California Grill Brunch.... worth it??

[PrincessTess]

We are avid fans of Cali Grill... and our brunch food. But I am having a hard time justifying the $80 per person charge that doesn't include gratuity. Can anyone sell me on this? Or tell me it's truly not worth the cost? Is it similar in any way to Palo/Remy brunches on the Disney Cruises (a big favorite in our book)? Thanks.

 

[rwdavis2]

Have you looked at the menu? It's worth doing once, IMHO. Excellent food and a great view of MK. Only you can decide if it's worth it.

 

[bluejasmine]

I was wondering if it compared to Palos as well.... We have it booked for our arrival day since we wont be doing a park until MNSSHP that evening

 

[sjrec]

Reviews have been very favorable-and I think the food looks wonderful from the pictures I’ve seen. The restaurant is beautiful. That being said, we rarely eat at buffets because it’s just too much food. My husband and I often share an appetizer and an entree-so I have a hard time justifying the 80.00 pp. If it was even 50.00 pp I would be okay with it-but almost 200.00 (with gratuity) for half an entree, some fruit and a pastry is just hard for me to justify.

 

[NYCgrrl]

We are "justifying" the cost by eating at one of the latest available ADRs and then opting for nibbles aka Epcot snacks for dinner. We tend not to be very hungry for the rest of the day after a well varied brunch.

I've never been on a Disney cruise so cannot help you with the comparisons listed but since you have perhaps you can peruse the brunch menus plus memory and make your decision accordingly. .

 

[NYCgrrl]

Reviews have been very favorable-and I think the food looks wonderful from the pictures I’ve seen. The restaurant is beautiful. That being said, we rarely eat at buffets because it’s just too much food. My husband and I often share an appetizer and an entree-so I have a hard time justifying the 80.00 pp. If it was even 50.00 pp I would be okay with it-but almost 200.00 (with gratuity) for half an entree, some fruit and a pastry is just hard for me to justify.

I think if you look at the menu plus various reviews you'll find it much more food than that. Stilll, there is always something for everyone @ WDW and voting with your pocketbook is a great idea.
Somehow I don't really consider CG's brunch a true buffet maybe more like a hybrid. Your appetizers are buffet style but the rest of your meal is served by waitstaff as I recall. On the other hand your stated love of sharing an app plus entree may not make paying 80.00 per person a want.

 

[sjrec]

I think if you look at the menu plus various reviews you'll find it much more food than that. Stilll, there is always something for everyone @ WDW and voting with your pocketbook is a great idea.
Somehow I don't really consider CG's brunch a true buffet maybe more like a hybrid. Your appetizers are buffet style but the rest of your meal is served by waitstaff as I recall.

Oh I think the menu is fabulous-it’s just at my age (62) I no longer can do justice to their offerings! On the plus side, we’re getting familiar with the various bar menus-Nomad Lounge was a favorite last trip.

 

[rentayenta]

I think the menu looks amazing and bottomless mimosas? I think we will get our money's worth.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I am trying to score an ADR for our next trip. We have APs so it brings the price down to $72 per head. I can drink at least four mimosas and so can the other people in my group. They box up any unfinished entree and desserts so you get leftovers to go. Based on that, I think it will be worth it for my group.

 

[kastoney]

It is completely worth it in my opinion. We did it for the first time on our last trip and honestly I was wondering what took so long The food is simply amazing and couple that with bottomless mimosa's and the view, and you have perfection. Its definitely meant to be a long, leisurely meal to be savored so just take your time and don't rush it.

 

[megsters]

If you drive, valet parking is included.

 

[windcriesamy]

I remember when CG brunch was first announced and DH and I drooled over the menu options. I forgot about it completely until this thread! I googled some reviews and they all seem favorable, so I checked to see if I could get a reservation for our upcoming trip and there was one time slot left! I went on and grabbed it, so thank you all for the reminder!

 

[bluejasmine]

I am very excited and cannot wait! Everything looks very good

 

[bluejasmine]

Does free valet parking still come with brunch? We are using two TS credits to pay if that makes a difference... The mimosas should be included even on DPP right?

 

[RayO]

Does free valet parking still come with brunch? We are using two TS credits to pay if that makes a difference... The mimosas should be included even on DPP right?

Mimosas are most definitely included on the Dinning Plan!

 

[RayO]

My favorite brunch location! I for one think it is worth the expense. I literally just booked this experience for my next trip in September. I have done this meal every trip since it has been offered. The apps are a buffet, and your entrée will be brought to you whenever you are ready for it. I never have, but I have seen people order more than one entrée at no additional cost. Once you are full to your hearts content, the deserts are brought out. Beautiful sample of cookies, and a bit of chocolate too. I usually get a nice cup of tea when they come out. Great overall dinning experience. Plus, remember to save your receipt. With it you will be able to go back that night to watch the fireworks from the observation deck attached to the restaurant. Fantastic little bonus to cap your day.