Access to California Grill/Top Floor

[GF Girl]

Does anyone know if you are able to access the top floor, after the CG is closed?

 

[Mike&AllisMom]

Does anyone know if you are able to access the top floor, after the CG is closed?

No, you need a reservation for access.

 

[figment_jii]

The elevators open directly into the restaurant, so I doubt they'd allow you in once the restaurant has closed to guests for the evening.

 

[GF Girl]

We have gotten up without a reservation in the past. We only ate at the bar though. Thanks for the replies. I was just curious if you could go up and take pictures out on the observation deck.

 

[figment_jii]

Does anyone know if you are able to access the top floor, after the CG is closed?

We have gotten up without a reservation in the past. We only ate at the bar though. Thanks for the replies. I was just curious if you could go up and take pictures out on the observation deck.

I think the big difference is that the previous time you went when the restaurant was still open. They may allow that (probably depends on how busy they are), but I'd be hesitant to think they'd allow you to go up if you weren't planning on dining (or getting drinks). Regardless I doubt they'd allow you to go up after the restaurant has closed because the elevators open into the center of the restaurant and they wouldn't have anyone to accompany you.

 

[Dean Marino]

If you get a good answer? Please tell me... I, too, would like to make off with the contents of the Wine Cooler .

 

[purple figment]

We have gotten up without a reservation in the past. We only ate at the bar though. Thanks for the replies. I was just curious if you could go up and take pictures out on the observation deck.

That's the difference - you can eat at the bar/lounge without a reservation and stay for fireworks or go outside to take pictures. The only public access to the observation deck is through the restaurant so when CG is closed there is no way for the public to get up there.

 

[jenjersnap]

There is another observation deck on the 4th floor that would be open to the public during all hours.

 

[GF Girl]

Thanks everyone. I was asking, because they did allow access 24/7 in the past to their resort guests. I don't want to have access to the restaurant at all....just the observation deck. Big difference between 4th floor access and the top floor for photos. Oh well

 

[cigar95]

Big difference between 4th floor access and the top floor for photos. Oh well

Spot on. I used to enjoy going up to the deck during the middle of the day, when I was usually the only one there. You could see the entire property, pretty much.
I suspect that it's no longer allowed for insurance purposes.

 

[CraigInPA]

Find yourself a DVC member staying at Bay Lake Tower and ask them to take you along to Top of the World in the Tower for pics. Similar view.

 

[Mike&AllisMom]

We have gotten up without a reservation in the past. We only ate at the bar though. Thanks for the replies. I was just curious if you could go up and take pictures out on the observation deck.

Thanks! I thought it was reservation only

 

[jenjersnap]

Thanks everyone. I was asking, because they did allow access 24/7 in the past to their resort guests. I don't want to have access to the restaurant at all....just the observation deck. Big difference between 4th floor access and the top floor for photos. Oh well

Of course, there is a big difference, but I hoped it would help because the alternative is no photos at all.

@Mike&AllisMom, you can eat or have a drink in the lounge without an ADR if they have space available. Just inquire at the CG check in desk.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Find yourself a DVC member staying at Bay Lake Tower and ask them to take you along to Top of the World in the Tower for pics. Similar view.

Only if you are staying with the DVC member on their reservation.

 

[Dean Marino]

Sue me.... I STILL want to find a way to loot the stunning CG wine 'fridges .

I know - not going to happen .

 

[GF Girl]

Too funny Dean Marino!
I have seen several other resort restaurants that don't open until dinner, and they all are open to the public if you want to walk in and take photos.

 

[Dean Marino]

Too funny Dean Marino!
I have seen several other resort restaurants that don't open until dinner, and they all are open to the public if you want to walk in and take photos.

Here's a good one.... since the CG renovation - we've taken a good friend that happens to be a CM/Server at another SIG to the CG. The lady is a top flight Sommelier . Getting off the elevator - she saw the wine display . I am grateful that she did not have a crowbar with her .

 

[supersnoop]

Thanks everyone. I was asking, because they did allow access 24/7 in the past to their resort guests. I don't want to have access to the restaurant at all....just the observation deck. Big difference between 4th floor access and the top floor for photos. Oh well

Was that before a remodel? Since the elevator opens to the restaurant, I can't image how they could make that work.

 

[GF Girl]

It must have been before the renovation @supersnoop
I remember the elevator opening up in a corridor, that then lead to the restaurant. That's probably why there is no guest entry (other than reservations). They used to serve a great a la carte breakfast buffet, and it was incredible. We used to be up there morning and night with no issues....ah, those were the days.

@Dean Marino that's a cute story. I bet she was on .

 

[TheRustyScupper]

You could see the entire property, pretty much.

1) Pretty much.
2) However, the only true place to see the entire property is the roof of Wilderness Lodge. *
3) When we take people up there, they sometimes actually gasp at the views in all directions.
4) A true "Kodak Moment", as long as the fog has burned off.

* Of course, the problem here is ZERO handicap access. Once off the elevators, you still have to navigate the equivalent of two flights of stairs to get onto the roof, than another eight steps from the lower roof to the upper roof. But, the views are worth the "climb".