best ADR time for Cali grill

[emmamc252]

I am due to make my ADR's tomorrow!!!
We are staying on property so can do the 180+10 and want to take full advantage. I have a couple of questions about how to get the most out of this experience.

1; what time should we try to book? it is the MVMCP that night so the fireworks at MK should be on at 9;30. I am unsure wether to try to book a reservation to allow us to watch them at our table or try to book a reservation that would give us enough time to finish our meal and then go outside onto the observation deck to watch the fireworks.

-If we are having 3 courses how long should I allow for the meal? an hour and a half, two hours??????

-So if booking to go watch on the observation deck after should I book for 7;15 or 7;30ish? want to give us enough time to get out and sit back to watch, .

-On the observation deck is there seating or is it standing only? can we take a drink outside to relax for a while or not???

-Would I be better booking for 8-830 and trying to get a window seat? what are our chances of getting a window seat? We don't like having to leave our meal half way through to go outside to watch fireworks, if we could time it so that we would finish our mains at the time to go out and then come back in to have desserts? is this really hard to time? any ideas when I owul dhave to book for this???

ugh, this is our anniversary meal and I want it to be as special as possible but just can't decide when to book it for at all!!!!

lastly, should I book for 2 guests or 3, the baby won't be eating but may need a suitable space, but then will this limit the chances of me getting a window seat or getting my chosen time of reservation, if I decde when that would be???

Please help, I am stressing!!!!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

what time should we try to book?
. . . 2-hrs prior to fireworks
. . . unlikely to get a table if closer than 1½-hrs
. . . 3-hrs if wanting to eat dinner then watch from patio

If we are having 3 courses how long should I allow for the meal? an hour and a half, two hours??????
. . . two hours is plenty

So if booking to go watch on the observation deck after should I book for 7;15 or 7;30ish?
. . . 7:15, probably

want to give us enough time to get out and sit back to watch
. . . enough time to STAND back and watch

On the observation deck is there seating or is it standing only?
. . . SRO

can we take a drink outside to relax for a while or not??
. . . yep

Would I be better booking for 8-830 and trying to get a window seat?
. . . no way
. . . people hang onto their seats to view fireworks
. . . possibly, but unlikely to get a table with 1-hr prior ADR

what are our chances of getting a window seat?
. . . you can ask, then take your chances

We don't like having to leave our meal half way through to go outside to watch fireworks, if we could time it so that we would finish our mains at the time to go out and then come back in to have desserts?
. . . sure

is this really hard to time? any ideas when I owul dhave to book for this???
. . . precise timing is always tough
. . . but, 1½-hrs for appy and entrée should do it

ugh, this is our anniversary meal and I want it to be as special as possible but just can't decide when to book it for at all!!!!
. . . don't build up the experience
. . . the lesser you depend upon things, the better when they happen
. . . too many plan to the minute, and it doesn't happen that way

lastly, should I book for 2 guests or 3, the baby won't be eating but may need a suitable space, but then will this limit the chances of me getting a window seat or getting my chosen time of reservation, if I decde when that would be???
. . . it could
. . . but, a baby counts as a patron
. . . the baby MUST be included in the count
. . . if you show up with a bad count, you could be forced to wait
. . . or, on a really busy night, the ADR could be canceled
. . . then, you must wait until a 3-top opens
. . . this could really mess things up for you
. . . you might have to wait until AFTER fireworks to eat

 

[jessily]

I wouldn't worry too much about getting a window seat. We asked for a window seat (early reservation... said we were willing to wait) on our last visit and as they took us to our table, which was as far as possible from the window, the hostess told us we should be excited about our "window view seat" The restaurant wasn't crowded at all. They had decorated our table (for my bday) so I felt bad asking for a different table. We just had a good laugh about it and enjoyed our meal. We ended up finishing dinner before the fireworks and ordered an extra drink as we were settling our bill to take outside with us. Standing on the patio and watching Wishes is one of our favorite memories ever from WDW. Great view!