California Grill -BIG Mistake!!!

[GoofEeyore26]

My GF and I were at the World these past few days and, after reading experiences and reviews on the DIS, decided to eat at the California Grill one night. In hindsight I wish we hadn’t.

We made ADRs for 9:10 which we figured would be great timing to catch Wishes, at 10:00, in between courses. We got to the Contemporary at about 8:50, checked-in at the host stand, and made the request for a window seat. This request of course cannot be guaranteed, but the hostess said she would do her best but it could be an extra 15 or 20 minutes past our reservation time before we were seated. We were more than happy to wait the extra time and went to the bar to enjoy a glass of wine. The bartender was very nice and provided me with tastes of two different wines which I was having trouble deciding between. To our surprise, at 9:15 our pager went off and we were taken to our table. We were given a window seat with a fantastic view of the castle, we thought we got pretty lucky.

On to the meal…

Our server came over, said hello, gave us our menus, and, I can only describe this part as odd, mentioned four of the entrees (no description just “our good fish is the halibut and shrimp, meat would be the tenderloin and pork”), and walked away. We had glasses of wine with us so it didn’t seem weird that he didn’t ask if we wanted cocktails or anything…though he didn’t even attempt to make any conversation (this is the point where I tell you that we had dinner at Jiko two nights prior to this and our server was great – friendly, attentive, conversational, and fun).

Moving along, we proceeded to order a sushi course, a first course to split, and two entrees. The sushi was brought over by who I assume was the food runner and then he left immediately without explanation of what was on the plate (we had tuna three ways – and even though I knew what each were, at most upscale restaurants courses are described to you). At this point the wine in our glasses is starting to run low but our server has yet to say anything except for the quick check-in on how the food was one bite in. Now things start to go downhill…our first course was delivered when we weren’t finished with the sushi. This wasn’t addressed by the runner or our server. I assumed that they pushed out this course b/c the fireworks were going to start in about 15 minutes and they wanted us to have time to enjoy this course before hand. By the way, the wine glasses are now empty and I have to search out our server to get another glass, unacceptable (he had 3 tables).

Maybe ten minutes later the food runner is watching us like a hawk, yes that’s right, because our entrees are now ready. We weren’t two thirds of the way through our first course. So, much to our anger, again our next course is delivered when we weren’t done with the previous (one again not addressed by anyone) AND the fireworks are about to start…great. The fireworks begin, and hey look I have a huge pillar that is blocking them because they go off 300 yards behind the castle. It would have been nice if my server let me know about this but what can I expect from someone that said they didn’t dime the lights in the restaurant during the fireworks (they do). To avoid this problem my GF and I would have went outside to watch, but our entrees just got there so that was a no go. We didn’t have any desert (though our server tried to push it on us and gave us an attitude when we decline) because we were now in a bad mood and insanely full from being feed three courses in less than an hour.

My GF and I don’t consider ourselves food snobs but we are somewhat of foodies. We have been to some very upscale restaurants and some local small places; and I would say that this was one of the worst meals I’ve had at a restaurant that wanted to be “high end.” The sad thing is that the food was good but the awful service and the atrocious timing of the meal ruined everything. I’ve never seen an “upscale” restaurant foul-up course timing like this. How is a person supposed to eat 3 non-desert courses in 30 minutes?? A nice meal is supposed to be paced. We didn’t have children with us that would put up a stink if the meal lasted too long. And this doesn’t seem to be a Disney practice b/c our dinner at Jiko lasted close to 2 hours and our dinner at Chef’s de France was at least an hour. Also it is unacceptable, even at a chain restaurant like Friday’s, to not ask if someone would like another drink when they are done.

I suggest to couples wanting a nice dinner at Disney to stay away from Cali Grill. And if you must eat there, only order one course at a time and don’t expect them to build in time for you to watch the fireworks (which is probably the main reason people go there).

 

[PurpleTurtle]

GoofEeyore26 - We had a similar experience last June for our 15th anniversary. Very disappointing meal and experience. We won't be going back anytime soon.

