california grill.....fear of elevators.

[mickeysgirl17]

I am terrified of being stuck inside a elevator but I'm dying to try California Grill on our next trip. I know I'll love the view once I'm up there and I'm assuming that the only way up is by elevator.

My DH says he thinks he remembers the Contemporary having glass (clear) elevators in which case I won't be as afraid since these don't bother me, but I don't recall seeing these. Does anyone know or have any suggestions for me? I would hate to miss out on this place.

 

[islandbeachnut]

California Grill is our absolute favorite restaurant in all of Disney World.

No glass elevators at the California Grill. I'm sure there must be a service stairway in case of emergency, but you won't be able to use it.

It's worth the trip - have a glass of wine before you get in the elevator, close your eyes & you'll be at the Cali Grill in seconds. It's a very quick elevator ride.

 

[fitzkerry]

My husband has the same fear of elevators. When we checked in at the desk they directed us to a dedicated elevator that only goes to the CG (does not stop on any other floor) it has a CM riding on it with everyone who goes up. We asked to ride alone with just the CM so he did not feel crowded. They were great about it. We got on and in less than 10 sec. we were in the bar.

 

[Phedre]

Okay, I'm not going to help your fears, but I feel like from one elevator hater to another, you should at least be warned. The elevators at the CR on my last visit were TERRIBLE. We had a whole bunch of issues with them and while I think a person who is okay with elevators wouldn't really have remembered, for an elevator hater like myself, I was terrified. They were making horrible noises and they stopped a few times and they didn't go where they were supposed to. I know I threw myself out of the elevator screaming a few times when it finally got to the right floor and opened correctly One of the times, my mom had to pry the doors open by hand!!!! By the end of the trip after so many mishaps I was frazzled and having a hard time even getting in to go back to our room. However, the last time I was there was over a year and a half ago so maybe they've fixed the problems? I don't know.... I would probably get back in them again if I was going to eat at CG, but I like the idea of a glass or 2 of wine first..

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

Okay, I'm not going to help your fears, but I feel like from one elevator hater to another, you should at least be warned. The elevators at the CR on my last visit were TERRIBLE. We had a whole bunch of issues with them and while I think a person who is okay with elevators wouldn't really have remembered, for an elevator hater like myself, I was terrified. They were making horrible noises and they stopped a few times and they didn't go where they were supposed to. I know I threw myself out of the elevator screaming a few times when it finally got to the right floor and opened correctly One of the times, my mom had to pry the doors open by hand!!!! By the end of the trip after so many mishaps I was frazzled and having a hard time even getting in to go back to our room. However, the last time I was there was over a year and a half ago so maybe they've fixed the problems? I don't know.... I would probably get back in them again if I was going to eat at CG, but I like the idea of a glass or 2 of wine first..

They are, however, not nearly as bad as those at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, they could really use some matienece! Sorry, couldn't help myself.

 

[itchin2go]

I don't like elevators either. Well, basically I'm afraid of all things breaking, plus I don't like enclosed spaces. I remember the elevator ride to CG as a blip, though - very fast, if that helps. I do remember there being several other people on it, so I like the suggestion of asking to ride with CM alone. The glass of wine seems like a good suggestion too!

 

[mickeysgirl17]

Wow. If I heard some wierd noises while in a elevator, I would start panicking for sure. It's hard enough to get on without any horrible noises in the first place.

I'm worried that I'll be a big chicken and not be able to do the dinner.

At one point, I was in NYC (my hometown) in the Manhattan library and we were in a elevator that stopped. The elevator was packed with people and I thought I was going to die. After 2 min, it moved again, but I was flipping out. I'll be with DD too and I wouldn't want her to be scared if anything did go wrong. Now, I never get in one unless I absoloutely must.

 

[Uncleromulus]

The elevator to the CG is "dedicated", fast, and dosen't stop anyhwere else. Be aware though that the evelavors at the Contemporary are about the size of a small closet--.

 

[gatour]

There has to be stairways readily available and not just "service" type. These would be for fire escape purposes.

If I remember correctly the stairwells are on either side of the windows overlooking the atrium. I think they are partially exposed to the elements though.

The doorways accessing the stairways may be one way though. I.E. you can only exit onto the stairways but can't exit until you get down to ground level. If this is the case then you may be able to arrange for someone to open the fire escape door once you climb the stairs.

The good news your S.O. can use the escalators to the forth floor and then climb the stairs the rest of the way.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

The elevator to the CG is "dedicated", fast, and dosen't stop anyhwere else. Be aware though that the evelavors at the Contemporary are about the size of a small closet--.

A small closet? Oh my!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Let's put it this way-a family of 4 with a stroller will take up virtually the entire elevator.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

Let's put it this way-a family of 4 with a stroller will take up virtually the entire elevator.

Wow. That is pretty scary!

 

[zipuzee]

I'm glad to hear the CG one is not glass. I could do it, but I'm MUCH happier now!!

 

[GrumpySue]

I am terrified of elevators and I had no problem in this one. Ask to be taken up alone with the CM and you will be fine. They are fast and the ride is smooth. And they don't stop anywhere else. It's over in a few seconds. Don't miss the California Grill, it's the best place in WDW. We loved it so much we went back two nights later.

 

[Wistful_Thinking]

CG is our favorite dining spot in all Disney. We go there 2-3 times per trip. A few years ago there was a long line/wait for the elevator going down to the lobby. I think a Christmas party was just finishing up in one of the big meeting rooms on the top floor. Anyway, we took the stairs down to the the concourse level.

So....Unless things have changed radically, you shouldn't have any problems taking the stairs.

 

[Cinderella Fan]

I am scared of elevators too. I always wanted to eat there, now it is a MUST with every trip. I just suck it up and deal with it, the food is that good!!

 

[mickeysgirl17]

CG is our favorite dining spot in all Disney. We go there 2-3 times per trip. A few years ago there was a long line/wait for the elevator going down to the lobby. I think a Christmas party was just finishing up in one of the big meeting rooms on the top floor. Anyway, we took the stairs down to the the concourse level.

So....Unless things have changed radically, you shouldn't have any problems taking the stairs.

I will ask for sure! I hope they let me.