California Grill and Kids

[Gregg]

Hi,

We are looking to eat at some places we've never eaten at before and I am wondering about the California Grill. I realize that this restaurant is a bit pricey and not really geared towards kids. But is it completely not worth it for kids? They do have a children's menu I see. We have a wide range of ages -- 3, 9, 12 and 14.

Thanks for any help.

Gregg

 

[CindyBella]

We bring DS9 and DD5 to CG every trip. Kids are very welcome at CG. They even have this fantastic Rice Krispie treat SUSHI that we make at home too! Enjoy!

 

[hedwig]

We have also been there every trip with our children. It is well worth it and fun for them- neat view, different food and the cast members have been great!

I would find out what time Wishes is the night you want to eat and schedule an ADR about 1 1/2 hours before ( works well when Wishes is at 9 or 10). They pipe the music in the restaurant and is really great to see. Also ask for a table either by the window or with a view when you check in so your children can see the incredible view.

Now I know some kids wouldn't like it, but it is even better when a storm rolls in- very pretty.

Have a great time

 

[denimore]

CG is fabulous. It's not really a place for intimate dining with a big open dining room and very suitable for group dinners.

We took our four girls last year and the were 11-21 so none of them ate off the children's menu..but they all loved their food.

I looked at the kid's menu and it looks yummy..an upscale kid's menu!

Seeing wishes from the window or the balcony is Magic and a memory your kid's and you will treasure.

Dress up the kids and have a lovely evening.

 

[ducklite]

Gregg,

While I'm sure your older ones will love it, are you sure the younger ones will be happy at a meal that normally takes 1.5 or more hours to complete?

They do have a kids menu, but not all kids are happy in that type of atmosphere, and that's something you need to to ask yourself. If your youngest isn't going to be able to be able to sit through that type of meal, will it really be enjoyable for the rest of you?

I'm not telling you not to go, just to think about your decision, and to have a backup plan in case it's one of "those" days.

Anne

 

[denimore]

Greg,

3 parents have told you that the CG is kid friendly. Plenty of areas for diversion including the balcony attached to the restaurant with a fabulous view of MK.

I'm sure that your older children are very apt at keeping your 3 year old amused and I'm thinking he/she usually models the older kids. A family that has 3 toddlers under the age of five is going to have their hands full but yours sounds like an age group that is probably used to being on the go.

Having one 3 year old would send terror in most parents but 3 and 4 kid's are so much easier to handle...just my very experienced opinion.

I think that if kid's don't get out beyond McDonald's then they don't behave well. I think most people are understanding if one of your kids needs to go for a walk or be removed entirely.

Maybe it's just my wonderful loss of memory but going out to fancy restaurants was one time I could count of my kids being at their best.

 

[liamandcaili]

My children were 6 and 4 our last trip and we ate at CG. They both loved it, and our server was very attentive to their needs. We were in the restaurant for more than two hours, saw Wishes from the balcony, and I am sure that even the people who regularly complain here about children being in the upscale restaurants would have had no issues with my children.

That said, I was reasonably certain that my two would behave because they've been to nicer restaurants before, and generally prefer them. The food is better and they are more likely to find something they enjoy...or if they don't, the chef will make them something special. They also are used to meals taking a long time. If I thought my children would be running in circles around the table, which DSis witnessed once while dining at CG, I wouldn't take them.

Disney sells these great activity kits in the parks that include coloring pages, markers, stickers, etc. We bought each child one before the CG dinner, and that gave them something to do while waiting for the food and waiting for everyone to finish. Our server also brought them paper and crayons, so they were entertained, content and quiet.

 

[Mariposa]

I would second the idea of bringing something simple and quiet to entertain the kids. My DD8 has always been well behaved in restaurants (We've always made it a point to take her out to eat, and made it clear at a VERY young age that bad behavior would absolutely NOT be tolerated in those situations.) and the most she's ever been known to do is bop her head to the music or laugh a little loud (neither of which is bad behavior, just the only things that would draw any attention to her presence).... all of that being said, since dinner at the CG is a longer meal than most, we do plan on bringing her something to entertain her (normally she just colors with the provided paper/crayons while we all talk) because I'm sure she'll behave, but I do want her to enjoy herself.

