California Grill Reservation

[dischic89]

I'm thinking about making a reservation for the California Grill for dinner. First up, if say Wishes starts at 9, what time should I make a res. to be there for the fireworks? Do most people go out on the balcony to watch the fireworks and then come back in? What about at tables by the windows? And about the food... I was thinking of just ordering sushi. Is that ok? Thanks!

 

[PoohsFan1]

We love love love the Cali Grill, it is our most favorite restaurant on Disney property. With that said, we always get the earliest seating possible (5:30pm) which allows us to be able to get a table right next to the window facing MK....the view of MK, especially at Dusk is pure magic. If you want to see Wishes later on, you can always go back up to view them. Just make sure you have your dining receipt so you can show the check-in desk and they will let you right back up. As for viewing Wishes, we always grab a nice glass of wine for us, and the kids get a pop, and view Wishes outside on the balcony (beware that it tends to get pretty windy up there) . As for your Sushi question, I can't answer that because we always stay away from it....Have fun and really enjoy your dinner there, it is awesome.

 

[Cando86]

Hello!
We made our Cali Grill reservations for 7pm for an 8pm Wishes. This was what I thought would be best and what the woman on the phone confirmed.
I'm not sure about your sushi question. I'm sure it would be fine, as many of the sushi platters are listed as entree's so I'm sure it'd be enough food.
And I do know that if your meal ends well before Wishes begins that you can bring back your dining receipt and they will let you watch the show from the balcony.
I hope you have a great time!

 

[allshookup]

We usually time our reservation about 90 minutes before Wishes so that we end up going out on the observation deck before dessert is served & the waitstaff holds off on delivering dessert until Wishes is over. You can view Wishes from inside if you have a view of the MK from your table, but I think the fireworks are much nicer outside.

As for the sushi, yes I order the shrimp tempura sushi for dinner everytime we go.

 

[Namsupak]

First up, if say Wishes starts at 9, what time should I make a res. to be there for the fireworks?
We went about 1.5 hours before wishes and we were set at a table that was not next to a window but had a good view. If you want a window seat your best chance is even earlier.
Do most people go out on the balcony to watch the fireworks and then come back in?
We have went out on the balcony as well, the view is much better there but IMHO I would rather enjoy dessert and watch it at a window. Plus like another poster mentioned it gets windy.
What about at tables by the windows?
see above
And about the food... I was thinking of just ordering sushi. Is that ok?
We like sushi and have found that the fare here is good quality. We had the snake in the grass and a tempura roll of some sort both were delicious. Another place for good sushi that never seems to be busy is the Kimonos at the Swan and Dolphin. If you are a sushi fan I think you should try that place out too.

 

[tdsbu]

The sushi is great at Cali Grill - Yoshi has been ranked one of the top sushi chefs in the world - have heard some great stories about how they go out of their way to make sure the food is always fresh here - you can easily build up a nice tab here if you don't watch yourself ...

 

[jlewisinsyr]

There are not a ton of window seats but most seats still offer a view. Outside the view I don't find much interest in the restaurant anymore, it's just not as good as it used to be, but if you really have your heart set on going, book about 1.5 hours before Wishes. This will line you up to have dessert while Wishes is going on or just after it completes (if you go out to the observation deck).