California Grill - is it really worth it?

[CathieArms]

I'm a planner, so I'm planning a year in advance. DOH! Last time we were at WDW - last July - DD wanted to eat at California Grill but I vetoed it because it was too expensive and we were paying OOP. This time we'll be doing the DxDP and it'll "cost" 2 meal credits.

Is it really all that worth it? Or, is there somewhere else that you think is way more worth it in than CG?

 

[MommyGina]

You will love it! We ate there two years ago on the Deluxe plan. Didn't eat there last year because we went for the free dining. Anyway, it had to have been the best meal we have had since staying at Disney. This July will be our 5th year in a row and we have reservations for the CG. I have two children who are so excited to go back and eat there. Two years ago, they were still on the picky side for eating, but they didn't have any problems eating there. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

 

[catsaneda]

I second the loving it and it is most definitely worth the 2 credits. We were at WDW Aprll 11-22 and ate there on our last night. The meal was amazing and we will definitely make it a "must do" for future trips. Like you I kept thinking it was way too expensive in the past. DxDDP made it possible. Hooray. Even if we don't do the plan again, we'll pay for this meal oop!

 

[DW2010]

I sure hope so because we have reservations on September 29th since it's our last night there . My dad and step-mom have a $200 gift card for getting the Disney Rewards Visa and Dh and I have $100 gift card for getting the Disney Rewards Visa. We plan on using them IF they accept them.

 

[LUVDZNY2008]

We ate at CG on our last trip..the food was very good (my favorite meal of the trip)..I think it is definitely worth it!! Enjoy

 

[jdisnut]

It's difficult to gauge if California Grill, or any of the signature restaurants, are actually worth the cost. A lot of people start threads asking an identical or similar question, and I am always unsure about how to answer. I'm not sure if it is even a fair question.

It is no secret Disney spikes the prices at all the restaurants on property. The buffets shouldn't cost $30 or more, but people agree to pay, so Disney can charge that much. Are those meals worth that much money on their own? I say no, but the experience of eating with Mickey and the gang provides memories that are priceless. Sometimes that transcends money.

The same goes for California Grill. I suspect there are gourmet restaurants near your hometown that rivals it in food quality -- likely for less money. But I'm not sure that matters. California Grill is a wonderful experience, and I almost guarantee you will remember it for years after your trip. Is that worth the money you will spend there (or the two credits)? Perhaps.

I recommend examining this issue from another perspective. Don't try to compare it to regular life. If you do, it becomes nearly impossible to justify a meal for that much money. If you are able to look beyond money and see the value in an experience like California Grill, it is absolutely worthwhile.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Yes! Yes! and YES!!!!!! Especially on DxDDP since you get the 3 courses.

We love this place so much, we are eating here TWICE on our June trip.

 

[let'sgo]

YES! It is worth it. The view from up there is so beautiful. Plus you can watch Wishes from the rooftop. If you have an earlier reservation they will allow you to come back later and watch.

I have seen it discussed if the Signature Dining Options are worth two credits. DH and I have found that it seems as if there is a better grade of food used in these restaurants. There is a difference between regular dining and signature.

Their flatbreads are soooo good. We also had the most wonderful server when we were there too. This was our last dinner, and it was so memorable. Great choice! Go for it!

 

[TDC Nala]

I very much enjoy CG but I order on my own, never on the dining plan.

that said, you are talking about a year in advance. Many things at Disney can change drastically within a year.

 

[PoohsFan1]

You will love it! We ate there two years ago on the Deluxe plan. Didn't eat there last year because we went for the free dining. Anyway, it had to have been the best meal we have had since staying at Disney. This July will be our 5th year in a row and we have reservations for the CG. I have two children who are so excited to go back and eat there. Two years ago, they were still on the picky side for eating, but they didn't have any problems eating there. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

I agree....our family too loves Cali Grill. It will be our 4th time eating there this September. We skipped it when we were there in March because our DILs were with us and they didn't want to go . My kids were so disappointed that we weren't going, because they too love it so much. Our kids can be picky eaters but they have something for each of them, plus the view of MK is so worth the $$$. Since we missed going to Cali Grill during our March trip and we are doing DxDP (but will gladly pay OOP if we had to), I booked it for our arrival night in September...a request by my DH and we are surprising our kids with the dinner .

 

[beachgirl1011]

yes yes yes

 

[OKW Lover]

We weren't impressed with the food or service at CG. The other signature restaurants seem to do better at both.

OTOH, if its the view you are more interested in then you'll be happy at CG.

 

[addicted2dizney]

yes! CG is awesome! I am doing the DxDDP in two weeks and got lucky enough to grab a ressie there! June 4th at 9pm I'll be there for my daughter's sweet 16 with her two BFF's! My daughter and her one friend have been to disney many times together and they both LOVE this place! Plus we'll be there to see wishes too!

 

[CathieArms]

I very much enjoy CG but I order on my own, never on the dining plan.

that said, you are talking about a year in advance. Many things at Disney can change drastically within a year.

Very true.

 

[TJA]

We just ate there last month. We were greeted off the elevators by a man in a suit. He took our names down and then a woman gave us a tour and showed us the look-out where we could watch Wishes. Then she seated us and our service was outstanding. When our meals were served, a man in a suit came over to cut my daughter's steak so that my meal did not get cold. I cannot say enough about the service there. Top notch. When we were finished with our meal and finished watching Wishes, several men in suits were holding the elevators for people to leave. I've never felt so catered to in my life.

Having said all that, the food was outstanding! I had the filet and DH had the pork. Both were cooked to perfection. We were on the DxDDP and we felt it was VERY worth the 2 credits.

 

[texasgirl73]

With the Deluxe Dining Plan I'd say it's worth it since appetizers are included (and they have some good ones ) California Grill, for me, was the best as far as food goes of the 4 signatures I have tried.

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

Completely worth it!

 

[B-Ride]

Yes! Yes! and YES!!!!!! Especially on DxDDP since you get the 3 courses.

I agree 100%. With the DxDP you have lots of credits to spare (who can eat 3 TS meals a day) and the appetizers (the best part of CG is the sushi) are included.

 

[TDC Nala]

There's some rumors that it's possible DXDDP won't include the appetizers in 2011 - the OP is planning for 2011 and will likely have to wait and see what the 2011 dining plan includes.

 

[tnd]

It is the one restaurant that my husband insists on going back to when we visit again in August. He doesn't feel that way about any other place at Disney, so for us it is worth it.