Your Opinion of Best Option....Narcoossee's or California Grill during Wishes?

[akaDaddy]

Have never visited either of these restaurants before and need a little advice. Based on the combo of food, experience and views of the fireworks, which would you choose; Narcoossee's or California Grill?

 

[Nancyg56]

My preference is Narcoossees, but that is because I prefer dinner there. I do think that the view from CG is spectacular, and if you have never seen Wishes from that vantage point, I would go there. The view from Narcoossees is lovely as well, and lately my family books a meal there in time to enjoy the show. It is so nice to step out onto the veranda overlooking the lake, Cinderella Castle so close. It is beautiful.

 

[Uncleromulus]

We've done both many times..

The view is probably better from CG, but we prefer Narcoossee's food and service.

A table view is not necessary at either--we just go out on the deck to see the show.

 

[MrToadsWildRide]

... which would you choose; Narcoossee's or California Grill?

The view from the California Grill is spectacular. Probably because it provides without question the most unique viewing experience you'll ever have, in your entire life. No where else can you get a view anything like the California Grill.

Well, okay. If you actually stay at the Contemporary AND you get a park view room IN the tower AND you get a room all the way up ON the 14th floor, you'll get a similar view. But that's the only way you can get even close to the CG view, which is all the way at the "top of the world" on the 15th floor.

Sure, you can also stay at the Bay Lake Tower. Yes, it's just as tall. Yes, of course it does have a lounge, also on the 15th floor. The lounge is called Top of The World, which as everyone knows, was the original name of the California Grill and therefore much more nostalgic. Which does provide a virtually identical viewing experience.

But!

Other than those obvious and quite similar options, the view at the top of the California Grill is both spectacular and unique providing a dining experience unparalleled at any Magic Kingdom resort.

Capa at Four Seasons? Well, yes of course it goes without saying that Capa at the Four Seasons (which is on Disney property) provides an even higher viewing experience being located on the 17th floor.

So.

Aside from staying in at the Contemporary on the 14th floor, the Top of The World lounge at Bay Lake Tower and Capa at Four Seasons, the California Grill offers a view that is spectacular, unique and unparalleled in all of Disney World.

The food is excellent at both. They both have excellent Filet of Beef and great seafood options. CG does have sushi. One of my favorites at CG is their wood fired flat breads. For me, the food and the service is a toss up.

In terms of fireworks:
At California Grill you can view from inside. But it's best to go on to the roof. There is much discussion as to whether the North or South roof is best. Dig out your protractor and do the math for yourself. Although, if you do use the south side, you will see the Bay Lake tower and you'll be like, "Darn it. They have a very similar view." They pipe the music out on the roof to complete the fully immersive pyro-techo-audio experience. (I honestly have no idea if the music is inside, I've never staid inside)

If you choose this option, I'd suggest you consider the timing. Check when the fireworks will be going off and try and guess where you might be in your meal. We've always timed so that we are done with our meal. (but don't copy my technique exactly, I'm a professional competitive eater) The thing is, who wants to spend $50 on a filet (plus tax, tip, licensing, franchise fees, etc) only to walk away from it for 15 minutes or so, while some kid comes over and starts licking your beef. In fact, you don't have to be in the restaurant at the time of the fireworks. If you finish early and the fireworks don't go off for a while, you can come back. Just show your receipt to get in the double secret probation elevator. (there is only one elevator that takes you to the (second) highest viewing in the World)

At Narcoossees, you cannot get a lower viewing angle of the fireworks unless you went outside and laid on the beach. You can see the fireworks from inside. Maybe. The issue with viewing fireworks at Narcoossees inside is the fact that theres a walkway right outside all the windows. We had a window seat with a perfect view of the park. Right at that most magical moment of the beginning of the fireworks, a family walked out and stepped right in front of us. If you're really lucky, they'll not only block your entire view, but they'll have a kid who could care less about fireworks because he'd rather do his Inside Out Goofball Island head bonk, tongue-out, eye-roll impression in your face the entire time. You can trying banging on the window to see if they'll move. (we did) But they can't hear you, what with the fireworks, the music, the cone of silence window glass and the fact that the parents zone out any noise coming from behind them, cause little Billy's back there doing his thing. I could spend much less money not seeing the park standing on (what was) the beach at the Poly, staring at the moderately priced bungalows saying to myself, "I'm pretty sure there used to be a park view, right here." I've never had a window washer show up outside the California Grill to spoil the view. So there's that.

Given these ever so slight differences between your two options, I'd lean towards the California Grill.

Or Narcoossees. It's good too.

 

[Nancyg56]

The view from the California Grill is spectacular. Probably because it provides without question the most unique viewing experience you'll ever have, in your entire life. No where else can you get a view anything like the California Grill.

Well, okay. If you actually stay at the Contemporary AND you get a park view room IN the tower AND you get a room all the way up ON the 14th floor, you'll get a similar view. But that's the only way you can get even close to the CG view, which is all the way at the "top of the world" on the 15th floor.

Sure, you can also stay at the Bay Lake Tower. Yes, it's just as tall. Yes, of course it does have a lounge, also on the 15th floor. The lounge is called Top of The World, which as everyone knows, was the original name of the California Grill and therefore much more nostalgic. Which does provide a virtually identical viewing experience.

But!

Other than those obvious and quite similar options, the view at the top of the California Grill is both spectacular and unique providing a dining experience unparalleled at any Magic Kingdom resort.

Capa at Four Seasons? Well, yes of course it goes without saying that Capa at the Four Seasons (which is on Disney property) provides an even higher viewing experience being located on the 17th floor.

