.

I was wondering why they did that the last time I visited:veryconfu . I really enjoyed the food there:slurp: .

 

[mousermerf]

They still have problem too.. Just heard a story last week about a man muscling his way in because "he paid for it" after the staff tried to stop him for not being in dress code.

Sorry, the place requires reservations, and to get that reservation you're told about the dress code.

Some people just suck.

Fireworks time is still rotten there, people either staking out tables hours in advance, or all showing up for later dinners early and crowding the lobby area, also trying to muscle their way up the elevator.. It's ridiculous.

I try to make a late or closing ressie, get to sit pretty much where ever I want, and I watch the castle change colors at night, no fireworks, but i'll live.

 

[crazycalf]

There's nothing stopping you from making a reservation and then only ordering apps and deserts.

 

[justducky78]

Used to be, until the freeloaders over did it and made it unpleasent for the people paying for the expensive meals.

Now you check in at a desk on the 2nd floor, and if you don't have a reservation, you don't get in the elevator, and you don't goto the 15th floor.

We noticed this change on our most recent visit. I love the California Grill for the food and the atmosphere (and view!) but the service is horrible.

 

[durangojim]

So am I to understand that we cannot just go up to the lounge and order drinks, sushi, and flat breads anymore without reservations? If so, that sucks! My wife and I would always do this at least once per trip but it was usually only decided on during the day we decided to go, so the reservation portion of this really stinks! Many times we would order an entire meal with appetizer, main courses, a couple bottles of wine, and desert but just have it in the lounge because we like the atmosphere better and then enjoy the view of the fireworks. Also does anyone know how early or late you can show up regarding your reservation time, because we might just make a reservation for each day we're at wdw and then cancel on each day we decide not to go, thereby ensuring us admission to the restaurant.

 

[monorailguy01]

If you want to watch wishes from up there, the best thing to do is walk the stair well to the top floor (just watch out for killer bees) and you can see the show, it is awesome from up there, the pump in the music all around and it makes you feel like your in the park...

It's a long way to the top I better get started now :lol:

 

[Slosh]

I believe there is a reservation deposit and a penalty for cancelling less than 24 hours in advance- it might even be 48 hours or more. As far as I know, the only restaurant at Disney that does that, probably because of excess unfilled ressies. I would just pick a day and stick with it, early or late reservations aren't bad at all, but I haven't been up there during fireworks hours for years; having a bunch of campers or freeloaders hovering over my table trying to get a better view really ruins my appetite.

 

[JPVonDrake]

I believe there is a reservation deposit and a penalty for cancelling less than 24 hours in advance- it might even be 48 hours or more. As far as I know, the only restaurant at Disney that does that, probably because of excess unfilled ressies. I would just pick a day and stick with it, early or late reservations aren't bad at all, but I haven't been up there during fireworks hours for years; having a bunch of campers or freeloaders hovering over my table trying to get a better view really ruins my appetite.

Correct. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy with a $20 per person charge if you cancel within 24 hours or are a no show for the meal. This however is not the only restaurant/ meal experience that has a cancellation penalty.

In an effort to alleviate the congestion in the lobby and lounge areas, California Grill currently provides dining check-in for their Guests at a podium located on the 2nd floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort. Guests with reservations or those wishing to enjoy the California Grill lounge, will be escorted by a California Grill Cast Member in an elevator exclusively reserved for California Grill diners when their table is ready. Lounge patrons will be escorted up to the 15th floor when room at the lounge is available for their party size.

The relocation of the California Grill podium will allow guests dining at the California Grill to experience a unique greeting and gracious sense of arrival as well as retain the terrace area and Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing exclusively for guests of the restaurant.

Due to capacity constraints as well as the numerous private functions hosted by the California Grill, only patrons of the California Grill Restaurant may use the 15th floor observation deck at Disney's Contemporary Resort to enjoy Magic Kingdom's fireworks. As an alternative, Disney resort Guests who are visiting Disney's Contemporary Resort for shopping or dining experiences may visit a fireworks viewing location on the north end of the 4th floor Grand Canyon Concourse. Proceed past the Concourse Sundries and Spirits shop and exit the doors to the exterior. From the viewing area, Guests can see Cinderella Castle and the Magic Kingdom, and hear the background music and sounds synchronized with the Wishes fireworks display. There is a small area under cover for viewing during inclement weather.

 

[mousermerf]

My biggest pet peeve.. heaven forbid people actually pay and be inside of a theme park which is having the fireworks show they so desire to see.

 

[SewIn2Disney]

We have a reservation for one hour before fireworks on my birthday (in August). We've been trying to get there for years, and I'm so excited to actually get to see the fireworks from up there on my birthday. We didn't know when to make the reservation.....do we go on the early side, and eat slow, just in case there are others doing the same, or do we go on the late side, and hope that people aren't just sitting around from 6:00pm waiting for the fireworks.
How are they on getting you in and out? Do they really force you out, or do they let you linger over dessert and such? Do you have to watch from inside the resturant, or can everyone fit out on the "porch" area? Can you still see from the inside if people are on the porch? I just want to make sure everything is perfect.
I can't believe all the negative things I'm reading about it! Should we not even go?

 

[SewIn2Disney]

My biggest pet peeve.. heaven forbid people actually pay and be inside of a theme park which is having the fireworks show they so desire to see.

