Cali Grill - seats with a view never available?

[MinMou]

Yep--we've seen the fireworks SO often that they don't matter to us any more. But as Scupper says, folks with a window table will camp out--we've seen them sit for well over an hour AFTER they finished eating, nursing a water or cup of coffee waiting for the fireworks.

Why is this allowed? I can understand letting someone stay if they keep ordering food or liquor, but taking up a table when you are done and people are waiting wouldn't be allowed in other restaurants.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Why is this allowed? I can understand letting someone stay if they keep ordering food or liquor, but taking up a table when you are done and people are waiting wouldn't be allowed in other restaurants.

1) LEGALLY, restaurants can set their own rule(s) for how long you can remain after eating without eating or drinking. *
2) When such is established, it must be applied uniformly . . . if not applied equally, they are open to discrimination lawsuits.
3) Disney has determined they will not kick-out anyone regarding time limits (before or after eating).

* In Disney's case, it has to be applied uniformly across all of its restaurants, including TS and QS. This would/could be a real problem to enforce.

 

[TeresaWen]

Disney advertises this restaurant as having one of the best views in all of WDW. For that reason alone, a table with its back to the window is just wrong. Of course not everyone can sit by the window, but with a wall of windows, you don't need to. We are planning to go to this restaurant for our one night out as grown-ups, and if I have to look over DH's head to see fireworks, that's just not right. (I know he would take the seat away from the window because he knows how much I love fireworks, but why should he miss out?) Not to mention that I find bench seating to be uncomfortable.

Someone mentioned the CG lounge having seating that is compatible with the fireworks. Does it have the same menu as the restaurant? And does it require a reservation?

Yes! I had visions of relaxing over brunch and brunch type beverages while in an open airy restaurant. Did not care if we were by a window or not but most certainly do not want a view of a wall or kitchen.

I understand that the servers who have the bad luck of getting assigned these tables still need diners sitting there. My vacation, my money, it does not have to be me. If I cannot refuse a table and wait for another, and if I cannot leave without being assessed a no show fee, I choose to not go.

The lounge offers the entire menu. We have been lucky getting a table each time wé went. Don't believe any of them have a seat looking at a wall.

Doubt we could sit there for brunch though. Too bad, the menu looked great but I would be wy to angry and disappointed to enjoy it. I know myself well enough to know it is not worth the risk.

If we got a bad table for dinner I would have one diet coke and leave.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Trouble is the so-called lounge is just 8 small, low tables smack dab in the middle of the restaurant.

 

[Uncleromulus]

ont page in the S

1) LEGALLY, restaurants can set their own rule(s) for how long you can remain after eating without eating or drinking. *
2) When such is established, it must be applied uniformly . . . if not applied equally, they are open to discrimination lawsuits.
3) Disney has determined they will not kick-out anyone regarding time limits (before or after eating).

* In Disney's case, it has to be applied uniformly across all of its restaurants, including TS and QS. This would/could be a real problem to enforce.

Can you imagine patrons at CG being asked to leave after dinner?? Front page in the Sentinel the very next day, along with a photo of little Freddie and little Buffy crying their eyes out at what Disney did to them.

 

[Sorrel]

Yes! I had visions of relaxing over brunch and brunch type beverages while in an open airy restaurant. Did not care if we were by a window or not but most certainly do not want a view of a wall or kitchen.

I understand that the servers who have the bad luck of getting assigned these tables still need diners sitting there. My vacation, my money, it does not have to be me. If I cannot refuse a table and wait for another, and if I cannot leave without being assessed a no show fee, I choose to not go.

The lounge offers the entire menu. We have been lucky getting a table each time wé went. Don't believe any of them have a seat looking at a wall.

Doubt we could sit there for brunch though. Too bad, the menu looked great but I would be wy to angry and disappointed to enjoy it. I know myself well enough to know it is not worth the risk.

If we got a bad table for dinner I would have one diet coke and leave.

I think we are going to give it a miss for the next couple of trips too. The reason I started the thread is OH and I were discussing our next ADRs, and we realised the last 3 times we had gone to CG had been tarnished by this really. We had been wondering ahead of time whether we would get one of "those" tables (and there are a lot of them) and were disappointed when we did. Whoever sat in the booth seat and could see the window felt bad for the one who took the seat facing the wall. This last time I was not just facing the wall, but was directly opposite a little doorway-sized opening in that wall where the wait staff went into a lot. They were often stood there chatting - not that there is anything wrong in them chatting, it was just the place where they congregated and it was so close I felt a little uncomfortable. It kinda killed the ambience a little. As someone else said, this place advertises itself on the view, so it isn't as if we are asking for something unusual. We also realised we didn't look forward to the check-in process and the asking for a table with a view, as this is the one restaurant on Disney property where we feel the response to this request is always less than magical, and it seems to sound as if they are tired of being asked. As I said, it is always an immediate "No", never a "I'll see what I can do" or even "I'm not sure". It always feels like I am in the wrong for even asking, and the response always sounds like I am wasting their time by asking.

 

[JerseyJanice]

1) If they take it, they can be terminated.
2) It is far better to sweet-talk the podium host/hostess (aka, "SEATER").
3) They can send a text-message to the seat ASSIGNER (the person with the hand-held computer) and ask for a specific table.

The last thing I would ever want to do is get someone fired.

But what I wonder about is where the line is drawn for CMs who are allowed to accept tips? A guest could argue that a CM who is assigning things such as restaurant tables or resort rooms has helped them above and beyond, and the tip is a way of showing appreciation.

We tip many different kinds of CMs at WDW--servers, bartenders, baggage handlers, housekeepers, ME drivers, etc. Are there specific positions who shouldn't be accepting gratuities? We've tipped quick service workers in the past. Is that OK?

 

[epcotcenter1982]

Why is this allowed? I can understand letting someone stay if they keep ordering food or liquor, but taking up a table when you are done and people are waiting wouldn't be allowed in other restaurants.

The only restaurants I've been to where there IS a time limit it is told to you AT TIME OF BOOKING. So there for example is a high tea place where you get the table for an hour and a half. That's it...you then must leave. You can't order more to extend your stay you booked the table for an hour and a half.
Some other restaurants also have 2 hour "allocations" and again....it's stated in the BOOKING that the table must be vacated by such and such a time.

Disney as stated above have elected to not kick anyone out.....

We actually like to European style dine so we have spaces between meals and won't be rushed. We had a 5:30pm reservation for an 8 pm Wishes. We had Appetisers, Mains and Dessert and Coffee. I don't see why this SHOULDN'T be acceptable behaviour? I know I get sick and tired of the rushing that is becoming the "norm" in some of Disney's restaurants...

 

[goofy4prez]

If we got a bad table for dinner I would have one diet coke and leave.

As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, this is what I told the greater I would do so that I would not be charged a no-show when presented with those tables if I could not be moved. Once the server brought our Diet Cokes we asked for the check. I told the server why and minutes later a manager was there, heard my concern and moved us to another table. Hate to sound like I was entitled, but after 4 straight visits as a couple and being placed in this same spot again, I'd just as much go down to the Contempo Café and grab a quick bite to eat or see if the Wave had walk in seating.

 

[TeresaWen]

As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, this is what I told the greater I would do so that I would not be charged a no-show when presented with those tables if I could not be moved. Once the server brought our Diet Cokes we asked for the check. I told the server why and minutes later a manager was there, heard my concern and moved us to another table. Hate to sound like I was entitled, but after 4 straight visits as a couple and being placed in this same spot again, I'd just as much go down to the Contempo Café and grab a quick bite to eat or see if the Wave had walk in seating.

Unfortunately we were going for brunch - fixed price - no option to just get a drink if we are unhappy with our table.

 

[TeresaWen]

The only restaurants I've been to where there IS a time limit it is told to you AT TIME OF BOOKING. So there for example is a high tea place where you get the table for an hour and a half. That's it...you then must leave. You can't order more to extend your stay you booked the table for an hour and a half.
Some other restaurants also have 2 hour "allocations" and again....it's stated in the BOOKING that the table must be vacated by such and such a time.

Disney as stated above have elected to not kick anyone out.....

We actually like to European style dine so we have spaces between meals and won't be rushed. We had a 5:30pm reservation for an 8 pm Wishes. We had Appetisers, Mains and Dessert and Coffee. I don't see why this SHOULDN'T be acceptable behaviour? I know I get sick and tired of the rushing that is becoming the "norm" in some of Disney's restaurants...

That is how we dine out too!

there are folks who will take massive advantage of the policy and just sit and not order for a ridiculous amount of time so they can see fireworks from their table. May not be against policy but it is rude and low class. If you remain at a table order something! Just because you can does not mean you should. At CG you can come back later to watch. No need to remain at a table if you are clearly finished with your dining experience.

 

[mitchwebb]

We have a party of 8 for 25 wedding anniversary and 21st bday. Is there a certain area that a table of eight would be.
I hope they don't just pull together four of the two tables

 

[TheRustyScupper]

We have a party of 8 for 25 wedding anniversary and 21st bday. Is there a certain area that a table of eight would be. I hope they don't just pull together four of the two tables

1) Alas, unless you rent the Napa Room, you could get two 4-tops or four 2-tops.
2) By union contract, the ASSIGNER determines where you sit and arranges the table(s).
3) And, it can be any where within the dining room.

 

[goofy4prez]

We have a party of 8 for 25 wedding anniversary and 21st bday. Is there a certain area that a table of eight would be.
I hope they don't just pull together four of the two tables

Oh gosh, don't say that. We have an ADR in two weeks there with a party of 8 for my DD's high school graduation and my wife and my 30th anniversary. They line up four of those tables and we are all ordering a soda and done. LOL

 

[maxiesmom]

I can't help but think if you all are going to the California Grill for the view first, and for the food and family time second and third, you have your priorities mixed up. Not everyone can have a great view.

 

[goofy4prez]

I can't help but think if you all are going to the California Grill for the view first, and for the food and family time second and third, you have your priorities mixed up. Not everyone can have a great view.

Unfortunately so many restaurants are for the view or for the characters or the atmosphere before the food; Think along the likes of BOG or Chef Mickey just to name a couple. I've never heard anyone say the food was outstanding at CM, the characters were secondary; same for BOG. The view at CG along with the food and the family time are all part of an important ingredient to the recipe; if one is left out then it just isn't quit right and I don't think anyone's priorities are mixed up for that. Everyone may have a different reason for every decision they make. I don't go to CG 4 times in a row to look at the same old wall each time. It's like saying if you buy a Lexus instead of a Toyota your priorities are mixed up, it's just transportation, why do you want the leather and bells and whistles when 4 tires, an engine and a steering wheel will suffice.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Is it just the "view"--or the fireworks???

Folks don't seem to realize that many tables have no view and many people who do get a table with a view are there mostly for the fireworks--and they don't move until they are over.

And yet the fireworks are easily seen by simply walking out on the deck.

Or lots of other spots where getting an expensive meal isn't even involved.

 

[Uncleromulus]

As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, this is what I told the greater I would do so that I would not be charged a no-show when presented with those tables if I could not be moved. Once the server brought our Diet Cokes we asked for the check. I told the server why and minutes later a manager was there, heard my concern and moved us to another table. Hate to sound like I was entitled, but after 4 straight visits as a couple and being placed in this same spot again, I'd just as much go down to the Contempo Café and grab a quick bite to eat or see if the Wave had walk in seating.

Trouble is that they could probably care less if you walked out since there are probably many walk-ups happy to just get in the restaurant--we see that all the time down on the second floor podium. Someone would love to have a sudden table availability.

 

[goofy4prez]

For me it's not about the fireworks; yes, I can go walk out on the observation deck and do it. In fact I have no problem with that... I don't want to look at a freaking wall or sit next to a servers station and listen too servers complain about a guest at the station among themselves or the noise and traffic of them walking and banging past. At an Applebees or Olive Garden that's fine, but when I'm paying over $200 for my wife and myself I don't expect to have an Applebees or Olive Garden experience... That's just me I guess.

 

[maxiesmom]

Unfortunately so many restaurants are for the view or for the characters or the atmosphere before the food; Think along the likes of BOG or Chef Mickey just to name a couple. I've never heard anyone say the food was outstanding at CM, the characters were secondary; same for BOG. The view at CG along with the food and the family time are all part of an important ingredient to the recipe; if one is left out then it just isn't quit right and I don't think anyone's priorities are mixed up for that. Everyone may have a different reason for every decision they make. I don't go to CG 4 times in a row to look at the same old wall each time. It's like saying if you buy a Lexus instead of a Toyota your priorities are mixed up, it's just transportation, why do you want the leather and bells and whistles when 4 tires, an engine and a steering wheel will suffice.

But you need to know what you are paying for, and what may be an option. When you buy a car you know exactly what you are getting, there is no 'Well, you may or may not get side airbags. It depends on how busy we are making cars at that time".

Make an ADR at the California Grill and expecting to get a certain seat or view and ending up disappointed? The person making the ADR is the one to blame when they are disappointed, not the staff at the California Grill. No where is it promised that every table will have a great view.