A few California Grill questions...

[ktc42spike]

So after reading all of the reviews on here, I have made reservations for my husband and me at the CG for our anniversary dinner. There was only one opening available - which is at 5:45 - but I think that will be perfect considering sunset is slated for 6:10 ish.

The reservation person told me that 'she thinks' that they give vouchers or some sort of ticket to come back later (since we couldn't get a later seating) to watch the fireworks from the observation deck as they are scheduled for 9:30 that night. Is that true?

And she also said that we'll have to request a window table when we get there. The likelihood of actually getting one seems like a shot in the dark. What are odds we'll actually get one?

Thanks!

 

[sharonkurland]

If you tell them you're willing to wait for a window seat (throw in that it's your Anniversary...might help), you'll not only increase your chances, but you'll also possibly start the meal late enough where maybe you'll be able to see the fireworks after all.

 

[gigi1313]

we, too, have an early CG ressie, but would love to know more about getting a voucher to come back and watch the fireworks later... does anyone know about those? this is the first i'm hearing of it...

 

[tiggr33]

The reservation person told me that 'she thinks' that they give vouchers or some sort of ticket to come back later (since we couldn't get a later seating) to watch the fireworks from the observation deck as they are scheduled for 9:30 that night. Is that true?

we, too, have an early CG ressie, but would love to know more about getting a voucher to come back and watch the fireworks later... does anyone know about those? this is the first i'm hearing of it...

The "voucher" is actually your dinner receipt. If you go to the check in podium with a dinner receipt for that day, you will be escorted up so that you can view Wishes from the observation deck.

 

[kmk1180]

You said this is for an Anniversary Dinner?

Sounds nice but lots of people have the same thought.
Let's eat CG and watch the fireworks. Thus from 6-fireworks
it tends to be packed with kids.
It's not a quiet romantic dinner your thinking of.

If that's what you wish, maybe try Narcoosees.
Still on the lake to watch fireworks but with alot less kids.
Or try Jiko.

 

[ktc42spike]

Does Jiko have windows with a view?

 

[kmk1180]

Does Jiko have windows with a view?

to be honest, don know...when we eat there it was after dark and while it had windows you couldn't really see out.
But they do adjust the lighting on the far wall over time to mimic a African Sunset.

 

[webray]

At 5:45 you could easily get a window by the table. Just show up about 30 minutes early if possible, instead of the usual 10. That allows them more time to choose who gets the window tables based on special occasions.

Yes, you can go back up to see the fireworks, they told us two weeks ago just to bring our receipt (from that day of course) back to the 2nd floor and they would bring us up.

 

[TDC Nala]

Does Jiko have windows with a view?

They have windows. But the most you will see through them are a few rocks, a fountain made to look like a brook (if it's operating), and people walking toward Mara (quickservice) and the pool.

The main draws at Jiko are inside, not outside.

 

[Kteacher]

CG is my favorite WDW restaurant . I've dined there early and late ( during fireworks), and prefer early. You are taking your chances that it might be cloudy, but the dining room is less crowded earlier in the evening, and you can still come back up for Wishes later on. Here's a picture from a few years ago of me with my son at CG during a spectacular sunset :

 

[ktc42spike]

Thanks for the picture! So fun. I have decided to keep the reservations. I am sure it will be wonderful. Vacation + good eats + Disney = great time no matter what.

Thanks for all of the responses.

P.S. I made reservations at Jiko for the following night, so dilemma solved.