California Grill- will they allow you upstairs early for fireworks?

[quinacciani]

Have an ADR next Weds for 8pm. When I booked this at my 60 day mark, fireworks were at 9:30, so I figured 8pm would be great and we could enjoy the fireworks after we ate or during dessert. Well, I just realized fireworks are at 8 that day. We've been several times and I know even if you arrive on time for your ADR you often have a bit of a wait downstairs before they let you up. What are our chances of arriving at like 745 and ask to go up for fireworks before we're seated? I have a Mousdining alert set to hopefully move the res up earlier but if this doesn't happen HOPEFULLY they will let us up? It's a special birthday dinner and literally my favorite restaurant ever.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Based on my experience we’ve only been allowed back upstairs with a receipt that we ate there earlier the same day, or before our scheduled reservation if there is availability at the bar.

 

[_19disnA]

I do recall some older threads where if you eat an early meal, you are allowed to return for the fireworks by showing your receipt. Not sure if they still do that. I doubt they just want people going up there to 'look around' when not planning to eat. As I recall there is a separate elevator that takes you to the restaurant. If your ADR is 'around' the time of the fireworks I don't think you will have any issues.

 

[john7994]

I would definitely stalk an earlier reservation - checking on the MDE app from time to time. It gets busy at fireworks time and they do send folks up earlier to get to the viewing areas before show start.

Since you can also check-in to your ADR 20 minutes in advance - it’s possible for you to be seated prior to fireworks start, but at least let the check-in people know your desire to see the fireworks - with your reservation time - I would be surprised if they wouldn’t also let you view the show before your table is ready - this has happened to us as well.

 

[maltdizzy]

Yes, you can definite arrive early for the fireworks. Every ADR for that night is granted firework viewing regardless of dining time. That means you can return after dining are come and go before dining.

Guests who either already dined or will be dining later check in downstairs at the 2nd floor; then 30-40 minutes before the fireworks, the hosts starting sending elevators full of those guests to the observation deck. Honestly, it can work out great because you will already have a prime viewing spot on the deck before current diners leave their tables to use the deck. Grab a good viewing spot and send one of your party into the bar to grab some drinks.

And don't be surprised if they are ready to seat you as soon as fireworks end, even if long before your ADR time. There is a massive turnover of tables during and after the fireworks. If not you can go back downstairs and check-in closer to your ADR.