California Grill... ?

[Piecey]

I'm flying to Orlando to visit with my brother in July. My last full day in town is on his 23rd birthday!

Anyway. I would really like to be able to go to the Observation Walkway atop the Contemporary (boy has some crazy love for Space Mountain and seeing it like that I would think would be pretty awesome!)

Anyway. (I ramble!) I realize you need an ADR to get there so I figured I could just save up some extra cash and try to get an ADR for that night at California Grill.. but know to check allears for the menu.

So... it changes every week? He's not a horribly picky eater but nothing on that thing sounds incredibly appetizing. And I realize it's a little silly to make an ADR just to get to an observation walkway.. but we've vacationed in the World 2 christmases together and I can't afford a ticket to the parks so I'm looking for something we've not yet done.. which is most definitely California Grill.

So I guess my ultimate question is, do you guys think this idea is a little crazy and far-fetched? Does anyone have any DIFFERENT ideas?

TIA, sorry I tend to ramble so..

 

[Mackey Mouse]

This is the California Grill menu I found on the Dis:


http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=105#menu

 

[tinkandpan]

I don't believe you need an ADR to go up and sit at the bar / lounge area. LAst time we were there, plenty of tables were available there early, you might look into that and confirm it. The menu is wonderful though if you decide to eat there and even the pickiest eater should be able to find something there.

 

[CamColt]

I am a picky eater and found the Triple Cheese Flatbread, Hearts of Romaine Salad, and Terryaki Filet to all be excellent!

 

[Princess Amy]

How about trying Narcoossee's? They have a wonderful kids menu and you can watch the fireworks outside on the verandah. I actually enjoyed the view here better than California Grill. It is absolutely beautiful to see the reflections on the water. And the view is obstructed. Perfect

BTW, Narcoossee's is our favorite restaurant in Disney!

 

[JMD]

I'm not really sure what you are asking but the California Grill is excellent. I'm sure there are plenty of things on the menu you will like. And they do have a bar area, where you could just get a couple of drinks and an appetizer and still be able to go out the observation deck.

 

[Quinn222]

I don't believe you need an ADR to go up and sit at the bar / lounge area. LAst time we were there, plenty of tables were available there early, you might look into that and confirm it. The menu is wonderful though if you decide to eat there and even the pickiest eater should be able to find something there.

You do have to have an ADR. You check in on the 2nd floor and they don't take you up there unless you have an ADR.

 

[Piecey]

You do have to have an ADR. You check in on the 2nd floor and they don't take you up there unless you have an ADR.

So if I call to try to make an ADR for drinks and appetizers, will the CM think I'm crazy?

 

[pooh17]

If you are adults sitting at the bar, you do not need an ADR. You do need to check in at the 2nd floor, but just ask to be seated at the bar. We did this on our last trip. We just ordered sushi and drinks, so not sure if the full menu is also available.

 

[prncess674]

Eating at California Grill is not a cheap option. Even drinks and apps for two adults is going to set you back $50.

 

[Phantom82]

So if I call to try to make an ADR for drinks and appetizers, will the CM think I'm crazy?

Fellow Mountaineer, I'll tell my conceirge to book it for two on the night you need, i'll go with you on the reservation and take you up there and leave you two to have an enjoyable dinner if you'd like.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you check in on the second floor, they will allow you to go up to visit the bar, IF they have space available. But you can't just go up there, you have to check in at the desk.

IF all you want to do is see the view, then go early when they first open, or late...and don't try to go within an hour of the fireworks.

 

[allshookup]

CG is also very accommodating. I am a very plain eater & I asked for the roasted chicken to be served with mashed potatoes & it was absolutely no problem. When I asked if the valrhona (sp?) chocolate cake could be served with a different ice cream, the waitress said, "I suppose you want vanilla?" She said it with a wink, not mean at all. CG is our current Do Not Miss restaurant.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

So if I call to try to make an ADR for drinks and appetizers, will the CM think I'm crazy?

You are not asked what you will order when you make an ADR. Just make the ADR and order whatever you want when you get there.

 

[Uncleromulus]

That's probably a better option than just showing up and asking for a bar/lounge seat. They may let you up--and they may not.
And--as we found out last visit to CG, even if they let you up, there may NOT be a seat at the bar or in the lounge.