CA Grill on Christmas: Fireworks Timing?

[minniebride]

Has anyone ever done Christmas dinner at the California Grill? If so, what time did you/would you plan to make an ADR to be able to enjoy Wishes fireworks while you are dining?

Thanks!

 

[Halle]

I'm sorry that I can't help with any info but it sounds wonderful to me.

 

[kerri0616]

I checked the historical data and this past Xmas night Wishes was at 10pm.

K

 

[Heather H]

We spent C'mas 2010 at Disney and had C"mas dinner at California Grill - it was outstanding. We have never had better service - Ron (Lexington KY) was a total pro - it felt like the meal of our lives!
We had reservations for 7PM. As we were nearing the end of our trip, our kids(ages 9 & almost 7) were quite mellow. We enjoyed a splendid meal but my son fell asleep towards the end. Ron was so wonderful - he found a free banquette near the balcony for him to sleep on and we were able to enjoy the 10PM Wishes show. My son woke up in time for the fireworks and was able to cope well - the nap did wonders! We enjoyed a leisurely meal and the fireworks.
This schedule worked really well for us - but I think it depends on the ages of your kids. The view for Wishes was spectacular and it proved to be a Christmas to remember.
The only problem we encountered was getting the bus back to our resort (Coronado Springs). Magic Kingdom was really busy and we waited over an hour for the bus. This experience has made me think about staying at a Deluxe resort just to be on the monorail system. However our Christmas dinner at CG was beyond wonderful and a true favourite.

 

[minniebride]

Thank you!

So, reservations should be made for as early as 7pm? Is dinner at the CA Grill a 2-3 hour event on Christmas?

There will only be the two of us-my DF and myself. We would likely order an appetizer, meal, and share a dessert.

Do you think there would be a long wait to be seated?

I was originally thinking if the fireworks start at 10, maybe we should make a 9pm ADR, but is that cutting it too close?

We have never eaten at California Grill and also never been to WDW for Christmas, so I have no clue about either of these things!

Thanks again

 

[Connears]

We ate at CG on xmas night in 2006(have been every xmas week since,but not back to CG since). We had 9:20pm adr and arrived at 8:55pm and were seated immediately and Wishes was for 9pm that night. We were asked if we wanted to go out and watch from the balcony and 1/2 of us did and the other 1/2 stayed at table and had a great view(they do have the soundtrack on for the show) from there. CM was great and told us not to hurry and enjoy the show. If was a great meal and it was over 2 hours, but really wonderful all around.

Funny anectdote-when I called to make adr it was for 5 people and the CM on the phone(before online adrs) was looking for availability and said" I see that you need 5 adults and one infant in a high chair RIGHT??? We have 9:20pm available and if the baby is too tired to make it, just let them know at the check-in podium." I never said anything about a child, but I gathered that is what was available and took the adr and had no problem when we got there..very strange encounter.
Connears

 

[Heather H]

If there are just 2 of you, a reservation for 7:30 or 8PM might be OK to catch the 10 PM show. The thing is, CG is an experience and you don't want to rush.
Enjoy an appetizer and maybe a drink before your main course and take time for a leisurely dessert with coffee.
I also noticed that the people who weren't finished their meals still went out to see the show and were able to return to their tables for coffee, etc. We made our reservation in June - 6 months prior to the date. Book as soon as you can to get what you want and enjoy!