California Grill--timing for fireworks

[fairestoneofall]

I have reservations at California Grill next month to celebrate our 10th anniversary (surprise for DH). My reservations are at 9:20pm. Is this an adequate time to be there for viewing the fireworks (which are at 10pm)?

TIA!

 

[mkygrl]

That should be ok. My ressies are usually around 8:30 and by the time fireworks roll around we are on dessert.

If you are not seated you can still go up to the observation deck and view the fireworks.

 

[fairestoneofall]

Thanks, MKGRL!

It was either 7:30 or 9:20. I was afraid, as quickly as my DH eats, that we'd be done way too early if I did 7:30.

 

[Panlow]

We had this exact ADR time in mid June. It was actually just perfect. We had plenty of time to get seated and order before the show starts at 10pm.

 

[fairestoneofall]

I'm wondering if I should move my ressie up to 7:30 in order to be finished prior to Wishes. And then, move to the balconey when we are finished and watch from there.

Or should I keep the 9:20 and hope to be seated where I can see Wishes?

Decisions. Decisions.

Any input? TIA!

 

[MissMickee]

I'm wondering if I should move my ressie up to 7:30 in order to be finished prior to Wishes. And then, move to the balconey when we are finished and watch from there.

Or should I keep the 9:20 and hope to be seated where I can see Wishes?

Decisions. Decisions.

Any input? TIA!

We just got back and had a TERRIBLE time with all of our ARD's. Well, except for here. Ours was for 9:30 and were arrived an hour early. The restaurant was PACKED but they sat us right away (and HOUR early) but I personally think it's because we were staying in the hotel and had nothing but problems with them since we checked in. I think they noted the ressie to take good care of us. Anyway, we were seated at 8:30 and didn't even START our dinner until AFTER Wishes we over! I told DH that if we go back for Wishes again, I want to get a 7:30 ARD so we'd be on dessert by the time the show started. I was SO SO SO tired by the time we left. Also, if you want a MK view (which there aren't many of), earlier ARD is better there too... otherwise you HAVE to go out on the observation deck to see them. Long story short, I'd change it to 7:30, I'm sure you'll still be enjoying your meal when Wishes starts... even if it is just dessert/coffee. Also, be sure to let someone know that it's your anniversary (it was our 10th also!)... you'll get a special surprise!

 

[justwinnie]

I'd agree with the earlier ADR. Although a 7:30 seating seems early to watch Wishes at 10, meals seem to take a while at California Grill.

Also, be aware that a 9:20 ADR doesn't mean that you'll actually be seated then for dinner. People tend to stretch out their meals so they can watch Wishes, so the wait is long. If you get seated at 9:20, you probably won't even get your appetizers until Wishes ends!

I've had a MK view seat and would say that the observation deck is better for viewing. The music is piped inside and out, so you'll be able to hear the theme music.

I don't remember the lights being completely dim inside, so there was some reflection in the windows while watching from the table. Very distracting to me.

If you finish up early, you can hang out, relax outside on the observation deck (there are two, and the one that's near the bathrooms is much much less crowded). Or you can go downstairs, shop a bit and go back upstairs-- they allow you to go back up and watch the fireworks if you've eaten there that day.

Definitely mention your anniversary surprise when you make your ADR.

 

[fairestoneofall]

Thank you to both of you! I am going to call tomorrow and move our ressie up.

This is a surprise for DH. He doesn't know where we are eating. I had him go through one of my books tonight to get a feel if I made a good choice and CG is the one he picked at he'd really want to eat there. So, I picked well!

I will definitely let them know it's our anniversary. The CM who made my resort ressies noted it, which was nice.

 

[connie1042]

I was reading this post and thought I might of made a mistake. My son and DIL are going to CG in Sept. for their fifth anniversary. I ordered them a cake. Now I am reading if it is their ann. they will get a suprise. What is the suprise. They do not know I ordered the cake. We are leaving the next day, so I dont want alot left over. Should I keep the cake order

 

[Geoff_M]

There really is no need to time your ADR to Wishes. As long as you show your receipt for that day, you can even leave and come back to watch Wishes from the CG observation deck. We had an ADR for 7 PM, got done around time to go to the south deck to watch as much of Illuminations as we could and then walked to the north and enjoyed the view and waited for Wishes. Unless you have a table near the window, you will have to get up and walk to the deck to watch the show anyway.