California Grill

[liamsaunt]

California Grill is not a chain. The "signature" restaurants are the places that require 2 table service credits on the Disney Dining Plan. Meals tend to take longer, and the prices are higher. Other "signature restaurants" are Jiko at AKL, Artist Point at WL, Flying Fish on the Boardwalk, Narcooses and Citricos (I think) at GF...there may be a few others.

I think it is fine to bring kids to California Grill--we do it, and there are always lots of children there. It is a long meal though--about 2 hours. I bring a bag with paper, crayons, markers, etc. for the children to use to draw while they wait for their food or in between courses.

If you are worried about the length of the meal, perhaps your family would enjoy the buffet at Chef Mickey's instead? It's in the same hotel, and you'd have the advantage of getting food right away, your children could meet the characters, and you could head out to the 4th floor observation deck for the fireworks.

 

[Lynne M]

I didnt realize california grill was a signature restaurant with that long of a meal. Is this restuarant a chain like the ones in atlanta or is it just a disney only. I thought the only real signature restuarant was Victoria and Albert. I have eaten at alot of disney restuarants and Victoria's is so far above the rest but pricey. So is chef mickey a good place to eat where you can see the fireworks ? Is it more kid freindly ?

Thanks

California Grill is not part of a chain, it's an upscale restaurant at the very top of the Contemporary Tower. As with the other signature restaurants, it's two credits on the dining plan.

Victoria & Albert's is not a signature; it's sort of in a class by itself. The signature restaurants are places like CG, Jiko, Citricos, etc. They feature fine dining and tend to be quieter, more elegant and more suited for adults. The signatures have children's menus, but the meals tend to be longer and there's really nothing there that's entertaining or interesting for kids. CG tends to be noisier that the other signatures, so that's a bit of a cover for happy-kid noises.

The bottom line is, well-behaved kids are welcome anywhere at WDW (except V&A's). As long as they're not noisy or disruptive to other diners, you'll be fine. If you'd be comfortable taking them to an upscale, fine dining restaurant in your hometown, you'll be fine.

Chef Mickey's is at the other end of the spectrum. It's a character meal, which means toddlers, noise, and general mayhem. The food quality's pretty decent for a buffet, but you won't find the gourmet offerings that CG has.

There is no view of fireworks from Chef Mickey's.

 

[Tdisney]

Thanks for everyones help. We always stay at the BC/YC so I thought it would be fun to try something at the contemporary. I think Im leaning towards chef mickeys over the cali grill though. We have ressies at the CG, how hard is it to get ressies at chef Mickeys. We are going in late May. Can you stay for fireworks and is the observation deck crowded, first come first serve or does your server take you out ?

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Unless you are eating at the California Grill, you can't use the observation deck on top of the Contemporary.

But (and I'm sure someone will correct me if this is wrong), I *think* there is another area on the 4th floor where you can view Wishes. I know I'm in the minority, but I've never really appreciated seeing the fireworks from anywhere at the CR. There's just nothing like the spectacle of seeing Wishes from Main Street with the castle in the foreground. Viewing from the CR - well, they're just "off center" somehow.

Chef Mickey's is certainly a far, far cry from the California Grill. Definitely, absolutely more kid-friendly! And just for clarity - the Disney dining powers that be do designate the aforementioned restaurants as signature dining spots, but that grew out of classifying restaurants for the Disney Dining Plan.

 

[TDC Nala]

I would not take small kids to California Grill just to see the fireworks. They should also be prepared to sit through a long meal. The odds are also not overwhelming that you will get a windowside table as these are not guaranteed. If you don't, you have to leave the table and go out to the observation deck to see the fireworks.

if kids can move around or is there anything to see or a place to walk around while we wait on our meal ?

There is also the fact that there is noplace to move around or to entertain the children. Open space at California Grill is at a minimum, and what there is of it will be taken up before fireworks time by people waiting for a table. To get some space to walk around it would be necessary to leave the restaurant entirely.

There is also a restaurant on the first floor called the Wave. There is also no fireworks viewing from this restaurant. You may want to check menus from that restaurant also. It has an open waiting area where kids could walk around.

Chef Mickey's has no fireworks viewing. There is a viewing platform on the 4th floor but it is first come, first served. Best thing I can think of to do with that is to schedule dinner at CM either well before or well after the fireworks and make sure you're on the deck early.

 

[Tdisney]

Ok I think IM changing my mind all together now. How about the grand or polynesian for dinner kids and fireworks ?

 

[singingpixie]

Ok I think IM changing my mind all together now. How about the grand or polynesian for dinner kids and fireworks ?

