3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[hstrickland]

Great pics of your day at the pool. I would love to have a cabana for a day or even a half day if I ever stay at CR. Your kids really enjoyed the CR slide it looks like.
That was some line waiting for the monorail

Thanks, Shelia! I'm thinking the cabana looks promising...but probably a half day would be plenty for me.

What a great pool day!!!! I have seen some pics of how crowded the Poly pool gets - your CR experience doesn't look bad at all in comparison.

Thanks! We did no standing in character lines last year - just character meals. That is mostly what we will do this year too. I will check into those other character meals, not sure why I rejected them before unless it was that Minnie doesn't show up - in this house, she's more important than Mickey. Shhhhh. Who knows if I can even get a new ADR at this point anyway. I think it is me who will miss seeing Pluto, and I guess I will get over it if that happens.

The Poly gets more 'pool hoppers', too, making it more crowded. I think recently, they have started enforcing wrist bands at the Volcano pool...wish they had been doing it last year when we were there

I bet you can still get some ADRs for some of those character meals that aren't as popular...Chef Mickey's...I'm guessing not...but you never know! If you already have Cape May, I think you will be fine...Minnie's there! Kinda weird that her pal Mickey wouldn't be...who knows??!! Strange. Let us know what you decide to do!

 

[RGirl]

The Poly gets more 'pool hoppers', too, making it more crowded. I think recently, they have started enforcing wrist bands at the Volcano pool...wish they had been doing it last year when we were there

I bet you can still get some ADRs for some of those character meals that aren't as popular...Chef Mickey's...I'm guessing not...but you never know! If you already have Cape May, I think you will be fine...Minnie's there! Kinda weird that her pal Mickey wouldn't be...who knows??!! Strange. Let us know what you decide to do!

The pool-hopping thing is amazing to me. I can't imagine going through all that effort to haul myself, my kid, all our pool stuff from a resort with a pool to a resort with a supposedly better hotel!

Yeah, we will probably be fine with Cape May - I'm just shocked that there are only 3 characters. I mean, if they're going to go to all the effort to have a character meal, bring the characters!

 

[hstrickland]

Good Morning!

The pool-hopping thing is amazing to me. I can't imagine going through all that effort to haul myself, my kid, all our pool stuff from a resort with a pool to a resort with a supposedly better hotel!


You would be surprised!!! I don't get it either. Although I did learn that DVC owners can pool hop for the exception of SAB. If that's wrong info, someone correct me. Last year at the Poly, DH and I watched a family with a stroller, cooler, towels...everything but the kitchen sink...hang out, then pack up and get on the boat. They were cracking me up! Perhaps they were DVC owners....somehow I doubt it, though. Guess that's why the Poly started enforcing wrist bands. We didn't see any of this at the CR.

Yeah, we will probably be fine with Cape May - I'm just shocked that there are only 3 characters. I mean, if they're going to go to all the effort to have a character meal, bring the characters!


No kidding, right?! I bet it would be cute to see the characters in their beach attire. If I were staying at one of the EP resorts, I would do it...might as well while you're over that way.

Happy Planning!
Heather

 

[hstrickland]

California Grill - Part 1
7:30pm Ressie
Day 4​

Yes...I know...I'm still on Day 4! What can I say?!....We have so many pictures that I'm finding it hard to cut anything out....stay with me....I'll eventually get to Day 5.

As I mentioned earlier in the TR, one of the reasons that we chose the CR is because many of our ADRs were located around the MK resort area...I hate traveling too far for dinner. So, Cali Grill is about as close as one can get, right?!...a few FLOORS away.

All of you know how much I like pictures, so we decided since the kids were dressed up, we would get a few photos outside before going up to dinner....bear with me through all the family photos

You can't go to the CR without getting a picture on the Mickey ears!!!! Seriously!

Honestly, what I was trying to accomplish was a picture for our Christmas cards. My poor husband is usually a good sport about the whole "take a 100 pictures just to get 1" event. After 11 years of marriage, he has adjusted well.

Well...DD5 began to have a slight meltdown. For some strange reason, she believes that the world revolves around her and that everything in life should be fair...she can be a little dramatic...which drives the boys crazy!!

I've always wanted to have a family picture made at WDW by a professional...I think next year on the Dream we're going to do it!

Okay...enough with the family photos, right!? It's time to go check in at...

Check-in is on the 2nd floor, then there is a designated elevator that takes you to Cali Grill...so basically you can't just go up there and wander around. When you get off the elevator, this is what you see....beautiful decor all around!

They have a gorgeous bar area...with a wonderful wine list.

As usual, there were tons of people! It can get a bit loud at times, so if you're looking for a quit dinner, this isn't the place. And check out this view!!!! Ya really can't beat it! One of the best at Disney!...admit it...even if you aren't a Cali Grill lover

Obviously this isn't my picture...no people!...but wanted you to see the tables and view.

