Cali Grill Lounge - do you have to arrive on opening for walk ups?

[OldSchoolReasons]

How early do I have to get to the Cali Grill Lounge to score a seat? We did Trader Sam's and got there 30 mins before opening but I presume it isn't that competitive. Wanted to go there on a whistle stop monorail tour before an ADR at Grand Floridian this evening.

 

[Hettie]

I would say between 5-5:30 to be safe.

 

[OldSchoolReasons]

We arrived at 5 and there were seats but by 6 it was full so you're definitely right!

 

[NYCgrrl]

We arrived at 5 and there were seats but by 6 it was full so you're definitely right!

How long did it take for you to be served and did you eat or just have drinks?

 

[OldSchoolReasons]

How long did it take for you to be served and did you eat or just have drinks?

We were served immediately and just had drinks, the second round of drinks was much slower - maybe 20 minutes or so? Still not a massive wait. We didn't eat because we were there before an ADR but the couple next to us had sushi and not only did I look great, it came out fast!

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

We arrived at 5 and there were seats but by 6 it was full so you're definitely right!

So we have reservations for 2, which became 3 when our DD was able to join our vacation. Is it full serve in the lounge? Could you do dinner there? Tia.

 

[OldSchoolReasons]

So we have reservations for 2, which became 3 when our DD was able to join our vacation. Is it full serve in the lounge? Could you do dinner there? Tia.

It's not full serve, it's an extensive small plates menu. I'd defo get a reservation if you want the full menu, but if you just want a leisurely drink then the lounge is great.

 

[msteddom]

Has something changed recently? Every time I've been to the lounge the full menu has been available.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Has something changed recently? Every time I've been to the lounge the full menu has been available.

I think something has changed. On allears they now state that the lounge menu consists of appetizers only and when I went over to the oh so dependable MDE all they listed was a cheese plate which puts me squarely in the "Huh?" category of life, LOL.