California grill and fireworks

[lilbuddy88]

we have a early dinner at California grill and plan to go back to magic kingdom for a bit before returning to the restaurant for the fireworks. Wishes begins at 10 pm that night what time do we need to be back to get a nice spot on the balcony. Is it going to be full? It's our first time going to California grill so any tips would be great. If it means anything we are going December 9th so a Wednesday during off season.

 

[OhThePain]

IMO, since you'll be in MK anyway just watch Wishes from MSUSA. I think the balcony at CG for Wishes is really overrated. The fireworks are off to the side of the castle and it can be crowded (no matter what time of year), windy and cold up there. While it is nice if you happen to be at CG at the time Wishes goes off, it isn't worth going to MK and then going back to CG for. Wishes isn't like a parade where you want to get a good spot on the route. Just look up from anywhere on MSUSA (we happen to like being upstairs at the train station on MSUSA for an easy escape) and the view and experience will be a lot better than watching from CG.

Again, just one man's opinion.

 

[figment_jii]

I would aim to back at CA Grill about 30 minutes before fireworks begins. When I've dined at CA Grill, that's about when I've noticed the first groups of folks heading out to the observation deck. I would guess those that are still dining might wait until closer to the start of the show, but if time isn't really an issue, I'd probably opt for around 30 minutes before hand. The fireworks appear mostly over Space Mtn, but at least from the observation deck you can see the fireworks coming from the castle and see the castle changing color.

Out of curiosity...if you're going to be in the MK before fireworks, why not watch them from Main Street? If you've already seen them from Main Street, then it makes sense to try a new view. The CA Grill has a great view and it's a fun alternative location, but I still think in the park, on Main Street or in the Hub area provide the best view.

 

[lilbuddy88]

Oh sorry I guess I should have mentioned this is an me and mom trip without the kiddos. We are trying things we would never try with the kids and men in tow. So this was one of the things mom wanted to do. We may not even head back to MK. It's a go with the flow type of trip.

 

[ciera321]

We've watched Wishes from the observation walkway many times, and I've never seen it full. We went last month - it was the most crowded I've ever seen it, and there was still plenty of room for all who wanted to be out there. We walked out 5 minutes before Wishes started, but we arrived at the desk downstairs 30 minutes prior.

 

[P800aul]

we have a early dinner at California grill and plan to go back to magic kingdom for a bit before returning to the restaurant for the fireworks. Wishes begins at 10 pm that night what time do we need to be back to get a nice spot on the balcony. Is it going to be full? It's our first time going to California grill so any tips would be great. If it means anything we are going December 9th so a Wednesday during off season.

Hi

We've done this a couple of times, once from each of the viewing areas, at each end of the restaurant, it's okay but I agree better seen in MK, however if you've never done it you should. If you are not staying at either the Polynesian or the Floridian you may want to do what we've done in the past. We have dinner early, catch the monorail to the Polynesian walk to the Floridian and have a drink in the Floridian's main lounge where a live band plays Disney tunes. getting back to the Grill about 20 mins before the fireworks and we've always had a good view (mid week Oct.)

Enjoy

Regards

Paul

 

[lilbuddy88]

Hi

We've done this a couple of times, once from each of the viewing areas, at each end of the restaurant, it's okay but I agree better seen in MK, however if you've never done it you should. If you are not staying at either the Polynesian or the Floridian you may want to do what we've done in the past. We have dinner early, catch the monorail to the Polynesian walk to the Floridian and have a drink in the Floridian's main lounge where a live band plays Disney tunes. getting back to the Grill about 20 mins before the fireworks and we've always had a good view (mid week Oct.)

Enjoy

Regards

Paul

This is actually a great idea. This trip is specifically for leisure and viewing of Christmas decorations and holiday activities. So hotel hoping to see decoration between the end of dinner and back for the fireworks is a great idea for us. THANKS!