California Grill

[my3sons77]

Got my adr for a 9:40 dinner August 8. Anyone does this time frame before and got to see Wishes?

Sorry if it is a stupid question but this is our first trip actually being able to dine at table service restaurants and I want to make sure the ressie we have that we will be able to see it.

 

[SCPP]

We are headed there this evening for the same 9:40 ADR.
I will let you know how it works out.

 

[cdrn1]

We are headed there this evening for the same 9:40 ADR.
I will let you know how it works out.

Please do let us know; we have a 9pm for a night with a 9 pm Wishes scheduled and are hoping that we will be able to see Wishes before being seated!

 

[mskayjay]

We will be there on 9/3 and the CM told me to back my ressie up to a 9:15 slot so we could already be seated. Folks won't sit for a full 45 minutes extra (or I guess will be encouraged to move on?????) waiting for the 10PM show. With only 20 minutes to spare she told me they would be more inclined to do so.

I absolutely HATE eating that late but it is our anniversary that night and I want it to be perfect with the fireworks, etc. Regardless, I'm not going to stress over how it goes and just enjoy the evening and the meal. We've been to CG before and love it!

 

[IAMaGR8DISMOM]

Whenever I make a res. for California Grill I always ask the person taking the res. when wishes is scheduled for that evening. They can tell you right away if it is not too far out.

 

[slo]

We love California Grill!!!!

If you aren't seated when Wishes starts, you will still be able to see it. I think they have an outside balcony that you can watch them from, which would be really nice We saw Wishes from our table, but if/when we do it again, I will go outside when they start because I love the sound of the fireworks more outside than inside.

 

[my3sons77]

So is 9:40 a good time? Being that wishes starts at 10. We will be seated by then, I really hope we get a good view, I will be so dissappointed if we don't.

 

[Uncleromulus]

You may or may not get a good view from inside the restautrant. Only a limited # of tables are at the window with a good view. However, if you happen to get a table that dosen't have a good view, all you need do is walk out on the observation deck when the fireworks begin. In fact, walk out a few minutes early--there will be a mass exodus to the deck before the fireworks start, and it can get pretty crowded if you wait until the last minute.

 

[Pakey]

So is 9:40 a good time? Being that wishes starts at 10. We will be seated by then, I really hope we get a good view, I will be so dissappointed if we don't.

I wouldn't go there counting on a table view. We have eaten there at least a half a dozen times and have only had a good table view one time. It is just you and your DH going; most of the window tables are for 2 people or 4 people.

The views from the deck are equally good and the food is fantastic; the food is the reason we keep returning.

 

[snoopywoodstockus]

If you have extra time you can leave and come back. Just keep your receipt from dinner (same night only) and show it to them at the California Grill check in desk. They will let you back up for the fireworks. You will have to stand outside though.

 

[Grandmouse]

Can you go to CG for just a drink at the bar?

 

[LJD2143]

I understand dinner service begins at 5:30pm - which is exactly our ADR time on Novemebr 30th. Does anyone know the earliest time they start letting people upstairs? Wishes is scheduled for 6pm that evening and I'm just assuming that we'll be able to check-in and get up there in plenty of time?

 

[SarahInMN]

We dined at the CG in May and were there for Wishes. Everyone who didn't have a good view got up and watched through the windows OR they went outside to the balcony. We were lucky enough to be right by the windows. All the servers seemed to be used to people getting up, leaving their table and food, and then returning after the fireworks were done.

The view was spectacular! And I am generally not a fan of fireworks even!

 

[DVC Sadie]

Can you go to CG for just a drink at the bar?

The last time I heard the CG no longer allowed patrons to just order a drink at the bar. Call WDW dining and they will be able to give you the latest information.

 

[Uncleromulus]

They will let you up only if there is a seat. Which, especially around fireworks time, there almost always isn't. It's SRO up there.

 

[snoopywoodstockus]

Can you go to CG for just a drink at the bar?

When we went in December they sent us right up. The bar is First come first served. We had a couple of drinks, sushi and a flatbread. It was awesome. We are going back in August for a full meal. Easily one of our favorites at Disney or anywhere.

That may have changed though.