Cali Grill - seats with a view never available?

[maxiesmom]

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/

Walk outside and get an unobstructed view on either of the 2 viewing decks.

Also note that none of those restaurants offer a great view from every table.

 

[JerseyJanice]

So what happens when a guest receives a bad table? If they decide to walk out, do they lose their $10 per head reservation deposit?

I disliked the menu when we went there and was tempted to leave. I didn't wind up loving my food. The overall experience was enjoyable, and we were on the deluxe plan so it didn't seem like too bad a loss. However, when the server explained that the menu was changed frequently to use in-season ingredients, that was something I wondered about. Would they have charged us $10 if we left due to the menu being unappealing?

 

[Uncleromulus]

Probably since I believe the menu is posted outside the restaurant--easy to find out ahead of time if you would like it or not.

 

[lovin'fl]

Probably since I believe the menu is posted outside the restaurant--easy to find out ahead of time if you would like it or not.

But you need to cancel by 24 hours out of your ADR or you pay the $10pp penalty.

Another poster in this thread mentioned getting drinks and then asking for their bill to avoid the $10pp penalty.

Looks like most of the restaurant has decent views since the entire wall is a window...but whatever. I was not happy to book a late ADR at Ohana (was all that was available, we wanted earlier ADR, but the draw was that Wishes would be during our meal). We were seated behind the grill station area near where the hostess greets you...the entire grill area blocking our view of the windows (and thus Wishes). Yet we had a speaker directly above us that was LOUDLY piping in the Wishes sound. And all the closer tables got up and stood at the window (I don't think they do that at CG). We could see nothing nor could we hold a conversation with each other. Was a bummer but we went for the Ohana meal and we've seen Wishes before and would see it again. Sometimes we get pixie dust (like our CG table at the window) and sometimes we don't (like when we did a DVC resort split stay and checked out of one at 10am to go to the other resort and the room wasn't ready until 4:20pm and it was storming outside). It all works out in the wash, so to speak.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

So what happens when a guest receives a bad table? If they decide to walk out, do they lose their $10 per head reservation deposit?

1) Yes.
2) Technically, you did not keep your reservation.
3) If you did the same at a pre-paid eatery (eg. HDDR, CRT, Luau) you lose the whole pre-payment.

 

[Merx]

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.

The view + food + atmosphere + fireworks are all part of the experience for me to go to CG. If I have to choose on the food alone, then I might not choose to go to CG.

However, I don't think I need to be at a window seat to enjoy the view, if I do get the window seat, it's a great bonus. If I have to stare at a wall but it means my DW gets to see the view behind me, I don't have a problem with that.

 

[goofy4prez]

The view + food + atmosphere + fireworks are all part of the experience for me to go to CG. If I have to choose on the food alone, then I might not choose to go to CG.

However, I don't think I need to be at a window seat to enjoy the view, if I do get the window seat, it's a great bonus. If I have to stare at a wall but it means my DW gets to see the view behind me, I don't have a problem with that.

And there you go, who can argue with that... Husband of the year award.

 

[TeresaWen]

The text below is from the website. This is what you read when making brunch reservations. It mentions the view twice. My expectation is both my husband and I would have a view. Not necessarily a window table but at least a view!


Indulge in a leisurely Sunday feast featuring sophisticated fare and panoramic views that are just as delicious.


Treat yourself to a unique California Grill culinary experience while overlooking magnificent Magic Kingdom park. Guests can interact with chefs as they artfully prepare dishes in the open show kitchen during this not-quite-breakfast, not-quite-lunch event.

Sate your taste buds with a menu of charcuterie, sushi, inspired salads and seasonal brunch entrees made from the freshest ingredients—there’s something for even the most discriminating palate. Libations include a Bloody Mary bar, cocktails, craft brews and an extensive list of the finest wines from around the world.

Cap off your meal with a decadent dessert of macarons or chocolate truffles—it’s the sweetest ending for a brunch you’ll never forget!

 

[TeresaWen]

So what happens when a guest receives a bad table? If they decide to walk out, do they lose their $10 per head reservation deposit?

I disliked the menu when we went there and was tempted to leave. I didn't wind up loving my food. The overall experience was enjoyable, and we were on the deluxe plan so it didn't seem like too bad a loss. However, when the server explained that the menu was changed frequently to use in-season ingredients, that was something I wondered about. Would they have charged us $10 if we left due to the menu being unappealing?

Order a soda and ask for the check. As long as it is not a fixed price like brunch.

