Cali Grill - seats with a view never available?

[Sorrel]

We have been to California Grill 4 times in the last 12 months, and 2 of those have been to celebrate my birthday (which has been noted on the reservation when booking). Each time when we check in we ask, very politely, if it is at all possible to have a window seat, and also to stress we are more than happy to wait for one. Each time the person checking us in has immediately replied saying no, there are none available. When we have reiterated we are happy to wait they have still said no, despite 2 of those times turning up an hour early so we could have a cocktail at the bar. Each time we have gotten tables exactly where we don't want them, with one of us having our back totally to the windows 3 times (there are just the two of us). Now, I understand not everyone can have a window seat, but surely they can't know straightaway that we can't have one? Are we missing something here? Are we better not asking? Is there a magic password? Does anyone else have this issue?

 

[goofy4prez]

I have been there four time and four times straight I have been seated at the communal style tables closest to the bar and with one of our backs turned from the windows. Three times I asked if we could be seated elsewhere and three times I was told I could not. The last time was last June and when I was told there were no seats I let them know that would be fine, I'll order a soda and then leave so I would not be charged for missing the ADR. The server brought out our soft drinks and then informed her we would like the check. The manager came out to see us and we were moved to a better location. It was not a table next to the window, but I was fine with that. I hated to be a jerk, I was willing to wait, and each time I was told no. This time I was more than willing to leave and go somewhere else.

 

[Nancyg56]

My friends went last September and were seated next to the windows without having to ask. They got a perfect view of Wishes while dining.

I think that CG is like 'Ohana. The seats with views that are taken are taken for a long time. It really is the luck of the draw.

 

[Mousetopia]

I was told by them that they are unable to have you wait as it throws off the time for their seating. You will be seated at one if possible but really luck of the draw.

 

[Sorrel]

My friends went last September and were seated next to the windows without having to ask. They got a perfect view of Wishes while dining.

I think that CG is like 'Ohana. The seats with views that are taken are taken for a long time. It really is the luck of the draw.

I would be inclined to agree, but there were actually window tables that became available within 5 to 20 minutes of us being seated each time, so we could have waited for them.

 

[addiln]

Most people who go there would like a window view so they can watch the fireworks as well. The problem is they only have so many available and they don't want everyone waiting for one of those tables. I am sure they try to accommodate as many people as they can but they can only do so much. Image the wait if they allowed everyone to wait for a window seat there.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would be inclined to agree, but there were actually window tables that became available within 5 to 20 minutes of us being seated each time, so we could have waited for them.

I think that restaurants with table with a view have stopped allowing guests to wait for tables. Rose & Crown stopped that years ago.

 

[LilyWDW]

Seems that CG has decided that you get the table that is open when your turn on the list comes up. Period. No more waiting because EVERYONE wants to wait for those tables and it can cause one heck of a mess. So, you get what you get. I can't blame them.

 

[Sorrel]

Oh well, I guess that's the answer then I shall have to play table roulette and try to guess the right time each visit

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I hate, hate, hate the two person tables. My wife and myself have been dining here since they opened and while we did not have a window table every time we at least had a nice view of the restaurant. The last 2 times we have dined here we have been stuck at these terrible tables. You spend $$$$$ at a restaurant and can not get a table where you can spread out and have a view of the rest of the restaurant.

 

[goofy4prez]

I hate, hate, hate the two person tables. My wife and myself have been dining here since they opened and while we did not have a window table every time we at least had a nice view of the restaurant. The last 2 times we have dined here we have been stuck at these terrible tables. You spend $$$$$ at a restaurant and can not get a table where you can spread out and have a view of the rest of the restaurant.

I agree, I do not like the way they re-designed this place a few years ago. While I don't think it's necessary to have every table in the restaurant next to a window, I do believe by the layout of the restaurant there is no reason why not one table should have a seat facing away from the restaurant. In the future when I make an ADR I'm seriously thinking of making it for a party of 3 (and only 2 showing up) so I don't have to worry about those two top tables next to the bar and entrance and with a chair facing toward the server station and entrance rather than the restaurant. But being the guy that I am I'm sure my conscience would get the best of me and end up not doing it.

 

[maxiesmom]

I agree, I do not like the way they re-designed this place a few years ago. While I don't think it's necessary to have every table in the restaurant next to a window, I do believe by the layout of the restaurant there is no reason why not one table should have a seat facing away from the restaurant. In the future when I make an ADR I'm seriously thinking of making it for a party of 3 (and only 2 showing up) so I don't have to worry about those two top tables next to the bar and entrance and with a chair facing toward the server station and entrance rather than the restaurant. But being the guy that I am I'm sure my conscience would get the best of me and end up not doing it.

I don't think that would help anyway. The would more than likely sit you at a 2 top.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I agree, I do not like the way they re-designed this place a few years ago. While I don't think it's necessary to have every table in the restaurant next to a window, I do believe by the layout of the restaurant there is no reason why not one table should have a seat facing away from the restaurant. In the future when I make an ADR I'm seriously thinking of making it for a party of 3 (and only 2 showing up) so I don't have to worry about those two top tables next to the bar and entrance and with a chair facing toward the server station and entrance rather than the restaurant. But being the guy that I am I'm sure my conscience would get the best of me and end up not doing it.

The way they re-designed this section of the restaurant is just bad. How you could ever think that it is a good idea to seat a guest with his back to the restaurant this way ? I agree about the booking for three and just 2 showing up. When they found out they would probably still stick us at one of these tables. I can just hear them thinking when they were redoing the restaurant - let's squeeze a few more tables in here and make a few more $$$$$ each night, whose going to complain when were full every night as it is.