Believe it or not, we did find an empty seat in the waiting area! Sometimes this can be difficult. This area is also used for those that don't have ressies...you can grab a seat with a small bar like table and eat. Personally, I wouldn't want to eat like that, but to each his own.

We quickly took a peek out on the one of the observation decks.

When I returned, Jesse and Faith were at the window having a discussion. Literally, this is what they were saying...

Oh....did I mention that I have MORE family pictures???? We were finally seated at a great table close to the window!

Don't they look sweet together?! Yeah...we were shocked, too....doesn't happen much. Usually they are at each other's throats.

If you look in the background, you can kinda see the sun setting....so awesome! This is the reason I booked a 7:30 ressie...watching the sun set, then Wishes! What more could a person ask for?

DH is from Orlando, but was never a big Disney Fan until he married me...I've converted him!!!! He'll never admit it, but he secretly loves it as much as me...okay, well, not quite as much.

I know what you're thinking...where are the food pictures and review??! I'll get to that! I had to set the mood first.....

Thus far....we didn't wait long at all...we have a great table with a great view...everyone is having a great time...we're anticipating delicious food and an awesome view of Wishes (my favorite fireworks show)


Stay tuned....up next....food review of Cali Grill & Wishes

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has to take a photo inside the Mickey ears every visit

I love the pouty Faith photo. This proves to me again that your children aren't robots and indeed do have meltdowns like my DD used to (used to?).

You had a great table and view. Did you have to wait long past your ADR time? And, you got a coveted seat in the waiting area? Wow! Did DH slip 'em a ten spot?

Still lovin' all your great photos (and photo embellishments). I wonder what appetizers you ordered...

 

[02AggieGirl]

I really love CG, can't wait to hear your review!! And I love that you take a million pictures--I tend to be very picture happy too!!!

And your dress is very cute btw!!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I love your family photos. You take such amazing pictures and I love how you add the extra touches. I cant wait to hear about the food!!!!! Sounds like it is going to be a great ending to your fun laid back day.

 

[RGirl]

Great family pictures!!!! I love the Mickey ear ones. And Cali Grill looks amazing - I look forward to going there on a future trip. Cant wait for the meal review.

Last year at the Poly, DH and I watched a family with a stroller, cooler, towels...everything but the kitchen sink...hang out, then pack up and get on the boat

no way!!!! I just don't get that - aside from being rude, nothing about that sounds remotely enjoyable to me!!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Those were very nice pictutres from the California Grill.

 

[PrincessDis]

Heather.....loving your pictures and trip report.....

 

[lovegrumpy]

Just read everything you have posted. Can't wait to hear more.

 

[amandaw]

On our last trip, I took Reid's first-ever photo with the Mickey ears at CR. That's a spectacular view from California Grill! Can't wait to hear what you thought of the food.

 

[onelilspark]

I can't wait to see the review!

 

[PrincessDis]

Patiently waiting .........

 

[hstrickland]

Hi everyone!

I'm having Dis withdrawals!!!! We have been out of town at the lake...no computer, little phone serviceTons of catching up to do on all these threads, but will have to wait until tonight...we're off to karate. Hopefully I'll have the rest of the Cali Grill review done by tomorrow mornning.

Patiently waiting .........

I'm so glad you're a patient person, Miss Lisa....continue with the patience I've got to catch up on Mousesavers, too!! Did you finish?

Heather

 

[hstrickland]

Okay...finally had time to go back and read...so here goes the multi-quote maddness!...

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has to take a photo inside the Mickey ears every visit

I love the pouty Faith photo. This proves to me again that your children aren't robots and indeed do have meltdowns like my DD used to (used to?).

You had a great table and view. Did you have to wait long past your ADR time? And, you got a coveted seat in the waiting area? Wow! Did DH slip 'em a ten spot?

Still lovin' all your great photos (and photo embellishments). I wonder what appetizers you ordered...

We didn't have to wait long...maybe 15 minutes. Not sure how we got so lucky with those seats in the waiting area!!?? We walked in and there they were...I literally ran to them like a crazy person. And when we were called to our table, there was a man eyeing the seats...and he jumped on them He obviously knew the routine!

I really love CG, can't wait to hear your review!! And I love that you take a million pictures--I tend to be very picture happy too!!!

And your dress is very cute btw!!

Ha! Picture happy is the understatement At least I have lots to choose from, right?! And thanks...that dress is super comfy. When I saw it, I knew I had to have it for WDW...next year I can take it on the cruise

I love your family photos. You take such amazing pictures and I love how you add the extra touches. I cant wait to hear about the food!!!!! Sounds like it is going to be a great ending to your fun laid back day.

Thanks!!! DH and I go back every so often and look at previous trips...reliving our adventures together

Great family pictures!!!! I love the Mickey ear ones. And Cali Grill looks amazing - I look forward to going there on a future trip. Cant wait for the meal review.

no way!!!! I just don't get that - aside from being rude, nothing about that sounds remotely enjoyable to me!!!!

