California Grill

[rbrower]

Do you like the California Grill or not? (It is on top of the Contemporary Resort)
I went there for Thanksgiving and I personally really didn't like it!!!!!
What do you think?

 

[XNightmaresX]

i went there on my anniversary/day i got engaged and really enjoyed the food. the flat bread was amazing, the service was fantastic, the look of the place was nice and the view was outstanding. we had a window seat :-D

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Yuck!

We went to the California Grill and it was terrible. We had priority seating at 8 and did not get to eat until after 11. The service was bad, the food was worse and it was all in all a terrible experience. I really was hoping that it would be awesome. One positive thing though is the view of the MK, especially the fireworks!

 

[KnK]

We tend to go at least twice during each of our last 10 vacations to WDW. We love the place. We have never had a bad meal, maybe once slow service. We go each year in September and one of the waiters still remembers us from year to year, and always comes up to our table to visit with us.

 

[gatordoc]

It's OK, but way overhyped. There are plenty of better restaurants at WDW.

 

[tinkish]

The food was good, but I don't recommend going during the fireworks show. It's a bit too loud, and crowded at that time.

 

[jdvm]

It's one of our favorite restaurants and I'm sorry if some folks have not enjoyed it. We've never had a bad experience there. Great view; awesome food and wine and VERY good service.

 

[rbrower]

thanks for the feedback. Maybe the time I went they were just having a bad night. Thanks again!

 

[Scar Junior]

California Grill, along with Mitsokoshi (sp?) and Emeril's are the 3 restaurants we always must eat at. They are our favorite... we always eat just before or just after the MK fireworks.

 

[Timothy Q Mouse]

I agree it is expensive. That's why we don't do it every trip. But when we do, we always have a great time. Good food and great views!

 

[3IAlienKid]

Pretty good deal in my opinion. Maybe they could wash the windows, but other than that it's a good looking restaurant, the view is great, watching the fireworks from the observation deck is something you should experience once (even though the fireworks are much better appreciated from the Hub inside the park), and most importantly the food and service was good. It's expensive, but everywhere in WDW is expensive, there are no good deals there, so just indulge!

 

[alitressa]

Never been...... but just had to post to comment on your beagle. He/she is adorable! I had a beagle from the time I was 7 years old until he passed away when I was 21 and in graduate school. My Skippy looked a lot like your beagle as well.

 

[rbrower]

Never been...... but just had to post to comment on your beagle. He/she is adorable! I had a beagle from the time I was 7 years old until he passed away when I was 21 and in graduate school. My Skippy looked a lot like your beagle as well.

Thank you! He is actually my sister's dog and he is also a mix between a beagle and something Big! (They don't know what the dad was) Thanks, in a couple of days I might change my picture to a picture of him when he was really little!) Thanks!!!!!:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

 

[rbrower]

By the way, now my new picture is up. This is Hunter, when he was really little! Hope you enjoy the picture! Thanks again!

 

[dandaman]

It's OK, but way overhyped. There are plenty of better restaurants at WDW.

What he said.

 

[rbrower]

Thanks again for all the feedback!

 

[yazmin182]

It's OK, but way overhyped. There are plenty of better restaurants at WDW.

If you were on the dining plan and wanted to choose one restaurant with 2 points, what would you choose?

 

[Amber]

Love it, love it, love it. Even when we go for quick weekend trips we make sure to go to the California Grill. :slurp:

 

[lawyergirl77]

It's OK, but way overhyped. There are plenty of better restaurants at WDW.

Couldn't disagree more! :wave:

While DH and I preferred Jiko overall, the Cali Grill was a VERY close second (the appetizers at Jiko gave it the slight edge). I went in with pretty low expectations because we had eaten at Jiko two nights before and i didn't think anything could top it. Plus, I'm kind of suspicious of hype-laden places.

Well, I now get it. The California Grill is awesome, and while I understand people's reluctance to try it again after a disappointing first visit because it is a pricey second chance, I would definitely encourage people to try it again!! We will definitely be returning...

And as for another 2 TS restaurant that is worth the splurge, I don't think you can really go wrong with any of them... But DH and I simply adored Jiko. I love Artist Point, but he's indifferent. Hope that helps the person who was asking that question!! :wave:

 

[gatordoc]

To each his/her own, I suppose. I've been to the California Grill three times (I eat at WDW a lot), and never really been particularly impressed. Mind you, my interest is primarily the food and the service, and I don't let the view cloud that. If the view is what you are going for, fine, but I would rather spend my dining dollars elsewhere. As to better restaurants in a similar category. I personally much prefer:

Bistro de Paris in Epcot
Jiko at the AKL
Citricos at the GF
Palio at the Swan
Artist Point at the WL
Portobello Yacht Club at DD

I also have had some good meals at the Brown Derby at MGM, the Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club, and Narcoosee's at the GF, but, they have not been as consistently excellent as the restaurants I listed above. There are also many less expensive restaurants that are also quite good and at which I eat often, as well as V&As which is in a class by itself. Finally (and this will probably get me flamed), I also must include the Flying Fish at the Boardwalk in the OK but way overhyped category.