California Grill Opinions?

[Kara]

Looking for something new to try on our quick trip...We are staying at BLT so thought about California Grill!

Pros? Cons?
Share your experiences!
Did you take kids?
Ours will be 13 and 9

 

[Stitch_Is_King]

DW and I really enjoyed California Grill. We do not have any kids but found there were plenty of kids there. The only con we can come up with was that it was quite noisy but the food and being able to go out on the observation deck to watch Wishes more than made up for it. In our opinion you can't go wrong with California Grill.

 

[WDWFigment]

Personally, while we love the food at California Grill, we've found it to be overpriced. Go as late as possible to (hopefully) avoid the obnoxious kids. If you're looking for a restaurant in the Contemporary, another option is The Wave.

I've done reviews of both The Wave and Cali Grill -

CG - http://www.disneytouristblog.com/featured-post/disney-contemporary-california-grill-dining-review/

The Wave - http://www.disneytouristblog.com/featured-post/the-wave-restaurant-review-disney-contemporary/

All things considered, I'd choose The Wave unless money is no issue. If money is no issue, head to Victoria & Albert's.

 

[bluejasmine]

we loved Cali Grill last Sept. Now we only got sushi, cocktails and dessert but we thought the sushi was amazing! The restaurant itself was very nice. This yr we are taking our teens and getting a full meal and I cannot wait!

My only con was our waiter was a bit of a smart alec.. When we told him we only wanted sushi and dessert once we ordered our cocktails he looked at us funny and then returned with a bowl of goldfish crackers.. Apparently they normally only give this to children.. I think he was worried about his tip but between two sushi rolls, two cocktails and dessert we spent over a $100 so he got atleast a $20 tip..

Anyway I still cant wait to go back, I just hope we get a different waiter..

Check out the view off the deck, its awesome!!

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We eat at California Grill on every trip. It will be fine taking you son. There are always lots of kids. Make sure and try one of there flatbreads they are so good.

 

[janeapplemeadow]

I've eaten at CG twice, both times it was great. The first trip was with 2 adults. We ate at opening so it was quiet. The big draw was the sushi. I was impressed with the sushi selection. I had the pork tenderloin with cheese polenta and it was great. The second visit was in August with myself and 3 teenagers (age 15- 20). They had a good selection for even the pickiest eater and again the sushi was spectacular. Everyone enjoyed their meal and we had a wide range of foods. We ate early to avoid the fireworks crowd ( we came back later) and it was a quiet meal. I would return again without question.

 

[sara_serendipity88]

Every time we plan a trip, my parents always book a table at California Grill first thing! They love it. My brother and I will eat downstairs and play in the arcade room while they eat, then we'll head up there with them for dessert and a beautiful view of the fireworks! It's a bit pricey, but my parents don't seem to mind.

 

[lilandvisma]

Personally, while we love the food at California Grill, we've found it to be overpriced. Go as late as possible to (hopefully) avoid the obnoxious kids. If you're looking for a restaurant in the Contemporary, another option is The Wave.

I've done reviews of both The Wave and Cali Grill -

CG - http://www.disneytouristblog.com/featured-post/disney-contemporary-california-grill-dining-review/

The Wave - http://www.disneytouristblog.com/featured-post/the-wave-restaurant-review-disney-contemporary/

All things considered, I'd choose The Wave unless money is no issue. If money is no issue, head to Victoria & Albert's.

WARNING! WARNING!!! ON APRIL 3 DO NOT GO TO CALI GRILL AS I WILL BE BRINGING ALL 3 OF MY "OBNOXIOUS KIDS" ALONG WITH DH AND I.

For real, you cannot tell me that all kids are obnoxious. Personally I have more of an issue with someone who makes a judgement such as this.

Anyway, to the OP go, have fun and bring your child(ren). From what I understand this is one of the most child friendly signatures. I'm looking forward to dining here along with other signatures as well on our vacation in less than 10 days now!

 

[sophie832]

You can see my review of our dinner there this past Jan...it was ok. The dessert was probably the highlight. It's not that anything was particularly bad, but it just wasn't fantastic. We didn't get to see the fireworks because of rain/lightning, so I can't comment on how that experience is. If you are using a dining plan, I'd say go for it because I like trying different types of restaurants no matter what most reviews say, but if you are paying OOP, I would be a bit hesitant to spend a lot of $ there.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

We love Cali Grill! We have eaten there twice both with and w/out kids. Last year we ate there with the kids made a late ressie to watch Wishes. It was so much fun and the kids then 13 & 9 (same as yours) loved going out on the observation deck. We also celebrated my b-day that night with a surprise cake from my husband. I wish i knew how to post photos still learning that. Have a great time with the kids!!

 

[sand&sun2]

love it there

 

[MinnieGirl33]

CG is a must do for us but I will admit that it is partly due to our favorite/regular server.

I can make a meal on appys & sushi alone. The filet is always good. DS16 always orders the seasonal protein & has yet to be disappointed (ostrich, bison, lamb, etc.).

Highly recommend the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli & the Spicy Kazan Roll. Flatbreads are always good as well.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Ooops... duplicate post

 

[stamot]

We love the California Grill. It is a must do for us. We celebrated my daughter birthday there last February. My husband love the steak and I love the sushi (snake in a grass is amazing). We had always timed our dinner with he fireworks.
My daughter love the restaurant because we always dress her up and she feels like a grownup.
Like other people had commented it is a little noisy but overall is a great restaurant.

 

[fbarker]

Yes, and while we are getting rid of those kids from the CG lets band them from the parks as well!!

Come on people isn't that why we go to Disney? If you have your own kids or if you are now like me and my wife, our kids are grown, but we love watching the kids having so much fun experiencing WDW.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

CG is one of my favourite places to dine. My kids were 4 and 7 last time we dined there. They loved the opportunity to dress up to eat there. Next time I wont be ordering an entree. I can make up more than enough to eat from the flatbreads, sushi and appetizers that I just can't choose between.

 

[gary403]

ask for the wine room if you like it quiet (I do).

 

[gabzee]

I LOVE the California Grill and it a must do for us. I never had a problem with kids. Besides, it is Disney World! We have taken our kids to CG since our oldest was 5. All Disney restaurants are friendly to kids. The food is great!! They give you goldfish in addition to the bread basket when you have kids. Also the table is covered with paper so the kids can draw on the table. I would definately go to CG. Enjoy your trip.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Love Cali Grill. Didn't go when our boys were little. This place is Awesome

 

[IHeartTink04]

We love CG and go on every trip. It used to be just my husband and I but last trip we took our 6 month old daughter and my 15 year old sister. My daughter was fine and my 15 year old sister loved it too. Her favorite meal on the trip!