At home we are always "allowed" to wait for a table in a location we prefer if we choose to so it is not something weird or strange or uncommon. Understand it is not a practice allowed at Disney but that does not mean I need to accept a bad table. I will order a drink and leave. The design of he restaurant should be addressed.

 

[Uncleromulus]

They could probably only address it by eliminating a # of tables with a "bad" view--and thus decreasing the # of tables and the restaurant profit.

Something they are NOT going to do!!

If some folks get upset and leave, lots of others to take their place.

Essentially it is a restaurant--not a theater.

 

[LilyWDW]

I'll be honest. I have designed a restaurant similar to CG and was required to fit X number of people in. That meant setting up tables JUST like CG does. You would lose a lot of seats if you switched the direction of those tables and the point of a restaurant is to make money. It's actually a common design so CG isn't doing anything different then most restaurants would.

If you don't like the idea that you may not get a view, then don't book there. They do not guarantee a table with a view. They may promote that there is one, but they will never guarantee that you will have one.

 

[Uncleromulus]

And you know--we always eat at the bar at CG. The seats there are facing away from any windows.

But if I want to look out and have a "view"--all I need do is turn in my seat.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

We'll be a party of five dining here in October. I am going into it assuming that we'll walk out on the deck to watch the fireworks, but curious where five-tops usually end up?

 

[smidgy]

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.

the same thing happens at Sanaa at AKL... the window seats are desirable for the view of the savannah and the animals. we waited for an hour past our ADR fr a window seat, or even one a row away from the window.. they finally told us the eople at those tables had been done eating for some time, but were obviously not budging until dark.

in this case, it isn't even a one time thing, like the fireworks. they have been viewing the animals throughout their entire dinner. but they sit there as long as they they can see the animals (till dark), not giving anyone else a chance.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

It mentions the view twice. My expectation is both my husband and I would have a view. Not necessarily a window table but at least a view

1) True.
2) The view from the observation deck is pretty good.
3) It does not claim a great view WHILE dining.
4) So, no false advertising, here.

 

[MinMou]

I think we are getting to the point where people are starting to repeat themselves. I appreciate the OP bringing this up, because now I know what to expect if I decide to make an ADR for California Grill, and I won't feel quite as bad if I can't get one. Reiterating my concerns won't make anyone who feels differently than me change their minds and vice versa.

 

[MissErikaRae]

Well this post just stressed and bummed me out. We will be at WDW for a week for my birthday and the only thing I really wanted to do was have my birthday dinner at CG with a seat near the window- I don't expect to be seated at the window- but seeing these tiny tables with one guest facing the wall is a bummer and stressing me out. Like who sacrifices their view to accommodate the other person? We made our reservations at 7:30pm and now I'm thinking that was a mistake as all the "ideal" tables will be taken.

I understand nothing is guaranteed but the entire point of going to this restaurant is the atmosphere. You aren't paying for the food entirely, you are paying for the view, atmosphere, and service so if any of those don't meet your standards then leave... If we end up getting seated at a table I don't like I have no problem saying something and if they can't accommodate I'd rather be out the $20 and leave then sit through a meal upset because one of us is facing a wall. People may think that petty of me but I'm paying for it so to each their own.

 

[TeresaWen]

1) True.
2) The view from the observation deck is pretty good.
3) It does not claim a great view WHILE dining.
4) So, no false advertising, here.

Bit of a stretch to claim the view being marketed is from the deck.

From the description of brunch:
"Treat yourself to a unique California Grill culinary experience while overlooking magnificent Magic Kingdom park. Guests can interact with chefs as they artfully prepare dishes in the open show kitchen during this not-quite-breakfast, not-quite-lunch event"

I do not interpret that as leave my table during my very expensive brunch to go outside for a view.

It is NOT all about seeing fireworks.

 

[sotoalf]

The problem with forums is reinforcement bias. Now that guests have remarked on getting a wall seat, every guest who visits this thread thinks he or she will get banished to a broom closet. Don't stress, people! You may not get a window seat, but just about every table has a view. The chances of getting those execrable tables are low. If not, let the hostess know.

 

[sotoalf]

From the description of brunch:
"Treat yourself to a unique California Grill culinary experience while overlooking magnificent Magic Kingdom park. Guests can interact with chefs as they artfully prepare dishes in the open show kitchen during this not-quite-breakfast, not-quite-lunch event"

True. Your culinary experience will overlook the magnificent Magic Kingdom park. But it doesn't say your culinary experience includes a window table.