California grill help?

[minnie56]

We’re booked at the California grill on January 29 for my daughter’s 40th bday. We said we’d take her anywhere she wants to go to celebrate in the world and this is the place and the time she chose.

Our other daughter lives in London with her husband and was so sad she couldn’t come. And now - she can! But I cannot add her to the reservation because there’s no availability until 10pm and that’s not good for my husband who’s diabetic. We’re already a party of 5 and now we’re 7

I’ve called and they’ve spoken to guest services - I cannot call the CG directly - any suggestions for this mum ? I’m sick about it and Disney say nothing can be done to help.

Thank you

 

[SteveMouse]

If the restaurant is at capacity (which is highly likely), there simply may not be space available in the public restauran.

California Grill does have at least one private dining room. Ig is possible that you could book it, but I would expect there is a significant minimum expenditure required in the thousands of dollars), if it is even available. Reservations would be through group events.

Personally, I'd take the 10pm and adjust eating habits for the night.

 

[focusondisney]

We’re booked at the California grill on January 29 for my daughter’s 40th bday. We said we’d take her anywhere she wants to go to celebrate in the world and this is the place and the time she chose.

Our other daughter lives in London with her husband and was so sad she couldn’t come. And now - she can! But I cannot add her to the reservation because there’s no availability until 10pm and that’s not good for my husband who’s diabetic. We’re already a party of 5 and now we’re 7

I’ve called and they’ve spoken to guest services - I cannot call the CG directly - any suggestions for this mum ? I’m sick about it and Disney say nothing can be done to help.

Thank you

Have you looked for a party of 2 or 4 near the same time? Sometimes if you have 2 ADRs & you ask when you check in, they can seat you together or at least near each other. Also check frequently the day off or the few days before. People cancel all the time.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

We were able to walk up and add 2 people to our reservation without any issues.

 

[minnie56]

Have you looked for a party of 2 or 4 near the same time? Sometimes if you have 2 ADRs & you ask when you check in, they can seat you together or at least near each other. Also check frequently the day off or the few days before. People cancel all the time.

Yes I have - there’s nothing available

 

[minnie56]

We were able to walk up and add 2 people to our reservation without any issues.

I’m going to go there a few days before and see if I can speak to anyone .. I can only try

 

[minnie56]

If the restaurant is at capacity (which is highly likely), there simply may not be space available in the public restauran.

California Grill does have at least one private dining room. Ig is possible that you could book it, but I would expect there is a significant minimum expenditure required in the thousands of dollars), if it is even available. Reservations would be through group events.

Personally, I'd take the 10pm and adjust eating habits for the night.

I’m just not sure any of us could manage that late but I’ll inquire about private dining though I think of available it’s out of my league

 

[njcoach24]

I second the walk up approach, and usually there are some lots of day of cancellations.

 

[minnie56]

 

[erinch]

You could try a reservation finder. And look for 8, not 7

 

[Skippyboo]

What time is your booked adr? I am seeing at 830 pm for 6 available on Jan 29.

 

[minnie56]

Currently, we have 7:10 booked for 5 which they told me is at a table for 6 but won’t let me add one person I thought it might be easier to add 1 to that size table but they said no, still need a table for 8 if we’re 7.

What is a reservation finder ‘erinch’? I know I’ve heard of but….
I also see 8:30 for 6
Not sure which time will be the best bet , the latter being close to fireworks timing it might be a tougher one to hope for a table for 8 to surface I’m thinking

 

[GreatAuntie]

A reservation finder is a site that alerts you when a reservation becomes available. You have to then be quick to try to book it. I've used Touring Plans successfully for that. I would also keep trying on your own and maybe someone will cancel. Hope it works out for you. Just a thought....is there another restaurant your daughter would be just as happy celebrating at?

 

[tinydancer312]

I’d keep checking . MK closes at 4:30 on the 29th for a private event. It doesn’t seem like there will be fireworks that evening. I can see people cancelling when they learn that.

Also, if you pop in to the desk right when they open, they would have more ability to work and accommodate you. But I would do it right before 5 so they can try with enough notice.

 

[Marthasor]

I also recommend a reservation finder - I use Mouse Dining. I would recommend looking for a table of 2, a table of 7 and a table of 8. If you keep checking, I'm fairly confident something will pop up 24-48 hours prior to your reservation time.

 

[minnie56]

Okay I’ll try the reservation finder routes, thank you!!
As for someplace else , CG is her only choice I’m afraid. Near and dear
I’m very grateful for all of your suggestions and help!

 

[Eastern]

Okay I’ll try the reservation finder routes, thank you!!
As for someplace else , CG is her only choice I’m afraid. Near and dear
I’m very grateful for all of your suggestions and help!

Will she still want to go if there are no fireworks that night?

I agree that there should be last minute cancellations when other people find this out.

 

[minnie56]

I’ve asked her about the fireworks … she said yes. Being at a resort watching them isn’t her first choice, she likes to see in the MK.

 

[minnie56]

So I did get 6 at 8:30 … it’s not making me I imagine because one is for 5 and one is for 6 but I will let one go. So which one lol

 

[focusondisney]

So I did get 6 at 8:30 … it’s not making me I imagine because one is for 5 and one is for 6 but I will let one go. So which one lol

Wait, I thought you need 7? Having a ADR for 6 isn’t going to help get you an extra person seated with you. Your adr for 6 is seated at a table for 6. They won‘t just pull an extra chair up. They won’t pull another table up to let you add an extra. I would keep the time you want & keep trying for an adr for 2 near the same time. Then ask if you can be seated together. They will try to move 2 booked tables together. They won’t pull another table you don’t have booked up to let you add an extra.