California Grill or Fultons?

[McBane]

We haven't eaten at either place yet, and I'm booking dinner reservations for our summer trip. Trying to decide which would be better for 2 credits. While we have 4 sons, ages 8-12, we eat out often and my children know how to act in an upscale restaurant. My wife and I slightly prefer the menu at Fulton's over California Grill, but is the extra ambiance at the Grill worth it?

 

[goofyintoronto]

typically cali grill gets much better reviews than fultons. Ive been to cali grill and i can honestly say with confidence that they have INCREDIBLE food. we REALLY (and i mean really) enjoyed our meals there. My DS11 got the steak, as did I. Oh man it was the best steak ive had in a LONG time. The atmosphere/view is gorgeous. This is my son's fave restaurant! (mine too!). I think your fam/kids will love it.

 

[Pakey]

Except for the sushi, I don't think the food at Ca Grill is better. I've never been impressed with any of the entrees and I've dined here a lot. Fultons will not give you the views and I have no idea how the dining plan has affected this restaurant. Pre-dining plan, I'd rank entrees at both about equal but the sushi at CG is very good.

 

[Karabee]

We only had a sashimi platter while sitting at the bar at CA Grill, but it was wonderful. However, I am an avid Fultons lover. We usually end each trip with dinner at Fultons and I always order the amazing lobster bisque. I have never had a bad meal there, and the last time we went our service was exceptional. While the view at CA Grill is amazing, eating good crab legs and then walking around DTD always makes me happier

 

[JoWiJo]

I ate at both places during my '09 trip, although the visit to Fulton's was lunch, OOP (our first stop other than the resort, actually). I loved being able to look out while it was still daylight. Fulton's is at the top of my mother's list of places to eat at when we get around to returning to WDW. I can't really say what dinner is like there, but if it is on par or better than lunch, it's worth serious consideration.

Later that trip, I did do the California Grill for 2 table credits to watch Wishes. The menu was a bit exotic at the California Grill. I seem to recall ostrich being one option the evening I went. I don't recall what I ate, but it wasn't that. My table wasn't in a room with a great view, but I still enjoyed the atmosphere. Even though I couldn't see Wishes from the table, we were permitted to relocate to where we could (complete with audio). All in all, it was a nice evening. It's not likely that I'll do another dining plan with table service, but if I did, I'd personally give the CG consideration.

Looking back to my trip, there is no guarantee that you'd get a table with a good view at California Grill, and your younger sons might not be able to get a good view of the fireworks from the outdoor viewing area due to the protective wall (unless there have been changes in the last 2.5 years). On one hand, if you could snag an ideally located table, it would be a great memory for the boys. But if you can't it, they might not enjoy it as much.

I know I don't really answer your question, but I hope I've given you something to think about. My suggestion is that you do Fulton's this trip and make California Grill a priority on your next one. Or else do what we did and do Fulton's for lunch, CG for dinner.

 

[akl-fan]

Imo the food is far superior at Cal Grill as is the ambiance. There is a real buzz about the place. I even prefer it over V and A's. Some of the best food I have ever eaten has been at the Cal. We were there last for our anniversary, when we arrived the waitress had sprinkled the table with confetti and arranged for us to sit in the semi private anti room. It was very special. When I advised I was vegetarian she advised of about 3 different things I could get off menu if I preferred. She bent over backwards to give us a great night. She even arranged for us to get a free piece of gateaux as a gift . When it arrived it had happy anniversary written on the plate in chocolate. The manager also came over to our table to ensure we were having a good night.
All in all it was magical.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

California Grill is far superior than Fulton's. We dine at CG on every trip.

 

[PoohsFan1]

California Grill is a must do for us...we love the food (the filet is AMAZING), the service, the atomosphere, and you just can't beat the view up top. We are trying out Fulton's for the first time on our next trip and we are excited about it...the kids have been wanting to eat in the "boat" for some time now . However, if I were you I would definitely go with Cali Grill....you, your spouse, and kids are all going to enjoy it up there...and make sure you either have an ADR that coincides with Wishes that night or if you eat earlier, make sure you go back up there to watch Wishes from the outside balcony....again AMAZING!!!! All you have to do to get back up to Cali Grill is show your dining receipt at the check-in desk on the second floor and they will allow you back up without any problems. Have a great time

 

[McBane]

Thanks for the responses!! I think we'll go with Cali Grill. I hadn't thought of having dinner earlier, then going back up for fireworks! I think we'll go that route.

 

[4Ds4Diz]

Sorry to be the one "No" vote for CG. We went for dinner last year (Apr '11) before our Disney Dream cruise. The view is wonderful and the food was pretty good, but not what I expected from a $$$$$ restaurant. I guess my biggest disappointment was the service. Once we told the waiter we were not having wine with our meal, we got the cold shoulder. He made no more effort than necessary to serve us, yet the table next to us who ordered wine got a lot of time, attention and conversation from the same waiter.

I could see enjoying this meal and watching Wishes, but I would not spend what we spent for that meal again. Shame because we too eat out frequently and overall it was just an "ok" experience. Trust me after reading so many wonderful reviews, I really wanted to love this place, but I have to say I will try somewhere else before I go back.

 

[nkereina]

I would pick Cali Grill only because there are rumors it is closing this year for refurbishments and it may open back up as something else, so it may be your last opportunity to eat there if the rumors are true. Plus, if you are on DDP, many people have said Fulton's is not currently worth 2 TS credits and as the year goes on, some changes may be made to make it more up to signature par. Again, just speculation from what I've been reading.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Do you have any info as to when the rumored closing might be? We have an ADR there for The special fireworks on July 3 this year. If it might be closed, I'd like to look into something else.
TIA

Sorry to hijack this thread, OP.

 

[sotoalf]

According to a bartender at The Wave (who claims he's been with the company for nineteen years) last week, any plans to close the CG are (a) in the distant future (b) merely for refurbishment.

"The higher-ups know they got a good thing," he said.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

That's good to know. Thanks, sotoalf. Hope it's true...

 

[Sweettears]

I'd give some consideration to what your plans are earlier in the day. Fulton's and CG are at opposite ends of WDW so transportation and time getting there may be a concern.

I enjoy both places so if the menu at Fulton's is more appealing I would go there. Unless you book CG for Wishes, I think the ambiance is pretty close to the same. CG can get pretty loud.