Cali Grill versus Brown Derby (with kids)

[fairestoneofall]

We're going to be traveling the week of Thanksgiving. I have all of my ADRs already made. However, I've been trying to decide if I want to change some things. Right now, I have a dinner ressie for one night at Brown Derby. However, HS is not an all-day park for us. So, I'm thinking of switching to Cali Grill instead. My kids will be ages 6 and 4.

I've been to CG with DH on our anniversary trip. I think the kids would love seeing the fireworks from there. Would you switch and book CG instead? With small children?

(and yes, I know kids are welcome almost anywhere, and we saw them when we dined there) DH says no, but I'm paying for this trip. So...

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

Don't do BD over CG. BD is so overrated. CG is so nice and Wishes can be viewed there. We went in April and BD was a big disappointment. CG was very nice.

 

[KatMark]

Personally, my DH and I did not like Brown Derby. We've never done Cali Grill, but I think your kids will get a kick out of seeing the fireworks so I'd go that route.

 

[fairestoneofall]

Thank you! My kids freak out if they are close to fireworks. So, I'm thinking this will also allow them to actually WATCH Wishes without any tears! lol

 

[Epcot242]

Both are really good restaurants (though we think that the CG is a little bit better). But I would say go with the CG just because there's more selection, food-wise, and the view and atmosphere is better for kids. Though it seems fancier, it is definitely still kid-friendly. Good luck and have fun!!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

I would definitely go with CG. Its a livlier atmosphere, the views, the fact your kids could see the fireworks would all be better I think. Brown Derby to me is more adult atmposphered than CG. Its nice but I don't think I will probably eat there again. We have done lunch once and last week we did dinner. Our kids were a bit bored (11 and 13) and so were most of the kids around us I think. Nothing to look out and distract them.

I like BD but think for your situation CG would be much better all around. BD to me is the weakest two ts restaurant in WDW. I don't find the selection enough and while its nice in there, its theming would be lost on kids. I like it but will only go there again for the Cobb Salad, not on the DDP. My kids loved Yachtsmen and CG (we at eat CG when they were a few years younger).

 

[ciera321]

Another vote for CG over BD. We ate at BD once and is was good, but it just doesn't (IMO) compare to CG and Wishes!!!

 

[suzimar57]

another vote here for CG (over BD) - the children will enjoy seeing the fireworks - just the view of the MK alone is worth it!

 

[Princess Sparrow]

I agree. The view of the fireworks is amazing and the food isn't bad either.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

These are both restaurants that I want to try and haven't yet. I like to get something Disney out of my restaurant choices, and agree that with kids, CG would be the way to go. BD is just a nice restaurant that happens to be in the park. CG gives you the fireworks which means that the kids get something out of it aswell.