Contemporary Observation Deck

[kar888]

Does anyone know if you have to make a reservation at the California Grill in order to go out on the observation deck?

 

[tampabrad]

I have never had a problem going up to the CG or the observation deck. If I am not eating, I just tell them I am going to have a drink or a snack at the bar and up I go. No one has ever asked for a receipt either.

I have never had a problem resort hopping. Show your ID, tell the guard you want to check out the resort and up goes the gate.

 

[Lisalyn]

You aren't escorted anywhere after having dinner. The observation deck in question is on the same floor as CG. You are, however, escorted up in the elevator to CG after you check-in for your ADR. The 4th floor is open to the public. You don't need an ADR at CM's.

That is what I meant to say - that you were escorted in the elevator to get to CG.

I think you do or should have an ADR at Chef Mickey's - they recommend it anyways.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

according to federal fire codes, there must be an egress point incase of a fire in which the elevators cannot be used. the lobbby, or first floor stair doors are locked from the lobby, but the rest of the floors are unlocked. simply take the elevator to the highest floor u can get to, and then take the stairwell the rest of the way up. it opens on the rooftop. done it several times, except the last time i was there was 2008, but im sure it still works.

The last time I was there was August 2010. It still works :ROFLOL:

But after the fireworks, I did order a drink from the lounge, so I made up for it.

 

[Rook26]

This has nothing to do with the OP's question but talking about the observation deck reminded me of an experience last year when my wife and I had dinner at the California Grill and went out on the observation deck.

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=621315

 

[TinkerChelli]

You do need reservations at the Cali Grill in order for you to use the observation deck. If you had reservations earlier in the day you can return with your receipt and show the person at the check in center and she will allow you up to view the fireworks. You can only do this for the same day receipt. Hope that helps out a bit. :wave::sohappy:

 

[WDWCPF98]

The last time I was there was August 2010. It still works :ROFLOL:

But after the fireworks, I did order a drink from the lounge, so I made up for it.

I tried to take a first-timer on the observation deck before we went into the park in Dec '08. I was under the impression that although we did not eat at the CG we could still access the "back" observation deck - on the Bay Lake side of the resort. ...I was shocked when they wouldn't let us in the elevator!

We tried going to the next highest floor that the elevator would take us to and then using the stairs. As of 12/08 there were warning signs on the stairwells that said the doors are locked from the inside. Had we entered the stairwell we would have had to walk down to the lobby to exit!

We actually got up to a concierge level floor and just walked out to the lounge balacony. ...It was just as nice - we lucked out!

 

[wdwfan22]

I would certainly hope so! :brick: I've never run into any nudity problems at WDW. The dress code for the Grill is not that strict. Anything other than a swimsuit is pretty much appropriate (exaggerating). I'm even surprised at how casually dressed the "models" are in the photo of the Grill on the official Disney dining site. I know they want to give off that "family" vibe in the photos, but nicer dress could help guests better understand the kind of price bracket there (which is not accurately reflected in the general pricing info).



Having dined at the Grill numerous times, I have never encountered this. :shrug:

If you have dined here before why do you feel the need to sneak in to see the fireworks? It shocks me how people feel entitled to the perks that come along with dining at the restaurant without actually dining there. :brick: