Cali Grill - seats with a view never available?

[goofy4prez]

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.

Oh they cared... I did do this in one of my earlier posts. I ordered a Diet Coke and then asked for the check. It took all of 2 minutes for the manager to come by and then move us. Four straight times was enough for me.

 

[goofy4prez]

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".

We can debate all day and neither side is going to bend. Just they way it is. You can go, take the seat looking at a wall that's fine. I won't. No more debate.

(But your statement about cars is fair, I'll give you that)

 

[maxiesmom]

I have no problem with people asking for a better view. And it is great if that request can be accommodated! But walking out if they can't? That is when I think a person has their priorities skewed. The dinner and your companions should be the main thing. The view secondary. Walking out because of a lack of a view just seems childish, in my humble opinion.

 

[goofy4prez]

I have no problem with people asking for a better view. And it is great if that request can be accommodated! But walking out if they can't? That is when I think a person has their priorities skewed. The dinner and your companions should be the main thing. The view secondary. Walking out because of a lack of a view just seems childish, in my humble opinion.

Say what you will, it's your opinion and your entitled to it. Last year was our fourth visit to CG and all three times prior we were placed at the same two top table and just accepted it. Both my wife and I were in agreement that if we were seated there once again we would not stay for dinner. You can call it childish if you will in your humble opinion, in my humble opinion it is not. My wonderful Disney wife and I were more than willing to look at a wall in the Contempo Cafe and enjoy each others company if needed.

 

[mitchwebb]

Im ok without a view of the fireworks, We will heading up to the Top of the World lounge while the youngest (21, 23) go to the Halloween Party.
I really just don't like a bunch of twos put together. We will have a wonderful celebration no matter where we sit.

 

[MinMou]

Wanting an advertised view AND excellently prepared food doesn't mean I have my priorities skewed. It means I want my money's worth.
And while I don't believe they should shuttle people in and out like a fast food place, sitting for an hour after your dessert is finished - when a restaurant has hard-to-attain reservations - is taking unfair advantage of the staff.

Some people go to WDW often, but for others, it's a once in a lifetime experience. Both groups deserve a beautiful experience at a signature dining restaurant.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Are there specific positions who shouldn't be accepting gratuities?

1) There are "tipped" and "non-tipped" positions at WDW.
2) These are by union contract.
3) SEATERS (podium people) and ASSIGNERS (those with handheld computer assigning tables) are "non-tipped".

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Did not care if we were by a window or not but most certainly do not want a view of a wall or kitchen.

One needs to understand the Table Assigning Process . . .
******************************************************************************
1) The new system at WDW for TS eateries is:
. . . you check-in at podium with a SEATER
. . . the SEATER enters your info - name, party size, DDP/TIW/etc, allergy issues
. . . if not staying on-site, they get a phone number, in case you try to walk out without paying
. . . the ASSIGNER locates an empty table and enters it into the his/her handheld computer (much like an iPad)
. . . the assignment is transmitted to the podium SEATER
. . . the SEATER prints out the seating slip and escorts you to the assigned table
. . . the SEATER does not have the option of changing the assigned table, because you wish an open table
. . . the assignment slip is left on the table for the SERVER to view and review
. . . if you see a slip on your table that is handwritten, that means the computer system is down and everything is manual
2) The ASSIGNER has specific duties and responsibilities
. . . the table is re-set from the prior dining guest by the SERVER
. . . the ASSIGNER adjusts the seating, and pushes tables together if more seats are needed
. . . the tables assigned per SERVER must conform to the union contract (example: 4-tables per SERVER)
. . . the tables must be spread out among the SERVERS on duty to make sure all have a relatively equal shot at tips
. . . at times, there are open tables all over the eatery, but the ASSIGNER cannot use them for the above reasons
. . . most frequently, this happens at the opening of the eatery when all the SERVERS have not reported, so tables cannot be used
. . . for smaller eateries, the SERVER at the podium may also be the ASSIGNER
. . . for larger and busier eateries, like character meals an buffets, the ASSIGNER walks around looking for tables to assign
. . . dinner shows, such as HDDR and LUAU have the tables assigned 8-days ahead of the show, so ASSIGNERS are not needed at the meal
3) Special location requests
. . . the new dining system allows the SEATER to input a quickie message to the ASSIGNER (example: window seat, high chair, etc)
. . . the ASSIGNER may or may not take into account location requests
. . . the location of the table is solely up to the discretion of the ASSIGNER
. . . even if there are tales open in other locations, the ASSIGNER has responsibilities, so the SEATER cannot overrule the ASSIGNER
4) Other Special Requests
. . . the SEATER can also input notes to the SERVER (example: birthday, anniversary)
. . . the SERVER will see the note on the seating ticket
.
NOTE1: If you are one of the first people into an eatery at the opening, or during non-busy periods, you may see more desirable tables. As you are being escorted to your table by the SEATER, you are free to ask for the different table. At the SEATER's discretion, they will ask you to wait
while they check with the ASSIGNER. Although they may say, "Let me check." if they do not like you, they will fake talking and persuading the ASSIGNER. (At slower eateries where tables are assigned at the podium, the SEATER can switch your table on-the-fly, if they wish to do so for
you.) Only the ASSIGNER can allow a seating change, even if the SEATER does ask nicely. So, be very nice to your podium person and the SEATER, and you might be able to pull off a great table location.
.
NOTE2: The words SEATER-SERVER-ASSIGNER are the actual job titles of those functions, not just a description of what they do.

