California Grill & Fireworks Viewing: How does it work?

[triciambe]

We were able to snag a last-minute reservation for California Grill for our trip this week (yay for Touring plans!). Our reservation is for 7:20PM. I've read recommendations to try to stay to see the fireworks from our table (though I realize window seats are premium), but I'm guessing we'll be finished eating before the fireworks begin at 9. How does this work? I've read that there's an outdoor deck that we could go to in order to view the fireworks—is that the best option?

Thank you!

 

[DeterminedOne]

The deck is the best option. Well, the best option is a seat by the window and being able to watch the fireworks while you dine. Unfortunately, there are certain variables that could prevent you from making that happen. Since you will be done dining long before the fireworks start, the deck is the best option. You will love it. The view is stunning even without the fireworks.

 

[TwinkleKS]

I wouldn't count 100% on being done by 9:00. We arrived for a 7:30 reservation two weeks ago, waited 5-10 minutes to be seated and dessert arrived right when the fireworks started. There were others still there that were seated before us. They definitely don't try to run you out from what I've experienced. The trip before I actually told the waiter to hurry it up because we had seen the fireworks three times that week and were okay getting out before they started.

As the PP stayed the view is the best from the deck.

 

[Mopedmom1]

Am I correct in saying that if you dine earlier in the day, you can come back and show your receipt to get in to view the fireworks from the deck?

 

[purple figment]

A signature meal usually takes us 90 - 120 minutes for a three course meal so you might not be finished by 9 PM. We have either just finished or more often we are between entree and dessert course. The servers are very used to having most diners watch the fireworks so they will pace your meal accordingly.

While many like to watch from a window table we prefer to view the show from the deck. In both the restaurant and the decks the music is piped in.

To Mopedmon 1 - Yes, if you dine at CG earlier you can come back that same evening, show your receipt at the check in podium on the second floor and go up to view the fireworks.

 

[triciambe]

Perfect - thank you everyone!

 

[Mickey92]

Unless you have a window table, going out onto the deck is your best option. As others have said, it’s no guarantee you will be done by 9:00. We had a 7:30 ADR in May. We were halfway through our entrees at 9. We stopped, walked out on patio, came back finished entrees and had dessert.

 

[triciambe]

Unless you have a window table, going out onto the deck is your best option. As others have said, it’s no guarantee you will be done by 9:00. We had a 7:30 ADR in May. We were halfway through our entrees at 9. We stopped, walked out on patio, came back finished entrees and had dessert.

Oh, that's good to know you can get up to view the fireworks then come back for dessert. I was thinking we would have to rush if we didn't get a good window view. Thanks!

 

[Mickey92]

Oh, that's good to know you can get up to view the fireworks then come back for dessert. I was thinking we would have to rush if we didn't get a good window view. Thanks!

Nope! Take your time and enjoy it. It is a great experience.

 

[purple figment]

Oh, that's good to know you can get up to view the fireworks then come back for dessert. I was thinking we would have to rush if we didn't get a good window view. Thanks!

Because we like to have a reservation 60 -75 minutes before fireworks, we are often between the entree and dessert courses when it's time to go out on the deck. After the fireworks we'll come back in for dessert. The servers are skillful at timing courses so just let them know you plan to go outside to see the fireworks.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Sorry to hijack this thread. I looked for answers on this board but wasn't successful. I have a 930pm ADR at CG. Question is, (assuming i wont be seated by 10pm) will they allow me to watch the fireworks from the balcony before being seated? Im guessing the answer is no and that i'd be out of luck. But i'd like to be sure. Thats why I thought i'd ask. Anyone???

 

[Mickey92]

Sorry to hijack this thread. I looked for answers on this board but wasn't successful. I have a 930pm ADR at CG. Question is, (assuming i wont be seated by 10pm) will they allow me to watch the fireworks from the balcony before being seated? Im guessing the answer is no and that i'd be out of luck. But i'd like to be sure. Thats why I thought i'd ask. Anyone???

I think with a 9:30 ADR, you should be seated by 10:00. If not, you should be up in the restaurant by that time. If you are already in the restaurant waiting on your table, I don't see why walking out on the balcony to view the fireworks would be a problem.

 

[chamonix]

Sorry to hijack this thread. I looked for answers on this board but wasn't successful. I have a 930pm ADR at CG. Question is, (assuming i wont be seated by 10pm) will they allow me to watch the fireworks from the balcony before being seated? Im guessing the answer is no and that i'd be out of luck. But i'd like to be sure. Thats why I thought i'd ask. Anyone???

If the fireworks are at 10 and your ADR is at 9:30 you will be fine. You will be checking in downstairs before 9:30, and then you are brought up in the elevator to the restaurant. There would be no reason for them to keep you waiting downstairs until 10pm. If you are worried about it at all, when you check in downstairs you can mention that the fireworks are important to you and you don't want to miss them and ask to be taken up right away. We usually go up right away no matter what time we dine, so we can grab a drink from the bar if our table isn't ready yet (no reason to wait downstairs!) You are welcome to wait on the balcony (though I'm not sure how well the buzzers work out there). So pretty much once you check in downstairs you just have to make sure you are brought upstairs before 10, which shouldn't be a problem at all. CG runs very well, I've never been brought upstairs 30 minutes after my ADR time. Once you are upstairs you can walk out onto one of the balconies whenever you wish. They know why you are there, they know when the fireworks are--they won't leave you sitting downstairs past your ADR/firework time. The balconies will be available to you whether or not you have been seated at a table.

 

[chamonix]

Sorry to hijack this thread. I looked for answers on this board but wasn't successful. I have a 930pm ADR at CG. Question is, (assuming i wont be seated by 10pm) will they allow me to watch the fireworks from the balcony before being seated? Im guessing the answer is no and that i'd be out of luck. But i'd like to be sure. Thats why I thought i'd ask. Anyone???

So for your situation I would suggest arriving at the check-in desk (downstairs on the second floor) just after 9pm and no later than 9:15. When you check in let them know you you don't want to miss the fireworks, so you would like to go up in the elevator as soon as possible. The balconies are a nice place to wait even without fireworks! Fantastic view in all directions.