California Grill

[scanne]

I have a ressie at Cali Grill for my upcoming vacation, but I am thinking of cancelling. I really, really, like this restaurant. My DH is ok with it and the other factor is our kids ages 6 and 4. I was really hoping for a quiet night with my DH and taking the kids to the Sandcastle Club at the Beach Club (where we are staying), but DH is not thrilled with the idea of "leaving the kids alone at WDW" and I am not thrilled with bringing them to a signature restaurant. Our ressie is at 6pm, and I don't want to intrude on other guests' dining experience, especially since I believe that most people dining at Cali Grill are going to be older, couples, foodies and NOT as many children.

Am I being crazy here? My kids are well behaved, it has nothing to do with that, and they can sit nicely at meals, but I know this restaurant has a lovely ambiance...great food...great view...I just don't know.

I'd love your thoughts if you so care to share. Thanks.

 

[davinakb]

It's WDW.. and every time I've been to CG (or any signature really, except V&A) there have been plenty of kids. Because of the open kitchen and set-up, CG is not really a "quiet night" kind of place (unless you get the wine room in the back). IME Narcoosees, Jiko or Bistro fit the "quiet, romantic" bill a little better.

Now I cannot settle the "kids/no kids night" debate with you and your husband, but do not worry about bringing them out with you. FWIW.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

I have a ressie at Cali Grill for my upcoming vacation, but I am thinking of cancelling. I really, really, like this restaurant. My DH is ok with it and the other factor is our kids ages 6 and 4. I was really hoping for a quiet night with my DH and taking the kids to the Sandcastle Club at the Beach Club (where we are staying), but DH is not thrilled with the idea of "leaving the kids alone at WDW" and I am not thrilled with bringing them to a signature restaurant. Our ressie is at 6pm, and I don't want to intrude on other guests' dining experience, especially since I believe that most people dining at Cali Grill are going to be older, couples, foodies and NOT as many children.

Am I being crazy here? My kids are well behaved, it has nothing to do with that, and they can sit nicely at meals, but I know this restaurant has a lovely ambiance...great food...great view...I just don't know.

I'd love your thoughts if you so care to share. Thanks.

Well we were just there in April celebrating our 25th at 6:00pm and a couple sat next to us with kids about the same age as yours. They were fine.
I say go and have fun

 

[EAH]

We have been this past December and May and always go to the California Grill. We brought our 2 kids ages 4 and 1. It isn't that quiet and if you think your kids are well behaved then definitely go. The " sushi" dessert for the kids is so cute!

 

[AmyBWV99]

Take 'em! We had a 6:15 there 2 weeks ago and DS 3 and DS 9mo joined us. The waitress was wonderful with them and there were no issues at all. They certainly weren't the only kids there.

BTW, we also took them to Bistro and were concerned that they would be out of place, but there were other kids there too. Including one who screamed incessantly. Now THAT is irritating. If your kids are well-behaved, you'll be fine.

 

[njziggy]

Kids are always welcome at the Cali Grill. They enjoy the view of seeing the castle & the parks from up high. Our kids would be very upset with us if we didn't take them with us (now that they know how delicious the food is). Before they went with us the first time, we would drop them off at the Neverland Club at the poly. They loved the club and the activities. They had a dinner they enjoyed (chicken nuggets & pizza) and we got an evening of adult time. We would alwyas pick them up in time to watch the light parade & fireworks from the beach behind the Poly.

 

[Jubilee]

We're taking our young kids! If they are well rested, why not give it a try and give them the experience

 

[irishjules]

You'll love Cali Grille with or w/ou kids. You could always take them to the Neverland Club at Poly which is closer to the Contemporary if that makes your DH feel better.

We are trying the Cub's Den at WL for the first time after lots of praise for the workers - who are better trained, qualified and have been screened - compared to neighborhood sitters.

I am really looking forward to a night out with my husband and no kids to celebrate my 40th!!!!! I hope you'll try it!

 

[Family24]

We just took our kids to California Grill this past January. Our kids are 10 and 6 and our 10 year old son loves good food. We were put in the wine room which was very nice and a little more quiet then out in the main area. There were many many kids at CG. When our dinner was almost over the couple next to our table told us that we had the best well behaved kids. Of course this made us very happy and the kids too. Have a great time. You could also watch the fireworks if you are going to be there around that time then the kids have something to look forward too.

 

[PoohPhan]

Maybe we'll be at the CG the same time you are! That's our one meal we're going to have without kids (leaving them at Neverland, ages 4 and 6). But as the other posters have said, it's completely up to you and how you feel -- there are kids at every restaurant. Either way I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

[Epcot242]

I'd say bring them! Since the CG has generally never been "whisper-quiet" when we've been there, I'd see no problem with bringing them. They sound well-behaved so I'd say go for it. Plus the view is great for kids!

 

[Mom2PrincessK]

I agree with the other posters....we took our 13 and 6 year olds in February and they both enjoyed it. I did not think it was overly "quiet", and there were lots of families there. We loved it and will be going back in January

 

[honeymo78]

Anne - there are plenty of kids at CG, you won't be out of place by bringing yours. Last time we were there they even had paper and crayons for the kids to draw on. That meal might take a little bit longer than they are used to for dinner so bring a toy/book/etc. As another posted mention, the open kitchen makes the main dining area a bit louder than normal.