California Grill: Waiting for a window table?

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Is it possible to wait for a window table when you show up for your ADR?

TIA

 

[__disneygirl]

If you want to wait REALLY long, i'm sure they'll let you but the thing is, as long as you don't sit REALLY far away from the window, you can see out it fine. We were like two tables away from the windows and I could still see out them fine. Plus, there's the observation deck for viewing and that's better than watching out the windows imo.

 

[bicker]

We were not permitted to wait for a window table at California Grill during our last visit. We were told that they were all either already occupied or reserved, and that none would be coming available before Wishes.

 

[pixiewytch]

I agree that it is unlikely they will be conducive to having you wait for a table because those people are probably waiting for the same reason you are or the rest of the tables are reserved. I've only been once with an ADR and the place was packed...no window tables, no optional wait.

I just think trying to find a perfect table to view fireworks at any restaurant is more stress than its worth and keeps you distracted from just relaxing and having a good time. Besides, the best place to view them is in the MK anyway. I just don't think it's worth it to get all worked up about a fireworks view that will be a mediocre experience at best.

 

[fterie4u]

My husband and I went last year and had a table about 2 tables away from the window. It was beautiful! They diimmed the lights and piped in the music. To be up so high and watch the fireworks was amazing. It was not a "mediocre experience" it was a fantastic and memorable one. We have seen the fireworks from MK many times and enjoy them that way as well. However, there was really something special about watching them at the top o the Contemporary. We are doing it again in September!

 

[jennbug]

How do you reserve on ethen? When you call and make PS?

 

[tyandbash]

We have always had a table on one side of of California Grill, I have never even walked around to the other side. I agree that not having an exact window seat should not matter on the side of the restaurant I'm thinking of. BUT, can you still the castle from a table on the other side of the restaurant?? We have never taken our kids there and they want to try it, but only to see the castle at night (changing colors) so I want to make sure you can actually see the castle from any table in the restaurant. Thanks!

 

[bicker]

How do you reserve on ethen? When you call and make PS?

I suspect they're reserved by concierges at the better hotels -- tip them enough and they can probably pull strings at CG to get a window table.

There's no way for anyone to just reserve them for free, though; that much is certain.

 

[pixiewytch]

My husband and I went last year and had a table about 2 tables away from the window. It was beautiful! They diimmed the lights and piped in the music. To be up so high and watch the fireworks was amazing. It was not a "mediocre experience" it was a fantastic and memorable one. We have seen the fireworks from MK many times and enjoy them that way as well. However, there was really something special about watching them at the top o the Contemporary. We are doing it again in September!

Different strokes for different folks I guess. To me it just isn't the same experience as watching them up close above the castle. I'm glad others have enjoyed it though.

One thing for sure is that in my experience you can't reserve any type of "fireworks viewing" for any restaurant anywhere on property. They will always tell you that you may ask for that seating when you arrive but there is no guarantee.

It is also my own experience that the CM's are not always friendly when they seat you and you ask to move closer to a window or other preferred seating area. I know I am always told that the "empty" tables are reserved for other guests.

I would have to agree that having concierge and paying more money might actually guarantee you a fireworks view. Otherwise I wouldn't count on it unless you just happen to get lucky.

 

[LeesyUD]

When I went this past September, I asked kindly for a window seat..the Hostess said it would be a 30 minute wait for a window seat. Me and my DBF decided we didn't feel like waiting so we declined to wait ....well to my suprise she gave us a window seat anyway! and it was one of the best one's there, we had as great view of the castle and wishes! The same thing happened to my mother and her friend who were dining there that same night. However I am thinking, I believe this was before they required a deposit for CG so at that time they may have had more no shows than they do now. If it seems like some tables will open up then I am sure they will let you wait. However, CG can be a lengthy dining experience, so if all the window seats are already filled, and all those people just sat down, the chances are a seat won't open up until after wishes. But if it looks like one will open up I am sure they will let you wait.

 

[bicker]

Leesy: I would read the earlier messages. Several of us have already relayed that they did not let us wait.

 

[hmp2z]

I suspect they're reserved by concierges at the better hotels -- tip them enough and they can probably pull strings at CG to get a window table.

There's no way for anyone to just reserve them for free, though; that much is certain.

I don't think that the concierge reservations make a difference. We always stay Royal Palm Club at the Grand Floridian, and have never gotten preferential seating anywhere because of it.

On this past trip, the sous chef at Narcoossee's made our California Grill reservations for us, because he wanted to switch our Narcoossee's reservation night (we knew him and that night was his last night before quitting at WDW, so he wanted us to eat at Narcoossee's before he left). Anyway, he made the reservations & said that in fact he put a little note like "treat them well" or something on our ressies, and we had to wait for over an hour before finally being seated well away from any MK fireworks viewing area.

We have yet to find the magic ticket that will get us into a window seat

Cheers!
Heather W

 

[garada3]

I have to agree with the previous post, our GF RPC status did not get us a window seat at the CG for wishes. I didn't think to request a window seat.

We did get lucky with a nice view during our pre-dinner cocktail and I really enjoyed looking out at my castle - oops the castle

For dinner we were seated in the 'wine room' on the other side of the restaurant. It was much quieter in that room then the main dining room and made our entire dinner-without the-three-boys very special.

We were the only party in the wine room that chose to stay in our seats during Wishes. Everyone else got up and went outside. I think our server really appreciated not having to delay our meal. Another server, working the party of 12 also seated in the wine room, made his displeasure known when he brought out the main courses and the entire table was outside. We did enjoy the higher fireworks from EPCOT.

But I do have to add that we were fortunate enough to have a great view of Wishes from our room at the GF

Enjoy your meal at the CG. My mouth is watering just thnking about it!

 

[vascubaguy]

I think in some cases, it depends on how you ask.

My approach has been to not ask to wait for a window seat, but to ask if there would be any way possible to sit near a window. I haven't tried it at CG, but both times at 'Ohana I had window seats.

I'll see what happens when I try at CG in October. I think it will be neat to see the fireworks from there the night I'm going because it will be a MNSSHP night.

 

[hmp2z]

We've tried asking both ways, too - no go. I think it really depends on the luck of the draw. I'm sure almost every dining party requests a window seat at the CG; obviously, they can't honor every single request. It's kind of nice to know that it's so democratic, though, and they don't make exceptions for wedding/anniversary couples, for concierge guests, or for those with WDW "connections."

Cheers!
Heather W