California Grill?

[big stitch]

MY WIFE AND I WILL BE AT WDW ON OUR SECOND ANNIVERSARY(OCT9-0CT13). I PLAN ON EATING AT THE CALIFORINA GRILL, I WAS WANTING TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR DINNER. IS IT POSSIBLE TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR AROUND THE TIME THE FIREWORKS AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM START? OR IS IT LUCK OF THE DRAW.

THANKS AGAIN FOR THE HELP :wave:

ONLY 109 DAYS TO GO

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Other Options

For those that know me here, know that I am not a real fan of California Grill.
While the food itself is nice, I find it noisy and congested, but most aggrivating of all is that it is the worst place I have found for preferred seating.

Preferred seating does not guarantee your time, but rather within 45 minutes of that time. I have had to wait 45 min. to an hour there with the host/hostess staff being the most aloof of any I have encountered. This is usually due to people making earlier reservations then waiting an hour or more after they are done to see the fireworks.

There are many other very intimate and special alternatives.

 

[Erik]

My fiance and I visited WDW to celebrate our engagement and had some luck getting a good seat at California Grill. I think it's all luck, but we did mention our engagement on the phone while making reservations and then I checked in at the restaurant early and mentioned it again- they seemed pretty accomodating, but it probably depends who is there.

Also, you can get a great view if you grab the chairs near the windows meant for bar service. I know it's not ideal, but we had fun on another trip just enjoying drinks and watching the fireworks.

Finally, if you have the chance for another special meal - try Artist Point- it's our favorite place - been there 3 times and it's always great (prices comperable to CA Grill) - quiet, good food and good wine.

Good luck!

 

[TURKEY]

NEW INFORMATION!!!!

Guests that have PS or wanting to dine at California Grill now check in at a podium on the 2nd floor of the Contemporary. There will be an elevator staffed by a member of the restaurant/resort to take guests to the Grill. The other elevators no longer take you up to the restaurant.

This started on the 14th.

 

[Homer78]

ClemsonTigger is right about people just sitting at thier table for an hour waiting for the fireworks. It is very annoying. :brick:

 

[MichRX7]

Make the reservations around fireworks time. Then if you think you might miss them just inform the CM you are going outside to watch them. There is an outer area on top of the building that just as nice as watching them through glass.

It's not like you are going to have someone pay and leave their table during the fireworks. Then you can come back in and have dinner.

BTW, we did this one night with a group of about 12. Grandparents, parents, kids, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

 

[big stitch]

In General What Time To The Fireworks Start?

Thanks For All The Help

 

[TURKEY]

In General What Time To The Fireworks Start?

Thanks For All The Help

I would say 8 or 9 pm for the time of October you are going.

 

[disneydawg]

I believe the only tables on the window on the MK side are two-seaters. So that works in your favor. On my honeymoon we were fortunate enough to eat as the sun was setting and MK's lights were just coming on. It was really cool. Also consider eating before the fireworks and then having drinks afterward. I think they allow drinks on the observation deck?

 

[BalooChicago]

For those that know me here, know that I am not a real fan of California Grill.

I couldn't agree more... Patti and I were at CG for our inversary (1 year before) and the room was small and had glass on three sides so it reverberated every drunken conversation from the table next to us... Plus our waitress was awful, inattentive, and didn't even bring us everything we ordered.

 

[flyersmv]

i ate at the cali gril last week and the good was very good and it gives u a very good veiw of the fireworks either inside or out it really was an amazing last night for our trip

 

[lebernadin]

Also consider eating before the fireworks and then having drinks afterward.

I 2nd this recommendation. Get the meal over with so you don't have to interrupt it by scrambling over to a window or out on the deck etc..enjoy your meal, then the fireworks.

 

[Shaman]

I'm with you ClemsonTigger, I don't care too much for the CG....it was very frustrating having to wait there forever (even if we WERE warned, I didn't expect to see what I saw)...I was furious with those who were holding the tables up...because they were being kinda of selfish (if you couldn't make the reservation around the fireworks don't ruin it for those who could)...yes I have issues with CG....the only draw was to see the fireworks from way up high (and try out a restaurant we had never eaten at)...but the food isn't anything out of this world...thats just my opinion though....I'll stop ranting...and get to the point of this thread...hehe

Get there early...is my advice...so like many have said...you're sitting, and you're done eating before the show. We thought we weren't going to make it...but as we were finishing our dessert the show was starting...so it was great...the fireworks from way up in Contemporary are REAL nice...a different view from the norm...

Are they still letting people up to see the fireworks....those that aren't necessarily there to eat?

 

[DiPSU224]

I didn't have any of the problems mentioned. I made PS for 8pm and the fireworks were scheduled for 9pm. We arrived 15 mins prior to our PS time and they told us they were about 25 mins behind. We only waited about 10 minutes and got a seat by the window. I guess it just depends on the day.
I do suggest though that if you can see the castle from your seat that you stay there to watch the fireworks. Everyone gets up and goes out to the balcony and it was too crowded. I am pretty short so I had a hard time seeing. Thinking back to it, it probably would have been a better show at my seat. Just a suggestion though!