California Grill

[Terk-1]

Have not been here in a long time. What time do they open for dinner? How is the food? What about the service?

 

[sanbornangel]

We had reservations for 9:50pm. We arrived at 9:20pm and found a seat by the window in the lounge. We ordered an appetizer (we usually don't eat this late but wanted to watch wishes during dinner) WISHES started at 10pm. At 10:20 we had still not been seated for dinner and the fireworks were over. We left (by this time it was too late for dinner!) I guess if you want to eat dinner during Wishes you should make reservations earlier (that's all that was available). I was disappointed that we didn't get dinner and have NEVER waited that long at Disney. On the up side, the appetizer was excellent and we had a great seat for the fireworks!

 

[Uncleromulus]

I believe they open for dinner at 5:00--or 5:30. The food and service have alwyas been good all the times we've gone. We'll be there again the first night of our upcoming May trip!!

 

[slo]

I don't know what time they open, but our food was awesome, and our service was also awesome!!!! I can hardly wait to go back there someday soon

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I love the food and service there, and the view is terrific. I've only been there once, but I can't wait to go back in September.

 

[ciera321]

We also love CG and have found the 3 times we've eaten there that the food is excellent and the service very good. Hope you enjoy..

 

[tinkandpan]

We always get the earlier seatings- we never have been there for Wishes. When we go with my ds we take the first seating which is 5. Otherwise we have eaten at 7:30ish (wishes was at 10 those nights). Food was very good and I thought the service was excellent. I have heard people complaining lately about not getting seated at that time slot about 30 minutes before wishes because people don't give up their tables, and the waitstaff doesn't make you move it along. I am guessing if this continues, they are going to have to go to seating times like many higher end restaurants do.

 

[Terk-1]

Thank you for your input everyone. Am planning on an early ADR, probably around 5pm, then head to the Studios from there. The sun should be setting about that time and I'm looking forward to those views. Have seen Wishes from there once. Thanks again!

 

[smep013]

We have loved it here the two times we have dined here and have found the food and service to be wonderful.

I believe the first seating is at 530, but you can go to the dining room as early as 5PM.

I think on this trip we are going to head up and eat a flatbread at the bar as an early dinner!

Enjoy!

 

[lkaanda]

I was wondering about this myself. My husband and I have a night out for dinner by ourselves and we always try and go somewhere nice that we have never been. Right now our reservation is for 8:00. We were hoping to have dinner and see the fireworks. Do you think we will have a problem or is that a good time? I am thinking if it is going to be too crowded because of everyone wanting to watch Wishes maybe we should try another restaurant. The fireworks are not a must see since we will see it at the park one night, but thought CG would be nice. Any thoughts?

 

[disalways]

We have reservations at 7:10 for when we go in February. Is this a good time to be seated in order to watch a 9pm Wishes?

 

[UGAFan0829]

The DH and I ate there this past Sept. for our anniversary. It was very good. We had requested a window seat in hopes of being able to see Wishes. We were seated within 10 minutes of the time that we checked in, and were taken to a window table.
The meal was VERY good. Everything from the appetizers to dessert was delicious.
The server was wonderful as well. Even though we were busy, she always made sure we were okay and kept our glasses full.
We are definitely planning to eat here again this year!

 

[smep013]

Both posters above (with 7:10 and 8:00 reservation times) will be fine to see Wishes.

We had 7:10 reservations for at 10PM Wishes and we ate at a leisurely pace, and were even finished dessert before the fireworks started. They let us stay at our table with no questions. If you want to, tell your server you plan to stay at your table for Wishes and they can pace it accordingly.

Enjoy!

 

[Stinky_Pete]

The lounge area opens at 5pm. Dinner seating begins at 5:30pm. We had a 5:30pm ADR and went up at 5pm and had cocktails. It was lovely.

 

[Cee]

Wonderful. We had 7:10 p.m. ADR and we taken to a table for two right by the
window with an outstanding view. Delicious meal and great service by Carol.
Simply wonderful.

 

[disalways]

Very cool! I am getting so excited. California Grill is going to be our first dinner of our stay.

 

[Terk-1]

Thank you for the info. I rearranged my plans to get an early ADR (5:30pm) to watch the sun set over the Magic Kingdom, Grand Floridian & Polynesian, then head to the Magic Kingdom from there for the evening. Thanks again!

 

[ibela]

I have 6:10 reservations for a night when Wishes is scheduled at 9pm. I don't necessarily want to hold the table up if we're done with our meal. If we finish earlier, can we hang somewhere with a drink or coffee while we wait?

 

[4forMe]

I have 6:10 reservations for a night when Wishes is scheduled at 9pm. I don't necessarily want to hold the table up if we're done with our meal. If we finish earlier, can we hang somewhere with a drink or coffee while we wait?

I was wondering the same thing. Is it possible to have drinks in the lounge area after you are finished with dinner in order to see Wishes? Has anyone done this?

 

[ZoZo]

We have reservations at 7:10 for when we go in February. Is this a good time to be seated in order to watch a 9pm Wishes?

When you call to make your ADR, the reservationist can give you feedback about what time they recommend you make the reservation. The wait staff knows that lots of people will take a break to go out and watch the fireworks, so they can time the meal service accordingly. We ate there for the first time in October and really enjoyed it. It was a nice, leisurely meal, and wonderful food and service. (Try the filet - it's great!) The wait staff will even tell you about the different places to watch the fireworks - there's more than one place.