 

[BriarRosie]

I wouldn't suggest staying away from this place. I'd perhaps say to stay away from that server! My experience in October was not rushed in any way. I had a good server who made sure she accommodated our pace (and our wine).

If the servers are pacing too fast, it's ok to ask them to slow it down. They're pretty good about accommodating that. I think they're used to "theme park mentality" where most guests want to rush, rush, rush through their meals.

At any rate, they missed the boat on getting your drinks, so I would have made sure I mentioned the service glitches to the manager before leaving. IMHO, that may help get the issues addressed.

 

[Colleen27]

Wow, that is just sad! California Grill was one of the best meals of our last trip, but we had a wonderful server who timed the courses perfectly so that our entrees arrived just a few minutes after Wishes ended and never let my iced tea go empty (I was pregnant, no wine for me ).

The server really makes or breaks the experience at a restaurant like that. I would absolutely have wanted to speak to a manager over that kind of poor service and course timing in a signature restaurant!

 

[GoofEeyore26]

If the servers are pacing too fast, it's ok to ask them to slow it down. They're pretty good about accommodating that. I think they're used to "theme park mentality" where most guests want to rush, rush, rush through their meals.

At any rate, they missed the boat on getting your drinks, so I would have made sure I mentioned the service glitches to the manager before leaving. IMHO, that may help get the issues addressed.

I completely understand the "theme park mentality" and would have said something, if i ever had the chance but there really was no opportunity. That said, i feel that in a place that bills themselves as one of the top end restaurants on property, I shouldn't have to ask for the proper meal pacing. Especially when we are one of the last seatings of the night.

As for trying to address the problem to the manager...I was going to but one was no where to be found.

 

[GoofEeyore26]

The server really makes or breaks the experience at a restaurant like that.

Unfortunately i guess so. It shouldn't be that way though. I would think at a place like (which has a castle and fireworks as a background) trying to please guests would be easy.

 

[Scrufsmom]

Good Grief! I can't believe the horrible service you got. We just ate at the Cali Grill just a couple of weeks ago for two special events and the service was outstanding! I'm so sorry to hear how things went. Isn't it always the case just when one thing seems to not go the right way it sets the president for the rest to follow? We experienced somewhat of the same situation back in September when we visited Narcossees over at the Grand Floridian. Our dinner was served percisely at the time the Fireworks went off and I had to turn around, as my back was facing the windows, to view. As in your case a pillar was in my way so I was unable to view it as well. So I understand your frustrations and once again just when you think your going to have a delightful dinner it fizzles instead. Suggest the next time just take whatever table is available so there are no problems. You'll be able to see if you are sitting in the center instead of next to window.

 

[java]

We avoid "firework" time because I think the stress shows on the wait staff. We have had wonderful service earlier in the night. Delightful attentive and perfect service. But again I say it depends on your waiter. We're going again in July but early.

Slightly out there but similar-
We have always had the same waiter in Coral Reef- then one time a different one and honestly the whole place lost it's sparkle to us then.

 

[Dawn68PA]

Based on what I've read, I wish to avoid firework times at Cali when we go on our next trip. We are used to eating dinner early and can watch the fireworks from lots of other places.

 

[B-Ride]

We avoid "firework" time because I think the stress shows on the wait staff.

I would agree. Although it doesn't excuse the service it might explain it. I would go earlier, eat your meal and then go outside for the fireworks.

The two times we ate at California Grill our service was certainly better than the OP but I must admit it wasn't stellar.

The first time we were give a table along a half wall close to an aisle and our server sometimes delivered items by simply reaching over the wall rather than actually coming to our table.

The second time our server was a bit clueless and didn't deliver our wine until halfway through the meal. Friendly enough but on a different planet.

 

[Pakey]

CG is okay food with a nice view of MK. I would not call it fine dining though. We go because we enjoy the sushi (and Disney does not have much in the way of fine dining) but for people who are expecting upscale, CG can be a disappointment.

 

[Silver Queen]

We had dinner at the Cali Grill two weeks ago and both the food and service were fine. We were there before the fireworks though. In April '08 we had an experience involving poor service at the Kona Cafe. We both ordered Lapu Lapus and it took a long time for our server to bring them. She then immediately served our entrees. We sent them back and said that we hadn't had any time to enjoy our cocktails. They entrees were taken away without a problem and when the time came we were served fresh entrees. We didn't care for the server at all but felt that our "concern" was handled promptly and with grace.

