California Grill reservations available starting August 26

prberk

prberk

Well-Known Member
I still wish you could go to the observation deck without necessarily visiting the restaurant. It used to be one of my favorite things to do when I stayed at the Contemporary. Not necessarily for the fireworks, but just for the view and some quiet time at my favorite place. I found a quiet peace up there that was welcome during my vacation. And it never was tremendously crowded.

I found the policy change to be another loss for WDW guests, especially Contemporary guests, who like the little things. As for the money, we already spend a small fortune to stay there. I didn't always want to go out there "on deck" (almost like walking a ship's deck at night) right after dinner. More for a "walking" experience.

Another peaceful, small amenity that they have "locked down" to make sure they get every dime.... But make it less worthwhile for me to pay the price of that hotel...
 
prberk

prberk

Well-Known Member
The restaurant does look nice, by the way. My previous comment was more about the nice solemn experience of walking out on the observation deck.
 
rael ramone

rael ramone

Well-Known Member
prberk said:
I still wish you could go to the observation deck without necessarily visiting the restaurant. It used to be one of my favorite things to do when I stayed at the Contemporary. Not necessarily for the fireworks, but just for the view and some quiet time at my favorite place. I found a quiet peace up there that was welcome during my vacation. And it never was tremendously crowded.

I found the policy change to be another loss for WDW guests, especially Contemporary guests, who like the little things. As for the money, we already spend a small fortune to stay there. I didn't always want to go out there "on deck" (almost like walking a ship's deck at night) right after dinner. More for a "walking" experience.

Another peaceful, small amenity that they have "locked down" to make sure they get every dime.... But make it less worthwhile for me to pay the price of that hotel...
Click to expand...

Is it possible to go up to the deck via exterior stairwells?

I'm hoping the place hasn't dumbed down the food like they apparently dumbed down the decor... Debating making an ADR once the window opens.....
 
TP2000

TP2000

Well-Known Member
Well, it's open.

And from the pictures and video offered online from official Disney sources, it looks like I expected it to look from the leaked concept art; boring.

The only interesting thing about the new California Grill is the new chandeliers, the rest of the redesign looks about as unique as the lobby of a Marriott Courtyard in any generic suburban office park.

Marriott Courtyard corporate lobby design circa 2010-2013.
CourtyardNewLobby_Sept2010.jpg


Okay, maybe the local Marriott Courtyard Inn looks a little more interesting than the California Grill redesign, due to the throw pillows and orange menu board at the breakfast bar. :cool:
 
zeebs758

zeebs758

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
Yes
Booked my reservations for it. The dining agent told me that if you have an early reservation and want to see fireworks at observation deck, you can hold onto your receipt and come back later for the show.
 
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Gabe1

Gabe1

Ivory Tower Squabble EST 2011. WINDMILL SURVIVOR
Trotsky said:
Great news - but I hope folks notice THIS on the WDW Website - still there TODAY, at 16:20 EST:

"As part of our continuing efforts to exceed the expectations of our Guests, California Grill is currently closed for enhancements. Please check back here for the latest updates and information about when it will reopen"

... so much for the "the latest updates and information about when it will reopen" part. WDW Website coders apparently didn't get the memo :joyfull::joyfull::joyfull::joyfull:.
Click to expand...

Disney isn't really great at sharing info between departments. My DS working Guest Relations called me one day in early spring 2012.

He called to say 'Hey' on one of his breaks and mentioned in passing it was extremely crowded, over the top from predicted levels even though it was the first day of FL's spring break but only at the MK. Said they started flopping CMs around to cover the weird pilgrimage to the MK.

Me <------ Well didn't they anticipate large Florida crowds coming because today is the Soft opening of StoryBook Circus???? -----> DS They opened up StoryBook???? Nobody shared with Guest Relations nor TTC or Parking/Transportation. Giggle

While he had meetings when Bieber was coming, I had to tell him initially that Obama was coming to speak on Main Street that same year. So basically only Bieber ranked a memo.
 

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