California Grill Question

[KellyinPA]

Hi everyone,
I have a 7:30 reservation in Mid-August for an anniversary dinner. I called to see if I could get anything later to be able to catch the fireworks, but only 9:40 is available. The restaurant closes at 10 according to the website and the person who took my ADR. Do you think if we take the 9:40 we will still be able to have a nice dinner without being rushed?? Thanks in advance!

 

[MadToad]

Absolutely.

 

[webray]

What time are the fireworks?

For your anniversary meal I am guessing you don't want to rush, just kick back, go through all the courses and relax. 7:30 sounds perfect if the fireworks are anywhere between 9 and 10. Also, consider if you don't get seated right away at 7:30.

 

[KellyinPA]

Fireworks are at 10

 

[webray]

Honestly, I would take the 7:30, that is only 2 1/2 hours, if you get seated on time. If you take the 9:40, sure they are going to seat you and feed you a full however many course meal, but..what if they don't seat you until close to ten, you may not get out of there until midnight.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Also consider that people finishing their meals at 9:40 also know the fireworks start at 10:00. You may find you're not seated in time to see them, anyway.

Even if your 7:30 meal ends before the fireworks begin, you can still view them from the observation deck. From there, you'll be able to hear the fireworks and may even pick up on some of the music.

If you're intent on seeing the fireworks from the table, keep in mind that not every table has a view of them. Get to the podium early, and tell them you want a table with a Magic Kingdom view and are willing to wait for it.

 

[Darian]

What time are the fireworks?

For your anniversary meal I am guessing you don't want to rush, just kick back, go through all the courses and relax. 7:30 sounds perfect if the fireworks are anywhere between 9 and 10. Also, consider if you don't get seated right away at 7:30.

Hi KellyinPA! This is absolutely excellent advice from webray!

To build on what she started, after being seated, order a round of coctails or wine while you peruse the menu. Then decide on an appetizer. (The important thing is to go slowly and not order your main course when you order your appetizers. If you do, your main course will show up long before you are ready for it.) Simply tell your server that you haven't decided yet what to order, but you will know after the appetizer. Take your time eating it and maybe order another round of drinks.

Once the appetizer is finished, then order your dinner. It will take a while to make it's way to your table. More time gets burned that way. Enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant and the view, not to mention the pleasant company of your S/O and kids if you have them. Perhaps you might take the opportunity to enjoy some of the excellent sushi served at the California Grill. Yummy!

Your main course has arrived and its nearly 9pm. Savor your dinner and soon its time to think of dessert. By 9:45 you have your dinner plates carried away, your table brushed, and dessert accompanied by an nice cordial or after dinner wine or glass of champagne. I find Mumms to be an excellent value. With bubbles in your glass, fireworks outside, your loving family inside with you and its the conclusion to a perfect evening. Be sure and tip the server generously.

 

[KellyinPA]

Thanks so much everyone for all of your great advice. I will keep the 7:30 so my hubby and I can enjoy!

 

[Viki]

Thanks so much everyone for all of your great advice. I will keep the 7:30 so my hubby and I can enjoy!

That's the right decision, straight from another Pennsylvanian!

 

[jedijill]

I dined at CG in May. I was told by my server that I could return to CG later and gain admission to the viewing deck for the fireworks with a copy of my receipt for dinner. I had an early ADR and was finished with dinner a long time before the fireworks were scheduled.

HTH

Jill in KC