Best ADR time for California Grill?

[AshleeH]

My ADR's open up in the next few weeks and I'm wanting to eat at California Grill (for the first time!) on my birthday. Luckily my birthday will fall on Day 10 of my 180+10, so I have a decent shot of getting a good time. I was thinking of shooting for a 7:30/7:45 for 10:00 fireworks. Never having eaten here, does this sound like a good time? A cake will be delivered at the end of our meal, so that also factors into my planning.

 

[Farps]

We planned 1 hour before the fireworks and that worked out very well. I think that 2- 2 1/2 hours before the fireworks might be a little to much time.

 

[dancemonkey]

An hour before is good. The suishi is amazing

 

[bbn1122]

We will be at California grill next Saturday night. Our ADR is for 7:25p. We did not plan for fireworks, since we are DVC members and can go to the TOWL a at the Bay Lake Tower. But you can always watch the fireworks from the balcony area of CR or the bridge that connects CR to BLT.

Now if, you have a cocktail, then order salad, app, dinner, dessert and after dinner drink you may make it to firework time.

8:15p may be a better time. Good luck and enjoy your evening at Cal Grill. I know we will.

 

[minnie mum]

I don't think we've ever stretched a meal last 2 hours, even at a signature. Better to try for one around 8-8:30.

 

[Eastern]

I think it's a good time because I like to be done with dinner before the fireworks start. We finish eating, maybe get a drink, and go out on the walkway and enjoy the view.

If you want to have fireworks during your meal, I would make it later.

 

[Polydweller]

It needs to be stated that not all tables, actually relatively few, have a good view of the fireworks and many don't have any view at all. A table by the window with a good view is not all guaranteed and so in demand that they are very hard to get.

The thing is you can have your dinner at anytime and then come back with your receipt to watch the fireworks from the CG balconies. Chances are you'd have to leave your table anyway to watch them outside. I'd recommend eating your dinner at a time that is comfortable to you and then come back to enjoy the fireworks later.

 

[bbn1122]

Just read on WDW website the same thing about coming back to watch fireworks with receipt. I believe it said, that you can come back and either watch from the CG Lounge or balcony. That is a nice perk.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Well--our meals at CG always take about 2 hours!! Of course we order one thing at a time, and have drinks, apps and dessert along with the meal.

If you do eat early and have some time left before dinner, do NOT count on getting a seat at the bar or in the small "lounge"--they will likely be full anywhere near fireworks time.

 

[Upup4fun]

Aren't the fireworks at 9? We booked 7:30 for Cali Grill because during our trip the last week of Aug. the fireworks start at 9.

 

[AshleeH]

Aren't the fireworks at 9? We booked 7:30 for Cali Grill because during our trip the last week of Aug. the fireworks start at 9.

Depends on the night. The night of my birthday, they are scheduled for 10:00.

 

[ABZDisneyFan]

Any time between 7:00 - 8:00 if Wishes is due to start at 9:00, if it's 10:00 then 7:30 - 8:30.

 

[MouseMama11]

Even if you're done with your dinner before the fireworks, you can go on the balcony and watch them. If you wanted to watch the fireworks from your table, I would make the ADR for a little later just in case. When we went for our anniversary dinner, our reservation was for 6pm and we ate then were able to come back up for the fireworks on the balcony with our receipt. It worked out really well!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Plan ours 30 minutes before. We have a cocktail or two before dinner and then watch wishes. Then we eat.