Thanks! You'll like it...or at least love the view...one of the best at Disney...I would venture to say in the top 5.

Those were very nice pictutres from the California Grill.

Thanks!

Just read everything you have posted. Can't wait to hear more.

Glad to have you follow along!

On our last trip, I took Reid's first-ever photo with the Mickey ears at CR. That's a spectacular view from California Grill! Can't wait to hear what you thought of the food.

Sounds cheesy to those people who aren't WDW fans, but I would love to have a family photo with the Mickey ears...or at least somewhere at Disney....perhaps when the 4 and 5 year old are a bit older and have longer attention spans!


Going to try and finish the second half of the Cali Grill review so I can get it posted and keep moving along!

Heather

 

[hstrickland]

California Grill-Part 2

After being seated at the perfect table, we were getting pretty hungry and ready to order our appetizers!

Appetizers
DH ordered sushi…he lives for this stuff!

Yellowfin Tuna, Salmon and Hamachi…however, he substituted the Salmon for Tuna. If you like Sushi…you will love this!!! It's very fresh...not too strong at all.

This was mine…..yum! yum! yum!!!!

This flatbread was outstanding, to die for yummy! I looked at the menus from Cali Grill and couldn’t find this particular flatbread….it was called “something, something bar-b-q” …I wish I could remember.

This was Pops…another tasty treat!!!

MaHopie had this chowder…and once again, I forgot the name and can’t find it anywhere on the listed menus. I’m thinking it was corn chowder…but whatever it was, there was none left!!! Another GREAT appetizer...very rich!!

The picture below is the appetizer that the children ordered…Faith was already digging in by the time I snapped the picture. Very good, too, for a child’s appt….not the usual fruit.

You would think that with all this food we would be done…not so much! We were eagerly anticipating the entrees!!!

Main Course

I believe Pop ordered this…he’s big fish fan!

with Spring Pea Risotto, buttered petite carrots, and Pino Noir glaze.

This is what I ordered…and yes…there is no name for this because I forgot and can’t seem to find it anywhere online. It was a white flaky fish….YUM! YUM! YUM!

DH and MaHopie had this…they said it was very tasty…no complaints here!

The kids’ selections were really nice! Not the usual boring mac n cheese, etc.

I was pleasantly surprised with ALL the selections…everything was wonderful! No complaints from me…if only it wasn’t so loud at times….but then again, this might be a good thing since we had 3 children that weren’t exactly quiet.

Now…I’m sure that you think we are done with our meal….and that there is absolutely no room for dessert. Really??!! How can I pass up dessert??? Ever??!!!

Dessert

All of these desserts were outstanding!!!!! And every last morsel was GONE! And check out this child's dessert….how cute is this??!! Only WDW would think of something so child friendly!!!

After a most delicious meal, it was time for Wishes!!! We timed it just right, too. As many of you know, there are 2 observation decks…we went to the one that was less crowded…towards the back. The music is piped in and you get a fantastic view.

I will go ahead and say…which some of you won’t agree….but IMO, the Poly Beach has the best view. I know that you are closer from the CR, however…you can tell that the fireworks are coming from many different places…they aren’t centered over the castle (does that make sense) From the Poly, it appears that they are right above the castle. Anyway…just a thought.

Please don’t get me wrong…it’s still very magical from the CR! I loved it…but if I had my pick….Poly.

Dad grabbed this shot of the 4th floor observation deck…not sure I would enjoy Wishes as much from that place…just another opinion....a bit industrial looking for me.

After Wishes, the crowd completely cleared and we decided to watch the Electric Water Pageant…not a bad view, either….of course the kids were getting tired and starting to act a bit crazy!

The kids weren’t the only ones that were tired and acting a bit slaphappy…it’s been a long day…what can I say!

So...would we return??? Absolutely!!! The service was good, the view was amazing, the atmosphere inviting and the food was terrific. If you are looking for quiet...go elsewhere...not gonna happen at Cali Grill


Stay tuned...up next...breakfast at Crystal Palace in the MK!

 

[WDWKOOK]

That has got to be the cutest kids' dessert. So clever! I might have to order that myself...

I really liked the overhead perspective of the 4th floor observation deck. Boy, is it crowded. I think I might know now where all that litter might have come from

Thanks for getting me excited about our first dinner back in the World. How was the service? While I love the view and menu there, the service has been hit or miss for us. The "everyone-is-tired-and-full" photos are so cute!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Super yummo - I love fish and yours looked great! I totally agree with the Poly fireworks point of view - this was by far (along with the transportation convenience) the highlight of the Poly for us - Wishes and Hallowishes on the beach in our pj's!!! I brought glow sticks which the kids threw around while we would wait for the show to start.

I added my cruise ticker today! Looking forward to the next update!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

How was the Sushi? The only time I order it at WDW is at the Kona Islans Sushi Bar in the Polynesian which I think is very good, however I have had others telling me the California Grill Sushi is even better.