California Grill Fireworks

[donbob95]

Just an FYI...When my wife and I ate at California Grill during the MK Fireworks in 1998, we made PS for 30 minutes prior and found we had no problem. This year when we tried the same thing, I made PS for 45 minutes before, just to be safe.

When I arrived, the CM's told me that I could sit in some out of the way room with no view of the Fireworks or MK, or I would have to wait until after the firworks for any seat in the main dining room. We told them we would wait for a table in the main dining room even if it were after the fireworks (it was our Fifth Aniversary), and they magically worked something out so that we actually did end up with a window seat.

But...in the process of all of this, the CM's told us that people are now seating 1 1/2 to 2 hrs in advance and the likelyhood of a table opening after that is small. I don't know if this was just one CM's opinion, or if it happens everynight, but I thought I'd share my experience with you.

Donbob95
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[bunnyfoo]

Wow! I don't know if I could eat that slowly *lol* Thanks for the info though!

 

[LAinSEA]

Had the same thing happen, with a twist...

I had made the PS for 1 hour prior to the fireworks and we arrived about 25 minutes early and very politely requested a window table (it was our honeymoon and my birthday the day prior - both were noted on every PS made prior to the trip by the CM at dining).

We were told that it just wasn't going to happen and they were extremely busy (fireworks were only scheduled two nights at MK during our stay - we arrived too late to see them the first night of our trip). We waited about 20 minutes in the elevator/lobby area (no seating left in the bar area) and then were being led back to the "wine room" for our table by the hostess/CM when it was discovered that the table she was taking us to was already occupied! Well after that a table magically was made available with a spectacular view of MK and the fireworks.

The food was excellent, but the restaurant was extremely loud and crowded and our server seemed to be very harried and short with us. Since the table could have seated 4 - maybe he was a bit put off by the smaller tip?

On our second trip - we decided that we'd been there done that and tried other restaurants instead of Cal Grill. If we were to go back, I don't think I'd want to eat there during the fireworks again but try for a time when everything wasn't so busy and rushed.

 

[Uncleromulus]

A shame (in some respects) that the fireworks have added a twist to this restaurant that seems both a curse and a blessing. Seeing the fireworks is great from the CG--but only the relatively few window seats have what I'd call a great view. However, a lot of people still believe that dinner at CG and the fireworks are part of the same "show"--which they aren't. It just happens to be a nice restaurant with a good view, that becomes terribly busy at fireworks time. Then things in an already busy restaurant get even more busy.
These days, we don't even attempt to get a window table. We just get up and walk out to the deck when the fireworks start--then walk back to the table when they're over.

 

[kda]

I don't care about being seated to watch the fireworks --- I'll gladly stand on the observation deck and eat before or afterwards. It avoids all this hassle.

 

[ducklite]

Kda--I couldn't agree more. It amuses me to no end the lengths people go to to make every little aspect of the trip "just so", and then get upset or disappointed when they can't get everything they want. Geez, not everyone can have a window seat, Cindy's breakfast, Boardwalk view at the BWV/I, patio seat at Rose & Crown, tankside seat at the Coral Reef, etc. People shouldn't worry so much about it. Let there be something new to enjoy when it happens on another trip!

If you spend your entire trip worrying about getting exactly the table/view/whatever that you want, you'll miss all the little things that make WDW so special.

Anne

 

[donbob95]

Please remember that everyone enjoys Disney in different ways. To some, getting a view of the Fireworks from CG is the "little things that make WDW so special". And we surely don't need a seat right next to the window (though it is a nice bonus/surprise when it does happen), but at least in the same room, especially when you make PS months in advance with that one special request. Further given that you did that one thing on your Honeymoon, and this happens to be your 5th Anniversary. Yes indeed those are the "little things".

I agree that you can't ask for the best seat in the house at every restaurant (well I guess you can ask, just don't expect anything from it). Just once in a while at a place that has some special meaning.

