California Grill

[lovetotravel07]

Have it booked for our last Disney night before a 4-night Disney Cruise. Is it worth it? We are 2 adults, and two girls, 21 and 17.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I think it's very hard to say if something is "worth it" or not. That's very relative to the user.

Is CA Grill expensive? You betcha. Does the quality of food, service, presentation, experience justify the cost? We think it does, but other people may not agree.

We've been to CA Grill twice. The first time we LOVED the food, but the experience was not so great - we went during the MK fireworks (pre-dates Wishes), and it was a mad house.

The second time it was really busy while we waited for a table, but once we were seated it was very nice. The food was once again incredible (maybe better than the first time), and the service was wonderful.

So is CA Grill worth it to us? Absolutely. Read some reviews, check out the menu, and decide if it's worth it to you and your family.

 

[drmommy]

It's a 'must do' for us every trip...so we think it's worth it.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Us too. It's our "first nite" dining spot and has been for a # of years.

 

[smjj]

I aggree with the first reply, its all relative as to if it worth it or not. I can see how some people would love it and others not. For us it was ok. We tried it and probably will not be back. It is noisey(clankly) and very expensive for what you get. As to the fireworks view, unless you get up and walk outside during your meal, you are hard pressed to hear them and we had a window view. We enjoyed the views the other nights from BLT "TOTW lounge".....smjj

 

[sbprincess]

For us, it's definitely worth it. It was our absolute favorite dining experience from our last trip so it's the only one we're repeating in December (not counting Candlelight Processional...still don't know what we'll get for that). It's one of the most expensive meals we've ever paid for though so just know that especially for 4 adults, it will be a lot!

I mainly think you'll never know until you try it. If the menu and reviews appeal to you, go for it! It may not be your style but at least you'll know for the future. There are a few restaurants that get rave reviews here but the menu just doesn't appeal to us, so we don't even consider them. Maybe one day, but not yet.

 

[jblrn2b]

Its a must do for us. We have been many times and had only one bad experience but we were so tired I think we should have skipped it. Even if you don't get a window seat the platform is awesome to see Wishes (or whatever its called now - Lol).

 

[lovetotravel07]

I appreciate all the comments. I know worth it is relative, but just wanted people who have been there's take!

 

[smjj]

I appreciate all the comments. I know worth it is relative, but just wanted people who have been there's take!

Don't get me wrong, as I stated it was nice, just not for us. We are a more laid back couple who prefer the easy going and relaxing restaurants. The California Grill is nice but just not our cup of tea so to speak. I can see how others would love the place. We just thought it was noisey, and too overpriced and somewhat of a disappointment when it came to the view of the fireworks to have had to pay that much money. As others have suggested, try it and, its your opinion that counts. Hope all the input helps...smjj

 

[tinacaplan]

My husband and I dined there on Valentine's Day this past February, during Wishes! I know that there are better (and less expensive) places from which to view the fireworks, but our window-side table was pretty incredible. In fact, when we were sat at our table, I cried a little. No kidding.

As for the food, I would say it is ABSOLUTELY, 100% worth it. We ate at a number of signatures during our trip and California Grill was by far our favorite meal. It is the only meal that I can rank up there with the best meals I've had in my life, and I've eaten at some wonderful places.

I could definitely see the menu not appealing to everyone (although so many things appeal to me!), so check the menu out and make sure there items on it you would be interested in. Be aware that the menu changes frequently and not all items are always available (although many seem to always be there).

 

[lovetotravel07]

Thanks everyone! You were a big help!

Tina, since you ate at many signature restaurants, how does it compare on price? And, can we keep the price down a little depending on what we order? We leave for a 4-night cruise the next day!

 

[Corwin]

California Grill is fantastic. We've been twice now. Our last time there was right before our 4-night cruise this last February. It is expensive, though.

That being said, what you really need to do is to make sure you get a Palo reservation on your Disney cruise. It's the only Disney restaurant we've been to that was actually better than California Grill. (Palo is #1, and CG is #2!)

We liked Palo so much that we went twice on our cruise, for dinner and a brunch.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

We love CA Grill. Great place to enjoy a good meal, a nice atmosphere and a great view.

 

[ciera321]

It's definately worth it to us. The food is outstanding and the view along with the fireworks, the best!!!

 

[The Duchess]

A Must Do. It's a fun, busy place with great views. Great sushi. We sat in the Wine Room last trip, it was very cool.