California Grill.....any hope??

[Lisa F]

I'm also doing a solo trip and made a reservation for one. I know that a few of the places I chose have lounges where I could get the full menu, but since they're first come, first served, I didn't want to get shut out of anywhere during my preferred times, especially CG.

Does the bar face away from the fireworks? I have an 8:50 PM reservation with a 9 PM fireworks start time.

you will probably want to get up and view from the outside. If I remember the bar does face away but the tables in the lounge will I'm sure be occupied well before 8:50. The view is WAY better from the deck than inside anyway

 

[chamonix]

Yes the bar itself faces away, though the bar tables are nearer the windows and you could sit facing outwards. The issue is that the windows are at an angle to the direction you would want to view fireworks though, so not many tables actually face the fireworks exactly. As mentioned, unless you are seated at a table right by the window towards the Magic Kingdom end of the restaurant it's better to just go outside to watch. The view is far better outside, and you may or may not get a desirable window table since there are comparatively very few of them. I agree the bar seating may all be taken by 8:50, but you could always arrive earlier. Having an ADR is never a bad idea..

 

[ddluvsdisney]

CG is one of our favorite restaurants. We always get in, but often can't get an ADR until the week we are there on property, and sometimes not until the day before. Since it's a credit card guaranteed reservation, people cancel at the 24 hour mark fairly frequently. I also believe they may hold tables back to release at various times (I actually believe that about all ADRs but especially Signatures). Don't give up, you will get it.

I agree with this. We eat here every trip- DH's favorite. I stalk the site until I get one. We have had lots of luck getting a ressie the day before or even day of bc of cancellations people have to make.
I know it's ideal to get a late ressie but if you can't and can only get an early one, you are allowed to come back with your receipt to watch FW from deck. We are actually doing this for the first time in 2 weeks. We're going to have dessert/drinks at Tambu lounge then come back.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Just me. Solo trip for my birthday

Im also doing a solo trip. But as i said in my previous post, im searching for a table for 2 just because the reservation system is weird about singles, as @Lisa F indicates in her post. I've even searched for a table for 3 or 4 out of sheer desperation but still nothing. If i do get a table for 2, 3,or 4, i always switch the number to a party of one afterwards. Its happened to me before.

try searching for 2 instead of 1. some restaurants are weird about the singles and don't open up the 2 top for it.

Right.

 

[nittanyliongirl02]

so, what are the chances of snagging a California Grill ressie for dinner between now and my trip in October.

I am on the DDP and want to get another signature in on this trip and I am staying at BLT so it just sort of dawned on me about a week or so ago that Cali Grill is like right there. I have been searching daily for an opening and no luck so far.

I won't be heartbroken if I can't get a reservation. Was just curious if others have had luck getting a reservation the closer you get to your trip...

We are headed down at the end of October, and I felt like I got one of the last reservations. However, DH and I went in November 2 years ago, without a Cali Grill reservation, and while at WDW, I just continued to look online, and we got one for 7:30! So even if you don't get one now, hold hope that one may become available, even while on your trip. Just don't forget about the cancellation window on any previous reservation you may have had. Also, don't forget that you don't necessarily need a reservation for 7 or later....our current reservation is for 5. All you have to do is come back and show your receipt, and they will let you up to watch the fireworks. I plan to do this and grab a drink at the bar!

 

[goofyintoronto]

We are headed down at the end of October, and I felt like I got one of the last reservations. However, DH and I went in November 2 years ago, without a Cali Grill reservation, and while at WDW, I just continued to look online, and we got one for 7:30! So even if you don't get one now, hold hope that one may become available, even while on your trip. Just don't forget about the cancellation window on any previous reservation you may have had. Also, don't forget that you don't necessarily need a reservation for 7 or later....our current reservation is for 5. All you have to do is come back and show your receipt, and they will let you up to watch the fireworks. I plan to do this and grab a drink at the bar!

Yes I agree, keep checking. Up until the night before, im always checking. I wont give up. I know that if I keep trying i'll eventually get what I want.

 

[melana]

Thanks everyone!! I am gonna keep looking. My actual birthday night, Nov. 2, I have nothing scheduled now. I am really hoping on something coming open then.

I have changed my ADRs so many times it isn't funny. Of course if I don't get Cali Grill this trip...there is always the next one!!

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

CG was a really hard reservation for me to get in May. I was able to book 5:30 PM 3 months before our trip, but wanted something a little later for fireworks. I checked every day all the way up until the day before and nothing ever came available You might have luck with an early or late reservation freeing up between now and then.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Thanks everyone!! I am gonna keep looking. My actual birthday night, Nov. 2, I have nothing scheduled now. I am really hoping on something coming open then.

I have changed my ADRs so many times it isn't funny. Of course if I don't get Cali Grill this trip...there is always the next one!!

Dont give up. Keep trying for an ADR even up until the night before and the day of. Something is bound to come up if you keep trying. I hope you get one. If i were you, and still couldnt get an ADR, i'd walk up and try the lounge. Sure its packed at certain times, but you never know. You might get a table.