California Grill - Concern

[Dana49]

My wife and I would love to dine at the California Grill for our 25th wedding anniversary. Our past experiences, however, have us a little concerned.

3 years ago, we waited almost 45 minutes beyond our PS. The restaurant was extremely hectic at the time and the waiting area was very crowded. The staff were arguing amongst each other regarding seating and service, and the atmosphere seemed to be that of disorganization. We decided to leave and notified the CM.
2 years ago, we tried again. The wait was under 30 minutes but the disorganization seemed to still be there. It appeared to us that many of the diners were there for "Wishes" and not just for the fine dining experience.

Has this changed any? We've eaten there since it first opened and have always had a nice meal. We're hoping it's close to the way that it once was.

 

[sajetto]

No it hasn't changed a bit. We DESPISE CG. We were there for our honeymoon last month, waited 45 minutes on top of our Priority Seating time, waiting another 30 minutes just for the waitress to take our orders, she never refilled the glasses, it was an off night for the food, and so loud in there I could hardly hear my husband. It was far from romantic and the biggest waste of money while we were in WDW. We certainly won't be returning.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I know I am in the minority on this one but CG is the one restaurant at WDW I will probably never return to. We waited over 45 minutes as well. I had my elderly in laws with me and there was no seats the first 15 minutes or so in the bar/waiting area. Finally got one, put my fil in that one since he has heart problems and then some guy finally noticed my husband's aunt who was using a cane standing there and offered his seat. Before my aunt could get over to it some woman starts to sprint across the place to grab the seat which of course I nixed immediately. It was a vulture mentality. It was also extremely loud in there and I didn't think the food was noteworthy at all. It looked to me like they had really overbooked this place. Anyone sitting at a table near a window is not going to leave anytime an hour before Wishes starts. They obvioulsy don't plan for that. I made an 8:00 ADR, it was just before 9:00 when we finally got seated. The food court at Pop offered a quieter atmosphere!

 

[minnie my my]

I used to love CG. A few years ago I would say it was my favorite restaurant at Disney - no more. I have almost the same exact complaints that the other posters have mentioned lately. The only difference is that we did not have to wait quite as long as everyone else here has mentioned. Even if the atmosphere was better I still wouldn't have wanted to go back because the food was not good at all. I felt like we wasted every penny we spent there. It is not on our list for a return restaurant and especially not for a special celebration meal.

 

[BillSears]

I've been wondering if all of the crowds and noise are centered around the Wishes times? I've got a 6:10 reservation and Wishes isn't until 9:30 that night. I was hoping to be able to get in and eat a nice dinner without worrying about all of the fireworks hoopla.

Maybe it's best not to try for fireworks during dinner and instead just go for the food? Has anyone tried this?

 

[Jessmela]

I've had great experiences with two 5:30pm and one 6pm ADRs in the last year. The key seems to be getting there before people who want to watch Wishes. They do seem to get backlogged the closer to Wishes it gets.

I've loved the food and service every time. My favorite restaurant at WDW by far

 

[Tasmen]

We have a 9pm ADR for CG on our trip. Now I'm wondering if we are going to end up sitting around and not getting seated until 10pm

 

[TigerKat]

Our one and only time at CG this past Thanksgiving week was incredible! We had 7:30 ADR time and were seated at exactly 7:30. Our server promptly took care of us. We had the best dining experience ever at Disney. As I stated this was a very busy week and the place was packed but very efficient!

 

[Lesley]

We've had an excellent experience both times at the CG. I think our reservations were (in my mind) too early for Wishes, but we ended up finishing our meal only minutes before it started and went outside to watch (after paying and leaving our table so the next guests could be seated). I do think some people try to linger, which wasn't our plan.

Both visits we were seated promptly and had wonderful service. I do find the CG to be rather loud, after all it is a huge room surrounded by glass- not much to absorb the sound of that many diners and the open kitchen.

 

[scubamouse]

I'd suggest Flying Fish - same style of food and atmosphere but less hectic. I haven't had the waiting time issue at CG but I've seen it in action and it's definitely still hectic (as of 12/06)

 

[scootert]

We always book an early reservation (5:30 or 6) and have not had any problems. I agree with others about timing and fireworks. We don't go there to watch the fireworks. We have our dinner and leave. We always go to CG on our last night at Disney, so we have dinner early and then go back to Epcot for Illuminations.

