Cali Grill & families

[DjdBrit]

My 9 year old just informed me that he would really like to eat at the Califorian Grill if we ever go bck to WDW. Little does he know that I am currently planning a trip for 2010. Anyway we will be 3 adults and 3 kids (9, 6 and 4) and I am wondering if this is a good place for them. I know its 2 credits and I persoanlly would have the kids dress a little nicer (polos and nice shorts) for this one.

Also when we be a good time to get a reservation so we could see the fireworks at MK???

If anyone has any other tips or advice I would love to hear them.

 

[DreaminDisney]

We loved this place but our kids 7 & 10 at the time didn't like the food but we all agreed it was the best place to see wishes with the music piped in. It was very cool.

 

[robinbutterfly]

Very kid friendly! It is a must for all of our trips to WDW!! The mac n cheese and pizza are GREAT for kids!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Be sure to go during the time of Wishes fireworks.

 

[Uncleromulus]

You should probably try for about an hour before whatever time Wishes is set to go off on the evening you'll be there. Even an hour and a half ahead won't be too bad--some nights you may not be seated until after your actual ADR time. Happens to us all the time when we eat at CG on a Saturday night.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Just incase you can not get an ADR closer to the fireworks and need to choose one at an earlier time and finish before, you can return to the 2nd floor check-in with your receipt from that evening to show them and they will let you back up to watch Wishes.

 

[Halle]

I'd POP for the kids for this dinner.

 

[Uno Mas]

We've been there with our two kids and then another family with their two kids and it's always been great. The kids are very well behaved and love the kid's menu selections - definitely a step above the normal kids menu. They love watching the sun set over the MK and then going out later to watch wishes. All in all, highly recommended!

 

[waltskids]

This is a very kid friendly restaurant. It's so loud and tons of kids dine there so you will be fine. The food is good, but we love the view! Have a great trip.

 

[3 Mouseketeers]

I know they pump the sound into the restaurant for Wishes, but do they do the same on event nights such as MNSSHP for Hallo-Wishes?

 

[purpliequeen]

Aww how cute of your 9-year old to request this restaurant. Unfortunately, I didn't get to dine here till I was 17 or something... I would've loved it as a kid! I still love it- I honestly don't see how anyone can not like Cali Grill. Anyway, the chefs are really accomodating with adults AND children regarding menu options. I really recommend splitting appetizers, such as flatbreads if you go with a larger number of diners. It's more fun that way.

And yes, an hour ahead, or even an hour and a half, is perfect. Cali Grill has never been late on our ADR time, but it's better to play it safe when it comes down to seeing the fireworks. The waitstaff do a great job with timing the food with the fireworks. I think both times I've been there, they brought out our desserts right at the five minute mark before the fireworks start. It's such a great restaurant. It's best to request a window table, but if you don't get one, never fear, you can always watch on the bridge right outside of the restaurant and then walk back into the restaurant to finish eating your meal. You can even come back to the restaurant for the fireworks if you ate an earlier dinner that evening- just bring your receipt.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I know they pump the sound into the restaurant for Wishes, but do they do the same on event nights such as MNSSHP for Hallo-Wishes?

Yes they do.

 

[PoohsFan1]

Just incase you can not get an ADR closer to the fireworks and need to choose one at an earlier time and finish before, you can return to the 2nd floor check-in with your receipt from that evening to show them and they will let you back up to watch Wishes.

That is exactly what we do. We always get the earliest seating (5:30pm) which gives us a better chance to get a table by the window facing MK, so worth it....love watching MK go from Dusk to night.

Also, we took our kids to Cali Grill for the first time in March and they LOVED it. My DD6 had the mac and cheese that she devoured (which is very good for her) and my DD8 is a steak lover so she had the child's seared steak and said it was very good. Since they did so well in March, we decided to go back in December and they are very excited about it. This has become our most favorite restaurant on Disney property, in fact it is our favorite restaurant anywhere, my DH and I are always comparing other fine dining to Cali Grill (even in our home town).

 

[kittylady1972]

We took our three there back in May - ages 9, 6 and 4.5 and our server was just wonderful with them, bringing extra cherries for their drinks (shirley temples) and accomodating any requests since I have VERY picky eaters.

We are definitely going back this December with the kids again. Cali Grill has become one of our new MUST-DO restaurants!