Donbob95
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[Uncleromulus]

You are right that it's those kinds of things that do have special meaning.
But even that sort "moment" can be ruined..as ours once was when we got a window seat at fireworks time. By the time the fireworks had fairly started, there were what seemd to be 20 people standing all around our table, watching the fireworks. We couldn't even move our chairs--that's how packed it was. At the window seat right next to ours it was a similar scene--with one kid actually trying to climb up on that other couples' table!!
That's why it's outside for us from now on--.

 

[ducklite]

Donbob--

Not sure if you are aware, they don't note special requests when you make PS. They will note anniversary's or birthdays, but not requests for particular tables. You need to request at the podium. So don't arrive thinking that you've got a special request for a window seat noted, it's not the case.

My point is that many people celebrate special events at WDW, and not everyone can always be accomodated.

Anne

 

[MamaKate]

To anyone who might know!!

I am planning on eating here on our next trip and would like to see the fireworks. I don't need a window seat, but do they allow you to view them from another area of the restaurant??

I saw a couple people mention the observation deck. How do you get their from the restaurant? Can you hear the music from the deck??

Thanks for the help!!
,
Katherine

 

[donbob95]

Ducklite,

No problem... I am aware that table requests are not noted on the PS. And I understand that everyone can not be accomodated.


MamaKate,

Yes you can view them from another part of the restaurant, there is an area you can stand in behind the tables (aka the tables are between you and the picture windows) to the right just as you enter. There is also a deck area outside that gives great viewing. The entrances to the deck are also on the right side as you enter the restaurant. You will probably have no difficulty finding them as the doors to the deck are somewhat obvious. Regardless, the CM's there will likely be glad to help! As for the music, I am not sure, as I have not personally been out there for the firworks. Only after and before dinner. In case you aren't aware, the music is actually piped right into the restaurant, so I would think your chances are high, should the restaurant have a speaker outside. I will caution you though, that on our most recent visit, the music was not played in the restaurant, but I hear that was an accident. Regardless you should have a great time. It really is a wonderful way the see the MK fireworks, regardless of music/seat, especially with Tomorrowland, the Castle, and Mainstreet USA all lit up so beautifully.

Perhaps someone who has been on the deck during fireworks will be able to add to that part of you question!

Hope this helps,
Donbob95
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[Uncleromulus]

I am almost certain you can hear the music from the deck area--.

 

[kda]

Yes, there has been music on the observation decks when we've been there. The decks used to be open to everyone, but the last I read, that was changed to only allow CG diners to have access. Perhaps it doesn't get crowded any more, and you wouldn't have to get there early to stake out a comfortable spot on the rail. If you have small children, they will need to be held up or on someone's shoulders, since there is a high wall around the deck --- for safety reasons, obviously.

I suspect that none of us have ANY idea how many people are celebrating something on any given day at Disney. What better place to go to do exactly that! And, due to all the wonderful tips shared on boards like these, many more people know about "special" things to do at Disney. It may not be as easy to accomodate some of these requests as it used to be.

 

[MamaKate]

I feel much better now, knowing that even if I don't get a window view table at least I can still see the fireworks.

I really want to try the California Grill and the fireworks are just an added benefit!

Thanks again!
,
Katherine

 

[Absimilliard]

In my opinion, the whole deal about California Grill... its WDW most overrated restaurant.

The view of the fireworks, well they are the MK fireworks, which are just... fireworks! I arrived at 9:15pm with a 9:30pm PS. Got seated at 9:45pm in the lounge (manager offered me that, since the restaurant was PACKED). Quiet, until the fireworks started. What others have described happened. I had 2 empty seats at my table, people kept asking if they could turn them over, seat, etc. I whould much prefer having a window seat at Bistro de Paris at EPCOT for Illuminations.

The food was nothing special. Overpriced California Rolls (16$ for 8, while at at the Mitsukushi Restaurants, you get 8 for 7$), flat bread that was not that good. The filet was like Le Cellier, which means good, but real small and nothing really on the side. Its also quite expansive.

The only redeeming thing was the dessert. Berry Shortcake with white chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream.

Oh well! That means a return visit to Flying Fish Cafe and Yachtsman Steakhouse is in order!