California Grill and Fireworks

[Angie0113]

We are visiting DW in October and wanted to eat at California Grill during Wishes to view the fireworks. Even as early as I called to make ADR, I was only able to get in at 9:20. The problem is that the fireworks begin at 9:00. When I inquired about the observation deck, I was told that we could only use it after we've been seated/had dinner. We will have missed the fireworks by then. Has anyone else had this dilemma and/or have any suggestions?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

We are visiting DW in October and wanted to eat at California Grill during Wishes to view the fireworks. Even as early as I called to make ADR, I was only able to get in at 9:20. The problem is that the fireworks begin at 9:00. When I inquired about the observation deck, I was told that we could only use it after we've been seated/had dinner. We will have missed the fireworks by then. Has anyone else had this dilemma and/or have any suggestions?

that is surprising that you were told that. My understanding is that anyone who has reservations that day is permitted to go up to watch the fireworks (so even if you went for lunch you could come back).

In Oct. of 2009 we ate there and had a reservation that I believe was right for when the fireworks started, so we got there early, got a drink at the bar and watched the fireworks on the observation deck and then sat down to eat

... I do know that if you go early they will check to see if there is room for additional people before letting you up, but I would think that October it wouldn't be too big of an issue (just leave some extra time)

 

[Pakey]

The CMs on the phone do not know everything.

You can go the podium at CR where you check in for meals at the Ca Grill and you can ask if you can go up early. Sometimes you can and sometimes you can't. People who are at tables even remotely close to fireworks drag out their meals and hold onto those tables. That means people start backing up on seating. We have stood up there pressed against the wall because it was so crowded, waiting to get seated. They will only let so many people up and then they start holding them downstairs.

We have quit going to Ca Grill for fireworks for this reason. It's become the place to watch a show rather than a place to dine. The view is better from the park than standing out on the observation decks anyway.

Going after fireworks pretty much guarantees you a wonderful, quiet meal. It's the best time to eat at this restaurant IMO.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . You can go the podium at CR where you check in for meals at the Ca Grill and you can ask if you can go up early. Sometimes you can and sometimes you can't . . .

1) Exactly.
2) If making the ADR was important for the fireworks, rethink the ADR.
3) It would be embarrassing to not be allowed up for the deck.
4) And, it happens frequently that it is too crowded.
5) Then you are fored to eat whle unhappy about missing fireworks.

 

[N&B'smom]

We had an ADR there a couple of years ago (group of 9) and we were told since our table wasn't ready yet to go on out and watch the fireworks. We were the only ones out there!

 

[farmer14]

we where able to go up early to see the fireworks in dec

 

[Angie0113]

Thanks for the info! I did call Disney back and spoke to another CSR. This will be the 4th visit in 5 years and I've spoken to many and never had one with the attitude this one had. I must have caught her on a bad day! This time the CSR I spoke to was very nice and found me a reservation before the fireworks and explained the observation deck.

 

[nkereina]

You can go the podium at CR where you check in for meals at the Ca Grill and you can ask if you can go up early. Sometimes you can and sometimes you can't. People who are at tables even remotely close to fireworks drag out their meals and hold onto those tables. That means people start backing up on seating. We have stood up there pressed against the wall because it was so crowded, waiting to get seated. They will only let so many people up and then they start holding them downstairs.

Not to hijack the thread, but I'm concerned about this. We have a late reservation and normally don't like to eat late but decided to go with it due to the fireworks. If we get there and it's a pressed up against the wall with people situation, would we be charged on our CC if we tell the hostess we don't want to wait and go somewhere else? Thanks!

 

[mdsd8700]

Not to hijack the thread.....

Sorry OP, I seem to be hijacking as well.........

Starting reading this thread as 7 of us are staying Thanksgiving Weekend and I want to do a special dinner on that Saturday and the CA Grill and the Fireworks were the first thing that came to mind.

