California Grill @ 8:30?

[anniedream]

My partner and I have never done the sit down dining at Disney (only the QS) and this holiday we want to try a few of the restaurants. We were thinking California Grill at about 8:30pm (Wishes starts @ 9pm). Would anyone recommend this or have any other tips of best times to go?

Also, if you could chose 3 sit down evening meals @ Disney, which 3 would you choose? For a young couple

 

[cheer25mom]

I would personally go a little earlier at cali grill, say 8:00 or so becuase if they are running behind you may not be seated before wishes. This one is at the top of my list. We love La Hacienda for illuminations in epcot as well, if you like fresh mexican, not tex-mex type stuff. We don't have a lot of experience with sigantures but we also love Le Cellier.

 

[anniedream]

Thanks for the advice. We are going to book ASAP.

 

[tubachick]

We actually have done it twice. A 6:00 and a 7:45 ADR. The 6 was nice it was way before Wishes, but we were told we could bring our receipt and come back at 9 to watch the show if we wanted to. We did not, but it was nice to know. For the 7:45 ADR, it was just as we finished our main course -- we stepped onto the balcony and watched Wishes, and came back to have dessert.

 

[figment_jii]

My partner and I have never done the sit down dining at Disney (only the QS) and this holiday we want to try a few of the restaurants. We were thinking California Grill at about 8:30pm (Wishes starts @ 9pm). Would anyone recommend this or have any other tips of best times to go?

Also, if you could chose 3 sit down evening meals @ Disney, which 3 would you choose? For a young couple

I would also aim for a slightly earlier time. Assuming you're seated on time, you'll probably be in the middle of a course when Wishes starts. I would time it so that you're between courses when the fireworks occur...then tell your server you're going outside to watch the fireworks so they can help time the courses properly. For a 9 pm Wishes, I'd aim for a 7:30 pm ADR. The average two course meal at Signature takes about 90 minutes. This way, you should either be finishing up a course when Wishes begins.

Other resort Signature restaurants at WDW that I really like are Narcoossee's (my favorite), Artist Point (go early so you can see the sunset through the floor to ceiling glass windows), and Jiko (very good food and a quiet atmosphere). In the parks, I like Le Cellier (not really a Signature-like experience, but still very good food) and Monsieur Paul (despite being a theme-park, it's more like a resort Signature in terms of atmosphere and dress).

 

[AndreaA]

What date is this for? I thought California Grill was closed as far out as I can view?

 

[gawrsh2008]

California Grill is under refurb until 8/31/13. No reservations are being taken until the DRC receives a definite reopen date. That has happened as of today.

 

[Ro Z]

My partner and I have never done the sit down dining at Disney (only the QS) and this holiday we want to try a few of the restaurants. We were thinking California Grill at about 8:30pm (Wishes starts @ 9pm). Would anyone recommend this or have any other tips of best times to go?

Also, if you could chose 3 sit down evening meals @ Disney, which 3 would you choose? For a young couple

Try to get an earlier seating. Anyone who is already there from say 7-8:30 will not be leaving until after Wishes. This happened to us at 'Ohana. We had an 8:15 and they actually told us when we checked in that we would be seated later than that because once the people are in they dont leave until after the fireworks.

 

[Ro Z]

BTW. POR is a great choice of resorts. It is a beautiful resort. Our 2nd favorite. BW being our first! Make time to see the Yehaa Bob show in the lounge. You will love it.

 

[anniedream]

Thanks for all your advice. Our fortnight vacation starts on 9/17/13 so hopefully the refurb will be finished then. I think half 7 sounds like a good idea