California Grill and HEA fireworks

[pammydw]

I have never eaten at CG, and I would like to make an adr to involve the fireworks. So what's "best"? Fireworks During dinner (with no guarantee to be near a window I presume), or dinner first then go to the observation deck? Is that how it all works? Thanks in advance for any info!! My adr windiw is tomorrow, so I'm trying to get all my plans set!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Even if you make an ADR for fireworks during dinner, you'll want to walk out to the observation deck. Even most of the window seats aren't good for firework viewing.

 

[goin' again!]

We got lucky on our visit 3 years ago. DH and I were celebrating our 20th anniversary and we were seated at a table for two with a perfect view of the castle even though we were not at a window table. Hoping for the same luck this year but we know we may be moving out to the deck for viewing and then back to the table for dessert.

Good luck to you!

 

[Mickey92]

As others have said, you will want to walk out onto the observation deck to have the best view. Also, if you have never seen HEA, I recommend viewing it from inside MK at some point. You really need to be in front of the castle to get the full effect. It’s still a great experience from CG, so not trying to deter you in anyway. I did CG with HEA a few months ago and it was a phenomenal experience. Enjoy!

 

[pammydw]

Thank you all for your responses. I am planning a trip for myself and my mom, plus my dearest friend, her mom and her sister. Adult girls trip! So I am trying to give them a magical experience... and I honestly can't decide what they will like better! I may do an earlier dinner and then we'll walk over to MK! I guess it will all depend what's available tomorrow morning!

Off to catch a few hours of sllep before the alarm goes off! Thank you all so much!

 

[gharter]

As others have said, no matter where you sit, you probably will want to go out on the observation deck. They play the music inside and on the deck. Also know that you are looking at the fireworks at an angle rather than directly head on like down Mainstreet so they do look slightly different. You also will not be able to see any of the castle projections. Having said that, we still love watching the fireworks from California Grill.

 

[purple figment]

A three course dinner takes approx 1.5 to 2 hours for our family. We usually try to make a reservation 60 - 90 minutes before fireworks are scheduled. We are either just finished with our dinner or between the entree and dessert courses. Just let your server know you want to see the fireworks. They are very used to pacing meals because most guests will go out onto one of the decks to view the fireworks. You can also have dinner earlier in the evening and return to the CG to see the fireworks. Just show your receipt at the check in podium on the second floor when you return.

To get the full effect of the show it is best to watch it from Main Street as others have said, but we enjoy watching from CG because it has a unique and memorable view.

 

[pammydw]

A three course dinner takes approx 1.5 to 2 hours for our family. We usually try to make a reservation 60 - 90 minutes before fireworks are scheduled. We are either just finished with our dinner or between the entree and dessert courses. Just let your server know you want to see the fireworks. They are very used to pacing meals because most guests will go out onto one of the decks to view the fireworks. You can also have dinner earlier in the evening and return to the CG to see the fireworks. Just show your receipt at the check in podium on the second floor when you return.

To get the full effect of the show it is best to watch it from Main Street as others have said, but we enjoy watching from CG because it has a unique and memorable view.

Thank you! All great things to know! I ended getting our ADR for 5:45so we can then walk over to MK and see them straight on. Or, come back with our receipt. We'll see how the group feels!

As others have said, no matter where you sit, you probably will want to go out on the observation deck. They play the music inside and on the deck. Also know that you are looking at the fireworks at an angle rather than directly head on like down Mainstreet so they do look slightly different. You also will not be able to see any of the castle projections. Having said that, we still love watching the fireworks from California Grill.

Thank you! Ill see what the rest of the group wants to do. It's nice to have options! I gave a friend that always posts pics of the fire works from CG! Either way, we'll see something amazing!! Thank you for the insight!

 

[luvallprincesses]

Thank you! All great things to know! I ended getting our ADR for 5:45so we can then walk over to MK and see them straight on. Or, come back with our receipt. We'll see how the group feels!

What?? If we dine earlier (we have a 5:45 ADR) we can come back with our receipt and be admitted to the firework viewing deck?

 

[gharter]

What?? If we dine earlier (we have a 5:45 ADR) we can come back with our receipt and be admitted to the firework viewing deck?

Yes you can. Just show your receipt at the desk to go up the elevator.

 

[pammydw]

What?? If we dine earlier (we have a 5:45 ADR) we can come back with our receipt and be admitted to the firework viewing deck?

My husband told me this the other day, just after I made my ADR's! Pretty cool to be able to go to the viewing deck! Ours us at 5:45 too!! When are you going? We will be there March 6th.

 

[luvallprincesses]

My husband told me this the other day, just after I made my ADR's! Pretty cool to be able to go to the viewing deck! Ours us at 5:45 too!! When are you going? We will be there March 6th.

Our 5:45 is Nov 21, Thanksgiving week. Wanted a later time, but with a party of 8 and being a busy week, I'm glad to have it at all. We may go into MK to watch the whole show, but I'm glad this is an option if we decide to do a monorail tour after dinner instead and can come back to Cali Grill before fireworks.

 

[Disnsyncey]

Thank you! All great things to know! I ended getting our ADR for 5:45so we can then walk over to MK and see them straight on. Or, come back with our receipt. We'll see how the group feels!




Thank you! Ill see what the rest of the group wants to do. It's nice to have options! I gave a friend that always posts pics of the fire works from CG! Either way, we'll see something amazing!! Thank you for the insight!

I would just plan on a completely different day prior to your dinner to see HEA from inside MK (so nothing is spoiled and you get the full effect) and then you can see them from a completely different perspective....I don't want you missing out on one experience when you have to choose....

 

[pammydw]

Our 5:45 is Nov 21, Thanksgiving week. Wanted a later time, but with a party of 8 and being a busy week, I'm glad to have it at all. We may go into MK to watch the whole show, but I'm glad this is an option if we decide to do a monorail tour after dinner instead and can come back to Cali Grill before fireworks.

Have a magical time!

 

[Eastern]

We've had a perfect window seat and we've been out on the walkway several times. I prefer the walkway. The window is convenient if you have small children but it feels kind of removed.

 

[pammydw]

We've had a perfect window seat and we've been out on the walkway several times. I prefer the walkway. The window is convenient if you have small children but it feels kind of removed.

Thanks for the info. I am excited to see HEA!

 

[FinnsMom7]

Is there a set amount you need to spend to be able to re enter for firework viewing?? DH is picky so he may just do an appetizer but not sure that's an issue.