So.

Aside from staying in at the Contemporary on the 14th floor, the Top of The World lounge at Bay Lake Tower and Capa at Four Seasons, the California Grill offers a view that is spectacular, unique and unparalleled in all of Disney World.

The food is excellent at both. They both have excellent Filet of Beef and great seafood options. CG does have sushi. One of my favorites at CG is their wood fired flat breads. For me, the food and the service is a toss up.

In terms of fireworks:
At California Grill you can view from inside. But it's best to go on to the roof. There is much discussion as to whether the North or South roof is best. Dig out your protractor and do the math for yourself. Although, if you do use the south side, you will see the Bay Lake tower and you'll be like, "Darn it. They have a very similar view." They pipe the music out on the roof to complete the fully immersive pyro-techo-audio experience. (I honestly have no idea if the music is inside, I've never staid inside)

If you choose this option, I'd suggest you consider the timing. Check when the fireworks will be going off and try and guess where you might be in your meal. We've always timed so that we are done with our meal. (but don't copy my technique exactly, I'm a professional competitive eater) The thing is, who wants to spend $50 on a filet (plus tax, tip, licensing, franchise fees, etc) only to walk away from it for 15 minutes or so, while some kid comes over and starts licking your beef. In fact, you don't have to be in the restaurant at the time of the fireworks. If you finish early and the fireworks don't go off for a while, you can come back. Just show your receipt to get in the double secret probation elevator. (there is only one elevator that takes you to the (second) highest viewing in the World)

At Narcoossees, you cannot get a lower viewing angle of the fireworks unless you went outside and laid on the beach. You can see the fireworks from inside. Maybe. The issue with viewing fireworks at Narcoossees inside is the fact that theres a walkway right outside all the windows. We had a window seat with a perfect view of the park. Right at that most magical moment of the beginning of the fireworks, a family walked out and stepped right in front of us. If you're really lucky, they'll not only block your entire view, but they'll have a kid who could care less about fireworks because he'd rather do his Inside Out Goofball Island head bonk, tongue-out, eye-roll impression in your face the entire time. You can trying banging on the window to see if they'll move. (we did) But they can't hear you, what with the fireworks, the music, the cone of silence window glass and the fact that the parents zone out any noise coming from behind them, cause little Billy's back there doing his thing. I could spend much less money not seeing the park standing on (what was) the beach at the Poly, staring at the moderately priced bungalows saying to myself, "I'm pretty sure there used to be a park view, right here." I've never had a window washer show up outside the California Grill to spoil the view. So there's that.

Given these ever so slight differences between your two options, I'd lean towards the California Grill.

Or Narcoossees. It's good too.

If you opt for Narcoossees, it really makes no sense to view from inside. WE always step out and come back in for dessert and coffee. The view is not as spectacular as from CG, no question. But still pretty darn nice. And for Fraidy Cats like me, who cringe at the height so no outside viewing,.....perfect! LOL!

 

[figment_jii]

I very much enjoy both CA Grill and Narcoossee's, with Narcoossee's being my favorite restaurant in WDW.

Fireworks: Both locations offer guests the chance to view fireworks from their table or outside on the observation deck/veranda. Neither location will guarantee you a window table in time for fireworks, so it's generally better to assume you'll have to go outside to view the show. They do dim the lights and pipe in the music at both locations (both inside and outside at both locations). At both locations, the servers will work with you to try and time your meals so that you're between courses when it's time to go outside. I think it's generally best to try and try to get an ADR for about 90 minutes before fireworks are slated to start, but it does depend on how many courses you plan to order. In general, I prefer to go outside to watch fireworks so that the glass doesn't detract from the view.

At CA Grill, the window tables (with a view - not all window tables have a view of Wishes) are the most popular tables, so they fill up quickly. The fireworks appear to the right of the castle, general over Space Mountain. You're approximately eye level to the fireworks and you can see the castle fairly well.

At Narcoossee's, the window tables are less popular because the view from the table can easily be blocked by guests out on the veranda (the veranda and restaurant are on the same level). The fireworks appear to the left of the castle and are above eye level. You can see the castle changing color, but you can't really see any of the projections.

 

[hooch11bear]

Definitely CG!!! We've been to both restaurants and we have watched Wishes from both. CG is our favorite restaurant and the view is better from there as well!!

 

[JZCubed]

Have never visited either of these restaurants before and need a little advice. Based on the combo of food, experience and views of the fireworks, which would you choose; Narcoossee's or California Grill?

We've done both.

CA Grill is higher up and with a better view of MK. But does not have a 'centered' view of the fireworks - you're off to a side, kinda'.

Narcoossee's has a more 'centered' view of the fireworks.

Also, more seats at CA Grill have a view of the fireworks, but at Narcoossee's, you're going to have to stand because most everyone outside will be obstructing your view.

Very different ambiance too.

Coin toss.

 

[travelbuffnj]

Are you closer to the fireworks at Narcoossees?

 

[kastoney]

You really can't go wrong with either. Both have amazing food and service. If fireworks are part of the equation I'd give it to Cali, but only because of the overhead view to MK is truly unique and cannot be replicated.

 

[mgentry210]

Both are lovely and both are different. I'm partial to Narcoosee because hubby proposed to me there during Wishes. I do very much agree though that the view can be obscured inside. I would plan to go outside. Even our proposal night, we had a window table and the waitress was very insistent that we go outside to watch the fireworks. We have watched Wishes from a table and really enjoyed it inside from a window table at California Grill too. And other times gone outside and watched it from the deck. I say look at the menu and pick what you want to eat!