 

[Mousetopia]

I would be inclined to agree, but there were actually window tables that became available within 5 to 20 minutes of us being seated each time, so we could have waited for them.

Yes that happened to us too. I think the real story is that just about every diner within a certain period wants window table...so to make things run smoothly they stopped letting people. I understand that.

I would be inclined to agree, but there were actually window tables that became available within 5 to 20 minutes of us being seated each time, so we could have waited for them.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I really think it's just pure luck. On our first meal there, they seated us one row off from the window without us asking and we had a great view...2 birthdays noted on the ADR. On our next two visits, we were seated along the back side, facing out towards Epcot, and again- bdays noted on the ADR. On our most recent visit, it was just me and DH (normally we are a part of 4, but were only a 2-top this time). This time we had a window table with an amazing view...anniversary noted on ressie.

Now, I've never asked for a window table, but I can also tell you that on our last visit...when we did have the window table, our server encouraged us to stay put for Wishes. We finished up about 20 min before fireworks and while I was prepared to get up and go outside, but our server wouldn't have it. He had DH bring his chair next to mine so he didn't have to turn around and watch and then we were brought complimentary champagne.

Beyond this, CG always seems to be running about 30 min behind- and that's without requesting a window seat. So, I can only assume they don't want to make the system drag even more.

 

[Lisa F]

If you show up for first seating when they first open and request a window table, chances are good you'll get one. other than that... luck of the draw.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

ADR for 7 pm and eat slowly. You may get one and hang till fireworks.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I hate, hate, hate the two person tables

1) It is far better, profit-wise, to have more of the "Deuces" (2-Tops) than "4-Top" tables.
2) For an expensive eatery, like CG, there are more two-person parties than 3-4 person parties.
3) Why waste extra space and extra seats?
4) Revenue is king!
5) As for not having a good view, you need to make an earlier ADR.
6) Many people with window seats will keep their table through the fireworks show. *

* NOTE: Once seated, WDW cannot ask or force you to leave your table once you are done eating. This is why so many people finish eating, then stay, until the fireworks.

 

[Sorrel]

I hate, hate, hate the two person tables. My wife and myself have been dining here since they opened and while we did not have a window table every time we at least had a nice view of the restaurant. The last 2 times we have dined here we have been stuck at these terrible tables. You spend $$$$$ at a restaurant and can not get a table where you can spread out and have a view of the rest of the restaurant.

Yes, this! When I am talking about a table with a view, I am not necessarily talking about a window seat (though that would be lovely!). I am talking about both people being able to get a glimpse of a window from their table, or not have their back to the whole restaurant, and one of you not having to take the "bad" seat. Why on earth they designed those tables that way when one of the biggest selling points of the restaurant is the incredible view, windows and light is beyond me.

I can understand most people wanting a view. I don't believe everyone would be willing to wait for it though. People go for different reasons and with different plans. Most times we dine at a Signature we tend not to go to a park afterward. It is usually for an evening out. When we have booked a table for later than 7 we arrive early and ask if we can sit at the bar for at least one cocktail first. At Cali Grill we often don't even get to order our drink and they sit us down way earlier than our ADR was for. Of course, at other places we get around this by going to the bar first, then going back to the front desk to check in. But at CG this doesn't work. We can;t be the only ones who would like a relaxing drink first?

As regards going early, we often have. We frequently do CG early in our holiday and as we are from the UK this means early eating times at first, sometimes as early as 5:30 (as back home that would be 10:30 and it takes a few days for us to acclimatise!). We have never watched Wishes from our table, and only twice from the deck. We probably would if we were there at that time, but we are usually finished way early. We also went for a 10:05 am ADR for brunch last month. There were 4 tables seated before us, all in prime MK viewing territory. Despite loads of tables free with that view, we were sat along the back window with the view of Epcot. We asked if we could have a different table and were emphatically (but politely) told no. I guess this is to spread people out in service areas, but it was just really to say that the "first come first served" approach doesn't work either. So I am guessing it really is just a random thing as there doesn't seem to be any common denominator to the seating arrangements others have had.

 

[sotoalf]

I can understand most people wanting a view. I don't believe everyone would be willing to wait for it though. People go for different reasons and with different plans. Most times we dine at a Signature we tend not to go to a park afterward. It is usually for an evening out. When we have booked a table for later than 7 we arrive early and ask if we can sit at the bar for at least one cocktail first. At Cali Grill we often don't even get to order our drink and they sit us down way earlier than our ADR was for. Of course, at other places we get around this by going to the bar first, then going back to the front desk to check in. But at CG this doesn't work. We can;t be the only ones who would like a relaxing drink first?.

The view is really not a big deal. You can always go out to the observation deck and look at the view. But I dislike how assembly line the CG has gotten since the renovation. On our December visit we got there a 5:45, twenty minutes before our seating because we wanted a cocktail at the bar. Within minutes a CM announced our table was ready. She looked shocked when we said, "Great, thank you, we'll finish our cocktails first." She looked even more shocked when after she said she couldn't guarantee the window seating (as if threatening us!) we said, "We don't care for fireworks; you can give the table to someone else" (I'd also rather have a good meal and drinks than watch fireworks). The restaurant wasn't even a quarter full.

It was our first mediocre experience. We felt rushed. We're veterans of WDW, though, so whenever we fel twe were getting hustled out of the joint we held our ground.