California Grill: What time? What to expect?

[Laura's Dad]

We have secured a 9:10 reservation at the California Grill on a non-park day. We would like to be there in time to see the fireworks at 9 pm. What time do you think we would need to be at the restaurant in order to check-in? We don't mind waiting on the observation deck.

We are also using 2 table service credits on our dining plan. The menu is a little confusing and we would like to know what the dining package covers and what it does not. This will be a 30th anniversary dinner.

 

[maxiesmom]

Your credits will cover your entree and dessert. You might be able to sub out soup or salad for dessert but that is up to the restaurant. If you order a pop that will be covered too, but no alcoholic drinks will be.

I'm honestly not sure they will let you out on the deck before your ADR. I know they will if you have an ADR for an earlier time and wish to come back, but I have not heard of it happening in reverse. Hopefully someone else will know. I'd show up at 8:50. They will escort you up the elevator when they are close to seating you.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I'm honestly not sure they will let you out on the deck before your ADR.

Frequently, this happens.

 

[MichelleWDWfan]

any chance of getting an earlier reservation?
I would keep checking, maybe something will open up from a cancellation.
This way you will be already seated and can go out on the deck when wishes starts.

They will escort you up the elevator when they are close to seating you.

As maxiesmom has said. They don't take you upstairs to the restaurant until they are almost ready to seat you,
you will be waiting downstairs inside.

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

I would check in early- around 8:15pm - 8:30pm and ask if you could grab a drink at the bar before being seated

 

[TexasPrincess1]

From https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/contemporary-resort/california-grill/

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Spectacular
California Grill offers one of the best fireworks dining experiences at Walt Disney World Resort.


Lights dim as the music is piped into the restaurant—immersing Guests in the magic of the night.

Dining before the fireworks? Bring your receipt to the check-in desk on the 2nd floor for reentry to California Grill. Then, enjoy the show either from California Grill Lounge or the outside observation deck.

Guests with a dining reservation after the fireworks are also invited to watch the show from the lounge or observation deck. Please note that fireworks may be cancelled due to inclement weather and are subject to change.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Our experience has been they have always let us up to the restaurant before our reservation time--in some cases well before the reservation time.

There may not be anywhere to sit of course----the bar and lounge are jam packed anywhere near fireworks time.

 

[DWDan]

Does every table have a view of Wishes or should you try and request a window table?

 

[Uncleromulus]

Tables along the window area do have a good view--others do not.

You can ask at the Podium when you check in--keeping in mind that nearly everyone will be asking for a window table.

 

[sndral]

We have always been escorted up shortly after we check in & we tend to arrive early as we use Disney transportation and as a result allow ample time to get anywhere.

Does every table have a view of Wishes or should you try and request a window table?

Many tables do not have a good view of Wishes. Those who end up w/ the 'best' tables for viewing Wishes tend to stay in them, lingering until Wishes is over. You can ask, but everyone checking in w/in an hour of Wishes will be asking the same thing, you might get lucky, but assume you won't. In the several times we've had ADRs during Wishes time @ Ca Grill we've had a good window Wishes viewing table once. We've had middle of the room some diners can see a couple of times, we've been in the back room (which I'm not fond of) where you can't see Wishes at all once and we've had to wait until Wishes was over to be seated a time or two.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Show up early! You are escorted up to the restaurant and there are often waits

I would get there no later than 8:30, but closer to 8 would be better. Enjoy the view,make your time and happy anniversary!