Cali Grill: what time for fireworks?

[Mrs~Incredible]

I could do a 7:25 or 9:15 adr for 10:00 hallowishes....

Experienced dis-ers, which is better?

Thanks!

 

[Fantasia79]

When I tried to get a table for fireworks, I realized so does everyone. I was sat where we couldn't see fireworks, BUT, they recommend when to get up and see them, etc. Might be best to do 9:15 and slip the matre'd a $20

 

[supersnoop]

They'll allow you back up to the viewing deck if you dine before the fireworks. I don't think you could stretch a 7:25 reservation all the way to 10.

 

[figment_jii]

I think it depends on whether you're asking about hoping to get a table with a view or having the least amount of time to wait for the show to start. If you wanted to try for a table with a view, I think you'd have a better chance with the 7:25 pm reservation. By 9:15 pm, most (probably all) of the tables with a view will be filled with guests that plan to stay for fireworks.

For my family of three adults, the average three course Signature meal takes about 2 hours. So, I would look for an ADR around 8:00 to 8:30 pm, so that we were between entrees and desserts when the show started. Of the two times you have listed, I think both could work, but it depends on your preferences. For my family, I would probably go with the 7:25 pm reservation even though there is a chance that we'll be finished before the show starts and have to wait. Depending on how early we finished, I would either just wait on the observation deck or head down and look at the shops in the Contemporary. If we went with the 9:15 pm so, there is a good chance that dinner won't be over until 11:30 pm (or later).

 

[Fantasia79]

People probably had a different experience than me, I did an earlier reservation planning on hanging out and eating slow. Yup, we were done within an hour. So, toured BLT, Etc. Wasted a lot of time waiting on fireworks.

Again, just my experience.

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

Thanks! I initially thought wishes was at 9:30 so I thought the 7:25 would be perfect, but now with wishes at 10 I'm not so sure.

Appreciate the advice!!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Also, keep in mind that at CG, you will likely be going onto the observation deck, NOT viewing from the table. A minority of the tables have exceptional views.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Might be best to do 9:15 and slip the matre'd a $20

1) The Matre'd is officially a SEATER.
2) SEATERS are non-tipped positions.
3) If they take a tip, they can be terminated.

NOTE:
Take the early ressie.
A 9:00pm or later RESSIE, with 10:00pm fireworks, will usually not get you a table, AT ALL.
People hang onto their tables that close to the fireworks.
Even if done eating at 8:00pm, people cannot be made to vacate their table.
Which, is proper and correct.

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

1) The Matre'd is officially a SEATER.
2) SEATERS are non-tipped positions.
3) If they take a tip, they can be terminated.

NOTE:
Take the early ressie.
A 9:00pm or later RESSIE, with 10:00pm fireworks, will usually not get you a table, AT ALL.
People hang onto their tables that close to the fireworks.
Even if done eating at 8:00pm, people cannot be made to vacate their table.
Which, is proper and correct.

Thank you!!!
I think you just made my decision

 

[Fantasia79]

1) The Matre'd is officially a SEATER.
2) SEATERS are non-tipped positions.
3) If they take a tip, they can be terminated.

NOTE:
Take the early ressie.
A 9:00pm or later RESSIE, with 10:00pm fireworks, will usually not get you a table, AT ALL.
People hang onto their tables that close to the fireworks.
Even if done eating at 8:00pm, people cannot be made to vacate their table.
Which, is proper and correct.

Thanks for the correction. I'm from Chicago, that's how it's done here.

 

[Sona99]

Having just been at Cali for the fireworks, here is my opinion/observation.

Few tables will have a good view anyway. Many people leave their table and go outside to watch. The balcony isn't a great place to be - no place to sit and limited rail space. Also, while you do get to see them and yes they do pipe in the music, it wasn't nearly as fun (IMO) as actually being in the parks.

Having said that, Cali had the second best food I have ever had on property and I would not miss a chance to go. BUT, if you are only going for the fireworks perk, the fireworks perk isn't all that great.