California Grill and Wishes... Some clarification

[LibertyBelle]

There seems to be some confusion out there about watching Wishes from the observation decks at the Contemporary so I wanted to post our expereince to clear up any miscommunications (or misconceptions). We just ate at California Grill 2 weeks ago and this is what they are offering now.

The California Grill (and the observation decks) is reserved for guests that are dining there only. You check in on the 2nd floor of the Contemporary and they will escort you up in a "California Grill only" elevator. As they are seating you is when they tell you the GOOD news. Since you are having dinner there (regardeless of time) you are welcome to watch the fireworks from the observation deck. You don't have to stretch out your dinner or book a later seating, when you are done with dinner you can leave and come back for fireworks. All you have to do is bring your receipt back to the check in desk on level 2 and they will verify the date and away you go back up the "California Grill" elevator and to the observation deck for Wishes.

Just wanted to share our experience as I know it was confusing... We were plesantly surprised by it as we had a 7:20 reservation with 10pm Wishes so we had fully intended on going back to MK (and face the crowds).

 

[Uncleromulus]

THanks for this clarification. I know a # of folks were interested in the timing of dinner and the fireworks and this shows there are other options in case perfect timing isn't possible.

 

[kathmzh]

this is good news! Thanks for posting.

 

[GailT]

Thanks for clearing that up for me, I was confused with that and just made PS for 6:30 and said " forget it". again thanks for that info.

 

[LibertyBelle]

No problem I know for us we had planned on just going back to MK and braving the crowd to see the fireworks (since we had friends in town that had never seen them) and when we got to California Grill and they told us we were welcome to come back just to bring the receipt I nearly jumped through the roof.

Now keep in mind the view is great, but don't make plans right after the fireworks, plan on hanging around for a little while as the elevators don't come quickly LOL We waited about 10 minutes or so for an elevator to get back down (as the line was so long). But still worth every minute to get the view...

 

[BCV23]

Good info, LiberyBelle.

We had 6:00 PS at CG on 7/20. Fireworks were at 9. Our server said nothing to us at the beginning of the meal anyway. DS2 and I left before dessert as he is diabetic and my daughter was ordering the chocolate lava cake or whatever it's called. Perhaps he told my husband dring dessert. But anyway, it is certainly good to know. We would not have returned anyway but it is sure nice to have the option.

How did you like the new check-in? I liked it. The area by the elevator seemed less congested and it may have been my imagination but the whole restaurant seemed more quiet even at that early hour.

 

[LibertyBelle]

I really liked the process. They were very well organized. It seemed to make the experience flow a little better. I definetly like the atmosphere in the resturant better. It was not as crowded (you could actually sit in the lounge if you wanted to). And during fireworks there were a significant amount of people on the observation decks, but not nearly as many as before the new policy.

 

[Tinkerbelle739]

nice to know, thanks!!