Artist Point v California Grill - 2 adults, one first timer

[boscoast]

Hi all,

I found a thread comparing these options from a while back but was curious about current opinion. My girlfriend has never been to Disney, and I am bringing her Labor Day weekend for the first time as a surprise. My family loves Disney and I made a few trips as a kid and a few trips with my family now that I am an adult.

I would call my girlfriend a moderate fan of Disney things - I definitely don't expect her to become a super fan after this trip but I do think she will really enjoy herself and love our trip. I am planning our 3 day trip to be a little more centered on the less kid-centric things at Disney, since I know she will prefer that. I've read some reviews of California Grill that liken it to a hit or miss room full of unwatched children, but I have also read that Artist Point's food can be hit or miss. In general, the CG menu seems a little more exciting but if we ended up in a room full of rowdy kids then the less exciting but better environment at AP seems preferable. We love all types of food, including seafood, but really eat everything.

I personally find the Contemporary to be an unexciting hotel to visit, but have stayed in and love the Wilderness Lodge so I think it would be cool for my girlfriend to see - scores a few points for AP, but this is really about the food/dining experience.

We have the Disney Dining Plan, I figured out our meals in a way that will allow us to go to one Signature restaurant during the trip, and we will be at MK prior to and after the dinner.

 

[Shelleyfs]

If you want to do AP, you might want to do it now. Come late October, you can't make reservations for AP anymore. They haven't given a reason why yet. I'm not a big AP person, but husband loves it. He enjoys hunting, fishing, nature kinda stuff. I like watching the fireworks from CG. I think it's all personal preference and you know what you and yours likes the best! You also need to think about the reservations. You might be limited in your choices.

Good luck and I hope you have a really good time!

 

[DWillowBay]

JMHO, but...with the rumors that Artist Point is converting to a character meal (no confirmation that I know of, though) I would go with Artist Point. I've dined at both and I know that it really depends on individual preferences, but ....I was underwhelmed at CG (but, in contrast to you, I love the Contemporary.) Artist Point, on the other hand, blew me away with the design, food, service and ambiance. I just loved it. No matter which you choose, I hope you have a great time!

 

[goofy4prez]

I am not a big fan of CG. I don't dislike it, but it's certainly not in my top 5 signature restaurants either. Other than a spectacular view I have found the place to always be loud, I am not a fan of some of the seating in the restaurant, and the service has been spotty for me. So with that, I myself do like AP and is a restaurant that I often visit in my favorite resort in WDW at Wilderness Lodge. I have always had excellent service, a nice quiet atmosphere, and very good food. I am really hoping that AP does not go to a character experience restaurant. I'd much rather see WCC go to that if anything.

 

[happymommy]

I've only eaten at CG, twice for dinner. Both times were pretty bad, honestly (once was Christmas dinner, and my food was inedible). I am, however, trying to secure a brunch there!

I'd go with AP.

 

[Dean Marino]

Dear Wife and I go to BOTH - regularly. DVC and AP owners, we visit WDW twice per year, 16 days total. 12 years running.

AP - CURRENTLY stunning. We've known their various Managers for years. Yes, over the years, AP HAS been hit or miss . CURRENT Manager and head Chef are stunning.... but it all ends Oct 28, 2018. If you can get a ressie before this? GREAT idea.

Cal Grill.... is SO good that we have taken to visiting 2x per vacation. Yes, there will be children. I encountered the same thing in fine San Francisco Restaurants back to 1958 . Cal Grill is totally under control with this . In fact, ALL WDW SIGS are. It's DISNEY.... there will be children .

Now, you have DDP - so my last suggestion will not help you.
Shula's - Dolphin. No DDP, TIW accepted. BEST Steak & Lobster on property.

 

[kastoney]

Admittedly its been a couple of years since we've done Artist Point, but we never miss California Grill on a trip. IMO its the best signature on property as they consistently put out seasonally appropriate food cooked in new ways. Plus of course there are the fireworks. The kids have never bothered me (and admittedly I have one of the little buggers).

If you want to check out Wilderness Lodge, maybe start there and have a drink at Geyser Point or Territory Lounge and see the hotel then just take the boat to CG for dinner.