 

[pixie08]

We have been to Cali Grill many, many times and this used to be our fav signature but last trip (jan none the less) it was a mad house. We arrived right before wishes (not to see them it was just a good time) and it took 45 mins after our ADR to be sat. The food and service was good but the place was sooo packed and loud it just did not feel the same. We now much perfer Artist Pointe and Jiko...not to say that I will eliminate Cali Grill because the food is superb. We will just be visiting waaaay before wishes.

 

[Alztybrn]

The best way to control the speed of you dinner at any Disney restaurant is to wait to order your entree after you have received your appetizer. This way, you control the pace, not the other way around.

 

[AliceinHalloweentown]

Sorry you're experience was so disappointing, when we went in June last year we had a fantastic time.
It sucks that the restaurant is so hit-or-miss, because when they do it right, they do it right.
Our ADR was at 8, we left at 11, but we had planned for a long meal. We ordered sushi, flatbreads, saw fireworks, ate our entrees, had dessert and never felt like it was too slow.
Our server was very on task, he brought our entrees right after the fireworks were done.

 

[oybolshoi]

Sorry to read that your evening at CA Grill was a bust. We've had some very good meals there and one that was so-so. Unfortunately I think that the restaurant suffers from too many guests who dine there for fireworks rather than the food and it turns the place into a zoo and service can suffer. We try to pick early ADR times to avoid the crowds and that does seem to help a bit.

Glad to know that you enjoyed Jiko - they have wonderful food, don't they?

 

[GoofEeyore26]

The best way to control the speed of you dinner at any Disney restaurant is to wait to order your entree after you have received your appetizer. This way, you control the pace, not the other way around.

I've never had this trouble at any other Disney restaurant, so i guess i just didn't think i needed to do that. I mean that is the servers and runners job...I can just type my own order into a computer and have it come out whenever.

Our ADR was at 8, we left at 11, but we had planned for a long meal. We ordered sushi, flatbreads, saw fireworks, ate our entrees, had dessert and never felt like it was too slow.

That is my ideal meal and what we hoped to have with the sushi, risotto, fireworks, entrees, etc. I love to sit, enjoy a meal, have good conversation, and an overall experience...not feel rushed.

Glad to know that you enjoyed Jiko - they have wonderful food, don't they?

I had high hopes and Jiko definitely did not disappoint. That will be the first ADR I make for our next trip.

 

[TStrickland01]

The unfortunate part is that the kitchen ability and the wait staff are not always of the same caliber.
I arrived 40 minutes early for an ADR, yet was seated 45 minutes after. The sushi was good (better than average), the foie gras was excellent (top 10 all time, but haven't seen it since), pork and filets were good. But the service was lousy enough for me to consider Casey's if I want to see Wishes, Yachtsman if I want a filet, and Kimonos for sushi. Poor service can crater a restaurant, and I only have sympathy with the kitchen staff who do a fairly decent job.

 

[dizneeat]

I am so sorry to hear you had such a bad experience there. We usually go to California Grill twice during a vacation and have never been disappointed in either the food or the service. But then I have several "favourite" waiters which I "request" if possible.
We have NEVER been served on such a rushed pace or not been able to go outside to see the fireworks either.
Maybe if you liked to food, give it another try!

 

[styron]

We ate at California Grill and had the exact opposite experience. It was perfect, and in fact the timing was even better than we had been led to expect. They told us we would have a 30 minute wait for our table so we settled down in the lounge, and only 5 minutes later our buzzer rang. But we kept our lounge seat anyway because fireworks were about to start and we wanted to watch it from a comfortable seat. After the fireworks were over, we went to claim our table and it turned out to be a window seat anyway!

The meal was perfectly paced and the waiter was well informed. We ordered everything he recommended and were not sorry. Our meal was a leisurely two hours. We had a 9pm ADR and there was only one child in the dining area and he was very well behaved.