California Grill and Fireworks Timing

[AmazonMama]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post in years. I couldn't get into my old account so I look like a newbie. I've been surfing the comments for our last few visits and have gotten my answers so I haven't posted in forever. Few would know me here anyway, I have been only using the Disney California threads. I'm a West Coast Disneyland girl and this will be my FIRST trip to DW!! I'm 46 by the way. So there you go. Taking kids for HS graduation present in June. So excited.

On our arrival night (June 18), I got a reservation at 9:20 p.m. at California Grill (the only time I could get at the time I booked my restaurant ressies, and now it looks like a good choice). It appears that the MK fireworks will start at 9:15 that night! Yeah!

I have searched the forums and read the books, and it sounds like you are allowed to go up to watch on the patio even if you reservation was hours earlier. That's great and all, but since our reservation is at 9:20, DURING THE SHOW, what will happen then? I haven't seen this addressed. Can we go up before 9:20, and be checked in, and NOT show up at our table for service until the show is over? Does anyone have any sense how this will work.

Also, are there other fireworks at the other parks, and can we see them as well/at different times from the California Grill? I can't seem to figure that out, it sounds like there may be additional fireworks to be seen?

If we HAVE to, as the parents, we can go sit at the table and get some drink and appetizer orders going while the kids are enjoying the show. I'm ok with that.

Just curious as to 1. what time will we be allowed up the elevator (will they let us up before 9:20!), and 2. when/how do we have to be at the table during the show. Also will the fireworks start right on time or might we get lucky? (Also, do they cancel as often as they do in California?)

THANK YOU for whatever advice/assurances you can share!!!!!

 

[TavieP]

Show up around 9. Check in. Go up. Watch the show from the patio. When done, go back to the stand near the elevators and they'll seat you.

 

[purple figment]

Many like to go up to the CG lounge just before fireworks so the check in podium on the second floor can get crowded. I would recommend showing up no later than 9 to check in for your reservation. They will let up go up to the restaurant where there is a second check in desk. Let the castmembers there know you would like to go out to the deck to see the fireworks.

After the fireworks are over many tables will empty, especially those by the windows, so if you want a window table it is worth letting the CMs know you are willing to wait to be seated after the fireworks. Thenighttime lights and view are very pretty. On the other hand, if you are seated before fireworks, you will be able to order sooner. Typically a 3 course signature meal takes us 90 - 120 minutes so you are looking at finishing between 11 - midnight if that factors into being seated before or after fireworks.

The servers are very used to having many going out to the decks so there's no need for someone to remain at the table.

As far as other fireworks, we've seen IllumiNations from the CG deck, but unlike the MK fireworks where the soundtrack is piped into the restaurant and on the decks, they do not do this for the Epcot show. Also, IllumiNations is at 9 so you would need to check in by 8:45. Also, while fireworks are a part of the show, much of it takes place on the water in World Showcase Lagoon and aren't visible from CG.

Unlike Disneyland, fireworks are very very very rarely canceled in DW.

 

[AmazonMama]

Thank you so much!! Great info!

 

[CraigInPA]

Go up at 9am. Tell the hostess you're going out on the deck to watch the fireworks and will be back. Come in after the fireworks end and await your table to be ready.