California Grill to close for 6 month rehab - The DIS Discussion Forums

k5jmh · 07-08-2012, 01:42 PM

Should be interesting to see what the final product will be...

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/...lifornia-grill

Quote:

Tourism & Travel
By Jason Garcia and Sara K. Clarke, Orlando Sentinel

Walt Disney World is planning to shut down its high-end California Grill restaurant for six months or more, to allow for an extensive renovation of the restaurant atop the resort's Contemporary Resort hotel.

Disney said last week that the restaurant will close Jan. 6 and reopen in "late summer 2013."

The company provided few details of what the renovation will entail, though it said it will be "tweaking" the menu, which features California fusion cooking and sushi, and ranges in price from $36 a plate to $60 a plate. It also plans improvements to the restaurant's "onstage kitchen."

Disney says the restaurant will keep its two private dining rooms, an important feature at the Contemporary, which is one of Disney's largest convention and group-meeting hotels.

The California Grill makeover has been timed to coincide with other construction at the Contemporary, including a new roof and renovations of the hotel's 14th-floor suites. Disney once planned to convert those rooms into "health-and-wellness"-themed suites but has since dropped the concept.

*NikkiBell* · 07-08-2012, 05:28 PM

I'm not sure how I feel about this as the Grill was always wonderful in my experiences. I'm assuming it'll only make it better (hopefully). Still, it's a bummer that we can't dine there for so long.

DisneyKevin · 07-08-2012, 05:30 PM

It's looking dated.

WaDiWo · 07-08-2012, 06:02 PM

Can't wait to 1) eat there in a few weeks, and 2) see what the renovations will be like.

my memory of the place was that it had some of the best sushi around, so I'm very curious what they'll do with the menu.

TigerTown · 07-08-2012, 07:03 PM

I was thinking of getting dinner ADR's for our quick trip next month but now I'm thinking we should wait until the referb is complete. I still haven't been to this restaurant and really want to try it out.

DisneyKevin · 07-08-2012, 07:21 PM

I wouldn't let slightly dated decor stop me from eating there.

We've had dinner twice in the last two weeks and the food is GREAT. The view is GREAT. The location is GREAT.

Okay....the decor is a bit 1980's "California cool", but I can live with slight dated decor if the restaurant hits other notes and the Cali Grill hits them on every level.

You will really enjoy yourself.

TigerTown · 07-08-2012, 07:36 PM

Ok Kevin you have convinced me! We took your advice earlier this year and had our Anniversary dinner at Narcoossee's. I can say this was one of he best meals I've ever had so if you recommend it, I'm sure this one will be great as well.

EDuke98080 · 07-09-2012, 12:45 AM

I just made reservations for Jan 5th. May be an interesting experience since it will be the last night before the closure.

peabody58 · 07-09-2012, 02:45 AM

The ‘restaurant’ at the top of the CR will always be my emotional favorite, whether it’s the old TOTW or CG or what ever the new name is.

In 1977 while attending Navy Nuke School in Orlando, my first wife and I attended a special event at the MK and had a blast. We visited the CR and I wanted to treat her to a nice meal, but alas, we couldn’t even afford to have drinks at the TOTW. I so remember that feeling of not being able to afford a top notch restaurant at WDW, that I vowed I would return again one day to truly enjoy the experience. Well my current DW of 30 years and I will be enjoying the CG one more time (5th visit) this Oct to celebrate.

I am confident Disney will do a great job with the rehab and I will again look forward to eating at the ‘restaurant’ at the top of the CR.

SkyMedik · 07-09-2012, 09:33 AM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well....actually...I support the rennovation. I just wish I had a chance to say goodbye

So long, favorite restaurant in the world! See you after the surgery

roomthreeseventeen · 07-09-2012, 09:58 AM

We get to Orlando January 10th.

Suck.

joanjett1976 · 07-09-2012, 02:02 PM

I have to to agree with Kevin. While the food and location are outstanding, the decor and general vibe dragged a bit on the eighties side. Those splashes of color made me feel like I had been magically transported and seated at Spago's in 1988.

We visit the world once a year and always try to have a dinner at California Grill. While I am saddened to have to pass up a turn this year, I'm quite excited as to what the Grill have in store for us.

Hopefully they are inspired by the makeover of the not-so-contemporary Contemporary rooms from a few years back.

bgrego · 07-09-2012, 05:20 PM

I eat in three places every time i visit WDW. California Grill, Ohana's, and Shula's. Each is very Pricy! Ohana's and Shula's Get better every time i eat there, and Cali Grill gets worse. The steak at Cali Grill is not great, the sushi has gotten worse, and the cooked fish no longer draws me to the restaurant as it once did. And The Caesar Salad tastes strongly of Anchovies.

