California Grill - fireworks

[Uncleromulus]

We always try for one hour before. At CG no telling if you'll be seated on time or not. Most times we're somewhere in our meal when the fireworks begin. Unless we happen to have a window seat, we get up and go out w/ the crowd to the observation deck. When the fireworks are over, we resume our meal.

 

[PoohsFan1]

Personally, I like to go to CG earlier for dinner when it is daylight out, because I love that sunset view over the Magic Kingdom and the castle. Then, go see the fireworks from inside the park later on. It is just a short ride over by monorail or nice walk. So in summary, we go to CG for the daylight view and great food, not for the fireworks.

I could not agree with you more. My DH and I did this in 2007 (our "date night"), we had ressie for 5:30pm, and got a window seat. I had the view of MK and my DH had the view of the rest of the world. I was able to watch the show infront of the castle and was also able to watch people going down the "big hill" of Splash (of course not a close eye view, but you knew what was happening). Eventhough it was still daylight out, I thought it was so amazing seeing MK like that. After dinner our waiter told us to keep our receipt and come back for Wishes, which we did, and about 1/2 hour before it started, we were lucky enough to get 2 seats at the bar. Once Wishes started, the bartender held our seats for us as we were able to go outside to watch. It was the best experience that my DH and I had ever had at Disney and we can't wait to do it again.

 

[livie1205]

No it is not.

It is a poorly run, very loud and chaotic restaurant. The food is pretty good but there are better restaurants on property. I would suggest spend your money on a fireworks cruise. That is the way to see em.

B.

AGREE 100%...we did both and the cruise was much much better and we did NOT enjoy the dinner at all.

 

[akdeputydog]

I'm very interested in these posts and comments. We too were planning to do a dinner at CG, honestly primarily for the fireworks and to try a restaurant people rave about. But now I'm not so sure... I would love some input in light our our situation...

So what you should know. It's our first time to WDW (DH, myself and DD5). We will be in WDW for 10 days and plan to see fireworks from inside MK and also the Poly beach. CG's menu looks fine but nothing I am saying to myself "oh I want to try X, we have to go here." My DD is a picky eater.

Given these factors and assuming no wondow table should we go...I'm game but it is a bit pricey if you think going for the fireworks when we'll see them 2 other places is not worth it.

Any feedback?

 

[Soccer Princess]

If you are interested in dining (aka the food) at California Grill and are looking at the fireworks as a bonus, then by all means book it.

If you are interested in booking for the main reason of watching the fireworks and the dining is secondary, you should skip it. The fireworks are much better viewed from inside the park and you will be taking away a table from someone who actually wants to eat there.

If you are looking for another place to view the fireworks besides the park and you have small children or the menu does not appeal to you, O'hana is a great choice. You can view the fireworks from the huge windows in the restaurant or eat and then watch the fireworks from the Polynesian beach.

 

[alan_renfroe]

We loved, loved, LOVED it! In fact, it was probably the most "Disney" moment we had on our entire trip. There is something absolutely magical about being on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort, having an awesome meal, and then watching the fireworks from the balcony. The only complaint we had was that the people around us would not stop talking and we could not hear the dialogue. That being said, it was absolutely incredible.

Oh, here's a tip as well! As you probably know, when "Wishes" gets over with at MK, there is a rush to get to the exit and the buses. If you are staying on property, here is a good strategy: after the fireworks, we got on the monorail, got off at the TTS and switched to the Epcot monorail. The buses were still going at Epcot and we just walked right on!

We will be making our 2nd trip to WDW this coming May, and California Grill will be one of the first reservations I make.

 

[TheWog]

We did it and enjoyed it, but won't need to do it again. It was a great experience to do once.

 

[Greenfield1984]

Didn't read any of the replies but just from reading the title I immediately wanted to reply.

No the view from CG isn't worth it. The Meal and atmosphere from CG is worth it. Was the highlight of our moneymoon. The fireworks was an added bonus. I booked about an hour and half before the fireworks and requested a table with a view of the fireworks. I was willing to wait if necesary but wasn't a problem. By the end of the meal i ordered the cheese matching plate as a desert. Man oh man i can't tell you how long i spent eating that. The flavor was fantastic. The fireworks were good and they had the music for them. The view was better from main street but if you've seen them before the CG is an absolutely romantic spot.

 

[derrickmom]

What time would you book dinner in June to see the fireworks??

 

[duffy]

When we went, we went out on the observation deck and heard the music, with Jiminy Cricket narrating.

Is this also heard inside? If not, then it's a shame to think of all those diners just watching the fireworks, without the wonderful "Disney" spin put on it, by hearing Jiminy too.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

Personally, I like to go to CG earlier for dinner when it is daylight out, because I love that sunset view over the Magic Kingdom and the castle. Then, go see the fireworks from inside the park later on. It is just a short ride over by monorail or nice walk. So in summary, we go to CG for the daylight view and great food, not for the fireworks.

We enjoyed the daytime view and sunset with our 5:30pm ADR. I was just thinking about the fireworks but with no guarantee of a window view, I'll just watch the fireworks at MK park. If we didn't get a table by or near the window, would we still be able to see well from any table? Or do people stand up by the windows so the view is blocked?

The observation deck doesn't appeal to me. It's just a narrow cement walkway with no seating. I'm sure the view of fireworks is different from there, but I don't want to stand for a half hour on a crowded narrow walkway.

View from Cali Grill

Sunset View from Cali Grill

 

[mstew99]

Since i'm not going to MNSSHP, i'm using a reservation here to get a chance to at least see the special fireworks. Though I am very much going back again for the food too!