California Grill booked for 9pm - same time as start of Wishes Fireworks

[redsaz]

Hi there

We'll be celebrating our 5th anniversary and have a few questions given the only slot left was for 9pm... the same time as the start of the fireworks - which we'd obviously like to watch.

Basically trying to assess our chances of being able to watch them without interruption.

Does the booking system generally run to time i.e. are we likely to be sat down for 9 or later? Know this obviously depends on how busy it is but at that time, I'm expecting it to be busy. I've heard the majority of tables are located around the windows but if we end up away from them would there be a problem in placing our order after they finish? Know this probably sounds a tad OCD'ish but... I don't wanna miss

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

We have dined at the California Grill numerous times and we have never been seated at our ADR time. Typically, we check-in 5 to 15 minutes prior to our ADR (you check-in on the 2nd floor). Then you are escorted up to the 15th floor where you are free to wait at the bar, in the lounge or at a seat along the wall.

Our average wait time for a table has been 20 to 30 minutes, with the longest wait being an hour. The difficulty that you are going to face is that most patrons who are seated between 7:30 and 8 have every intention of staying at their table until Wishes. I would suggest that you check-in 15 minutes early, where you will be given a pager, proceed upstairs and then view Wishes from one of the observation decks. I would doubt you would get a table before 9:20 or 9:30.

 

[RDP]

We ate at CG in November. Our ADR coincided with Wishes. Our Server was excellent and advised us to order before the start of Wishes and he would bring our appetizer when we got back to our table. His recommendation was to go on to the furthest viewing deck just past the restrooms as this would be less crowded. The advice was perfect.
I suppose the point I'm trying to make is that the staff are fully aware that everyone wants to see Wishes whilst eating at CG, and they will try to accommodate this. Have a lovely evening, We certainly did. The soundtrack to the display is piped in throughout the restaurant and viewing decks, and for the perfect touch our Server topped up our champagne glasses to take out with us. Congratulations to you both

 

[redsaz]

Thank you both - this is really helpful and very much appreciated

 

[TheDisneyingNewfie]

I'm with RDP. We've only done it once and maybe it was surprising it all worked out. We booked the ADR asking for the fireworks time. We were seated promptly and the waiter described how we could order and have time to eat our appetizers and then he would hold the rest of our meal until after the fireworks.

The fireworks were on a balcony at the top of the the building and the music was piped in!

It was, by far, the best viewing of the fireworks we had the whole 15 day trip.

 

[Tara]

As others have said, go early and you'll be fine - I'd probably get there at about 8:40 to check in. That way if there's a delay in being escorted upstairs to the 15th floor, you won't miss anything. From there you'll get a pager and you can order a drink and go out to the deck to wait for the start of the show. The deck can get crowded, so going out a little early can be helpful in getting a nice spot.

As RDP says, the waitstaff is very skilled at making sure people can enjoy both the fireworks and their dinner.

However, I will say that we've never waited more than 10-15 minutes for a table at the most. Only once do I remember ever actually sitting down at the bar and ordering a drink. Maybe we've just been lucky, but we do go to CA Grill every trip, so that's a lot of luck!

 

[Connears]

Hi there

We'll be celebrating our 5th anniversary and have a few questions given the only slot left was for 9pm... the same time as the start of the fireworks - which we'd obviously like to watch.

Basically trying to assess our chances of being able to watch them without interruption.

Does the booking system generally run to time i.e. are we likely to be sat down for 9 or later? Know this obviously depends on how busy it is but at that time, I'm expecting it to be busy. I've heard the majority of tables are located around the windows but if we end up away from them would there be a problem in placing our order after they finish? Know this probably sounds a tad OCD'ish but... I don't wanna miss

We had 9pm adr for xmas dinner 2008 and got there at 8:45 and were seated immediately. Our table had a great view of Wishes(9pm), but our server told us we could also go out to the obeservation deck and take our time before we ordered. 3 of us stayed at the table and 2 went out to the deck area. we all enjoyed the dinner and the view of Wishes. It was a holiday and we were seated immediatley if that helps. Either way, you will be able to see wishes and have an amazing meal!

Connears

 

[Brandis]

Last time when we were there, it started to rain just a couple of minutes before the fireworks started. The manager opened one of the private function rooms and we were able to view the fireworks from in there through the panoramic windows. It was nice to stay dry and still be able to watch the fireworks.

 

[redsaz]

Excellent, thanks for all the replies. Gettng excited now. Just hope someone plugs that volcano real soon or we'll be eating a takeaway in front of You Tube!!