california grill question

[dronein7g]

My Gf and I are planning a trip in March, and I was wondering if there is a balcony or someplace not at our table where we can watch wishes from the restaurant . I plan on proposing this trip and im between doing it there or during illuminations at EPCOT this will help me decide thank you

 

[ftomasze]

My Gf and I are planning a trip in March, and I was wondering if there is a balcony or someplace not at our table where we can watch wishes from the restaurant . I plan on proposing this trip and im between doing it there or during illuminations at EPCOT this will help me decide thank you

Hey me and my GF went to Cali Grill last November. It was AWESOME, top knotch food, great drinks. I would suggest making a reservation for 15 min to 30 min AFTER wishes is scheduled to begin and get there 30 min before your reservation. We did this and it worked out great. Someone took us up to the resturant where we could grab a drink and head to the observation deck and watch wishes (I wish it didnt downpour that night!). Its a great place IMO to propose, the observation deck can get crowded tho. Make those reservations in advance!

 

[hmdavid]

How exciting! There is an observation deck that you can go to for the fireworks. The view is great from there! You could also let the restaurant know in advance what you are planning if you want help with the surprise! They management and staff at California Grill are amazing and will help you to make it wonderful!

 

[Goofy4]

If you eat early, they will let you back up to the observation deck later. Some say to save a receipt and/or they will only do this if you dine after 6pm, but we didn't have any problem with our 5:30 ADR. Congrats.

Take a look at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2479169

 

[dronein7g]

Thanks for the info guys! I am still debating as I keep coming up with different ideas one is on the observation deck and tell her to close her eyes and make a wish and when she opens them I will be on one knee I have a few others up my sleeve but that would be off topic lol Our reservations are at 8 and with wishes starting at 9 I believe it should be perfect timing I am sure we can just come back to our table to finish our meal. While I have you guys here I was looking at their menu and it seems like a multi course meal how does that affect us being on the dining plan?

 

[Goofy4]

seems like a multi course meal how does that affect us being on the dining plan?

Typically they ask up front if you are on the plan and explain what options are not available (most items are on the plan as they typically adjust their menu a bit to keep most of it available).

 

[Sagginit]

the observation deck can get a bit crowded, it is long but only 3-4 feet wide. i would get out there a few minutes early to get plenty of space. if you think she is going to freak you may want to wait towards the end, otherwise all your planning and she wont even be paying attention to the fireworks, just staring at her hand and screaming! as for meal timing, i had 7:30 reservations for dinner when i went and we got our dessert just before 9, but it was a packed house (we also had an app. b/c we were on DDP). good luck with the planning.

 

[momonthemove_us]

I just made a reservation for CG and the only time available was 9:40 pm. I took it and asked about a table where we would be able to see the fireworks. They told me all table requests are made at the podium when you check in. So... what about that? Will we be able to see the fireworks from most tables? If not will we need to get there extra early to request a table near the right windows?
Thanks for any advice!

 

[Joan S.]

I just made a reservation for CG and the only time available was 9:40 pm. I took it and asked about a table where we would be able to see the fireworks. They told me all table requests are made at the podium when you check in. So... what about that? Will we be able to see the fireworks from most tables? If not will we need to get there extra early to request a table near the right windows?
Thanks for any advice!

Hi, If the fireworks are at 10pm(??) you may not get seated at a window table because guests hang onto those tables to watch the fireworks AFTER they eat.You can go out on the observation deck and watch them and probably get a window table after the fireworks are over. It is still a beautiful view and you can watch the castle change colors. Or you can try arriving EARLY for your ADR and possibly getting a window table before the fireworks begin. Joan

 

[Goofy4]

Will we be able to see the fireworks from most tables?

Even if you land a table right by the window you will likely want to go outside; you can get a better view there. Most people will head out to the observation deck (access to the deck is right there in the restaurant, and your server will be expecting you to do so).

 

[pixarmom]

the observation deck can get a bit crowded, it is long but only 3-4 feet wide. i would get out there a few minutes early to get plenty of space. if you think she is going to freak you may want to wait towards the end, otherwise all your planning and she wont even be paying attention to the fireworks, just staring at her hand and screaming! as for meal timing, i had 7:30 reservations for dinner when i went and we got our dessert just before 9, but it was a packed house (we also had an app. b/c we were on DDP). good luck with the planning.

This is a good point. The observation deck is very much like a rooftop and it can get quite crowded. We were there earlier this month for my dad's birthday celebration and half of us decided to watch the fireworks from inside CG because the observation deck wasn't that pleasant. Personally, I love your Illuminations idea, but I'm biased because I prefer the Illuminations show and music to Wishes (I'm sure I'm in the minority on that one!) In World Showcase, I would think you could find many quiet and romantic corners. Again, I'm biased! Happy Planning!

 

[EvilQueenT]

i have to agree that although the dinner is great and seeing the fireworks from the observation deck is a must do once, it's not the prettiest spot for a proposal and it does get crowded. i love mk over the other parks but would consider epcot during illuminations for a proposal over cali grill observation deck. what about from the beach at the poly or grand floridian during fireworks (if during fireworks is what you're trying to do that is)? I've seen people get the singers on main street involved in proposals as well. that was fun to see. you could always call wdw guest relations and find out what they suggest and think of what things she likes best (for instance my daughter has always been a beauty and the beast fan so something around them would be something she'd love) so i'd ask yourself what she likes best about wdw and see what you can arrange around that. just a thought (or two lol).

 

[Pakey]

I would arrange for private desserts at Epcot through event planning. It's reasonably priced and would be so much nicer than the noisy zoo at Ca Grill.