Best time for reservations for Wishes at California Grill

[Jersey Cinderella]

We are going for my b'day dinner at California Grill and I wanted to time the reservation so we will be there when the Wishes fireworks go off that night at 9:00 PM. We will be a party of 10 with a 4 kids, who will be 11, 10, 6 & 2.
I know we will also have a wait when we get there, I'm concerned about my two nephews getting restless if its too late. Should I try for a 7:30 PM reservation? Should that time out OK.

 

[Singinglizzie]

I havent eaten at CG but I think a 7:30 seating would be a bit early (with young kids) if you want to see wishes at 9:00. I would go for 8:00 or even 7:45. I've read there is an outside patio that guests can go after dinner so maybe you want to eat then go outside to watch? Otherwise I've read you can see them if you have a window seat - but you can't predict where you'll get seated? Good luck, maybe some more experienced dinners will also post their thoughts!

 

[Pakey]

With a party that size, you have very little chance of getting a window seat. We've never gotten a window seat with a party of larger than 6. Since you are probably going to have to go out to the observation deck to watch anyway, you might not need to go that early as it won't matter if you are seated yet when the show starts.

You can always go earlier and then just use your receipt to go back up to the observation deck to see the fireworks.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I've read there is an outside patio that guests can go after dinner so maybe you want to eat then go outside to watch?

I believe you are referring to the 4th floor observation deck which is open to anyone wanting to watch Wishes, so it can get very crowded there and a good idea is to arrive there at least 30 minutes before if you want to sit on their bench up front.

However another option is the OP making an ADR for an earlier time and before Wishes starts they can go back to the 2nd floor check-in with their reciept from their dinner, show it to one of the Cast Members and they will be let back up to watch Wishes from the California Grill observation deck.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

I agree with the PP who said you won't likely be seated at the window with a table that large. But honestly, even with the window seat, the fireworks are best viewed outside on the deck. Personally I prefer to go to to CG earlier for dinner when it is daylight outside, because I like the view of the sunset around the Grand Floridian and of course the castle view. We are going at 6:00 PM in 2 weeks and I can't wait to enjoy it...then we walk over to MK to watch the fireworks from there. I've watched them from the CG deck too, I just prefer to be in the park.

 

[Anna114]

I contacted Poly IPO to make my ressie for our upcoming anniversary on May 7th. I had said I would like to see wishes during our meal. They gave us an 8:30 reservation. Hope that helps.

 

[carps09]

On our honeymoon a few months ago, we had an 8pm ADR and we weren't seated until 9pm. We ended up watching the fireworks out on the deck and then coming back inside and starting dinner. Most people who are done eating around 8 will try and drag it out until Wishes, so it's very likely you'll end up waiting with an 8pm ADR.

 

[jackbency]

I am not sure of the exact time but we made a reservation for about 40minutes or so before the fireworks started and that worked out well.They will hold off on a course to let you watch the fireworks and then return to dining.They should be able to tell you that when you call to book the ressie.They have for me in the past.

 

[Anna114]

I am not sure of the exact time but we made a reservation for about 40minutes or so before the fireworks started and that worked out well.They will hold off on a course to let you watch the fireworks and then return to dining.They should be able to tell you that when you call to book the ressie.They have for me in the past.

Well there lays my one concern to rest I didn't want to be in the middle of eating and not be able to get up and watch the show.

 

[Luv4Disney]

I was able to get a reservation in September for 7:40...Wishes is at 9pm. I hope it works out!