AK to Cali grill? crazy?

[HandsofReiki]

So, I planned on us eating quick service at Disney springs (staying at hilton) after our ak day (sanaa for lunch)...

unsure how I came across it, but grabbed a 5:50pm Cali grill adr for that day.

if we did it, we'd be ubering from ak to contemporary, then down to Hilton, after a 730 am ak arrival for too rope drop....

I think I read great reviews and it was the only day open...this adr would mean we wouldn't spend any time in Disney springs...

we wouldn't stay for fireworks....

good enough for that itinerary...or save for another time and hit up Disney springs...

will have a 4 yo in tow.

thx!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

So, I planned on us eating quick service at Disney springs (staying at hilton) after our ak day (sanaa for lunch)...

unsure how I came across it, but grabbed a 5:50pm Cali grill adr for that day.

if we did it, we'd be ubering from ak to contemporary, then down to Hilton, after a 730 am ak arrival for too rope drop....

I think I read great reviews and it was the only day open...this adr would mean we wouldn't spend any time in Disney springs...

we wouldn't stay for fireworks....

good enough for that itinerary...or save for another time and hit up Disney springs...

will have a 4 yo in tow.

thx!

As much as I love Cali Grill, I wouldn't do it. That's a really long day and I, personally, wouldn't be up to going to a signature meal after being in the parks since 7:30 am in the morning, especially with a young child in tow. I would keep your plan to do QS in DS so you can keep your schedule a little more flexible in case people get tired after a big day in a park.

 

[HandsofReiki]

thx!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

It is also a lot of time spent in transit.

 

[Colleen27]

I think that is a very long day for a 4yo. Whether or not I'd do it would depend on specifics about the child - it never would have worked with my middle child, who refused strollers at that age and didn't nap, but my youngest, who didn't give up the stroller until a bit later and would nap anywhere, would have been just fine.

California Grill is one of our favorites and for a group of adults/older kids I'd say go for it, but that is a very long, very nice, very expensive meal to have ruined by trying to manage an overtired preschooler.

 

[hllb]

Everyone raves about Sa'tuli Canteen. Have you considered doing that as your QS?

 

[goofyintoronto]

I too would pass on Cali Grill. Its not worth it in my opinion. Plus thats a long day for a 4 yr old. Its best to be flexible. I'd go to disney springs.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

Is it fairly easy to take a bus from AK to the contemporary? I also have an ADR at CG after my AK day but my kids are little older.

 

[JZCubed]

So, I planned on us eating quick service at Disney springs (staying at hilton) after our ak day (sanaa for lunch)...

unsure how I came across it, but grabbed a 5:50pm Cali grill adr for that day.

if we did it, we'd be ubering from ak to contemporary, then down to Hilton, after a 730 am ak arrival for too rope drop....

I think I read great reviews and it was the only day open...this adr would mean we wouldn't spend any time in Disney springs...

we wouldn't stay for fireworks....

good enough for that itinerary...or save for another time and hit up Disney springs...

will have a 4 yo in tow.

thx!

Let me see if I understand - you now have both Sanaa for lunch & CA Grill for dinner ADR's for the same day you plan on being at the Park - Animal Kingdom? With the expectation of going from resort-to-resort using a taxi - so transportation does not really factor into your travel planning calculus?

Pick one - either Sanaa or CA Grill for that day....or Disney Springs.

With a 4 y.o. - I'd suggest Sanaa. AKLodge is spectacular and has many vista points to see the animals on their Savannah (the same Savannah seen out the windows of Sanaa). If anyone has any additional energy, you can then go to Disney Springs.

CA Grill can be truly lovely. But after having been at AKingdom all-day, I wish you luck dining with your 4 y.o. Being said with the kindest of intentions - your child is no different than most every other - a 6pm dinner can become uncomfortable rather quickly, especially if you've been nonstop and in the Parks during the day. But if you really want to go to CA Grill, the sushi dessert for children is the highlight.

Or just spend you day in Animal KIngdom (without an eye on the clock) and go with the plan to enjoy a leisurely stroll eating Qwik Service at Disney Springs. Shopping & window-shopping is still more 'child-friendly' than a fancy meal.

 

[gharter]

I agree that with a 4 year old, you may be trying to pack too much into the day. I also would keep lunch at Sanaa, cancel CA Grill and eat at AK and enjoy the park. There is a lot to do there and lots to see. There is plenty to keep a 4yr old busy. Don't forget the boneyard.
CA Grill is one of our favorite restaurants, but I think you'd feel really rushed to get there in time. Whether bus, Uber, Taxi, its not a short ride there.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Let me see if I understand - you now have both Sanaa for lunch & CA Grill for dinner ADR's for the same day you plan on being at the Park - Animal Kingdom? With the expectation of going from resort-to-resort using a taxi - so transportation does not really factor into your travel planning calculus?

Pick one - either Sanaa or CA Grill for that day....or Disney Springs.

With a 4 y.o. - I'd suggest Sanaa. AKLodge is spectacular and has many vista points to see the animals on their Savannah (the same Savannah seen out the windows of Sanaa). If anyone has any additional energy, you can then go to Disney Springs.

CA Grill can be truly lovely. But after having been at AKingdom all-day, I wish you luck dining with your 4 y.o. Being said with the kindest of intentions - your child is no different than most every other - a 6pm dinner can become uncomfortable rather quickly, especially if you've been nonstop and in the Parks during the day. But if you really want to go to CA Grill, the sushi dessert for children is the highlight.

Or just spend you day in Animal KIngdom (without an eye on the clock) and go with the plan to enjoy a leisurely stroll eating Qwik Service at Disney Springs. Shopping & window-shopping is still more 'child-friendly' than a fancy meal.

Totally agree with this!

 

[HandsofReiki]

thx!

 

[Micca]

Is it fairly easy to take a bus from AK to the contemporary? I also have an ADR at CG after my AK day but my kids are little older.

For sure! The parks have regularly scheduled buses to all of the WDW resorts. ETA: There are a few exceptions. For instance, there's no bus service from CR to MK because it's a short walk or monorail ride to get there. Generally speaking though going from a park to a resort will be accommodated by bus.

 

[gharter]

Is it fairly easy to take a bus from AK to the contemporary? I also have an ADR at CG after my AK day but my kids are little older.

Depending on where you stay, getting there is easy as there are buses from the parks to all resorts. Getting from one resort to another resort is not as easy. You have to take a bus to a park and then park to your resort, a long ride. Or take a taxi, Uber, Minnie van. California Grill is wonderful and worth the hassle.