California Grill Bar and Fireworks

[bjornpalmer]

I heard that only people dining at the California Grill during the fireworks are allowed on the patio.

If my fiance and I are getting drinks or something at the bar would we be able to go out on the patio to watch wishes as well???

Trying to figure out my best plan of action...

 

[Connears]

Anyone who is on the level of the restaurant/bar can go out onto the deck. You must check in on the 2nd floor and be escorted up to the restaurant. I don't know what they do for those who do not have adrs, but want to have a drink at the bar..I know it is not open access. Once you are at the bar/lounge you will have access to the open deck, or you can view from the windows. We had adr last xmas night at CG and had great view of wishes, but we were also offered to go to the open deck.

Connears

 

[Jubilee]

So do you need a reservation to have drinks there? I would call them directly and ask. Once you're in, I know you can go see the fireworks on the deck.

 

[Connears]

So do you need a reservation to have drinks there? I would call them directly and ask. Once you're in, I know you can go see the fireworks on the deck.

I do not think you can make adr for just drinks. My thoughts tend to be that you can ask at the 2nd floor check-in and, if crowds allow, you will be allowed up to the lounge...I don't know this definitely...just what I would think. I think they would not appreciate you making an adr then only going to have drinks at the bar....Meals at CG are wonderful, but very expensive and the expectation for that service (and associated gratuity) would make for an unpleasant encounter with CM when you inform them of your plan.

Connears

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I believe they will only let you up to the bar if they have enough room, so all you can do is ask and hope for the best.

 

[slug]

I heard that only people dining at the California Grill during the fireworks are allowed on the patio.

If my fiance and I are getting drinks or something at the bar would we be able to go out on the patio to watch wishes as well???

Trying to figure out my best plan of action...

People have said they've seen people turned away.

I've been during some pretty busy times and also when the CG was packed and never had an issue going up for drinks, even right before the fireworks.

It's a must-do for me every trip and I'd highly recommend you give it a try.

I've also sat in the lounge area and eaten apps, which is a good way to sample the CG and have a drink while watching fireworks without having to do a full blown meal if you don't want to.

 

[ntsammy5]

I believe they will only let you up to the bar if they have enough room

Correctomundo.

OT -we saw some unanticipated fireworks there a few years ago - a couple decided to break up there and they had to be escorted out - I've never heard language like that before at WDW!

 

[dmw@lakenorman]

Hi - do y'all know what time the fireworks are in Sept. ? We have a 6:10 ressie - I would think it would be too early to see the fireworks... I thought someone mentioned if you had dinner there you were allowed on the roof/patio later in the evening? Do you just need to give your ADR #? Thx!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi - do y'all know what time the fireworks are in Sept. ? We have a 6:10 ressie - I would think it would be too early to see the fireworks... I thought someone mentioned if you had dinner there you were allowed on the roof/patio later in the evening? Do you just need to give your ADR #? Thx!

If your done eating before the fireworks you can walk around the Contemporary and later on go back to the California Grill check-in desk on the 2nd floor, show them your reciept and they will let you back up to see the fireworks.

 

[bjornpalmer]

I do not think you can make adr for just drinks. My thoughts tend to be that you can ask at the 2nd floor check-in and, if crowds allow, you will be allowed up to the lounge...I don't know this definitely...just what I would think. I think they would not appreciate you making an adr then only going to have drinks at the bar....Meals at CG are wonderful, but very expensive and the expectation for that service (and associated gratuity) would make for an unpleasant encounter with CM when you inform them of your plan.

Connears

I ended up calling them directly and they told me that you do not need reservations to get drinks at the lounge. So I'm planning on going and wishing for the best!

 

[Connears]

I ended up calling them directly and they told me that you do not need reservations to get drinks at the lounge. So I'm planning on going and wishing for the best!

Good luck! Its a great view.


Connears

 

[Uncleromulus]

IF they do let you up, good luck getting a SEAT at the bar!! We've been let up early (we had ADR's) in order to get a drink before dinner. Each time there wasn't a seat to be had at the bar or in the tiny lounge. We were forced to grab two loose chairs and prop ourselves up againt a wall. One time I couldn't even get near the bar to order a drink--it was three-deep SRO.