California Grill and Fireworks Questions

[angiepangie8]

We are going to DW in June and I am thinking of making a reservation the first night after we arrive at the California Grill to eat and see the fireworks. We have a 5 and an 8 yr old in our group of 8.
I have a few questions:

• according to the schedule Disney Wishes is at 10pm and Spectromagic is at 9pm – Which of these is visible from the California Grill?
• What time should we make our reservation for?
• Where should we ask to be seated?
• Is it worth one TSM or two with the DDP?

We are staying 5 nights and 6days: So far I have also scheduled a ressie at
Chef Mickey’s for a dinner (6:45 appointment) on day 2 and Cinderella’s Castle for a lunch (12:05 appointment) on day 5



Thanks for your help!!

 

[Statler]

I ate at the California Grill and watched the fireworks afterwards and it was a great experiance.

Wishes is viewable from many tables at the restaurant plus there are two viewing balconies you can watch from.

We made our reservations an hour and half before the fireworks and we had just finished dinner when they started. We went to the balcony, came back and then ordered dessert. So I would suggest trying for 8pm reservations.

I dont think it matters where you sit. THe view is great from anywhere. And Im not sure if they can guarantee you a section.

California Grill counts as two credits on the DDP.

 

[snowbunny]

Where should we ask to be seated?

You can't request a specific seating location; everyone wants to sit near the windows. It doesn't matter anyway, really, because your server will alert you to the fact that the fireworks will soon be starting.
At that time one simply joins the stampede to the observation deck.

 

[alldiz]

I would make an 8:00 ressie....

you should be finishing close to 10....just go outside and watch
the show....better from outside anyway....

Spectromagic is not visible...maybe some distant lights
Kerri

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

You may want to reconsider California Grill on your arrival day. This is one of few Disney restaurants that has a cancellation policy. You'll be required to guarantee the reservation with a credit card (even with the DDP). If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice or are a no-show for your reservation, you'll be charged $20 per person.

One never knows when there'll be an airport delay, overbooking, or missed flight. So it's best to save this reservation for a day later in your stay.

 

[GQ's Ghost]

Make your ADR 1 hour before the Fireworks.

That gives you enough time for....

Being seated on time, and dinner arriving just before the show.

Being seated late, and have dinner arrive after the show.

If you try and make the ADR to close to show time, you will have squaters who wont give up their table. If the FW are at 10:00 and you make a 9:30, you may end up not being seated untill 10:30, after the FW.

 

[angiepangie8]

thanks for all the feedback everyone


does anyone know
is it worth one TSM or two?
I see it is a
Signature Restaurant

 

[Dawn68PA]

I believe it's 2.

 

[angiepangie8]

thanks for all the feedback everyone


does anyone know
is it worth one TSM or two?
I see it is a
Signature Restaurant

i just found my answer it must be two which means it is probably out for us



2 Table-Service meals may also be exchanged for one of the following: 1 Signature Dining Experience, 1 Disney Dinner Show (category 2 or 3 seating), or 1 Private Dining Meal.

 

[Lamandpercy]

California Grill is 2 credits on DDP but well worth it! We ate too early to see Wished but we did see the Epcot fireworks in the distance and also the Electrical Water Pageant on the lake (both at 9pm). I couldn't go onto the viewing area outside due to my fear of heights but was fine inside, we had a table by the window which was great.

 

[Lamandpercy]

California Grill is 2 credits on DDP but well worth it! We ate too early to see Wished but we did see the Epcot fireworks in the distance and also the Electrical Water Pageant on the lake (both at 9pm). I couldn't go onto the viewing area outside due to my fear of heights but was fine inside, we had a table by the window which was great.

 

[Soccer Princess]

California Grill is a 2 TS credit restaurant. We dined there last month and it was fabulous. I would suggest an 8pm reservation if you want a shot at a window table. If you don't care about that and are content going on the observation deck, then 8:30 or 9 should be fine.