Cali Grill- Balcony Stampede?

[peyjax]

So we have an adr for 7pm. Wishes starts at 9 and i am hoping to just finish up with dinner or kill time down at the contemporary to look around. I was curious is there a mad rush to get out on the balcony to see the fireworks? If so what time should you go out? Also if we are fortunate enough to get a table view, should we stay there and watch. Is the music piped in to the restaurant and do they dim the lights? Thanks for your help!

 

[simonkodousek]

Just stay at CG.

 

[BCV23]

Just stay at CG.

If you've finished dinner, I would not do that. It would be inconsiderate of other diners waiting for tables as well as your server who is depending on tips.

The lights are no longer dimmed for Wishes but the music was still piped in I think when last we dined there in January. There is no mad rush for the balcony. If you are still dining, your server will probably inform you that Wishes will be starting soon.

Enjoy, CG, peyjax. We love that restaurant.

 

[rentayenta]

We have an ADR for the Cal Grill too that coincides with Wishes.

 

[Uncleromulus]

As BCV23 says, no mad rush for the observation deck. Folks just sort of "flow" outside as fireworks time draws near. And last time we were at CG the music was piped in but the lights were not dimmed.

 

[snowbunny]

There was a stampede of sorts for the balcony when we were there in October...but it was difficult to distinguish that event from the general total mayhem at the CG.

 

[CamColt]

When we dined there last summer we were told if we finish before the the fireworks we can return to the check in area, just show them our receipt, and we will be allowed back up.

With that said we were booked for 2 hours before the fireworks and finished up right about 15 minutes early. I would grab a drink and head out on the balcony right after dinner. You shouldn't have much of a wait.

 

[trivial]

We went during a relatively slow season in January. After dinner, we went down to the gift shop for about 20 minutes, then returned to the restaurant about 15-20 minutes before the fireworks. We were among the first on the balcony, but it didn't appear to be overly crowded. During busier seasons, I can see it being a bit crowded.

 

[Leota]

As BCV23 says, no mad rush for the observation deck. Folks just sort of "flow" outside as fireworks time draws near. And last time we were at CG the music was piped in but the lights were not dimmed.

That is also our experience. Another thing, our meals at CG usually last about 2 hours. We like to do at 5 courses when we eat there, so maybe we take longer.