California Grill

[HiStitch626]

I was hoping for reviews of people that have been since reopening. I know there are no fireworks to enjoy, but we like the menu and wine cellar. Is the dining experience as good as before?

 

[Ladygator]

We were their Saturday night and our meal was fantastic! We got the wonton appetizer, filet and scallops and a bottle of wine. Our friends got the pork and pizza. Everyone loved their food. The service was great. No complaints. We’ve been several times before and this was probably the best experience (minus the fireworks).

 

[Bmlors]

In addition to the dining experience, can anyone comment on late evening Disney transportation from Cali Grill now that MK closes early? I’d like to get a reservation for around 8pm in mid-November to allow us to close down MK then walk over. We’re staying at Riviera, and it seems like by the time we finish, all Disney transportation may be shut down. We will not have our own vehicle, so maybe Uber will be the only option. Any recent experiences?

 

[monorailmom]

We were there on Friday night. We had noted it was our 30th anniversary celebration, and they did not disappoint. Table had confetti on it, some of it arranged in a heart. We easily had one of the best tables in the restaurant, had a spectacular view of MK and the lagoon, and got to watch the sun set while we ate. Awesome. We really enjoyed our meals and drinks. Since we were staying at BWV, we took a Lyft back to the resort.

 

[Melodious]

We were there on Sunday 9/13. It is still a great view and a great meal. We had the wonton appetizer, sushi, and filet mignon. We also asked at the desk if we could go up to the bar before our reservation and they were very accommodating. We had a drink at the bar and then were seated to see out the window. Tables were probably the best spaced of our trip. Service was still excellent. Cant comment on transportation though.

 

[supersnoop]

I ate there earlier this month, but I was staying at Bay Lake Tower, so I can't speak to transportation. The atmosphere was great and the wine was amazing. I had a salad and the pork tenderloin and I wasn't thrilled with the pork, but it was still a great experience. I was in a room around the back side of the restaurant where it was a bit more intimate and I could see some fireworks from somewhere..

 

[DeterminedOne]

Uber/Lyft

 

[VrBchJ]

I ate there earlier this month, but I was staying at Bay Lake Tower, so I can't speak to transportation. The atmosphere was great and the wine was amazing. I had a salad and the pork tenderloin and I wasn't thrilled with the pork, but it was still a great experience. I was in a room around the back side of the restaurant where it was a bit more intimate and I could see some fireworks from somewhere..

Do you know what that room is called now? It used to be the wine room but I think it has another name now. I prefer eating there instead of the main dining room.

 

[Mom2Anna&Elsa]

We went on their first night of reopening (July 10th) and we were really, really disappointed. Maybe they were out of sync (?) I had looked forward to that meal for over a year (granted, it had been rescheduled twice) and was bummed. My filet was meh, my daughters didn't like their food, my husband wasn't thrilled with his filet either. I don't know if I'll be back, because paying that much for food that is mediocre at best is not something we can do all the time.

The bread was good, as was the wine. My dessert was solid. It was nice to see the castle with the new paint colors. But our actual dinners were disappointing. We preferred our meals at Frontera Cocina, Boathouse, and Morimoto. I'd go to those three places over California Grill if I had the choice.

 

[supersnoop]

Do you know what that room is called now? It used to be the wine room but I think it has another name now. I prefer eating there instead of the main dining room.

They told me it was the wine room. I was sure I misheard them because I could imagine no reason to call it a wine room.

 

[andyman8]

I may be in the minority, but I've been twice since the reopening and neither time I was particularly impressed. Service was great, ambiance was nice (though it didn't have the same excited/bustling vibe), view was great as always, but the food seemed to be of a lower quality than usual. CG has been my favorite WDW restaurant for many years, and I'm not saying this experience would change it, but I think given the current supply issues and pandemic restrictions, they're likely using some slightly "cheaper" ingredients to make sure they make some money. The food really contrasted to my experience there in late December, which was superb. I would expect this to end once things return to "normal," but while I absolutely wouldn't discourage someone from going, I'd really manage your expectations.

 

[brody-maddison]

Is there a limited menu?

 

[elsbit]

We ate at California grill on September 7th. This was our first time eating dinner there, but I had done the brunch a few times. The menu is more limited but still has plenty to choose from. Everything we had was delicious. We had a 9 PM reservation. Our waiter was very attentive and had a nice sense of humor. We had 2 apps- cheese plate and the won tons. There was bread service too (free). I had the scallops and my friend had the black grouper. Both were great, but I plan to get the grouper next time. We did not get dessert, but they gave me a free piece of cake for my birthday. We did not finish it, but it was very moist and delicious. My drink was the Japanese Delight.

 

[jemtx]

Happy birthday. The food looks great. The wontons look so good.

 

[bbn1122]

Would love to know how late buses, monorails and ferries run from MK as of now?
We will be there in November and plan on driving over to our reservations at WL and GF during our stay.

Cali Grill I hear is still doing an amazing job.

? On dress code, I saw a video where men were in tee shirts at dinner. The last time I eat there in 2018, collared shirts were still strictly enforced.

 

[Eastern]

? On dress code, I saw a video where men were in tee shirts at dinner. The last time I eat there in 2018, collared shirts were still strictly enforced.

Been eating there for years. Never saw dress code enforced. tshirts common. Man wearing a sleeveless tshirt at the table next to me one time.

(I'm not advocating doing this, just reporting what I've seen. A polo shirt and shorts would be my recommendation for casual. People do dress up, as well.)

 

[kimnscott]

can you still go to the lounge?

 

[supersnoop]

? On dress code, I saw a video where men were in tee shirts at dinner. The last time I eat there in 2018, collared shirts were still strictly enforced.

There's a huge gap in the dress code. It says something like "Men: Collared shirts" followed by "no t-shirts with offensive text or graphics." They only ever enforce the second part; the first seems to be a recommendation.