California Grill or Dinner show??

[Stephanie VanMeter]

we are going in July and my 18 year old and his girl friend are going. He wanted to do a dinner with just the two of them at California Grill. Do you think it is worth it or would the dinner show be more worth the 2 credits? I don't really like the dress code and wondered if that would cause problems. Any info or advice from anyone who has eaten there would help

 

[__disneygirl]

Which dinner show? To me, I would pick California Grill. Ate there last week and it was DELICIOUS, the view of Wishes was AMAZING... couldn't have asked for better. It was pricey but worth it. Since the party is all adults I think CG is better.

 

[LISAMWDW]

If your on the dining plan, using 2 tableservice credits isn't worth it. You'll be losing $$. So, if you do it, just be sure the experience will be worth it! I've been at CG and it's not all that memorable. Dinner shows are more memorable, to me anyway.

 

[majortom]

we are going in July and my 18 year old and his girl friend are going. He wanted to do a dinner with just the two of them at California Grill. Do you think it is worth it or would the dinner show be more worth the 2 credits? I don't really like the dress code and wondered if that would cause problems. Any info or advice from anyone who has eaten there would help

It really depends on what he wants (and what you want to let him have ). If he is really looking for great food and service, there are many places both on and off property that will provide a better experience. If he is just looking for a romantic location and cares little about what he gets to eat (likely given his age, not many are foodies at 18), California Grill might be a good choice (although it is a very high price to pay for an ok view of Magic Kingdom's fireworks). If his primary goal is impressing his girlfriend for future benefit, I think that Jikko, and California Grill would both be ok (I would prefer Jikko, but I care more about food and service than he may), although I think Artist's Point is more romantic.

/carmi

 

[Stephanie VanMeter]

Suprisingly he is a food buff. He is probably more concerned about the food than the view and atmosphere. I have heard good things but I also no that the Aloha and Hoop Dee Do are suppose to be very good points. I don't care about him using 2 TS because he is just going to miss Whispering Canyon with us and also he is having donuts instead of Norway Princess Breakfast. Do you thing the food at CG is has good as the food at Whispering Canyon?

 

[skr8pn]

I can't really compare but I'll throw my 2 cents in for CG. Me and the fiance went there in Sept. I was going to propose there but was talked out of it by a disney rep on the phone. However we at there later in the week. It was, by far, the best pork chops and steak we had ever had. Not sure about the other places or the dinning plan, next trip though, bring on the chops.

 

[Uncleromulus]

In my opinion, the food at CG is MUCH better than the food at Whispering Canyon-

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If your son appreciates good food, definately go for the California Grill.

 

[Stephanie VanMeter]

Thanks! It sounds like he needs to keep his PS for GC and he can deal with the dress code. Who knows, it may be his only chance to eat at this place!!

 

[majortom]

Thanks! It sounds like he needs to keep his PS for GC and he can deal with the dress code. Who knows, it may be his only chance to eat at this place!!

If great food and service are his biggest concerns, I would strongly suggest Jiko over California Grill. Jiko's food is more interesting and more unusual. As far as the dress code, they may enforce it differently for an 18 y/o, but on my two visits after they created this dress code, I have not seen them enforce any part of it except their prohibition on hats (at least those worn for religious reasons). Both visits were during times too cold for shorts, so I cannot say what they would do in that case.

/carmi

 

[Uncleromulus]

Actually, "dress shorts" are part of the WDW version of business casual.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I would pick California Grill. I have seen many folks there in dress shorts etc. We ate there twice last year and it was great both times.

 

[maleficent_man]

Cali is wonderful...I'd highly recommend it. The 'dress code' wasn't strictly enforced when I was there.

 

[ElizabethB]

You couldn't pay me to go to HDDR or the luau if I could go to California Grill for the same 2 TS credits.

 

[dallastxcpa]

Here's another vote for the California Grille.

On another note. I love WCC, but it's just not fair to compare it to places like the CG, Jikos, or Narcossees.

 

[Burnell]

Jiko is imaginative, and servers are attentive. Cali Grill is only intereste din you if you are spending CASH. We had the plan and were almost ignored.

 

[majortom]

Jiko is imaginative, and servers are attentive. Cali Grill is only intereste din you if you are spending CASH. We had the plan and were almost ignored.

I agree about Jiko, but my last few experiences at California Grill is that even if you are spending cash (a fair amount of it), they do not care about you.

/carmi