California Grill

[andersonfamily]

We're tagging on two nights in WDW to the end of a Spring Break cruise. We did the DDP. We are staying in the contemporary for the first time. Second night we are going to 1900 PF early, then catching the wishes dessert party later. For the first night, I'd originally booked California Grill, but didn't realize it was 2 dining credits. Our daughters are 6 and 4. Is California Grill worth it or would you book something else? That will have been our Epcot day.

 

[Jeanieblue114]

I would eat at EPCOT and enjoy the Illuminations Fireworks show there.
There is a new restaurant in Mexico that is along the water and made for viewing the show if you want to schedule your meal then.
It has an inside restaurant that is One Table service credit
and and outside section that is a counter service credit.
We ate at the outside counter service a few weeks ago and it was very nice. I'm sure the inside one is lovely too.
This is also a nice place to sit for the fireworks show even if you don't eat here...just grab a drink or something and get a seat early.

So many choices in EPCOT at the countries and you will have had a long day with lots of walking there.

It will take you over an hour to get to Cali Grill from EPCOT. With little ones, I wouldn't run to Cali Grill at night (despite a view of the MK fireworks, it is my least favorite signature restaurant).

Just some other choices in EPCOT (all 1 dining credit) are
Norway Princess Dinner (photo included)
Germany Biergarten Buffet with Umpapa band and a place for the kids to dance around.
Morocco-Restaurant Marakesh..with belly dancer
Italy-Via Napoli new pizza restaurant
Land Pavilion Garden Grill-all you can eat served family style restaurant revolves slowly and shows part of the inside of the garden boat ride and has characters (usually chip and dale).
Living Seas Pavilion-Coral Reef with the big tanks of fish swimming by. But i hear only the steaks are good here.

whatever you chose, i'm sure you will have an excellent time!

 

[Pakey]

I don't think any of the 2TS restaurants are worth 2 credits on the regular dining plan. There are a lot of decent 1TS choices at Epcot.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

California Grill is my favorite restaurant at Disney ... but given your situation I don't think it makes the most sense.

It will take a while to get back from Epcot and as the previous posters have said there are a ton of good options for food at Epcot

I assume your other day is at the MK and you will see the fireworks. if not, that might be one reason to do the California Grill as you can see the fireworks over the MK from their roof top observation deck and it is really great.

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

Agree with PP's....

We tried Cali Grill in May...and loved it... DS18 and I made a meal of the Sushi. The view was Fabulous !
I will be back...

However... It should be a law to eat in Epcot.... on your EPCOT day

I like Teppan Edo and Le Cellier... however you may find something else the kids will enjoy..

Have a Magical visit !

 

[Colleen27]

I don't think any of the 2TS restaurants are worth 2 credits on the regular dining plan. There are a lot of decent 1TS choices at Epcot.

Yeah, this. Entree and dessert only at the signatures isn't a good value, and without appetizers you're missing a big part of what makes the signature restaurants special. I think that's even more true of California Grill, where two of the things the restaurant is best known for - sushi and flatbreads - are appetizers and thus not included on the basic plan.

I also wouldn't take the time to travel from Epcot, which is BY FAR the best park if you're looking for a good meal, all the way to the Contemporary for dinner. There are too many other enjoyable options that would be much more conveniently located and take far less time out of your short stay.

 

[NJEeyore]

If you really want to leave the park head over to Flying Fish or Koussina at Boardwalk. After walk back to thru International Gateway to Epcot for Illuminations.