California Grill or Narcoosee's

[trampslady]

Okay it's me again.

I'm trying to "firm up" our plans for my mother's birthday dinner. My dad is flying in secretly to have dinner with us so I want it to be special.

I currently have a PS for California Grill at 5:45...problem is we could only do two different tables and they will "try" to put us together. Also, the fireworks are at 6pm that night so I wasn't sure if 5:45 would work or not.

I also just booked Narcoosee's for 5:30 (seated together).

I have never dined at either so I need help with my decision. From a food, atmosphere, and fireworks viewing perspection, which would you choose and why?

 

[amw5g]

We love Narcoosee's- the food, the location. You can see the fireworks from there and when the pipe the music in, it's gotta be one of the best spots. Of course, everyone rushes out onto the decks, so you may have to leave your table in order to get a decent view. The water parade also floats by.

California Grill is a bit more upscale since its cuisine is a bit more rigorous (tho no less tasy!). The view here can be phenomenal too and you can try some very creative dishes.

If I were taking a client to dinner, it'd be GC. If I were smooching with my wife, it'd be Narcoosee's. Both can tend to be a bit noisy and neither feel intimate, in my opinion. But you can't go wrong at either in terms of the parameters you outline.

If I had to make a decision in your shoes, I would probably use the fact that they can't guarantee tables together at GC as my tie breaker. Also note that if the night is bust, you may not be settled in before the fireworks start. You may luck out, but then again you may not.

Arg, is this waffling of any help? I hope so....

G'luck!

Andrew

 

[trampslady]

Thanks Andrew!

At least you have dined at both! I REALLY wish I could get a table earlier at CG. I know 5:30 is the earliest, but 15 minutes can make a difference, as you said, in whether we have a table or not.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Unless you get an actual "window seat" you probably won't be able to see the fireworks very well from either restaurant. You'll then need to get up and walk over to the window area, or walk outside to actually view the fireworks. That "view" is better from CG, mostly due to being higher up.
Should add that we had the same situation at CG in Sept.--our party of 6 had to book PS for 2 tables. But it wasn't a problem-when we arrived they quickly made up a table for 6.

 

[BCV23]

Just wanted to add that as a family of five we've been told a number of times that we had to book as two tables. We've always ended up seated together.

At Narcoossee's a higher percentage of the tables are window seats than at CG. If memory serves me and unless they've recently changed it, most of the larger tables...banquet style...are window seats. Most of the tables for four are not. But you're just across an aisle from the windows other than the tables up by the bar.

Have you looked at the menus? They are very different and that would probably be the tiebreaker for me. We enjoy both restaurants very much.

Whichever you pick, I would call the restaurant directly a day or two before your Mom's birthday and ask if they can help you coordinate your father's surprise. Disney really goes out of their way to help make magic, I think.

 

[trampslady]

Oh thank you, thank you for all the great info. I just need to decide.

I have looked at the menu and I think we would be happy at either. I particularly liked the sound of the flatbread appetizers at California Grill.

Anything "stand out" at Narcoosees?