California Grill, recent experiences

[KimK2006]

My friend is thinking of going to California Grill during her upcoming trip. What was your overall experience? This is her first trip w/ DH, DS8, DS7, DD4, DM. Is it good for this age kids?

Thanks!

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Absoutely love everything about this place. Good food and Awesome atmosphere.

 

[CamColt]

We had a great experience there in December.

 

[flipflop]

My DH and I were there in early december with my parents and my 3 year old triplets. Our server was fantastic with the kids - even getting 2 of them dinners that weren't on the Kid menu (PB&J). The children enjoyed the view of the castle and the changing colored lights (on the castle). This is probably the 6th time I have eaten there (first with the kids) and dinner lived up to my prior good experiences. It is noisy in there and it was nice not to worry about our kids having moments of speaking too loudly.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

The only signatures we haven't tried is Flying Fish and Citricos (those are both on the next trip) but I think California Grill is the most kid friendly out of the sigs I have tried.

Aside from Victoria & Albert's, California Grill seems to be WDW's top notch restaurant so they definitely seem to make sure you are treated pretty well, the food is pretty good.

It's, at the least, something to try once with your family. Even if for some reason you don't like it, you can say you did it.

 

[Samrain]

If you time it right, you can go outside on the 15th floor (where the restaurant is) and lookout over MK during Wishes. The music is piped in and it's very cool (for adults and kids!) to be able to look out OVER the park as opposed to look up and see the show!

 

[saratogadreamin09]

I wouldn't recommend it with kids that young. I first went when I was 8 and my parents almost didn't take me, the only reason I did go was because it was my dad's birthday. I remember feeling really nervoud about being in there when I saw no other kids. Its a great place and th view for wishes is fantastic but for young kids its jut not the best.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Every time we've gone to CG (probably around 20 times now) there have been almost too many kids to count.
Of all ages.
Just be sure your kids can sit through a meal that might well take an hour and a half to two hours.

 

[Leanne1977]

I wouldn't recommend it with kids that young. I first went when I was 8 and my parents almost didn't take me, the only reason I did go was because it was my dad's birthday. I remember feeling really nervoud about being in there when I saw no other kids. Its a great place and th view for wishes is fantastic but for young kids its jut not the best.

I don't agree. We have been taking our boys since they were around 3 and 5, they are now 6 and 8. Each and every time we have been there has been lots and lots of families dining with young children. 99% of the time all the children have behaved very well. There has been the odd time where we have noticed children running around and climbing under tables which is not acceptable in any restaurant let alone a signature one.

But I have never felt uncomfortable here with my boys. They know how to behave in and out of a restaurant and have always made me very proud. This is their favourite restaurant and they choose this over the character meals!!

We like to dine here on every trip now as it is our favourite onsite. The food, service and view are all outstanding and we have never had anything less than a wonderful meal here.

 

[WhereOWhere]

We have taken my nephew who is 3 1/2 to California Grill, and he had an absolute blast. Yes, you have to be prepared for what can sometimes turn into a 2+ hour meal, so if you have really antsy kids you'll have to be prepared.

California Grill is definitely one of those "don't miss" places you should try at Disney if you can. Quite a few of my top dining experiences overall have been at the California Grill. The views really cannot be topped anywhere else in Disney, you can see some part of pretty much every park, and of course the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and the Magic Kingdom! The outdoor walkway is a must visit if you dine there, if you can time it during the fireworks even better! You really get a birds eye view from up there.

What's great is not only is there an absolutely amazing atmosphere (although I do agree, it can get a bit noisy, especially the more centralized tables), not only do a majority of the seats have great views of the kitchen (for those that like to see the food getting prepared), there is also a great variety of food (and a lot of seasonal pairings). From flatbreads to sushi to poultry to steak, there is almost always something for everyone. I have to say it's one of the most amazingly balanced menus I've ever seen anywhere.

I highly recommend the flatbreads and sushi, they have always been out of this world. And if you're wondering about service, the best waiter I have ever had anywhere in any restaurant was at the California Grill. I believe his name was Tom or Mike, one of those, we never once waited on anything, never once felt rushed, and he took the time to answer all our questions. Not many waiters leave a long term impression, but his professionalism and humble manner won us over early on.

Ok, yea, I like California Grill!!!