California Grill with 3 year Old?

[LadyNia]

Hi! Looking to book California Grill for our upcoming trip to see the fireworks. Our son will be one month away from turning 4 and loves fireworks. However, I would like to avoid crowds. I would book the dessert party, but he's allergic to eggs and that rules out most desserts. I know I can fill out the allergy form, but not sure what we would get in terms of desserts he would eat. I would much prefer to just have a meal. For those who have brought young children to California Grill, how was it? Did your child do well with the long meal? Did they enjoy the fireworks?
Side note: I know that the children's menu at California Grill is not very egg allergy friendly but am hoping that the restaurant would work with us to accommodate his allergy.

 

[HopperFan]

My first thought is to look closely at photographs of the outdoor walkway/balcony to make sure that is something you are comfortable with. The end is a solid wall so he won't be able to see but along the walkway is railing so he can see through that.

Only you know how he can handle the meal and atmosphere.

 

[Her Dotness]

I'd be hesitant to bring a child that young to Cali Grill unless he's typically at ease in hectic upscale restaurants. The atmosphere is more geared to older kids and adults, IMO. It's not Disney-themed, for instance, like others designed to draw families with young kids.

If you haven't already, you may benefit from scanning the official Disney menu allergy-friendly section for kids. Looks like several things on it are safe for egg allergies, and CG is excellent about accommodating allergies. It's a favorite of ours as one of the few places that excels in dealing with my gluten/dairy intolerances.

One thing to be aware of is that you can have an early dinner there, keep your receipt and show it later to be readmitted to see the fireworks from the deck. Eating early and returning could be something to consider doing, especially with a child that young.

 

[jemtx]

What about having dinner at Contempo cafe on the 4th floor concourse level and then going out to 4th floor observation deck to watch the fireworks?

 

[RoseGold]

You can watch the fireworks from behind in Fantasyland or in Tomorrowland. Nobody around, probably even somewhere to sit. You miss the castle projection, but that's going to impossible without being in the giant crowd.

 

[LadyNia]

You can watch the fireworks from behind in Fantasyland or in Tomorrowland. Nobody around, probably even somewhere to sit. You miss the castle projection, but that's going to impossible without being in the giant crowd.

I might consider this! My son won't know he's missing the projections. As long as he sees fireworks, he'll be happy.

 

[HopperFan]

I might consider this! My son won't know he's missing the projections. As long as he sees fireworks, he'll be happy.

Oh there are so many great spots, google and see samples. We've sat on the wall in front of Tiki Birds closer to Frontierland, we've sat on the bench in front of the River Boat, the bridge in front of Splash closest to the water is great, a table in Tomorrowland by Speedway with a snack, I've seen awesome from the Tangled Bathroom seats, we love back on the bridge between 7DMT and BOG - it's like you are in the middle feeling the booms. LOTS of great views without projections.

 

[Marthasor]

You can also see the fireworks from the beach and marina areas at GF and Poly. If there is a TS at either of those resorts that you like, you could eat there and then go to one of the viewing areas. Or simply eat QS at one of the resorts and then see the fireworks (if you eat QS, make sure to take Disney transportation to the resort as you won't be able to park a car without a dining reservation). You won't see the projections, but the fireworks from both resorts are beautiful.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

You can watch the fireworks from behind in Fantasyland or in Tomorrowland. Nobody around, probably even somewhere to sit. You miss the castle projection, but that's going to impossible without being in the giant crowd.

I would so agree with this approach, based on your desire to have him see the fireworks and lessen the crowds. If you don't want crowds, I wouldn't recommend the Dessert Party either - it's not as bad as Main Street, but much more crowded than the area behind the castle. I also agree that if you have a 3 yr-old who is comfortable in a nicer restaurant, Cali Grill could be a decent option - the view from the roof is nice. But it's not a place for small kids who get bored after 10 minutes (just my opinion!).

 

[mrsap]

My kids have both been to Cali Grill when younger (my DD was first there at 2 1/2 and my DS was there at 16 months). My DS has a severe egg allergy, along with peanut and tree nut, so at the time we opted to feed him prior to going and then just brought him snacks. We eat at signatures every trip and they are all extremely accommodating with making him something allergy friendly. Just ask to speak with a chef upon arrival and explain his allergy. My kids have always been great in signature restaurants and have not had any issues. The fireworks are amazing from up there! Enjoy!!

 

[CarolynFH]

Just to throw out one more option for seeing the fireworks without projections, the TTC near the ferry dock is an excellent place. They pipe in the music, and there’s lots of open space (not too many people watch from there on purpose - we found it by accident one night when leaving MK before fireworks just to beat the crowds). It’s almost a straight on view of the castle.

 

[LadyNia]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I’m definitely leaning towards watching them from a further location.

 

[VeeBlancha]

We took our 3 children to California Grill when my youngest was just a little under 2.5 and had an amazing experience. The staff was so wonderful with the kids and went above and beyond to give them their own fun experience. Watching the fireworks from that vantage was one of my most favorite experiences to date. The view is perfect, you could see the entire show without issue. We do allow screen time during certain dining experiences, don't know if that is something you are okay with but it kept the young one entertained for periods during the long meal. I would say do it, it is a great memory!

Pic of the kiddos watching from the viewing area outside the restaurant.

 

[elvispursley]

Back in the day, we took our 4 and 18-mo boys to CG to celebrate completing the marathon that DH and I ran. Both kids did great and the servers' were awesome! We've done CG on every trip (not necessarily for the fireworks) but for the food. The chefs have always been great doing something off-menu for me (vegetarian who's allergic to mushrooms). Not sure if I want to book for this fall though as their prix fixe menu looks, meh, to me. We used to order several appetizers along with our entrees and desert. I hate that you can't do that anymore.

 

[LadyNia]

View attachment 744120
We took our 3 children to California Grill when my youngest was just a little under 2.5 and had an amazing experience. The staff was so wonderful with the kids and went above and beyond to give them their own fun experience. Watching the fireworks from that vantage was one of my most favorite experiences to date. The view is perfect, you could see the entire show without issue. We do allow screen time during certain dining experiences, don't know if that is something you are okay with but it kept the young one entertained for periods during the long meal. I would say do it, it is a great memory!

Pic of the kiddos watching from the viewing area outside the restaurant.

What a sweet memory! You've got me rethinking...