California Grill w/kids in Nov.

[mom2bcr]

I have a couple questions I could use some help with!

First, I've read you should make your priority seating for the Calif. Grill 1/2 hour before fireworks start. Is this a good time? How do I find out when fireworks start Nov. 5-9?

Also, we have 3 children ages 11, 9 and 4. CAn anyone give me any advice in taking children to the CAlifornia Grill?

Thanks!!

 

[ducklite]

IMHO half an hour before fireworks isn't a good time--many who only have half an hour until fireworks will jst linger at the table after they finish eating and wait.

I'd go an hour before.

AS far as your kids, if they are used to dining out in nice restaurants where meals take 1 1/2+ hours, then they should be fine. But if they can't make it through Red Lobster without getting ansty, then forget it. I'd also think about this another way--after a full day at WDW, is your 4 yo going to be able to handle a late meal without geting cranky and being disruptive? I'd have a back up plan in case one of teh kids is having a bad day.

Anne

 

[webray]

ducklite is right..if your kids are not used to sitting still for 1 1/2 plus hours for a meal..then CA Grill is not the place for you.

Even though disney restaurans are geared for families..this is a nicer place and a whiney child would definately ruin dinner for everyone around them. The tables are very close.

 

[hmmchowell]

I would put them at one of the kid's clubs like the Neverland club at the Polynesian and you and your spouse have a date at the California Grill alone!! That's what me and my DH are doing on Saturday night the same week you're there!! Just an idea!

 

[MamaKate]

I take my children to several of the nicer restaurants during our trips to WDW and they do great (usually better than some of the adults, especially the ones who have had one too many drinks).

When we ate at California Grill in 2002 my DD was 5 and DS was 7. They enjoyed being able to see the castle changing colors & seeing the fireworks. Also they give the kids crayons to color on their menu.

California Grill is actually not a very quiet restuarant to begin with, becuase they have an open kitchen and the chef is always yelling the orders to the cooks & you can hear all the pans going.

Also, like someone mentioned earlier it all depends on your kids (especially the 4 year old). If you spent all day at the park without a nap, he could get cranky and make your evening unpleasant.

Only you know your kids & if you think they can handle it, go for it.

If you do go, make sure you order them the kids sushi for dessert, my daughter still tells people around it.

 

[raidermatt]

Exactly... Open kitchen + Close tables = Noise.

Most 9 and 11 year-olds should have no problem. The only question is the 4 year-old. The average 4 year-old will be fine. If your's is PARTICULALRY rambunctious, you might want to pass, or at least have a backup plan, as ducklite said.

But really, there shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Peter Pirate]

They've changed the rules regarding the use of the viewing deck so that it benefits CG guests only and I would think (hope) that this will discourage folks from lingering unecessarily in order to see the fireworks. This is rude (IMO), and throws off the entire evenings schedule for the restaurant. Think about the poor folks who actually have a PS for 20 minutes or so before the fireworks and end up waiting 40 before they get seated...

In answer to your question, you should try (IMO) to get a PS 45 minutes prior to the fireworks...Then you have to hope to get a window seat or you'll just end up at the viewing deck anyway...

As for the kids, I think MamKate put it quite nicely. One addition thing though, the CG has paper tablecloths that they encourage the kids to draw on. We end up playing 'musical chairs' on every visit so that every sqaure inch is covered. My 11 year old daughter LOVES this and even my 15 year old is happy through out!