California Grill or Boatwrights?

[quiltymom]

I'd love to eat at the California Grill for dinner, but I've been reading that it can take around 3 hours to eat there. Honestly, I don't think the kids (or even me!) will last that long.

We'll be staying at POFQ, and I was thinking instead maybe we should eat at Boatwrights, then take a carriage ride afterwards. We'll be at the MK that day, and if we ate at CG we'd have to go to POFQ to shower & change, then back again. This way we'd not have all that running around.

We've not eaten at either restaurant before.

So, my questions are:

1. Is the California Grill really worth it?
2. Does it take 3 hours to eat there?
3. Since the kids (7 & 9) really won't be impressed by CG, should I just ADR Boatwrights and hang out at the resort, maybe going to DTD afterwards?

What would you do? I'm too confused... (not really, but I would appreciate your help! )

 

[gigi1313]

we went to boatwrights when we stayed at POFQ and *Loved* it! it was our fave meal of our 11 day free dining trip!

if we opted to go to CG we would likely enroll the kids in a kids' club... i believe the one at the CR is closed, but the poly and the gf each have one i think...

 

[Uncleromulus]

It CAN take a while for a meal at CG, tho 3 hours would certainly stretch the limit. A lot depends on what you order and what time you go. We almost always go at 8:00 on a saturday night and get drinks, appetizers, etc. Most of our meals are about 2 hours. On a less crowded evening and at an earlier time, I think you could be finished a meal in well under 2 hours.
I can only say that we always see plenty of kids at CG at that age (and often much younger) and they all seem to be having a good time.

 

[carolinagirl]

My kids love CG! They were 6 & 10 during our trip in September 06. The past two years, we timed our meal to make sure we would be in the restaurant during Wishes. They love the food, especially the flatbreads and enjoy the view of the Magic Kingdom. I've never dined at Boatwright's, so I can't give an opinion on that one.

 

[TigerKat]

CG is definitely worth it - you'll love it!! We ate there at a very leisurely pace and it was 2 hours max.

 

[gigi1313]

all this CG talk has me thinking... maybe we should attempt to schedule a dinner at CG for our first MK night instead of CP buffet... it would be an awesome way to start our trip and see wishes... hmmm...

 

[TigerKat]

all this CG talk has me thinking... maybe we should attempt to schedule a dinner at CG for our first MK night instead of CP buffet... it would be an awesome way to start our trip and see wishes... hmmm...

Yes it would!!

 

[MJMcBride]

Cali Grill may not be worth it with kids. But I don't like Boatwrights. May I suggest Boma or 'ohana.

 

[quiltymom]

Thanks for all of your input. Let's throw another idea in here. What about Capt'n Jacks? I was looking over their menu - which is quite similar - but the kids selections look better. Plus, I wouldn't mind getting lobster! Then we could spend more time in DTD.

I'd still love to do the Calif. Grill, but I think that it may have to wait for another trip when the kids are a bit older. DH thinks so, too. I was just trying to find a way to get a "nice" meal in, but it's not necessary. It's always nice to dream, though...

 

[Disney Fans]

We have booked Chef M for brunch B-day Boy and then we are doing Calf Grill for dinner so we can watch the fireworks from there ( that way even if it is hot!! Aug.night or rains we can still have a fun B-day!!! Hopefully)LOL

ABTW- My son will be just turning 5 and the CG is still very child friendly There are many kids of all ages that are there. They even have it to where they can watch them make desserts, etc.

 

[DisneyDarlings]

Maybe we were there on a bad night, but our meal two years ago at Boatwright's was not enjoyable. The service was awful and the food was so-so. We did not repeat that ADR last month.

 

[Evad]

Our family had a great time at Boatwrights. We are all looking forward to going back on our next trip. I think it is one of the most under rated restuarants at WDW. We recomend it if you don't want to be rushed on that day. After dinner you can catch the Bob Jackson show at the River Roost.

 

[CCIntrigue]

Our son and his DW got married at WDW, and we had the rehearsal dinner at Boatwrights. The entire crowd enjoyed it. Service was great.