California Grill service going downhill

[waggles02673]

We just got back from Disney and one of our meals was at the CG. This was our 4th time dining there and 2 times have been great and 2 times have been not so great. We were seated at 5:45 with plenty of empty tables around us and the waitress didn't come by to even take drink orders for almost 20 minutes. Total dinner service took over 2 hours. Once we ordered our drinks, bottle of water for my wife and I had a soda she diasppeared again. Also when she found out that we weren't drinking she kind of gave us attitude. Food was good but the service really disapointed. We had a dinner earlier in the week at Shula's which both the service and food were unbelievable!!!! I have to say that for the money we will be dining at Shula's go forward and taking CG off our go to list. We are TIW members and the dinner at Shula's cost the same as the dinner at CG. I don't know if free dining has anything to do with the service at CG but both times we have had bad service free dining was available.

 

[HadesTX]

That's a shame, I would have definitely spoken to the manager early on. We had excellent service when we went last month & we had the free dining.

 

[rhodymom]

I think sometimes you have to queue the server. When my husband and I go to signature restaurants (we alternate...CG, Citricos, and Jiko) we like a 2 hour dinner. Its out time alone and to hang out and reconnect so we love it. Maybe the server made an assumption based on it being the two of you???

 

[DW2010]

We weren't really impressed September 2010 when we went. The view was amazing! We were seated by a window and watched the fireworks. Anyways, the view was the best part. I've had better sushi where I live.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

We love CG and eat there a few times a year. Over the years we have had a server who was disappointing, but I think that can happen anywhere.

 

[emmysmommy]

Sorry to hear you were disappointed. There is no excuse for a server having an attitude with the guest - they are "on stage" during their shift and should provide the level of service that a signature dining experience demands.

We have had great service for the two times we have been and have a 3rd ADR scheuled in April. Service last time was steller - but then again I had a glass of wine and a glass of champagne while the previous time I had no adult beverages! Hmmm... perhaps there is a connection!

 

[Ramsfan28]

I have probably eaten at the CG at least 20 or so times in the last 10 years (including last month) and I can honestly say I have never had a bad experience.

IMHO, they can't do enough for you so I am surprised to hear about bad service there.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Was the service ever good at CG????? We've had nothing but slow and unattentive servers at CG. Bad news for them because we "normally" tip very well for "decent" service. Yes, it has a great view. But, it is a restaurant too and the patrons want to eat at least warmish food in a timely manner. BTW, both times we had the three kiddos with us. So, they were not romantic-leisurely dinners. We saw our server to take our orders and then at the end when he was buttering us up to get dessert and for a good tip.

Pet Peeve: You have given me crappy service all night and NOW you acknowledge me. I can see through your act buddy.
"Low tip for you!" (in my best Soup Nazi voice)

We won't be going back for awhile . . .

Jennifer

 

[OKW Lover]

We've never really thought CG was worth it, but I will defend a 2-hour meal. That's pretty much what we expect when we go to one of the Signature restaurants. We're looking for a nice dining experience. Good food, good service, nice atmosphere. We've never found the food at CG to be as good as it should be at a signature. Perhaps this place is relying on the view to distract the diner...

 

[madalex]

I've eaten twice at CG in the last six months and service both times was perfectly fine. Our meal in April took over three hours, but that was how we wanted it.

 

[GeorgeG]

Service has been in a decline at many Disney establishments in recent years. For the most part, there are still a lot of great servers, but the days when everything was 100% great are gone. Welcome to the new Disney.

 

[Lucille1963]

2 hour dinners are wonderful when you're not being ignored. When you are sitting around waiting it stinks.

We've only dined there once, many years ago and we were far from impressed. The food seemed a small step over mediocre and the service was snooty. I don't remember all we ate/drink but I do remember that the sushi tasted like refrigerator and the waiter couldn't recommend wines to go with my meal. We've never had a desire to return.

 

[PoohsFan1]

I am sorry that you had a bad experience at CG. We eat there every time we go to Disney...it is one of our favorite Signature restaurants. Every time we have dined there, we have had over the top servers who help us with our wine selections and fully discuss what is on their menu. Our last time there, we told the waiter that we were not into sushi so please just skip over it. He was happy to oblige, but did offer us to try a non fish sushi that was really really good. We told him how much we enjoyed it and wanted to thank the sushi chef. He had me follow him to the sushi bar so I could personally thank her.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Same happened to us in May. We had been there several times and this particular server had a real attitude and we had a horrible experience there. I'm willing to bet we had the same lady by the way you described your night.

I did put in a complaint, and we will be returning next week... but this is their last shot.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Sorry to read about your experience. We dine at CG at least twice a year and have never had a bad experience. We dined there a couple of weeks ago and had a great time again. Our meal was spaced just right over 2.5 hours.

 

[Bob NC]

I agree, about Shula's, my new favorite WDW restaurant.

 

[si-am]

We have mostly had good service at CG. One time I was a bit taken aback when I ordered the sushi sampler and the waitress brought it to me without telling me what was on the plate!

I am adventurous (kind of) when it comes to sushi, but I do at least like to know what I'm eating.

 

[hushupu]

I dont think it's fair to judge a restaurant on single visit. Everyone and Everyplace can have a bad night. If it happened a couple of times then I would cross it off the list.

 

[wcpamotm]

I dont think it's fair to judge a restaurant on single visit. Everyone and Everyplace can have a bad night. If it happened a couple of times then I would cross it off the list.

I think this is fair. But even then, think about re-considering a restaurant after several years, as management and other aspects of a Disney restaurant does tend to change over time. An example is Narcoosee's where we had a glorified pot roast on one trip and a great meal there a few years later.

 

[Lucille1963]

I dont think it's fair to judge a restaurant on single visit. Everyone and Everyplace can have a bad night. If it happened a couple of times then I would cross it off the list.

It may not be "fair", but at the premium prices they charge, I'm not inclined to give my money to a place that didn't treat me right in the past. The saying goes "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me"