California Grill - ADRs and Seating times

Quinn222

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jan 14, 2006
Messages
2,527
I asked this in another thread but no one answered so I'm hoping someone can help me out. I've always avoided this place because I worry we will have to wait way past out ADR time because of people lingering to try and see the fireworks. The family wants to try it though so I made reservations for well before Wishes. Now they've changed the Wishes time to just 30 minutes after our 7:30 ADR and I'm worried we're going to have to cool our heels down in the check in lobby.

How are they about getting you to your table on time?
 
There is a bar upstairs at the CG where you can have a drink and wait for your table. If you do not get seated, you can walk out to the walkway and watch the fireworks while you wait for your table, which might be a better place to see them because you might not get a table by the window. Just a thought.:goodvibes
 
There is a bar upstairs at the CG where you can have a drink and wait for your table. If you do not get seated, you can walk out to the walkway and watch the fireworks while you wait for your table, which might be a better place to see them because you might not get a table by the window. Just a thought.:goodvibes


I don't care about seeing the fireworks, I'm more concerned with being seated on time or close to on time. I don't mind a few minutes but if we're going to be stuck waiting an hour (which is what it would be since Wishes is 30 minutes past our ADR and lasts for 20 minutes) I'd really rather go somewhere else. Do they tell people who are done that they can stay in the bar or on the walkway to see the fireworks so those waiting can be seated?
 
Sorry, I misunderstood what you were asking. They will not make them leave the table I do know that. It is very popular around fireworks time, and people will stretch it out as long as they can to see the fireworks. Its going to be hit or miss depending on the people eating that night, if they want to be table hogs:rotfl:
 

Sorry, I misunderstood what you were asking. They will not make them leave the table I do know that. It is very popular around fireworks time, and people will stretch it out as long as they can to see the fireworks. Its going to be hit or miss depending on the people eating that night, if they want to be table hogs:rotfl:

This is what I've heard about this place and why I didn't want to go there. What I'm trying to find out from people who have been there is what are the odds of us being seated on time and are we more likely to be victims of table hoggers? Anyone have experience with this?
 
I've heard this too many times about this restaurant. I'm more interested in dining there than viewing the fireworks, so I booked my ADR for right when the restaurant opens at 5:30. That way I know I'll be seated when I show up. The other day I was looking through the park hours, and if I'm reading it right, I think they added Wishes at 6:00! I guess I got lucky :goodvibes .

If you don't mind eating so early, this might be an option for you.
 
I've heard this too many times about this restaurant. I'm more interested in dining there than viewing the fireworks, so I booked my ADR for right when the restaurant opens at 5:30. That way I know I'll be seated when I show up. The other day I was looking through the park hours, and if I'm reading it right, I think they added Wishes at 6:00! I guess I got lucky :goodvibes .

If you don't mind eating so early, this might be an option for you.

I agree with the eating early option. We have 3 small children so the less wait the better. That is why we chose a 5:30 ADR so that hopefully we will avoid the fireworks crowd and have great food with a great view to entertain the children.

September 12 we will be there.
 
We were there last year at prime fireworks time and waited about 30 minutes. There is a great bar and comfy places to sit in the lounge.

Hope you decide to keep your planned dinner at Cali Grill. It is our favorite!!

ms. h
 












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