We have eaten the CA Grill many times, but never have stayed or come back to watch the fireworks. Since it is probably impossible to get a table next to the window at the time the FW are going off. Does anyone know what would be a good time to request a reservation so we would be done eating by the Fireworks start and then could just out to the observation deck. I am guessing 90 minutes before, but thought I would check.

Thanks and sorry again OP!

 

[TDC Nala]

Not to hijack the thread, but I'm concerned about this. We have a late reservation and normally don't like to eat late but decided to go with it due to the fireworks. If we get there and it's a pressed up against the wall with people situation, would we be charged on our CC if we tell the hostess we don't want to wait and go somewhere else? Thanks!

Possibly, as the entire point of having a credit card hold there was to prevent guests from coming up ONLY to see the fireworks and not to eat.

As soon as the fireworks are over the place empties out, and there shouldn't be any problem with getting a table. However, if you're only going to be able to get in and see the fireworks, then there is a chance you will not be let up before your ADR time if your ADR time is after the fireworks, or in a crowd in the lounge/deck if your ADR time is before but close to the fireworks. I think it is unlikely that you will be seated at a window table anytime within a half hour of the fireworks, possibly before that.

 

[nkereina]

Possibly, as the entire point of having a credit card hold there was to prevent guests from coming up ONLY to see the fireworks and not to eat.

As soon as the fireworks are over the place empties out, and there shouldn't be any problem with getting a table. However, if you're only going to be able to get in and see the fireworks, then there is a chance you will not be let up before your ADR time if your ADR time is after the fireworks, or in a crowd in the lounge/deck if your ADR time is before but close to the fireworks. I think it is unlikely that you will be seated at a window table anytime within a half hour of the fireworks, possibly before that.

I apologize, I wasn't clear. Our ADR time is at 8pm so if we get there and they are real behind on seating people, we will want to leave and just watch the fireworks from the park or not at all, rather than their observation deck. It actually would benefit them if we left because it would be one less party to seat. In this case, do you still think they'd charge me if we let them know we were leaving? Thanks!

 

[TDC Nala]

I apologize, I wasn't clear. Our ADR time is at 8pm so if we get there and they are real behind on seating people, we will want to leave and just watch the fireworks from the park or not at all, rather than their observation deck. It actually would benefit them if we left because it would be one less party to seat. In this case, do you still think they'd charge me if we let them know we were leaving? Thanks!

No idea if they would charge you or not. I don't know what the protocol is on showing up and then changing your mind and deciding you don't want the reservation after all. The rule is that if you don't cancel outside their cancellation window, they charge you, so they might do just that. You'll have to hear from someone who has actually done it or tried to do it.

 

[Suzanellabella]

May I also hijack thread? We have reservation for 9:20 on 6/4/11; party of two. Fireworks are scheduled for 10:00. I'm concerned now that we will not be seated or able to see fireworks due to lingering crowds. Any insights or suggestions gratefully appreciated.

 

[Uncleromulus]

MOST (if not all) of the time if you have a reservation and arrive early, they will let you up. Even if there is no place to sit.
What happened to Pakey happened to us at least twice--got there early, table wasn't ready, they let us up and there was not a seat in the house.

So I wouldn't anticipate being not allowed up if the table isn't ready or if you are early..

 

[Suzanellabella]

Thanks for the input, Uncleromulus. Will go ahead and try to get there early!

 

[cakesnjammom]

my ressie said this:

[FONT=&quot]Guests who have dined prior in the evening may return to California Grill to view the fireworks. Guests will need to present their receipt from dinner to gain re-entry to the restaurant.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]As an alternative, Disney Resort Guests who are visiting Disney's Contemporary Resort for shopping or dining experiences may visit a fireworks viewing location on the north end of the 4th floor Grand Canyon Concourse. Proceed past the Concourse Sundries and Spirits shop and exit the doors to the exterior. From the viewing area, Guests can see Cinderella Castle and Magic Kingdom® theme park, and hear the background music and sounds synchronized with the Wishes fireworks display. There is a small area under cover for viewing during inclement weather.[/FONT]