I'd been wondering what to bring, I'll have to keep an eye out for those little activity kits.

 

[denimore]

Mariposa,

My 22 yr old and 18 yr old still get the crayons and colour. Just wouldn't be a dinner out for them I guess unless they get to colour a picture for mommy

 

[Cookie Princess]

Hey, DH is 40, and he still likes to color on the tablecloth! DS is now 11, but we have been taking him here for years. He has already asked if we are eating at CA Grill again this year. He loves the filet...good thing we are on the DDP!

 

[Allison]

Sounds like the consensus is to go and enjoy.

 

[pixiewytch]

DH and I have eaten at CG before and enjoyed it but I probably wouldn't go with my 4 yr old. Then again, we are typically on a budget. CG is pricey, even the kid's menu I'm sure, and for a preschooler who won't even eat but a few bites of his meal it just isn't worth it to me. Plus, if I'm gonna pay that much I want to be able to enjoy some quiet adult time or I feel like I'm not getting my money's worth. As someone else above mentioned though, I guess I'm one of those moms with one 4 yr old who feels like it is too much work. I have no idea what a dinner is like with 4 kids of varying age ranges.

I also wanted to mention that when we were there you were not allowed to reserve a table for Wishes. It was just a question of what was available when you showed up for your reservation. When we arrived in the evening the restaurant was packed (on a weeknight) and we didn't get a nice seat by the window...just something to consider, that eating there does not guarantee you a view of Wishes.

 

[Disneyrsh]

We went for my 35th birthday last year. It was okay, but we were totally exhausted by the end of it trying to entertain my then 4 & 5 year old daughters. They just didn't want to sit and do nothing (from their perspective) for two hours. We literally went through every piece of paper in my purse playing connect the dots and tic tac toe with them.

If I IM my husband with the words "california grill" I get the word *groan* back.

And I was daring that night and tried the lamb. Ew. Oops.

I'm not saying I regret going, but unless I'm in a sleek dress sans the ankle biters, I won't go back.

 

[Kae]

We have not taken the kids to CG yet, maybe next trip but my kids love Brown Derby, Flying Fish & Chefs de France. As for toys to play with alot of times they have figures at the resort shop such as Peter Pan , Snow White. Nemo, Lilo etc and that is what we have bought the kids to play with while at TS places. They keep them in their Fanny packs. Good luck with your choice. Only you know your kids.

Kae

 

[Gregg]

Thanks everyone. This is great info. One last thing -- is there any kind of dress code at CG? Other than the usual "no swimwear, no tank tops"?

Thanks again!

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I copied this from the Dis....

The California Grill is upscale dining California style. From its location atop the Contemporary Resort, it offers spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom. There's an observation deck where guests can enjoy the fireworks.
Part of the dining experience is the stage kitchen where you can watch the talented staff prepare the meals. The menu is based on the freshest seasonal ingedients and changes frequently.

California Wines are featured. There's a lounge and full service bar.

Resort Casual Dress Policy, no tank tops or swimwear

Disney Dining Experience 20% discount at both the restaurant and lounge - Holidays excluded

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

I agree that it is a little pricey, but the kids would love the view. Everytime I go, families always have their kids with them. That's why, regardless of the price, menu, and atmosphere, I still consider it a family oriented place rather than a romantic place to eat. Kids seem to love it there and families seem to love bringing their little ones there. It is by no means a quiet romantic type restaurant. It's a wonderful place to try with kids if it's in your budget, for sure !

 

[ducklite]

The dress code for the California grill is:

Men: Dress slacks, jeans, trousers, or dress shorts, short or long-sleeved
shirt with a collar required. Jackets are optional.

Ladies: Jeans, skirts, or dress shorts with blouse or sweater, or a dress
required.

Not permitted in dining room: tank tops, swimming suits or swim suit cover
ups, t-shirts, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing of any kind.

You can see it on the official Disney web site here.

Anne

 

[calgarygary]

During the evening we were at CG, there were a large number of guests who obviously came direct from the park. There were also a number of guests who were "dressy". Go with what you are comfortable with within the restaurant's guidelines.

 

[Michele]

We eat there with our kids every trip. Now they are 11 and 12, but we also ate there in 2001 when they were 6 and 8.