California Grill - fireworks

[gwtwfan2]

Is the view of the fireworks from the California Grill really worth it?

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Personally, I'm glad I did the experience of watching them from the top deck of CG once, but in my own opinion I like watching them better from Main St. in MK. I just really like being right there in the park and seeing them from there better. Plus, while pretty much any area on Main St. gets you a good view, to get a good spot on the outdoor deck at CG you need to go out at least 15 mins early, and although they let you return to your table when done, its kind of annoying to have to get up for 1/2 hour to go out for them. You can see the fireworks inside too, but the view isn't as good unless you have a great window seat.

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.

 

[TDC Nala]

The view is best from the MK park, as it was orchestrated to be viewed from there. If you are planning your one and only viewing, I would suggest seeing the show from the park. Ca. Grill is great for a different perspective, and to avoid park crowds.

 

[lisadr]

It's a great experience. We first went to CG to see the fireworks-but then were hooked on the food and dining experience. But now, as of our last visit in Sept-things have gone downhill quite a bit-I suspect due to people who are booking just for the fireworks and the removal of the tip in the dining plan. The service and food was much better-but now they are, as we say in the restaurant business-turning and burning the tables.

To further explain this-servers are getting tables of people who, for no other reason, are booking the CG to see the fireworks then get up in arms that the bill is over $200 and then take their issues out on the server (tipping poorly). So what do the servers do? They rush people out or are taking too many tables to provide the level of service customers are paying for. If you aren't making your $ in the size of the tips-then make it up in the amount-turn and burn.

I do think that you will have a better experience if you are not there during free dining though-I know that had a lot to do with it. The restaurant was letting it's standards drop considerably-starting with the dress code. We saw people with shorts (not dress)and tie-dyed shirts being seated for dinner .

 

[Pakey]

I enjoy the view from CG if we have one of the few window tables that directly face it. I do not like viewing from the observation decks (which is most frequently how it's done since there are not that many window tables). Regardless of where at CG you view, it is NOT as good as from the park.

CG is still a nice place to dine if you go late, after the fireworks and the viewing crowd has dispersed.

 

[ColoradoDis]

We always enjoy it. It's nice to plan it in the middle of the trip - get dressed up for a nice dinner and watch something you can't see from any other restaurant in the world. It's a great way to slow down and just enjoy each other's company.

We're planning a return trip in June.

 

[figmentfan0724]

Yes I totally agree that the fireworks are worth it at California Grill. I can say this because I was totally against it, I even wanted to cancel when we went this past sept, but since we waited to long we couldn't cancel. All I wanted was a table in front of the window and who knew that I would get the perfect table. It was fantastic meal and view. I also agree with the previous poster that said its a great way to slow down and just enjoy each other!

 

[pixiefairy]

We have an adr here on Valentine's Day...but at 9:35. Do you have to be already seated in order to go out and watch from the deck?

 

[ireland_nicole]

We have an adr here on Valentine's Day...but at 9:35. Do you have to be already seated in order to go out and watch from the deck?

Nope; as long as you have a ressie that night you can access the observation deck.

And I think that the fireworks viewing is fun, and worth seeing; but definitely different than the parks.

 

[jonestavern]

I'm glad to have seen the fireworks both from the observation deck & from a table. Satisfied we've done it but neither DH, DS19 or I will be in any hurry to do it again.

Our family really loves the food & service at the CG. I can say we've had some really impressive waitpersons and wonderful meals. The last time we ate there was Nov '08. We'll be back to CG for sure, just will skip the fireworks brouhaha.

I will say I was dismayed over the lack of dress code enforcement. I think a little laxity is fine but, as a PP noted, we also saw a whole table of 8, all adults dressed in very sloppy basketball shorts and tank tops. The 2 women were wearing Daisy Dukes & flip flops. I didn't even know women still wore cut offs that short

Jean

 

[ArabianNights]

It's like watching a concert from a box instead of the mosh pit. It's a nice experience and certainly more comfortable, but it feels somewhat detached. I would try and do both.

 

[Booyakasha]

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.

 

[Frothy]

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.

Have to agree with most of what you say except for the fact that if you can get into the more more private smaller room towards the back it's much nicer.

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

It is nice to have a view of the fireworks without the crowds at MK. I do have my favorite viewing spot in the middle of Main Street, however I had cellulitis last year and still have a difficult time standing for a long time. CG provides a pleasant view/experience. The first time we went to CG I thought the food was too rich for my lifestyle, but then I couldn't wait to go back, and now it is a must do for every trip (gotta love the deluxe dining plan). Since we have experienced the fireworks so many times from our favorite spot on Main Street, I don't miss it as much I guess. I do however miss seeing Tinkerbell fly as we watched from our MK spot. I always tear up a little, then when we leave after the fireworks, along with the thousands of other people on Main Streets, as we make our way to the exits, I cry as I sing along with the music "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes." Seeing Wishes from CG is not the same, but I have come to enjoy the experience there also.

 

[cndnchicky]

We did that last year and had a blast!!! We absolutely loved it. It kept my kids entertained as well as the show happened between appy's and the main course. As soon as the show was over, our food arrived. I'll be sure to book Cali Grill during the fireworks again this year!!

 

[duffy]

Absolutely. This was the highlight of our trip. I would not hesitate to do it again.

 

[Michigan_Minnie]

Totally. We went 5 years ago in November and watched them after dinner at CG. It was our last trip before we had our son. Totally romantic and magical!!!!!

 

[AdWayInc]

We love doing th Cali Grill and look forward to each year.... The view is wonderful especially if you get a window seat in front of the castle. The food is fabulous also!

 

[Uncleromulus]

It's worth it only if you also happen to want a good meal to go along with the view. If all you REALLY want to do is see the fireworks, they are better seen elsewhere.
As booyakasha has noted, the very best spot is from a fireworks Cruise

 

[sahlink]

What time would you book it for if the fireworks are at 8:00?