California Grill Lounge

[919Florida]

I was just told something I was not aware of and wanted to check on it. I was told you can dine in the California Lounge without any dining reservations. Is this true? I thought you had to have a reservation to get up there? If it is true what type of menu do they serve and what is the prices like?

Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[TDC Nala]

This is true. They serve the full menu at regular prices.

However, you have to check in on the 2nd floor at the Contemporary. They will only let you go up if there is space for you. For that reason, if you are there to eat, I would suggest showing up before they open at 5:30. If you're thinking fireworks, it might not be so easy to get up there.

 

[deej696]

My fiance and I visit for appetizers and drinks quite often. We like to start at Narcoossee's and make our way to CG for the fireworks. We usually dont have much of a problem getting upstairs, although it requires some flexibility with where you sit, whether its at the bar or a table...

 

[Pakey]

We were just there last week (a week from tonight!) and the lounge was packed. I was surprised since the parks were so light on crowds but we were seated 40 minutes late for our ADR and not once during that time did a seat open up in the lounge. Most of the people seated in the lounge were eating.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Often it's SRO at the bar/lounge--even if you have ADR's and they let you up early. The lounge area is quite small and the bar isn't exactly large either.

 

[NHGoofy]

We're leaving Sunday and will be stay for the week. Are you able to go up any evening to the Lounge just for drinks? Do you need a reservation? Is there a wait to go up? Thanks for your help!

 

[TDC Nala]

I was in the lounge on January 12. I was one of the first into the restaurant so I had a choice of seats. Had to wait until 5:30 for food service but they'll bring drinks until then.

Within a few minutes of general seating opening up the place was packed. A lot of the folks in the lounge were waiting for tables and once they left their chairs were grabbed up immediately.

You can't just go up to the California Grill. There is only one elevator and you have to check at the desk on the 2nd floor to get access to it. If the restaurant is crowded they may call up and check to see if there is enough space before they let you go up to the lounge.

 

[NHGoofy]

Thanks TDC NALA.......I think we'll take a chance and check in at the desk. Maybe we'll get lucky!

 

[Simbee3]

Thanks for the info. We have never been to the California Grille but are looking forward to going this year. Good to know if we aren't able to get ressies that we may have a chance if we go to the Lounge.

 

[TDC Nala]

Thanks for the info. We have never been to the California Grille but are looking forward to going this year. Good to know if we aren't able to get ressies that we may have a chance if we go to the Lounge.

Good luck! You shouldn't have trouble getting a reservation if you call early enough.

Bear in mind that the lounge is quite small. It might be difficult to fit in a family of 5 unless you turn up right at opening.