a ? about california grill

[uktigger]

hi all

me and my dh are celebrating our birthdays while we are at wdw in october and we are thinking of eating here

my question is can i just order an appetizer and dessert, i am a pickey eater and like just plain foods although my dh would be ordering the whole works (he eats everything there's not a lot he don't like)our birthdays are on a friday and saturday night(15th and 16th) i am assuming wishes would be on the saturday night what would be a good time to book dinner for?

october park hours are not out yet but i was thinking of waiting to book my ps untill they come out is this a good idea or not?

please can anyone help

eve

 

[uktigger]

just bumping

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I've seen people book their dinner for a 1/2 hour before wishes. We are also planning to go but i'm thinking I would like to book it for even a little earlier just in case.
Hopefully someone else will come along and help us with this.

 

[BlueFairy]

Book your PS 1 hour or as close to 1/2 hour prior to the show. If you choose to go on Sat, try 1 hour ahead because they may be busier. I would say that on any Fri or Sat in October there will be a wishes show. Can't comment on the time, since there will be MNSSHP going on most weekends.
As for what you choose to order, don't worry about not ordering a full meal. Just order what you like. If you both decide to eat light you could sit in the lounge or the bar, but I don't think they'll mind if you're skipping the entree no matter where you sit. Just remember this is a fine dining restaurant and the waiters are there to make tips. If you aren't going to eat a full meal, it would be polite not to hold the table for an extended period of time just to get to see the show.
Every time we have been there the waiters were VERY accomodating. Enjoy!

 

[uktigger]

hi bluefairy

thank you for your help my dh will be ordering the full meal and i was thinking of having a appetizer then having the flatbread for my actual meal (is this similar to a pizza)or failing that can i order a 'plain steak' with mashed potatoes or fries?and of course we would tip well

thanks again eve

 

[BlueFairy]

Yes the flatbread is like a small thin crust pizza. Ordering an appetizer with that is plenty. You won't be out of place at all.

 

[uktigger]

hi bluefairy

thank you for helping me out with my questions i am really looking forward to eating here

would i be ok to wait untill october park hours are out before i make my ps?

thanks eve

 

[BlueFairy]

You know, I've never been in October. I would see what others say. Maybe you could make one now as "insurance" and call later and book a new one if necessary. Then you can cancel the old one. I've known people to get PS at the last week, but if it's a "must-do" then I would book one soon just to be safe.

 

[uktigger]

ok thanks bluefairy

will do this tomorrow and then adjust my ps as neccessary when the hours come out

eve

 

[DebUK]

Hi

We ate here on a Sunday earlier this month (not the 4th!) and it was a wonderful experience. We had a PS for 8.20 and were advised that there may be a 20 min wait, however as with all our PS's for this trip we were seated almost bang on time. I didn't need a starter either (halfway through the hol and struggling with the large portions!) but DH and DS did and we also ordered the flatbread which was delicious. DH had chicken, I had the pork and DS had steak and it was all fabulous. DS had the chocolate lava cake which has to be ordered during your meal as it takes 20 mins to bake and DH had the rice pudding for me it was the peach sponge dessert - again all perfectly delightful. Our waiter (Walter) was terrific and made some great suggestions - we don't often eat out at this type of establishment but we were not made to feel uncomfortable at any time - everyone was really friendly. We had a table right by the kitchen which was pretty entertaining. Our meal ended just in time for "Wishes" and we went outside to view it making the perfect end to the evening.

Anyway hope you have a really wonderful time there and hope the above helps.

 

[mickeys#1fan]

It's really not fair to tie up a table. This is how these guys make their livings. Also, if plain food is your thing, California Grill may not be. Closest thing you'll get to plain is the pork tenderloin.

 

[uktigger]

deb thank you for your responce i will be calling soon to make my ps

mickeys#1fan
while i will be ordering an appitizer and a (flatbread)for dinner and a dessert my dh will be ordering the full menu so i don't really see myself as 'tying up a table'and of course we will tip very well

eve

 

[kguenther]

Don't worry about it---go and order what you want. The waiters there are great and attentive and the food is excellent. My husband and I shared a salad, and ordered entrees and shared a dessert. This is a wonderful place, not much more expensive than other disney restaurants and the view really is spectacular. Have a great time!

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by mickeys#1fan
It's really not fair to tie up a table. This is how these guys make their livings. Also, if plain food is your thing, California Grill may not be. Closest thing you'll get to plain is the pork tenderloin.

I have to disagree with this.
We had 5pm PS's at the CG in January (we had a window seat facing the MK), our waiter - at his suggestion - stretched out our meal until wishes...his name was Ron and he was excellent. (I don't think wishes started until 8ish that night)

longest meal of my life! It was my birthday dinner though..we had drinks, sushi, flatbread, entrees, and coffee/dessert (that chocolate lava cake you have to order during your meal - it was soooo yummy). I had the Oak fired beef tenderlion...I'm a plain eater and this was just out of this world! best meal I had all week!

I've never seen my DH leave a bigger tip...Ron was fantastic and definetely made my birthday memorable. I don't think we 'tied up the table'...and by the size of the tip DH left, I don't think Ron minded at all.

 

[BlueFairy]

Just to clarify my position - I was suggesting that a 2-3 hour seating is too long if you ONLY plan to order drinks and apps or something like that. I too have been there for 3 hours or longer when we ordered 3 courses or so. To hear more about that, do a search for my 2002 review. We had an INCREDIBLE evening. I think the whole staff really wants you to have a great experience regardless of your food choices.
UKtigger - I think that you will feel like you've had a "full meal" if you order what you've suggested. Those flatbreads are yummy! And the restaurant wouldn't offer such variety if the expected everyone to order appetizer, entree, and desssert. You could easily stick to appetizers and sushi only and still come out stuffed.
In the end the opinions we post here are just that, opinions. Stick with what you are comfortable with and remember that this is YOUR vacation and make the most of it. You won't regret an evening at CG regardless.

 

[uktigger]

thank you all for your helpfull comments i really do appreciate it i'm sure we will have a great time here

bluefairy i'm off in search of your reveiw

eve

 

[ahutton]

Just to add... If you see something that is on the menu but not exactly to your taste because of a sauce or something added, ask for them to prepare it more simply, they are glad to. They want you to enjoy your meal, and they have wonderful food and a great atmosphere up there.

 

[uktigger]

thanks will do that

eve