 

[TeresaWen]

Edited - moved comment to reply

 

[Uncleromulus]

This makes it all very clear as to how tables are assigned and why everyone cannot expect a great table at each and every restaurant.

 

[TeresaWen]

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.

$160 for brunch for 2. I was going for the atmosphere (which includes the view) along with the menu to create a romantic experience for me and my husband. My priorities are right where they should be thank you.

 

[TeresaWen]

One needs to understand the Table Assigning Process . . .
******************************************************************************
1) The new system at WDW for TS eateries is:
. . . you check-in at podium with a SEATER
. . . the SEATER enters your info - name, party size, DDP/TIW/etc, allergy issues
. . . if not staying on-site, they get a phone number, in case you try to walk out without paying
. . . the ASSIGNER locates an empty table and enters it into the his/her handheld computer (much like an iPad)
. . . the assignment is transmitted to the podium SEATER
. . . the SEATER prints out the seating slip and escorts you to the assigned table
. . . the SEATER does not have the option of changing the assigned table, because you wish an open table
. . . the assignment slip is left on the table for the SERVER to view and review
. . . if you see a slip on your table that is handwritten, that means the computer system is down and everything is manual
2) The ASSIGNER has specific duties and responsibilities
. . . the table is re-set from the prior dining guest by the SERVER
. . . the ASSIGNER adjusts the seating, and pushes tables together if more seats are needed
. . . the tables assigned per SERVER must conform to the union contract (example: 4-tables per SERVER)
. . . the tables must be spread out among the SERVERS on duty to make sure all have a relatively equal shot at tips
. . . at times, there are open tables all over the eatery, but the ASSIGNER cannot use them for the above reasons
. . . most frequently, this happens at the opening of the eatery when all the SERVERS have not reported, so tables cannot be used
. . . for smaller eateries, the SERVER at the podium may also be the ASSIGNER
. . . for larger and busier eateries, like character meals an buffets, the ASSIGNER walks around looking for tables to assign
. . . dinner shows, such as HDDR and LUAU have the tables assigned 8-days ahead of the show, so ASSIGNERS are not needed at the meal
3) Special location requests
. . . the new dining system allows the SEATER to input a quickie message to the ASSIGNER (example: window seat, high chair, etc)
. . . the ASSIGNER may or may not take into account location requests
. . . the location of the table is solely up to the discretion of the ASSIGNER
. . . even if there are tales open in other locations, the ASSIGNER has responsibilities, so the SEATER cannot overrule the ASSIGNER
4) Other Special Requests
. . . the SEATER can also input notes to the SERVER (example: birthday, anniversary)
. . . the SERVER will see the note on the seating ticket
.
NOTE1: If you are one of the first people into an eatery at the opening, or during non-busy periods, you may see more desirable tables. As you are being escorted to your table by the SEATER, you are free to ask for the different table. At the SEATER's discretion, they will ask you to wait
while they check with the ASSIGNER. Although they may say, "Let me check." if they do not like you, they will fake talking and persuading the ASSIGNER. (At slower eateries where tables are assigned at the podium, the SEATER can switch your table on-the-fly, if they wish to do so for
you.) Only the ASSIGNER can allow a seating change, even if the SEATER does ask nicely. So, be very nice to your podium person and the SEATER, and you might be able to pull off a great table location.
.
NOTE2: The words SEATER-SERVER-ASSIGNER are the actual job titles of those functions, not just a description of what they do.

