California Grill - Most Elusive Res?

[JacksMama]

On our last trip I was able to get Le Cellier and CRT, but NOT CG. This time I was on my computer at 180 days and unable to get a reservation for any of the three nights it would work for us.

Has it always been like this for CG??

 

[JimmyV]

Maybe you are going during the time when the CG will be closed for renovations?? Otherwise, I have never failed to secure a table 180 days from my arrival. (Or less, in the years when the date to make reservations wasn't as long as it is now.)
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-...alifornia-grill-0709-20120708,0,4992029.story

 

[cwt580]

CG closed from jan to late summer 2013 for renovation. We r bummed also. Never eaten there and this will prob our last wdw trip. Wanted to try but i guess it wasnt meant to be.

 

[amberpi]

Are you locked into a certain time of day? I've noticed that late reservations are much easier to acquire...also, it may be under refurb during your dates. Keep checking back!

 

[TDC Nala]

If you are not trying at a time CG will be closed (it is undergoing a major refurb next year and will be closed for 5-6 months) then maybe you are trying at a time when others really want it for the fireworks view. Very early or very late reservations should not be a problem there at 180 days.

 

[CraigInPA]

California Grill has a note in the description that says it will be closed starting January 6, 2013 for renovations. But, if you try, you'll find that you can make reservations on some days when they are supposed to be closed. In another thread, someone commented that the wait staff told them that the start of renovations was pushed back until February.

It let me make a reservation for 2-1-2013 at 7:30. I tried later dates during our vacation, but all of them reported "no times available".

When my wife called the dining reservation line to confirm they would be open after we made the reservation, they were clueless. But, interestingly, they said they could see that there were 11 reservations for 2/1/13, one of them ours, and all booked in the last day! The CM said we should probably hold onto the reservation and see what happens in January. She wasn't sure where (or if) they would re-book us if the restaurant wasn't open, so suggested we make a backup reservation elsewhere, just in case.

 

[pooh2001]

We love Cali Grill.
Best steak and sushi in WDW.

Looking forward to a new refurbishing ...nicer tables or chairs ? better lighting?
We go back in 2015

I hope they keep a few items on the menu:
Tuna Three Ways - Poki, Tartare, and Tataki
and
Oak-fired Filet of Beef - horseradish whipped potatoes, heirloom baby rainbow carrots, teriyaki barbecue

 

[MinnieGirl33]

In another thread, someone commented that the wait staff told them that the start of renovations was pushed back until February.

Yes, servers were told it's now early February

Either way (Jan or Feb), if you are at 180 days now then you are smack dab in the middle of the renovation.

 

[JacksMama]

Somehow I must have overlooked the note on the restaurant page about the renovations. I am soooo saaaddd, we couldn't get in last time and now we'll miss it again. Booo hisss.

Well, just another reason on the long list to make another trip next fall.

Thanks everyone, it was just operator error/overlooking