California Grill Expectations

[phoenix0819]

I feel VERY fortunate to have been lucky enough to snare a table at the California Grill on 4/26 at 9:40pm when Wishes goes off at 10:00. To do it less than 2 months prior was not expected... This is going to be a special night - my girlfriend hasn't been to Disney World since she was 15, she turns 50 the next day and on May 4 she celebrates 10 years as a stroke survivor. On top of that, she's getting a ring (She is not on DISBoards so she won't see this! LOL).

Anyway, my question for you all is this....Is it frowned upon to only order an appetizer/sushi and drinks at that time or would that be ok since it really is late for a full blown meal?

Thanks for your input!

Greg

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Order what you want.

With a 9:40, be aware that you may not get a table before Wishes.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Yeah...you can order what you would like...sushi, desserts, whatever...but with a 9:40, I would expect to check in, find a spot on the deck to watch Wishes (maybe grab some cocktails), and expect to be seated after fireworks. It'll still be wonderful...just maybe not exactly what you envisioned.

 

[phoenix0819]

Not having a table before hand is not an issue at all.... Honestly, I wanted to go out to the viewing platform anyway for the fireworks and the ring and then sit and relax so this may be perfect! Thanks for the input....

 

[MakiraMarlena]

the odds of your getting a table before Wishes are slim to none, so it's cool that you'll be watching from the deck. After Wishes the place kind of clears out so it will be less hectic. And you can order whatever you want.

 

[Eastern]

We never order entrees. We usually get flatbread, sushi, and a cocktail. No problem.

Get in line at least 20 minutes early at the downstairs check in desk. That line is always long!
Then they will take you upstairs and you can have a drink at the bar if your table isn't ready yet.

btw I always keep checking if I don't get my perfect time. Especially the week before. CG always seems to have cancellations. (The only restaurant this hasn't worked for, for me, is Ohana. I never see cancellations for that one.)

 

[Lisa F]

sounds like it will be perfect for... especially as someone mentioned it clears out after wishes. So you get the best of both worlds, the fabulous fireworks show then you get a quieter lower key restaurant experience to bask in the glow of your engagement.

Congrats to both of you and what a lucky girl she is

 

[sndral]

One of my most memorable evenings was when a couple became engaged at CA Grill at the table next to us. The CG staff was in on it. The couple was seated at the window & as Wishes ended the waiter brought out a chocolate slipper desert with the ring & the guy proposed - so cool.

 

[phoenix0819]

sounds like it will be perfect for... especially as someone mentioned it clears out after wishes. So you get the best of both worlds, the fabulous fireworks show then you get a quieter lower key restaurant experience to bask in the glow of your engagement.

Congrats to both of you and what a lucky girl she is

Let's hope she feels he same! LOL!

 

[tigger536]

You check in on the second floor of the contemporary. There is a really good gift shop on the 4th floor concourse - I may be wrong but they always seem to have stuff that you don't see everywhere else. I always find something good in there. Anyway, have your GF check it out while you go check in ON ANOTHER FLOOR. That way, you can inform the desk of your plans and they can be in on it. Good luck, take lots of pics and let us know how it went!

 

[JZCubed]

Not having a table before hand is not an issue at all.... Honestly, I wanted to go out to the viewing platform anyway for the fireworks and the ring and then sit and relax so this may be perfect! Thanks for the input....

While you may not be seated at a table, you can purchase drinks (or a bottle of Champagne) before making your way outside.

What you might do is stop at check-in podium as much as 15 minutes prior to your scheduled ADR time and request to go upstairs with the expectation of not getting seated. This gives you a few more minutes to get those drinks.

Also, if your not done so already, let Disney Dining know that you are going to have a surprise proposal. You may get a 'better table', but also the accommodation to get upstairs a bit early.

More importantly - CONGRATULATIONS!!

Last thing - our last visit to Be Our Guest included a surprise proposal. I noticed a flower arrangement that was seemingly out-of-place at the table next to us and our Server let us in on the secret after I inquired about those flowers (where the ring was hidden). My wife cried when the Beast proposed to the Beauty - er ah - when the handsome man proposed to the charming woman....the entire room applauded. We had Champagne for dessert in their honor.