Thank you. I am well aware of the process which is why I canceled my reservations. I was not aware of the number of tables with poor views.

 

[maxiesmom]

$160 for brunch for 2. I was going for the atmosphere (which includes the view) along with the menu to create a romantic experience for me and my husband. My priorities are right where they should be thank you.

Not every seat includes a view, and nowhere does it state they do. If the main reason someone goes to any WDW is the view, they may be disappointed. Most if not all have stopped allowing guests to wait for a table with a view.

 

[TeresaWen]

Not every seat includes a view, and nowhere does it state they do. If the main reason someone goes to any WDW is the view, they may be disappointed. Most if not all have stopped allowing guests to wait for a table with a view.

Sorry this makes absolutely no sense to me. I will be having brunch / breakfast with him somewhere. Just not willing to have one of us looking at a wall.

Yes when choosing the California Grill the view is a priority. I now know that there are a lot of tables with views of walls. Poor design if you ask me. And I get it, I get it. Maximize space, the assigner assigns the table, everyone would wait... and on and on.

I don't have to eat there. Like I said, if it were dinner we would have one drink and leave. Not an option for a fixed price brunch.

 

[maxiesmom]

It seems sad to me that you would skip what could be an amazing experience because of the small chance you might get a bad table. You could get a bad table at any restaurant. I've had 3 meals at the California Grill and we have never had to deal with the wall view. I don't think there are many of them.

 

[maxiesmom]

This shows a good view of the layout.

 

[lovin'fl]

I have only been to CG once, last August. We booked a party of 4 at like 5pm-ish. We, without even asking, were seated right at the window. There were lots of empty tables at 5pm. So maybe try an early dinner. No Wishes, since it was too early, but a nice view of the sun starting to set over the MK. After dinner we walked out on the viewing deck and watched the sun finish setting.

 

[MinMou]

Requesting a window table and getting a table further from the window? Disappointing but understandable.
Requesting a fireworks view, and facing a wall, while music from the fireworks is piped in and your partner is trying to look over your head? Unsatisfactory.
And yes, that view IS part of the advertising for the restaurant. WDW paid a local journalist for this piece in their magazine https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...ews-in-walt-disney-world-resort-dining-rooms/

 

[TeresaWen]

This shows a good view of the layout.

This picture is a great example of the issue being discussed. this is the expectation. I have learned that the reality included a large number to two tops, lined up next to each other, with one seat facing a wall.

And yes I would walk out. I could have an amazing romantic night with my wonderful husband eating a snack on a bench.

 

[goofy4prez]

This shows a good view of the layout.

Yes, it is a good view of the layout and shows the splendid view that is available at CG... Also the video at 4:47 shows how miserable those two top tables are with the back to the wall. I have had the extreme pleasure to have been seated 3 times at the last table you see in the video leading to the door into the kitchen and closest to all the traffic. Why do I say extreme pleasure? I have now seen the errors of my ways. Because I'm in Disney, the pixie dust is awesome, I"m supposed to be all excited for every table and every seat and every dish that is presented to me... How dare I want a nice view or location for me to spend with my wife (at least once in awhile). It's Disney; How dare I, a Disney fan have any negative thoughts or opinions of Disney. I woke up this morning sent in a request to CG that I"m willing to sit next to the dishwasher if needed, after all it's Disney. "Hakuna matata"