9:35pm Cal Grill vs Star Wars Fantasmic..what to do..

Astylla

Disney Fanatic
Joined
Oct 27, 2011
Messages
2,791
So randomly searching tonight I came across a 9:35pm California Grill reservation so snagged it THEN realized it's the same night as the Star Wars Fantasmic we have booked..argh! Both of these are on May 13th.

I've heard wonderful things about dining at California Grill around fireworks time and think it would be great.

On the other hand we are huge Star Wars fans. I have a backup Brown Derby Fantasmic booked for later in the week.

It's just DH and I - we do have the Star Wars Galactic breakfast booked for another day at least.

It's just a hard toss up - this was a last minute trip - booked at 60 days so I got pretty lucky to get everything I pretty much wanted but now I'm second guessing myself.

Part of me says keep the California Grill because this is the first one I've found at this time ( so we can view Fireworks) and we could always come back during another SWW event in the future. I've heard mixed feedback on H&V to begin with but we tend to love most buffets but also love a good dining experience too.

It's always possible I can move things around - I keep checking is how I landed all these to begin with LOL.

What would you do..? Any opinions are welcomed !
 
Last edited:
I feel like it would be a lot easier to book the Cali Grill than another Star Wars Fantasmic. I definitely say just keep the Star Wars resi!
 
Even with a 9:35 reservation, assuming Wishes is at 10, you are not guaranteed to be seated in time to watch. It is likely that a lot of those tables will try to hold over to watch the show as well. You can also come back to the viewing decks and watch the fireworks if you ate there earlier that day, you just have to show your receipt to be let up.

Also, I'm a little confused by the second half of this. There are star wars fireworks and a stage show each night of the weekends, but Fantasmic is a different show and it will be the same show offered during the week all year. So it wouldn't be any different if you just waited and used your HBD fantasmic package. Actually, if you have seats for the 9pm (I think it is?) Fantasmic, you may miss the star wars fireworks.
 
I've decided to cancel the California Grill based on the great feedback on timing , we'll try again another trip ! Thanks to everyone your input is invaluable.

Oh in regards to the star wars - we won't actually be there on the weekends , we leave May 15th ( the first actual weekend) , I was just debating on giving up the Fantasmic meal package with Jedi Mickey in favor of CG.
 

Oh I see now. Have fun! And also you may want to keep checking back for the other days of your trip for Cali G. Especially at the 24 hour mark when the cancellations come in to avoid the no show fee. It is delicious, but I agree the star wars would be more exciting.
 
We did California Grill for our honeymoon, and we weren't impressed TBH. However, we got stuck with a server who was really rude/snooty toward us, which is what ruined it. The food was fabulous. I though about saying something to a manager, but it was late and we were tired, and we just wanted to get out of there by the end of it.
 














Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top