 

[thptrek]

I booked CG for 730pm. Wishes that night is at 9pm. I figured a 730pm booking should put us finishing dinner right when Wishes starts. Our plan would be to finish dinner, give up our table for the next party and then go out on the deck for Wishes.

 

[Tracey868]

Ok i am now getting concerned too. We had a 8pm res with the intention of seeing the fireworks.. maybe this is not worth it. It will just be hubby and I.. any other ideas for a nice dinner for 2 adults.

T

 

[BCV23]

I've been wondering if all of the crowds and noise are centered around the Wishes times? I've got a 6:10 reservation and Wishes isn't until 9:30 that night. I was hoping to be able to get in and eat a nice dinner without worrying about all of the fireworks hoopla.

Maybe it's best not to try for fireworks during dinner and instead just go for the food? Has anyone tried this?

Absolutely the best way to go in our opinion. We like 5:30 or 6:00ish. We're usually finished and gone before Wishes begins. The restaurant is not quiet by its nature with a huge open space and walls of glass plus an open kitchen. But at that hour, we're always seated promptly and have always had great service. We love CG and it is our only must do dinner at WDW.

Or try well after Wishes on nights when the fireworks are very early. Too late for us but I know others use this strategy.

 

[Dana49]

Ok i am now getting concerned too. We had a 8pm res with the intention of seeing the fireworks.. maybe this is not worth it. It will just be hubby and I.. any other ideas for a nice dinner for 2 adults.

T

We've decided on an ADR at "Artist Point" for 7:30 P.M. "Artist Point" is quiet, has great food, and is very romantic. Following dinner, we'll go to the boat dock behind the Grand Floridian and watch "Wishes" from there.

 

[sotoalf]

To recent diners: has the second floor check-in helped at all? It sounds like the restaurant suspends this policy at will.

I do agree with BCV23: we've dined before six and after nine and have never had problems with crowds. Honestly, I don't understand the obsession with fireworks. The Contemporary's not the best spot anyway (if you're at the hotel go to the 4th floor observation desk).

 

[PlutoLuvr]

We've decided on an ADR at "Artist Point" for 7:30 P.M. "Artist Point" is quiet, has great food, and is very romantic. Following dinner, we'll go to the boat dock behind the Grand Floridian and watch "Wishes" from there.

I think this is a good move. My MIL was visiting WDW two weekends ago with one of her friends, and they only stayed two nights. One night they ate at AP; the other CG. MIL had never been to either. She couldn't stand CG. She said it was unbelievably loud, took forever to get seated, service was snobby and pretentious ... but the martinis looked good

AP, on the other hand, she said, was quiet, had wonderful atmosphere, hearty portions of food and excellent service. She specifically told me to hit CG with DH for a martini one day, but go to AP for a romantic dinner.

Hope you have a lovely time!

 

[scanne]

I've got a 6:10 reservation and Wishes isn't until 9:30 that night. I was hoping to be able to get in and eat a nice dinner without worrying about all of the fireworks hoopla.

I also have a 6ish ressie time. I don't care about the fireworks - just the food and atmosphere. DH and I have eaten at Cali Grill twice and really like it. This time, we're taking our kids, my parents, my aunt and my grandmother. I'm looking for a nice family dinner - we're doing TONS of character meals, so this will be a nice change of pace - I hope.

 

[sajetto]

We've decided on an ADR at "Artist Point" for 7:30 P.M. "Artist Point" is quiet, has great food, and is very romantic. Following dinner, we'll go to the boat dock behind the Grand Floridian and watch "Wishes" from there.

I also agree with idea. We LOVED Artist Point and it was by far the most delicious and romantic meal we had during our honeymoon

 

[BensMom]

We have found CG hit or miss. The food is good, not great. This is why we have our other list of restaurants we choose first. The view, however, can't be beat. The chefs have changed. The former Flying Fish chef is now at CG, I believe. They've done some musical chairs of late. So, perhaps some things have changed on the menu. The staff, depending on how you look at it, is probably still the same. We have not bonded with any of the waitstaff as we have at the Flying Fish or Le Cellier.