Announcement: Change of Procedure at CA Grill

[Safari Steve]

Since October of 2002, the observation deck on the 15th floor has been reserved for guests dining at the California Grill. Without changing their check-in and seating procedures, however, there has been no way to keep other guests out of the restaurant, which has resulted in a diminished dining and viewing experience for Ca Grill guests.

There is now a dedicated elevator and a new check-in location for California Grill guests. Other guests will be unable to reach the 15th floor, and will only be allowed use of the 4th floor observation deck.

Just thought you might like to know.

 

[MickeyisanNDfan]

Thanks for the info, I am a big fan of the CA Grill. Does this mean that there is one less general elevator in the tower? I am curious as to how it will work.

 

[stitch79]

Sounds good to me!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I'm also wondering which elevator they'll use. Can you board this elevator from floors 5-14 in the tower to go to/from the CA Grill? Also, would you happen to know where the new check-in area will be located? Thanks, we'll be eating at the CA Grill next month.

 

[chazorme]

Thanks for the heads-up! We will be at CA Grill during our August visit . Despite this being our 9th trip, it will be our first visit to this restaurant. Our party is smaller in size (4 vs 7) and older and more appreciative in taste this trip... (ages 15 - 77). We have been anxious to enjoy this restaurant and its promised view. We have PS for 8:45 for a Saturday evening. We have read some comments on these boards about folks not getting seated because of the "slow" diners waiting to see "Wishes." (...not complaining...just repeating the situation) We are traveling with a diabetic, (used to regular dining hours) and are second guessing as to whether we should make a second PS elsewhere...30 minutes or so later, just in case we can't get "to some food" befoe it is too late. We have never waited more than 15 minutes anywhere (even Rose and Crown) patio view of Illumunations...twice...for our priority seating. But with the news on these boards, I have gotten a little gun-shy. Really don't want to miss-out on the WHOLE dining and viewing experience, but if we can't be nibbiling by 9:15 or so, we could have a problem....even at the happiest place on earth!! Advice from those who have had similar PS times will certainly be appreciated.

 

[suzannews]

I read this in the Eyes and Ears as well. From what I understood, there will be one elevator with a cast member riding in it at all times that will go to the 15th floor. The cast member will have a copy of all PS's for that night and the only way to get on the elevator is to have your name on the list.

 

[BCV23]

Excellent news!

California Dreaming, we're having dinner there next month as well.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Sounds like a great idea !!! We just love eating at CG and then walking outside after dinner, and seeing WISHES.

 

[WEDWDW]

What will the procedure be if you just want to go to the CG lounge?Do you now need a PS for the lounge also?Thanks.

 

[renessa]

chazorme- Why don't you carry a snack for the diabetic, in case CG is running behind on it's PS's?

 

[danny1649]

 

[sotoalf]

I couldn't be happier. There were WAY too many people up there.

 

[Safari Steve]

You do not have to have priority seating to visit the lounge, however you must check in with the podium cast and will be escorted in the elevator by a CM. The lounge will be subject to capacity.
If you have a priority seating, check with the resort front desk for the location of the new check-in podium.
It is not possible to get to the 15th floor without being escorted by a CM after checking in.

 

[Margie J]

Excellent!

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

Last time we were there the hostess pointed to a couple at a window table and said they had been there since the doors open. They were playing cards. After Wishes, they left. Good grief.

We had to wait almost an hour for our table. There was no place to sit as the lounge was packed. I would bring a snack for the diabetic. I always carry pb crackers with me. Having to stand that long with an unhappy blood sugar level is not fun.

 

[Uncleromulus]

This is something that they sort of had to do, given the popularity of CG and the fireworks view.
Unless that lounge area has been expanded, won't take much to fill up that area--or the bar either.

 

[Topper]

I just called and made a PS for CG in August. The new check-in is on the 2nd floor near the escalator/elevators. During the times that CG is open one elevator will be used to transport guests with PS's upstairs. That's all the info I could get out of the CM.

 

[WEDWDW]

I wonder why they don't open the observation decks to guests during the day and then restrict them to CG customers when the CG opens at 5?Also,is the second floor the floor where Chef Mickey's is located?I get the floors at CR confused. Thanks.

 

[suzannews]

I think Chef Mickey's is on the 4th floor. When you enter the lobby, if you take the escalators (sp?) up, thats the 2nd floor.

 

[suzannews]

Originally posted by CoolDisneyCat
Last time we were there the hostess pointed to a couple at a window table and said they had been there since the doors open. They were playing cards. After Wishes, they left. Good grief.

Rude, rude, rude