California Grill! Should we go for it?

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

Hi all! Heading to Disney in August and couldn't be more excited. There's been an opening in the California Grill ressies for awhile. A 9:30pm for August 16th. This seems perfect because Wishes is at 10pm that night, meaning we'd get to see Wishes from that famous view!

My question is...is it worth that load of money? We already have four ADRs, one being for lunch that same day. We're doing Chef Mickey's, Sci-Fi, Tony's and Crystal Palace. Would it be worth it to throw in that 5th ADR?

Also, that night we planned on hitting up AK evening EMH from 6 - 9. We're staying at CR already. What time would it be wise to leave AK to make it back in time for a 9:30 reservation?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I don't want to feel like we're cramming so much into that day...MK, lunch at Tony's, AK then California Grill? Is that too much or should we just GO FOR IT?

 

[cbg1027]

I think you should go for the ADR! It's worth the money for the food alone. The view and the fireworks is great icing on the cake.
(Speaking of cake, don't miss their molten Valrhona Chocolate Cake!)

What time you leave AK depends on the form of transportation. If you have your own car, then plan to be walking out the gate to your car at 8:15.
If you're using the buses, then be walking out the gate at 7:45.

Better to arrive early than risk being late. Sometimes if you arrive early, they will seat you early!

I do think that is an awful lot for one day though. In my experience, I don't enjoy late dinners after such a full day. And you want to be feeling good for CG and Wishes. It's a wonderful experience! I would skip AK, unless you leave MK after lunch for a nap before EMH at AK.

 

[Fishin' Mike]

To me that is a lot for one day if you are hitting the CG. I would rather take it easier in the evening and not be set on the 6-9 at the AK. Maybe 1/2 day in MK and then move over to AK after lunch and be back at the CG for maybe 8:30 and see about getting in early.

One thing is that makes it for me is hanging out in the CR, look around, shop and such but you are already there.

I do like having a drink or two in the bar at CG. Be aware that it is a late time and it might run even later if they are busy. If you have little ones, it could turn out bad if they are tired/cranky/hungry and you have to wait a while.

The fireworks are great but they no longer dim the lights inside anymore but you can go out on the balcony and that is a very nice view. It is a different perspective on the fireworks show but not on the top of the list for viewing places for me and the wife.

 

[OhThePain]

IMO, the California Grill has the view, and not much else. The food is good, dont get me wrong, but as far as signature restaurants go it is far far far from the best. If the ADR is for 9:30 and Wishes is at 10, don't expect to sit before 10:30. Again, don't get me wrong, the food is good, but IMO CG is up on that list of very overrated restaurants.

 

[PoohsFan1]

My family loves CG (even my two kids) the view, food, and service is outstanding. As for your 9:30pm ADR, you may be pushing it if you are coming from the AK....especially if you want to freshen up/change before going up for dinner. To me it just seems like a lot of running around for one day, you are going from one end of WDW to another and then rushing back to make an ADR that you may or may not be seated in time for Wishes....that is a very popular time to be up there so you may be waiting for previous patrons to leave (which they probably won't until after Wishes is over with). One good suggestion is that there is a really great bar/lounge up there and if you can snag a seat before your ADR, then you will be good as gold. Have a great time we can't wait to go back there in September

 

[MrsLS]

I think the Cali Grill is very good. The price is on the high side but we spent almost that much near me at a local italian restaurant this past weekend, so I'm use to higher prices and the food at Cali Grill is excellent, so to me its worth it.
I think 9:30 is late for dinner, but we get out of the parks early and like to be in them parks at rope drop. Any time before wishes would be a good time, as you might not get a seat by the window and would have to go outside anyway.

 

[sbprincess]

Personally, I would do that it a heart beat! Cali Grill was our absolute best meal on our last trip. It's a little pricey but not too bad. We had an 8:15 ADR with Wishes at 10 and I wish our ADR had been later so we could see it from our table. We ended up leaving way before the fireworks started b/c we didn't want to keep the table occupied when we were finished.

The only change I would make would be to cancel Tony's. It was the worst meal of our last trip. The food was okay as was the service. But out of everywhere else we ate, it was at the bottom. But, since CG would be so late, you probably would be hungry if you're eating at Tony's for lunch. Either way, I would go for it!

 

[tinacaplan]

I would. Was there in February, during Wishes, and had the time of my life. And we had a wonderful meal!

 

[bluejasmine]

I say go for it u could do what dh and I plan on doing we made an ADR after seeing a pic of the amazing sushi and will just share a sushi roll, flat bread, dessert, and probably order a few cocktails now as far as Tonys goes I hear mixed reviews but honestly more good than bad we also have an ADR there in sept there r so many places everyone raves about we don't care for so it's a matter of personal taste. Enjoy!

 

[DW2010]

I have booked reservations at Narcoossee's and California Grill. I'm leaning more towards California Grill since Dh and I love sushi and the view seems to be more amazing.

 

[aduncan]

The only reason I would ever eat at Tony's again would be because you have a very good view of the parade IF (and only if) you are able to get an outside table during the parade times. The food is just ok, and the service is horrible. The last time I went, our server was unfriendly. He served my daughter's salad with his thumb in the bowl. He dropped a full bowl of spaghetti on the head of the child sitting at the table in front of us. Thank goodness the child was ok, but all of our clothes were ruined from the splatter. This was on my daughter's birthday, and she was wearing her favorite shirt (the one with Pooh saying "Tigger, is that you?). All they did was offer us a white voluntears shirt, which showed everything at the slightest drop of water or sweat. We ended up having to buy a new shirt so she could go on splash mtn. Eat early (but not at Tony's), then go to AK, and end your day at CG. You will be so glad you watched the fireworks from the comfort of the restaurant, and are not in the mob leaving the park!

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

I would definitely do California Grill. It's our favorite restaurant, and although it can be pricey, you don't have to order wine and a 4 course meal. I have actually just had an appetizer and dessert when I wasn't that hungry. The fireworks from the CG are spectacular and something everyone should see at least once if they can.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would go for it and make an ADR over there.

 

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

Thanks for all the input guys! I talked to the other members of my party and they really want to do AK that evening...so I'm deciding if we would want to leave early or not. We already had a midday break planned. After lunch at Tony's we were going to relax in our room at CR for awhile. And thanks for the input on Tony's, but I ate there in 2007 and it was one of my favorite TS... I'm going to go for it again and relive the memories of my first trip, hopefully it hasn't gone downhill since last time...

Another thing is that DDad suggested parasailing...if we do that, we won't be able to afford California Grill too. And it might be more convenient to do parasailing as well.

Thanks again for the help guys, for now I'm going to pass on it. Might be cramming too much into that day.