My favorite story from California Grill involved my Brother eating a square of butter brought out on the Cheese Plate thinking it was one of the cheeses!

SkyMedik · 07-09-2012, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgrego

My favorite story from California Grill involved my Brother eating a square of butter brought out on the Cheese Plate thinking it was one of the cheeses!

Lol !!!!!

SkyMedik · 07-09-2012, 05:55 PM

I wonder what they do with the chef and all the other staff for six months.... Reassigned, one would assume. It would be pretty crappy to be the CG chef and get reassigned to quick service for six months tho, doubt that happens!

07-08-2012, 05:28 PM	#2
NikkiBell Careful with the Cool Whip! LOX IS MY NEMESIS!!! I'm coming off of the plane decked out with a Snooki poof Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 10,966	I'm not sure how I feel about this as the Grill was always wonderful in my experiences. I'm assuming it'll only make it better (hopefully). Still, it's a bummer that we can't dine there for so long. __________________ Nikki DIS Unplugged Forum Moderator & Blogger disboards.com blog.wdwinfo.com 2011 - GC, Swan 2010 - AKLV 2009 - AKLV, DxDP/OKW, DDP 2008 - SSR, PFTS, MNSSHP/AKLV, 1st DVC Trip, DxDP 2007 - PC, MNSSHP 2006-7 - POFQ, Premium DP 2006 - PC 2005 - POFQ, Premium DP 2004 - PC, Silver Plan 1998 - ASMu 1997-94 - Off-Site

07-08-2012, 05:30 PM	#3
DisneyKevin Kelvis Above the Pearls Below the Crown Such a tease! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 8,322	It's looking dated. __________________

07-08-2012, 06:02 PM	#4
WaDiWo WDWFan! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 637	Can't wait to 1) eat there in a few weeks, and 2) see what the renovations will be like. my memory of the place was that it had some of the best sushi around, so I'm very curious what they'll do with the menu. __________________ Cheers! WaDiWo My blog: Come follow my journey towards my goal: Couch to Goofy Marathon Challenge! My Castaway Cay 5k trip report HERE My NYC 2 night cruise getaway trip report Part I, Part II, Part III

07-08-2012, 07:03 PM	#5
TigerTown DIS Dad #557 Tiggers are Wonderful Things Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Michigan "Go Blue" Posts: 607	I was thinking of getting dinner ADR's for our quick trip next month but now I'm thinking we should wait until the referb is complete. I still haven't been to this restaurant and really want to try it out. __________________ ~Kyle You can also find me at my blog Tiger Town Tales on Twitter and on Facebook Aug 92 - Dolphin, Dec 93 - Tokyo Disney, Dec 99 - Disneyland, April 00 - Beach Club, Aug 03 - All Star Sports, Dec 06 - Dolphin, Aug -07 Beach Club, Dec 2010 - Disneyland , Nov 12 - All Star Sports

07-08-2012, 07:21 PM	#6
DisneyKevin Kelvis Above the Pearls Below the Crown Such a tease! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 8,322	I wouldn't let slightly dated decor stop me from eating there. We've had dinner twice in the last two weeks and the food is GREAT. The view is GREAT. The location is GREAT. Okay....the decor is a bit 1980's "California cool", but I can live with slight dated decor if the restaurant hits other notes and the Cali Grill hits them on every level. You will really enjoy yourself. __________________

07-08-2012, 07:36 PM	#7
TigerTown DIS Dad #557 Tiggers are Wonderful Things Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Michigan "Go Blue" Posts: 607	Ok Kevin you have convinced me! We took your advice earlier this year and had our Anniversary dinner at Narcoossee's. I can say this was one of he best meals I've ever had so if you recommend it, I'm sure this one will be great as well. __________________ ~Kyle You can also find me at my blog Tiger Town Tales on Twitter and on Facebook Aug 92 - Dolphin, Dec 93 - Tokyo Disney, Dec 99 - Disneyland, April 00 - Beach Club, Aug 03 - All Star Sports, Dec 06 - Dolphin, Aug -07 Beach Club, Dec 2010 - Disneyland , Nov 12 - All Star Sports

07-09-2012, 12:45 AM	#8
EDuke98080 Have a Magical Day! Survived the 'Sweet Baby Jesus" drive Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Western MA home of the Big Y, the Big E and cider donuts Posts: 1,282	I just made reservations for Jan 5th. May be an interesting experience since it will be the last night before the closure. __________________ Treehouse Villas, Dec 11/Jan 12, Treehouse Villas Dec 10/Jan 11, SSR Dec 09/Jan 10, SSR Dec 08/Jan 09, Wonder 3 Night Jan 08, SSR Dec 07/Jan 08, Grand Californian June 2007, SSR March 2007, Omni Dec 06/Jan 07, SSR March 2005, Beach Club / 3 Night Cruise March 2004, Hilton Head Island Easter 2003, Boardwalk Villas March 2002, Boardwalk Villas March 2001 DVC Member 2000