I think the Polynesian would be a good choice for you- 'Ohana being most kid-friendly (and some tables have a fireworks view), Kona not as much but still would be fine. If I were you I'd eat earlier and then take the kids out to the beach for fireworks.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Ok I think IM changing my mind all together now. How about the grand or polynesian for dinner kids and fireworks ?

Honestly ... I wouldn't base a dinner choice on whether or not fireworks would be visible. But since you're willing to forego the CR, 'Ohana might be just the choice for you. If it were me, I'd get reservations as early as possible, giving yourself time after dinner to stroll down to the beach to see Wishes. The view from inside 'Ohana, even if you're next to a window, is just OK, methinks.

 

[DisneyTinkerbell]

Ok I think IM changing my mind all together now. How about the grand or polynesian for dinner kids and fireworks ?

O'hana's would be good. They have games while you are eating to entertain you and as the PP said you can see Wishes in the restaurant or go down to the beach. And you can hop on the monorail.

 

[auntfrannie]

I would say Ohana's for kids. They have coconut rolling games and hula hoop games...with gummy worms for prizes. After dinner you can go down to the Polynesian beach and watch Wishes and kids can play in the sand while they wait.

It's served family style so they bring bowls of food to your table and then come around with a variety of grilled meats.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I would suggest O'Hana. They have games and dancing for the kids and some tables have views of the castle and therefore Wishes. However, that's a gamble if you get one and even if you do, I think the view of Wishes from inside O'Hana is not the best. What I like to do is make my ADR for around two hours before Wishes then go out and see them at the beach after dinner. The kids can run around in the sand while you wait for them to start. They pipe the music in and if you want, you and your husband can get a drink from the pool bar to enjoy while you wait and watch. I find making an ADR two to two and a half hours before Wishes works best. That way if I have a wait or slow service, I'm not stressed.

To me, California Grill is not great for kids. Its not stuffy but its a long meal and generally long waits. Its often hard for them to get people seated as if its anywhere near Wishes, people take their time so they can see them. My kids were pretty good at 2 and 4, but having been to CG, I can say I wouldn't want to take them there. If they get restless, you have spent a lot of money for what could be a less than fun evening!

 

[Inkmahm]

CA Grill is a very noisy but excellent dining expperience--we go evey year. If you do go be sure to get a flatbread.

We just ate there for dinner last night and we were shocked to find they have removed all flatbreads from the menu! We complained and asked that our complaints be given to the new chef (who came from Jiko where they have my favorite flatbread.) The waitress told me the new chef was trying new things but she was sure the flatbreads would be back. Lots of people must be complaining. Instead of appetizers, they have only a sushi list. YUK

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

We just ate there for dinner last night and we were shocked to find they have removed all flatbreads from the menu! We complained and asked that our complaints be given to the new chef (who came from Jiko where they have my favorite flatbread.) The waitress told me the new chef was trying new things but she was sure the flatbreads would be back. Lots of people must be complaining. Instead of appetizers, they have only a sushi list. YUK

No flatbread?!?! OMG. And I was hoping the BBQ Chicken Flatbread from Jiko would find it's way to CG along with the chef.

 

[Inkmahm]

No flatbread?!?! OMG. And I was hoping the BBQ Chicken Flatbread from Jiko would find it's way to CG along with the chef.

Me, too! I made that exact recommendation to our waitress to forward to the chef.

 

[BCV23]

We just ate there for dinner last night and we were shocked to find they have removed all flatbreads from the menu! We complained and asked that our complaints be given to the new chef (who came from Jiko where they have my favorite flatbread.) The waitress told me the new chef was trying new things but she was sure the flatbreads would be back. Lots of people must be complaining. Instead of appetizers, they have only a sushi list. YUK

Oh, no! We had so many different and tasty flatbreads over the years.

Were there still "first course" selections?

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

We just ate there for dinner last night and we were shocked to find they have removed all flatbreads from the menu! We complained and asked that our complaints be given to the new chef (who came from Jiko where they have my favorite flatbread.) The waitress told me the new chef was trying new things but she was sure the flatbreads would be back. Lots of people must be complaining. Instead of appetizers, they have only a sushi list. YUK

We had family that dined at CG last week and they were told the oven they use to make the flatbreads was broken. Now I really wonder what the deal is...menu change or broken oven?

 

[TDC Nala]

I was there Sunday 3/21. The oven used to prepare the flatbreads is broken. It is being repaired. The damage is apparently extensive. And they do have appetizers other than sushi- they just call it "first course." Same thing.