ADR Options for California Grill- opinions needed please!

[pixiepoo24637]

We want to watch Wishes from the California Grill. Our current reservation is at 9:20, Wishes is at 10 that night. I wanted something around 8:30 but the closest they have is 7:40. So would it be better to take the 7:40 spot & just eat very slowly? Or keep the 9:20 & hope we get seated in time? Or we could show up a little early for our 9:20 reservation. We will be eating with 3 boys (ages 4,7 &9) so I am hesitant to switch to the 7:40 b/c they may get a little rowdy being there that long. Decisions decisions! Thanks!

 

[dishm12/08]

Since you got the boys, I would keep it the way it is. I'm not an expert, but that makes the most sense to me.

 

[ciera321]

I agree, keep it the way it is. We always make our reservation at CG 1 1/2 - 2 hours ahead of Wishes, but I think 7:40 is a bit too early!!!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I'd keep what you have and just plan on checking in early. The meal took us about 2 hours when we went. I think 7:40 would not work. Two hours is a long time to sit as it is! I think if you arrive early you'll be likely to be seated on time. I think they really limit the number of ADRs for Cali Grill - that's probably why you couldn't get an in between time.

 

[pixiepoo24637]

Thank you! I guess I will keep what we have & maybe keep calling back to see if something opens up!

 

[Connears]

When we ate there xmas 06 we had adr for 9:20 and got there around 8:55 and were escorted upstairs right away and Wishes was for 9:00pm so when we were seated,(right away), they said we could either watch from the table of the outdoor deck and take our time. Most folks in the lounge also went outside, but only half of our party did..we had great view from our table. I would keep the 9:20...you will be able to view them if you are seated or not..
Connears

 

[Pakey]

Another vote for keeping it for 9:20. The wait staff is excellent about timing your courses so that you aren't sitting with food getting cold at your table while you go out on the observation deck to watch the show. Just tell your server that you are going to do this and they'll accommodate you. We always do it this way rather than getting there so early. If everybody tried to take 2.5 hours to eat slowly to wait on fireworks, nobody would ever get seated past 7:30 at that place!!!!

Most tables do not have great views; better from the observation deck. We've eaten here about 20 times and have never had a problem with the courses vs fireworks viewing. We always make our ressie no more than an hour before the fireworks. I prefer to have dessert afterwards.