07-09-2012, 02:45 AM	#9
peabody58 I'm just a drummer in a R&R Band!! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Central Ill Posts: 363	The ‘restaurant’ at the top of the CR will always be my emotional favorite, whether it’s the old TOTW or CG or what ever the new name is. In 1977 while attending Navy Nuke School in Orlando, my first wife and I attended a special event at the MK and had a blast. We visited the CR and I wanted to treat her to a nice meal, but alas, we couldn’t even afford to have drinks at the TOTW. I so remember that feeling of not being able to afford a top notch restaurant at WDW, that I vowed I would return again one day to truly enjoy the experience. Well my current DW of 30 years and I will be enjoying the CG one more time (5th visit) this Oct to celebrate. I am confident Disney will do a great job with the rehab and I will again look forward to eating at the ‘restaurant’ at the top of the CR. __________________ DL 66-68; Off-site: 77/90/91; POR 92/94; BC 8/99; WL 3/10; BLT 9/10; SSR 12/10; OKW 5/11; BLT 9/11; HHI 4/12; BLT 10/12; WBC 4/13

07-09-2012, 09:33 AM	#10
SkyMedik 10 WDW Trips and Counting Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 214	NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well....actually...I support the rennovation. I just wish I had a chance to say goodbye So long, favorite restaurant in the world! See you after the surgery

07-09-2012, 09:58 AM	#11
roomthreeseventeen Upper West Side runner The thought of navigating 26.2 miles with an umbrella is a bit much Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: New York, NY Posts: 6,042	We get to Orlando January 10th. Suck. __________________ Amy, Patrick, Cosette and Herbie As an adult: 2010 GF RPC 2011 AKL/BWI 2012 AKL and ... AKL 2013 Wilderness Lodge! 2014 Dopey Challenge -- AKL or Poly?

07-09-2012, 02:02 PM	#12
joanjett1976 Shane in the study with the candlestick! As a Disney geek you can truly feel Walt's touch in the park Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Montreal Posts: 657	I have to to agree with Kevin. While the food and location are outstanding, the decor and general vibe dragged a bit on the eighties side. Those splashes of color made me feel like I had been magically transported and seated at Spago's in 1988. We visit the world once a year and always try to have a dinner at California Grill. While I am saddened to have to pass up a turn this year, I'm quite excited as to what the Grill have in store for us. Hopefully they are inspired by the makeover of the not-so-contemporary Contemporary rooms from a few years back. __________________ Nov 2013 WDW Swan-AKL, Aug 2012 Disneyland, Jan 2012 WDW WL, July 2011 Disneyland, Oct 2010 WDW Swan, April 2010 DL Paris, Jan 2010 Disneyland, April 2009 DL Paris, Jan 2008 Paradise Pier Disneyland, Oct 2007 DL Paris, Sept 2007 POFQ, May 2007 Grand Californian Disneyland, April 2007 DL Paris, Feb 2007 Disney Wonder & POP, Oct 2006 MNSSHP/F&W @ POP, Oct 2006 DL Paris, May 2006 2 weeks @ POP, April 2006 DL Paris, January 2006 Disneyland, January 2006 30th Bday POP/AKL, Oct 2005 DL Paris, June 2005 POFQ, Feb 2005 Disneyland, Aug 2004 POFQ, 1983-1984-1986-1988-1989-1991-1994: Off Site, July 1980: 4 Years Old: 1st Trip To WDW

07-09-2012, 05:20 PM	#13
bgrego Earning My Ears Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Kansas City Missouri Posts: 14	Cali Grill Needs a menu update too I eat in three places every time i visit WDW. California Grill, Ohana's, and Shula's. Each is very Pricy! Ohana's and Shula's Get better every time i eat there, and Cali Grill gets worse. The steak at Cali Grill is not great, the sushi has gotten worse, and the cooked fish no longer draws me to the restaurant as it once did. And The Caesar Salad tastes strongly of Anchovies. My favorite story from California Grill involved my Brother eating a square of butter brought out on the Cheese Plate thinking it was one of the cheeses!

07-09-2012, 05:55 PM	#15
SkyMedik 10 WDW Trips and Counting Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 214	I wonder what they do with the chef and all the other staff for six months.... Reassigned, one would assume. It would be pretty crappy to be the CG chef and get reassigned to quick service for six months tho, doubt that happens!

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