California Grill Question?

[deedeew80]

I recently made a reservation for the California Grill for Sept. 1, however, the Sept. hrs weren't out yet when I made this reservation. The CM I was speaking to gave me a choice of 9:10 or 8:20 so I would be able to be here for WISHES. I chose the 8:20 time. Now that the Sept. hrs are out WISHES will be at 8:30. Is this a good time for me to be there? Will I be able to view WISHES? This is my first time at the California Grill, so I don't know much about it. Any info will be appreciated. Thank You!

 

[05ChristmasSurprise]

You'll be able to see just fine - in fact, it won't be bad because you could even be sitting at your table by the time they start.

Although, I guess there is a chance you'll still be in the bar/lounge area - in which case you'll still be able to see.

You can always take the pager out on the observation deck as well - I think they kind of pause for the show.

 

[kyirish25]

I would suggest showing up for your AR at 8:00. This will allow ample time to check-in on the 2nd floor and make your way upstairs and possbily be seated before Wishes starts at 8:30. The observation deck is a lovely place to view them from and the music is piped in.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I would keep your reservation time. We have seen Wish's from the CG before and it is really great. We will be dining at CG also in Sept.

 

[deedeew80]

Thansk for all the info everyone. One more question though.....do you think if we get there early enough we will be able to get a window seat??!! That would really be great!!

 

[TheNerdyMinnie]

Showing up at 8 is an excellent idea. Even if you're not seated, you can always walk out to the observation deck and watch wishes from there. It's just as good as seeing it from inside. I love cali grill, and I hope you have a wonderful dinner there

 

[Uncleromulus]

deedee:
Problem always is that everyone wants a window seat!! No harm in asking, of course, but I wouldn't worry a whole bunch if you don't get a window table. The fireworks view from outside is just fine. We no longer bother even asking for a window table--.

 

[deedeew80]

I know I'm being a pain now....LOL! If I don't get a window seat & we are seated somewhere else are we able to leave our table to go out on the observation deck when WISHES begins? Or what happens if WISHES begins before we are even seated?? Sorry about all the questions. I just want to arrive knowing what I'm doing!!

 

[eeyore45]

I have a California Grill Question -

I may just post this next month in its own thread if I dont get any answer... but I hate starting new theads...

Question - Dining Plan = 2 TS credits...

Menu posted at allearsnet indicate they have appetizers, sushi, 1st course, then main, then dessert....

so for your 2 credits what have you ordered???

(and going out to the observation deck has to be more considerate than another post I read, they were seated by the window, and it was filled with kids observing in front of them!!!)

 

[rifamtrav]

For all you cali grill experts, I'm in the same position as the original poster, my guess at a 8:30 (or maybe it was 8:40? have to check tonight) ar time might just work out because it looks like wishes on our night will be 8:30, so it sounds like the advice is to check in early, then we will be able to watch from the observation deck. My question is, do they ever limit the number of people who are allowed to go upstairs and wait, after checking in on the 2nd floor? If our time is 8:40 will they make us stay downstairs til then, if there are too many people already waiting upstairs? It would be fine with me if our table wasn't ready, as long as we could watch from the observation deck before being seated. Thanks.

 

[Uncleromulus]

deedee: Yes you can get up and walk out on the observation deck, assuming of course you are IN the restaurant before (or when ) Wishes begins.
rifamtrav:
I'm not sure how things really work now that the 2nd floor check in is in effect. I believe that you are not let up until the table is actually ready, or at least there is a seat at the bar. Prior to the new check-in policy, everyone and their brother was crammed in the restaurant itself waiting for Wishes. Some sat at their tables for hours nursing ice tea, causing long waits for tables even with PS. Folks were just standing around in the lobby area, and even in the restaurant itself. We waited over an hour (with PS) one evening--and had to stand the entire time!!

 

[DISUNC]

I know I'm being a pain now....LOL! If I don't get a window seat & we are seated somewhere else are we able to leave our table to go out on the observation deck when WISHES begins? Or what happens if WISHES begins before we are even seated?? Sorry about all the questions. I just want to arrive knowing what I'm doing!!

Yes you can certainly get up & go to the observation deck. I was there last July...many people did just that...including me!

When you get to the CG from the 2nd floor, if you are not seated, there is a waiting area near the bar. You can see Wishes from there, or you can go to the observation deck.

I always like to get up and go view it from the observation deck anyway!

And I never seen this mentioned on these boards, BUT before Wishes...on the other side (away from the MK side) of CG you can see the Light parade floats in the bay(forget what its called)...Quite a spectacular view! There is also a observation deck there.

Enjoy...relax...it will be fine!

 

[&ersons]

We ate at California Grill on Wednesday. The waiter assumed that we would be going outside to view Wishes after we had finished our first course (the three cheese flatbread was great!). He asked if we wanted the entree to come out after the fireworks so we could go outside and enjoy them. We said "sure". Shortly after we came back inside our meal was brought. Also, the play the music out on the balcony for Wishes (not sure if it was played inside since we weren't in there).

 

[eeyore45]

I told my mom that I made reservations here, she was excited and said when she went (YEARS ago) that they had entertainment - singers...

"they came up to our table, and put the microphone under Aunt June and asked what song she wanted, and they said 'HELLO ________" and my aunt june replied "hello" and the whole place lol.. they tried to get her to say "Dolly" 4 or 5 times... and poor Aunt June didnt get the joke, she thought your father had "set her up" What entertainment will they have in October?"

"um - the fireworks?"

 

[rifamtrav]

&ersons, how closely did you time your reservation with the start of the fireworks? Right now we have an AR for 8:20pm and fireworks are scheduled for 8:30, first week in Sep. I'm wondering if we should try to move them up a bit, or just arrive early (8pm?) and hope that they will let us wait on the observation deck. I've read many posts saying that even with reservations they still had to wait well beyond their AR time before getting seated. Thanks.

 

[rifamtrav]

Eeyore45, you just brought back a memory for me - I just realized Cali Grill is the same place that used to be called "top of the World"???? In 1979 I went there with my college room mate and her parents to see a dinner show - the performer was Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeanie!). I remember thinking then "wow, she's old!" Of course people can figure out my age and say the same thing about me now!

 

[deedeew80]

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. Now I just can't wait to get to WDW!!!

 

[joyjoy]

Wow, did everybody get an 8:20 AR? We did, for Monday the 5th. Then I found out Wishes for that night is at 10:00. It sounds like we might have a bit of a wait before we are seated so I guess I'll stick with this time.

 

[lacy1101]

What if you ressie is for 7:30 p.m. and Wishes doesn't start until 9:00 p.m.? Can you stay around and go out on the observation deck after your meal to watch the fireworks? I hope so - this is how I kinda have mine planned.

 

[lacy1101]

What if your ressie is for 7:30 p.m. and Wishes doesn't start until 9:00 p.m.? Can you stay around and go out on the observation deck after your meal to watch the fireworks? I hope so - this is how I kinda have mine planned.

BUMP

Can someone answer this for me?