California Grill worth it??

[BadgerGirl84]

I have no opinion on the value for the DDP (never done DDP) but my hubby and I went there on our honeymoon and we had a great experience. We loved the food (we ate snacks late in the afternoon so we weren't starving) and shared a light sushi dinner and dessert and wine. We had a great time!

 

[Disney-Obsessed]

I've eaten at the California Grill twice, and it really doesn't impress me. Our service has been slow, and the food wasn't extraordinary. I would eat at Ohana's 100 times before I would even consider eating at the California Grill. I had always heard how phenomenal the steaks were, but mine was cold and lacked flavor. My steaks at Kona's The Grand Florida Cafe, and Ohana's were all better.

 

[Ramsfan28]

best restaurant in wdw

nuff said

+1

 

[CoolDisneyKitten]

We really enjoy CG; you can check out my steak-laden review in my sig!

Having said that, if you're a major steak-eating family, you might consider (I know this is gonna sound weird) Flying Fish. Their NY strip is probably the best steak on property (I don't know how Shula's stacks up; I've never been there), and I know your family would enjoy it.

Yachtsman is great steak, too, of course, and your teenager might find that less intimidating as a "starter" fancy restaurant.

Reviews for all THREE of these places can be found in my sig! (yeah...dxddp...)

Happy eating!

 

[LGH1946]

I dont think so but we would have had to sit around waiting on the fireworks anyway so we just went out on the deck and looked at the view. It was about 9:00

The food was just ok. Too fancy for me. PURPLE MASHED POTATOES???

6

 

[havoc315]

The food at California Grill is very very good. One of the few restaurants that I would consider good, even away from Disney.

But to address OP's points--
It is most certainly NOT fine dining, not even close. It is a casual California fusion restaurant.
Whether a teenager would like it, depends on their tastes. My 4 year old loves sushi, for example.
But the teriyaki filet would probably go down easy on a picky eater -- it's really just steak with a sweet BBQ sauce.

Now, like all Disney restaurants, it's over priced.
I do think the view from CG is overrated -- you're going to have a great view from Poly club.
Portions are fairly large, as with all Disney restaurants. 2 moderate eaters could fairly share most of the entrees.
As to the ddp, from a pure $$ value perspective, signatures aren't the best use of credits.
But if you got the ddp for free (so not looking to squeeze every $ out of every credit), and you are staying at club (where you can get apps before dinner), CG may be worth 2 credits.

 

[a742246]

Everyone says it's not a good way to use your credits. I personally don't know anything about that as I have never been on the DP before. But I say, if you really want to go, I say do it! Its definitely worth doing atleast once in your life! And you only live once!

I agree with this post. Whether or not its worth it, you will always remember that you gone there.

 

[ClareH37]

I returned 'solo' to the CG after a 6 year break (bad experience when I last went with family), I'm afraid I still found the ambiance very chaotic and not a relaxing meal, but the food was amazing. I wasn't on a dining plan, I paid 'cash', my meal (including cocktails) came to in excess of $120 but I felt it was worth it for the exceptional meal I had that night.

 

[Pats Dragon]

I say go for it. The ambiance alone is worth it. We think the food is great and portions generous. I think it will be your favorite experience.

 

[quirty30]

I love Cali Grill and I highly recommend it. But if you're staying at Boardwalk and it's your day of arrival, I'd suggest Yachtsman or Flying Fish instead. All are very good signature dining experiences, but you'll appreciate staying in the Epcot resort area on your first day there.

 

[Silver Queen]

We will be dining at the Cali Grill during our trip next month and have been there on two previous trips. We feel that the food there is good, but it's not our favorite signature (Citrico). The atmosphere can be loud and chaotic. The view can also be lovely. We really don't care that much about viewing Wishes from the Cali. In order to really appreciate Wishes we feel that it needs to be viewed from within the MK. Other than that it's just fireworks.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

We love Cali Grill - probably our favorite restaurant at Disney

That said, I don't think I would use 2 TS credits on it.

We love sharing apps, sushi, flatbreads, and some times main courses there. And our last trip there I actually got the Spice Kazaan Roll as my entree.

Rather than upgrading, you best bet might be to pay for CG out of pocket - this way your aren't tied to getting what fits into the dining plan - at it will be a lot cheaper than the $500 the upgrade would be

Our last trip, which was for 3 adults and one child, including tax and tip our bill was around $210 ... and we got apps and wine and dessert, etc. - definitely could be done cheaper. So just a thought

 

[bobbiwoz]

No matter who I go with, I wind up sharing a flatbread appetizer. I prefer fish and my meals at Cali Grill have been outstanding. DH did NOT like his filet when we were there last. We're trying it again later this month. We uaully have an early meal, do some shopping and go up for the fireworks. I think it's an interesting perspective on the fireworks, and I enjoy taking DF's there who don't go to WDW as often as I do. I have a dinner with friends there in January, their first time, and they have eating requirements the Cali Grill can accomodate.

I wouldn't use 2 TS credits for the meal however. The HDDR is worth it to me, but not CG.

Bobbi