California Grill/Fireworks timing for Christmas - New Years Week

[TMJR]

My daughters (18 & 11) and I will be visiting from Christmas Day - New Years Day. I would like to get an ADR for the 3 of us for dinner at California Grill one night so they can see the fireworks from there without dealing the with crowds. Is it best to actually be eating during fireworks or would I be better off trying for an earlier ADR and then coming back for fireworks later (that's still allowed, correct?)

Thank you!

 

[TwinkleKS]

It's kind of personal preference. However, with that week being so busy I prefer to eat during the fireworks and hopefully get a table against the window (although you can still see okay from the ones further back and you can always move closer during the fireworks). The reason I say this is because it seems during busier times people are more likely to come back to view the fireworks from the balcony - so it can get crowded pretty quickly. You don't want to have a 5:00 reservation, be done at 7:00 and feel like to get a good viewing spot you need to be out there standing at 8:00 (a little exaggerated, but you get the point).

 

[rwdavis2]

Also, the wait staff know how to time your meal if you want to wathc the fireworks out on the observation deck. They will hold back a course if necessary.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Even though they do allow you back up with a same-day receipt (at least I'm 90% sure they do)... we like to plan our meal around it.

We did this for Christmas Eve one year and continue to do so at Narcoossee's.

At Cali, our server timed our meal around the fireworks. I think we had a 7:30pm reservation. We were seated, ordered some appetizers and drinks, then our entrees. We finished our entrees around 8:30-8:40 and our server took our dessert order. He instructed us to take our time and go outside when we were ready. We went outside and watched (at the time) Holiday Wishes. When we came back in, our table was clean, coffee was being poured, and our desserts were being delivered.

I'd keep a few things in mind:
1) We once booked a later ADR for Narcoossee's. They don't seat you within a certain timeframe around the fireworks, so you may be waiting.
2) The times can change. They most likely won't, but I think it's 9pm for fireworks during Xmas week.
3) On NYE it's a prix fixe menu and it costs like $250. You'll wanna choose another date.
4) If you can't get Cali Grill, consider Narcoossee's. It's a different view, but still gorgeous.

 

[BrotherBear]

Just spoke to WDW Dining on the phone today. NYE Dinner(for 2018) at Cali Grill is $600 per person, unlimited drinks. With tax/tip they wanted to charge me $1325 for two.....ugh...no thanks.