California Grill / Magic Kingdom Wishes Nighttime Spectacular Fireworks

[Jese]

On September 17, my wife and I have an 8:00p.m. reservation at the California Grill. Magic Kingdom Wishes Nighttime Spectacular Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. We want to see the fireworks show. We are afraid if we get there too early, we'll finish and have to leave early. And if we get there too late, (no later than 8:00 of course), then we won't get in our seats on time because people won't leave because they are staying to see the show. What time do you guys suggest we get there?

Also, they said they don't hold requests for seating in the reservation. We have to ask when we get to the podium. This is okay because I don't know where good seating is. Can anyone tell me where to request seating for 2 to get a good view? Should I just ask for a table with a good view of the fireworks?

How long does the Magic Kingdom Wishes Nighttime Spectacular Fireworks last?

If I could change the time for our reservation, what would be a good time for the reservation to be there at the perfect time for the fireworks?

Jese

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would (will, actually ) ask exactly that - let the restaurant - with more experience than I have - determine which table, if any, will fit my request.
But even if you can't see Wishes from your table - and the restaurant no longer dims the lights - diners are free to go out onto the balcony to watch. Your server will likely time/hold your next course so it's not sitting on your table getting cold while you're outside

 

[patsal]

A meal at Cali Grille will take about two hours. The courses are delivered in a leisurely fashion and you will not feel rushed at all. If your table doesn't providea good view then you can alwyas go to the observation deck where you will easily get to see the show. Your server will hold your next course for you should you be out on the observation deck.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Yes, they will not mind one bit if you go out to the observation deck to view Wishes. Many people do. We had just sat down last year when they were about to start. Our waitress took our drink order, we all but one got up and left for the show!

I think Wishes is around 10-12 minutes.

 

[Statler]

Is the window table a better view than the balcony? Are there any photos of fireworks from the balcony? I did a search but came up empty.

 

[Uncleromulus]

There aren't many window tables to begin with, so no one should really count on getting one. They are quite popular!! The view from a window table is great--although I now actually prefer getting up and going outside. As has been said they no longer dim the lights, and the "sound and fury" of the fireworks is better felt outside. At least I think so
We always make our CG ADR's at 8:00 when Wishes is at 9:00. We're always at some point in our meal when Wishes begins, and we just get up, go out on the deck, watch the fireworks, then return to our seats and resume the meal.

 

[Evenschef]

Looked all over for the start time of the fireworks @ MK. I think they go off with the closing of the MK?????

So if the MG closes at 7 PM, end of Sept, fireworks start at the same time.

Great Cookin'
Margie, The Chef & Calvin (Dalmatian)

 

[webray]

Even if you finish early you can go look around the resort and come back up for the fireworks. On any given night you take your chance that someone with an earlier reservation isn't just sitting at the table waiting for fireworks. It happens all the time. Don't sweat it, just roll with it.

 

[Jese]

Amazing how this board works. I posted my original question a year and a half ago. I had several immediate replies. Now, a year and a half later, I am getting more responses. Last September we attended the California Grill and had the pefect time. We ordered our food and while the food was cooking, we watched the fireworks from the balcony.

 

[kristinlynn]

We have ADR for 9:10 p.m. If we get there early, will they let us go to the balcony and watch then come back in to check in for dinner?