Normally I agree with your postings, and I love your updates, but that's really uncalled for.
We will be paying to be "in that park that is having the fireworks show" that day, it's just that we've seen the fireworks from in that park so many times we're looking for something new and different. Obviously, we know we're paying for that "experience" with the outrageous prices within that resturant. But hey--we're on the free dining plan!

 

[SewIn2Disney]

Correct. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy with a $20 per person charge if you cancel within 24 hours or are a no show for the meal. This however is not the only restaurant/ meal experience that has a cancellation penalty.

In an effort to alleviate the congestion in the lobby and lounge areas, California Grill currently provides dining check-in for their Guests at a podium located on the 2nd floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort. Guests with reservations or those wishing to enjoy the California Grill lounge, will be escorted by a California Grill Cast Member in an elevator exclusively reserved for California Grill diners when their table is ready. Lounge patrons will be escorted up to the 15th floor when room at the lounge is available for their party size.

The relocation of the California Grill podium will allow guests dining at the California Grill to experience a unique greeting and gracious sense of arrival as well as retain the terrace area and Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing exclusively for guests of the restaurant.

Due to capacity constraints as well as the numerous private functions hosted by the California Grill, only patrons of the California Grill Restaurant may use the 15th floor observation deck at Disney's Contemporary Resort to enjoy Magic Kingdom's fireworks. As an alternative, Disney resort Guests who are visiting Disney's Contemporary Resort for shopping or dining experiences may visit a fireworks viewing location on the north end of the 4th floor Grand Canyon Concourse. Proceed past the Concourse Sundries and Spirits shop and exit the doors to the exterior. From the viewing area, Guests can see Cinderella Castle and the Magic Kingdom, and hear the background music and sounds synchronized with the Wishes fireworks display. There is a small area under cover for viewing during inclement weather.

So you're saying there IS a lounge area? Can you make reservations for it as well? What's on the menu there?
Thanks again!

 

[mousermerf]

Normally I agree with your postings, and I love your updates, but that's really uncalled for.
We will be paying to be "in that park that is having the fireworks show" that day, it's just that we've seen the fireworks from in that park so many times we're looking for something new and different. Obviously, we know we're paying for that "experience" with the outrageous prices within that resturant. But hey--we're on the free dining plan!

I didn't mean to offend - years of working in reservations and having people call to specificly ask "Where can i watch the fireworks outside the theme park?" and then yelling and berating when nothing was available and how dare I suggest they watch it on Mainstreet with a turkey leg - they're not going to the theme parks that day - have worn away my sensativity on the subject.

Same goes for people wanting to eat in the lounge or just do dessert. Normally, i'd have nothing against it, but so many people abuse it and nastey about that I just don't have sympathy. I do think the food is worth it and I do hope you have a good time.

As a show of no ill-will, i'll throw in hugz and a smiley

 

[SewIn2Disney]

And I'll wave back :wave:
It's just I've never seen you so abrubt about anything! But I can understand where your coming from now, I didn't know you worked in CRO.

 

[mousermerf]

And I'll wave back :wave:
It's just I've never seen you so abrubt about anything! But I can understand where your coming from now, I didn't know you worked in CRO.

To be perfectly honsest, i'm very thankful I don't anymore. Props to anyone who can stick it out.

 

[SewIn2Disney]

I work in customer service, and trust me, I know it takes a certain type of person. Usually I can let people's complaints roll off me like water on a duck.

 

[JPVonDrake]

So you're saying there IS a lounge area? Can you make reservations for it as well? What's on the menu there?
Thanks again!

Is there a lounge? yes

Can you make reservations for the lounge? no, it is walk-up only.

Can you expect to go to the lounge and see the fireworks? no. Lounge patrons will be escorted up to the 15th floor when room at the lounge is available for their party size. As the restaurant patrons are escorted up to the 15th floor based on their seating time and table availability, most Guests who wish to visit the lounge will be waiting on the 2nd Floor until long after the fireworks have finished.

What is the menu (at the lounge)? light appetizers and cocktails.

Are Restaurant Patrons allowed to book/arrive early and linger around for the fireworks? No, not really. Your meal will not be rushed, but it is frowned upon to linger for an unreasonable amount of time waiting for the fireworks.

Are the prices outrageous within this restaurant? Not at all for the meal quality and service you receive. The California Grill is a AAA 4 Diamond Restaurant and has won several other awards in recent years.

Can you still see from the inside if people are on the porch? Although some tables near the north end windows will offer excellent views of the Magic Kingdom, they can only be requested at the podium when you arrive, and will affect your seating time. There are two 15th floor observation decks on the north end of the tower, both only open to Restaurant patrons. Music and narration from the show is played both inside and out.

Can you still see from the inside if people are on the porch?yes. Windows line the entire west wall of the restuarant offering excellent views of the Magic Kingdom. There are 2 observation decks are on the north end (and 2 on the south end) of the restuarant. The 2 decks on each end are separated by roofing needs (vents and such for the rooms below. The vents are below knee level so they offer no obstructions.) The South decks do not offer good views of Magic Kingdom, but can offer great views of Epcot and Illuminations. During daylight hours, you can also see Animal Kingdom very well from the south end.

Hope this answers all your questions, and enjoy your birthday dinner!