Birthday ADR, California Grill with Wishes View.

[Boomdocker]

I have read some of the reviews about Cali Grill and it sounds fantastic. My sister has hinted that she would like to eat here but its a bit out of our price range to be honest. Theres me, my friend and my sister so 3 adults.

When we go in January it is her birthday and I thought it might be nice to book an ADR for dinner here. (My treat! Combined chrimbo/birthday pressie, my mates getting us Cirque tickets) Only thing is we would like a good table to see the fireworks. (Who doesn't eh?)

So I need some tips. Do I mention its a birthday celebration when booking? Do all the tables have a view of the castle/fireworks? I understand that there is an observation balcony but dont really wish to leave the table for the whole show especially if we are eating at the time, so any timing tips to make this a successful special dinner.

Thanks so much.

 

[__disneygirl]

I recently made an ADR for CG, and I said I wanted a view of the fireworks when I called. The CM said that you have to tell them that when you check into the podium. As far as birthdays go, same thing. Let them know it's a birthday when you check in.

 

[Boomdocker]

Thats great, thank you.

 

[ccw]

For my 50th b'day with five girlfriends, we had our special b'day meal at California Grill...my hubby's treat for all of us (even tho he wasn't there!). We timed it so we could go outside on the deck to watch WISHES and loved being outside before our table was ready...very magical and it was a beautiful evening. We all got glammed up with fun party dresses and light up magic wands and just had an amazing time. Everywhere we ate that weekend, I got a free dessert since it was my b'day. KONA served the best dessert (and it was enough to share with my whole group) but we all liked what we had at CG, too.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I would mention that bday celebration when you check in. But just remember--lots of folks want those window tables (and there aren't a whole lot of them) so you may not actually get one.
Would add that these days we never even request a window table--too easy to just get up and walk outside.

 

[Boomdocker]

Thanks guys, appreciate that.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I don't know why so many people obsess about getting window seats at the California Grill to see Wishes. The view is much better out on one of the observation decks and a lot more fun. If you make your ADR about 1 1/2 hours before the start of Wishes, you'll be finishing up your meal when it starts. Order dessert and coffee, then go out and watch the show. When it's over, go back to your table for dessert.

 

[joanjett1976]

Celebrated my birthday there this past January. I received a great plate with choclate/rasberry cake. I was also lucky enough to have a table by the window.

I make it a point to dine there at least once per/trip. Great food, great ambiance and great cocktails! They truly have one of the best bartenders there. Does anyone else remember this gentleman. He mentionned having been at the Grill for many years.

 

[Alice Sr.]

Celebrated my birthday there this past January. I received a great plate with choclate/rasberry cake. I was also lucky enough to have a table by the window.

I make it a point to dine there at least once per/trip. Great food, great ambiance and great cocktails! They truly have one of the best bartenders there. Does anyone else remember this gentleman. He mentionned having been at the Grill for many years.

I just posted on another CG thread how great the bartender was, he was a real gem and your right our martini's were fabulous.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We ate at California Grill twice last year and enjoyed it both times. The first time we celebrated my wife's birthday and it was a faboulus night. We did manage to get a window table so that was really great. Imentioned it was her birthday when I made the ADR and when we checked in. California Grill is one of our favorite places to dine at WDW.

 

[joanjett1976]

I just posted on another CG thread how great the bartender was, he was a real gem and your right our martini's were fabulous.

Was his name Tom by any chance? I can't seem to remember... I made 2 ADR's for California Grill on my upcoming May trip. I always show up early, belly up to the bar and see what concoction he can dream up that day!