California Grill and Fireworks.

[HappyDad]

I was wondering if someone would be able to shed some light on when the best time to book a dinner at the California Grill would be? I would love to be able and sit and watch the fireworks and enjoy a good supper on our first night in Disney World. July 16th would be the day I plan to do this if that helps.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you are flying in I don't recommend booking California Grill for an arrival dinner unless your scheduled arrival is a good five or six hours from your reservation time. This restaurant requires a credit card hold and has a no-show fee.

You're not guaranteed a table with a view. There is an area of the restaurant that has no MK view at all. So if you are sold on a window table, be advised you may not get it even if you request it. You can, if you wish, go outside to the observation deck to watch the show if you want a better view of it. The servers will pace your meal so you can do this.

Book your reservation no later than an hour before the scheduled fireworks time, an hour and a half might be better.

 

[Andrew78]

I'll confirm what the previous poster said. There is no guarentee, and in fact it's unlikely to get a view to see the fireworks. The best thing would be to try to see since, its far enough in advance , if they can book a time that has that view.

 

[Pakey]

You can't book a specific view. However you can see, when you arrive, if you can wait for a window table. Some have reported success. I actually don't think the view is that great from most of the tables. Almost everyone goes out on the decks.

 

[HappyDad]

I guess my next question would be are the view of the fireworks good from the observation deck and are they on time with reservations if I booked at 9:10 pm would we be done before the fireworks start? Sorry for all the silly questions just want to be sure before I commit.

 

[TDC Nala]

The view is fine from the deck. I think it's better than indoors assuming the weather is good.

When do the fireworks start?

 

[HappyDad]

Opps sorry for forgetting that lol 10Pm

 

[TDC Nala]

With a 9:10 reservation you would still be in the restaurant at 10. Even if you finished before that, you can use your receipt to come back up and watch fireworks from the observation deck. But you will want to stay in the restaurant and get the best spot on the deck if you don't have a window table.

 

[HappyDad]

Thank you for all of your advice this will certainly help me make my decision easier.

Cheers
Happydad

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

With a 9:10 reservation you would still be in the restaurant at 10. Even if you finished before that, you can use your receipt to come back up and watch fireworks from the observation deck. But you will want to stay in the restaurant and get the best spot on the deck if you don't have a window table.

Don't forget if the OP was to comeback later on to watch the fireworks they need to show their reciept to one of the Cast Members at the 2nd floor check-in, so they can then let them back into the elevator that's for the California Grill.

 

[snykymom]

It's OK if you're not finished with dinner when the fireworks start; the CMs are used to it. We were seated about 15 minutes before the start (about 20 minutes after our ADR). We ordered, and the server held our appetizers so we could go watch the fireworks. When Wishes was done, we went back to our table and the appetizers were waiting for us, hot and fresh.

They know how to work around Wishes.

The view is fine, albeit different than watching them explode over the castle. And the music is pretty soft. We really enjoyed the observation deck.

 

[Uncleromulus]

As others have noted, don't count on being seated at 9:10--we've endured waits up to an hour anytime near fireworks time. But you'll be able to go out on the deck if you haven't been seated yet, are in the middle of the meal (most likely scenario) or even if you are finished eating. The view is fine from out there--in fact, we never bother asking for a window table anymore.