California Grill - fireworks & timing?

[arizonacolbys]

Well, I thought I had our anniversary dinner planned out perfectly for 5/13 - I made our CG PS's for 8 pm & Wishes was at 9 pm. I was hoping to either end up with a window seat, or be able to walk out to the balcony to see the fireworks. I just double-checked hours again last night for our trip & now the MK is open til 10 & Wishes are at 10.

So, what's everyone's advice? Try to bump the dinner a little later? How long does a meal at CG usually run (we've never eaten here - it's our anniversary treat) ? If we finish up way before the fireworks, can we leave & come back to watch from the balcony?

So confused...any info would be greatly appreciated - thanks!!!

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

I can honestly tell you that you will probably NOT get a later ressie at this point in time. The CG books up quite well. If the hours are later, why not linger over desert and coffee, and then watch the fireworks from either inside or the deck, I will nearly guarntee that you could not get a much better view anywhere.

 

[CharleyUK]

Perhaps a nice cool glass of champagne while you wait . The view from the balcony is well worth the wait.

Enjoy

 

[Forever42]

When we were there the Saturday before Valentine's day, our meal lasted nearly four hours - and we weren't trying to stretch it out, we and our server were all relaxed and had a great time. We love long meals - our meals tend to last 1.5-2+ hours in general, when we're out.

We had champagne, a flatbread, salads, entrees, and dessert.

 

[arizonacolbys]

Thanks so much for everyone's input!! I just want our anniversary to be perfect. It makes me feel better that longer meals are more of a norm at the CG. We're just used to getting in & out of a restaurant within an hour or so. Sounds like we'll do well & see our fireworks after all if we order drinks, dinner & some dessert. Thanks again!!

 

[chiconh]

AZColbys, we did CG for our 25th anniversary in Sept. I booked a PS for Wishes. It was very well worth it. The food was great and the view spectacular. I had the Disney florist deliver flowers as a surprise for the DW. They were on the table when we were seated (window seat). All in all, it was great. I highly recommend it!

 

[babybunrab]

We had a 7:00 PS for what we thought were 8:00 Wishes--but they got changed to 10:00 and it was too late to move the PS. They just assumed we were going to stay for the fireworks and were surprised when we said that we couldn't stay, so I get the feeling that this sort of thing happens a lot there.

 

[Madhatter266]

Does anyone know - during Wishes do they play the music inside of CG, or do you need to go the observation deck to hear it?

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

Congratulations on your anniversary!

We just returned from our 25th anniversary trip, and had dinner at CG. I made our PS for 9, Wishes was scheduled for 10 that night. Dinner did last a good hour and a half, and we didn't get much in the way of appetizers, and I don't drink, so you could definitely stretch it out longer.

There was some music playing, and then the announcement that Wishes was cancelled due to lightning (we had terrible thunderstorms that night). I was a bit disappointed because we had a perfect view of the castle from our table, but DH said we'd just have to make our own fireworks! LOL

Enjoy your trip!

 

[arizonacolbys]

Thanks for the great info Kate & congratulations on your anniversary, too! Glad to hear you enjoyed your meal at CG, we're really looking forward to it next week! Sorry to hear you missed out on the fireworks over the castle, I've never been there when the fireworks were cancelled. Sounds like you still had a great anniversary though.

 

[stargzr]

We had 9:20 PS for CG this last Sunday and when we checked in she said the wait could still be 20-30 minutes after your PS, so you can take that into account too. Luckily the real wait was only 10-15, but at least that will buffer your time a little. Wishes was absolutely beautiful from the observation deck, so I'm sure you're going to love it. It's very romantic for an anniversary.

 

[MrsTink04]

When we were at CG in February, the cast told us we could come back later that night for the fireworks as long as we kept our receipt proving that we had eaten there that day.

 

[paslea_pooh]

WE are planning on going November 27th for DD birthday and would love to see Wishes at that time, the only thing that concerns me is that the MVMCP is that day and I don't know what time the fireworks will be. Does anyone know? Also can you really see the fireworks from inside the restaurant, we've never been there before. Do you get to hear the music as well.

Can they do anything special since it's dd 9th birthday, I know she would be thrilled!!

My other concern is that I read that the Contemporary is going to be under some construction, will that interfere in anyway?

Thanks

 

[EvilinaDM101]

When we booked our PS's for CA Grill to have dinner and watch Wishes, we've always booked about 2 hours in advance. We've gotten a great table to where you don't even have to go to the observation deck to watch Wishes. Here are some pics!

The View of the Castle from our table

The view of the Sunset and the GF (the other side of our table)

Us at our table

The Castle right before Wishes

AND if I am not mistaken the times that we've been they dimmed the lights and piped in the Music BUT our server Ryan (EXCELLENT we've had him both times!!) said they were planning on changing it. So I hope this helps! Congrats again on your anniversary and HAVE FUN!!!