California Grill's gone WAAAY downhill...

[Uncleromulus]

About the bar--they DO have a small bar inside CG. You can get up there w/o a reservation--but ONLY if there is room.

If not, they won't let you up unless you DO have a reservation for the CG. At or anywhere near fireworks time, you can almost count on the bar being full.

Should add that the lounge inside CG is also very small--just a handful of tables.

 

[Tara]

Likewise I wouldn't trust a good many reviews that seem to gloss over every single negative and brush off mediocre food and service reviews in name of the economy or the new Disney model or due to 'old timers' who only have loooong memories...

The facts are obvious that the dining quality at WDW has reduced greatly, not only from the 90's but even as recently as the past 18 months.

There are a lot of great reviewers on the DIS who objectively state their opinion of their recent meals and sometimes add perspective to WDW, you just need to read carefully to find the ones that speak to you.

So if I have a great experience and post about, am I somehow wrong? It isn't that I don't know what I'm talking about. You seem to think that "objective" equals "less than positive." I haven't had a single experience that is negative (or even neutral), nor have I had mediocre food.

 

[MrsLS]

Sorry you had such a bad meal. We were just there a few weeks ago and it was excellent as ever. The food & staff were outstanding. We were also on the delux plan.

Did you tell anyone about the chair though? How could they fix a chair if they didnt know something was wrong with it? I wouldn't expect a restaurant to check every single chair, just saying, not criticizing you about it but I'm sure the patron before you didn't say anything and now you didn't.

As for undercooked pork, some restaurants serve it like that (you don't have to cook it fully), as my DH had in Citricos in Disney and it was very good.

Again sorry you had such a horrible meal but to me Cali Grill is still my favorite in Disney, and yes I do know good food, I'm in NYC all the time and Vegas a lot at the top restaurants, I can't wait to go back there twice next year as I don't think the food went downhill in Disney and I was there in April & October this year.

 

[Colleen27]

Likewise I wouldn't trust a good many reviews that seem to gloss over every single negative and brush off mediocre food and service reviews in name of the economy or the new Disney model or due to 'old timers' who only have loooong memories...

The facts are obvious that the dining quality at WDW has reduced greatly, not only from the 90's but even as recently as the past 18 months.

There are a lot of great reviewers on the DIS who objectively state their opinion of their recent meals and sometimes add perspective to WDW, you just need to read carefully to find the ones that speak to you.

I don't brush off all negative reviews. In fact, I think Rusty has it right about the inconsistencies in Disney's quality control processes right now, and I've noticed a pattern in recent reviews of what sounds like significant understaffing affecting service. But I don't think that isolated bad experiences are a reason to rethink trying places that still get far more good DISer reviews than bad, and get even better reviews in non-Disney focused venues than they do here.

I've had mostly positive experiences with Disney dining, through two trips on the basic dining plan and two on the deluxe plan, trying 31 table service restaurants and a dozen or so counter service. There have been a couple of ho-hum meals I don't think are worth the price, and a couple of places where the experience left enough to be desired that I doubt I'd go back. I haven't noticed a downward trend overall; those not-so-good experiences were scattered across different trips and different dining locations.

 

[princesspeach]

I wouldn't put too much stock in the reviews you read. A lot of them - not this thread in particular, but generally speaking - come from people who are comparing each restaurant to what it was a decade or two ago when Disney had a very different focus with their restaurants and really their entire parks operation.

You still find more good reviews of the signature restaurants than bad, and with good reason. For those of us who aren't mentally tallying changes from the Eisner-era peak of the luxury/adult Disney experience, the food and service are for the most part excellent. We've had two incredible meals at California Grill and look forward to a third in March. (I did learn after the first not to order the pork - it was excellent but is intended to be served med-rare; I know the recommendations about pork have changed and that rare pork is considered safe now, but I just can't get used to the idea).

I personally like to look beyond the DIS for dining reviews. I read a lot of reviews here too, but I like to balance it out simply because all it takes is a menu change or for a favorite dish to disappoint to earn a terrible review from a regular guest. Sites like Yelp and Citysearch sometimes offer a different perspective from more "average" guests.

We made our first trip to wdw in May. We ate at every signature except Jiko. I thought they were all good to excellent. Artist point and citricos being my favorite. Cali Grill my least favorite. The charectar breakfast were ok, but I never expect a buffet to be great anywhere. I have just never experienced a great buffet. Overall we were very happy with the food at wdw. We were on the deluxe dining plan which saved us some money. I don't know how I would have felt paying oop for all those meals. I have nothing to compare it to since it was our first trip, but I am looking forward to returning to all the signature restaurants.

 

[Pirate Jeff]

I am sad to hear this. We have a reservation coming up for Dinner here. This will be our first Signature experience. I am torn because I want to watch wishes from the deck and feel like Cali Grill is a good choice for a first Signature but at the same time the quality of the food is important to me as well. I am wondering if we should switch to another Signature, such as Narcoossees or Citricos? We do have 2 picky eaters as well and I am afraid those restaurants won't be as accomodating to them. Thoughts?

Hello!

Don't let my post count be the judge of me, I am an AP holder and have been to most of the restaurants at DisneyWorld. Not California Grill however as DW and I never felt the price would allow us the value we expect.

Over the years we have noticed many changes at Disney, some positve some negative. With our dining experiences, we notice that even with restaurants we frequent, there are occasional disappointments. When I read posts such as the OP, I believe what they say and this unfortunate group, had an unacceptable experience. We too, have experienced similar issues.

That said however, Disney serves tens of thousands of meals daily. Most of which, are well prepared and well served. That even with the bumps in the road, it is not the "standard". In my personal opinion, you will most likely have a good experience and be satisified maybe even, thrilled.

DW and I stayed in a Tower Room overlooking the Magic Kingdom, allow me to say, there are few better ways to view Wishes and it is I would suggest, enhanced by your dining experience. If the poor service had by the OP were the standard, there would be much more said about it. Keep an open mind and you're probably going to be satisfied.

******

To the OP:

While I have to believe (as stated to this point) that your visit is "not the norm", a restaurant of that caliber should NEVER serve food unfit to eat. Undercooked/raw pork is bad enough but "fish scales"?? You're a better person than I, as I would have made a "scene". That is unacceptable and unfortunate. I agree with the consensus that the DDP is largely responsible. Between that and the ever increasing prices it is a sad change for the worse at Disney.

 

[Tinkerbell2B]

I wouldn't put too much stock in the reviews you read. A lot of them - not this thread in particular, but generally speaking - come from people who are comparing each restaurant to what it was a decade or two ago when Disney had a very different focus with their restaurants and really their entire parks operation.

You still find more good reviews of the signature restaurants than bad, and with good reason. For those of us who aren't mentally tallying changes from the Eisner-era peak of the luxury/adult Disney experience, the food and service are for the most part excellent. We've had two incredible meals at California Grill and look forward to a third in March. (I did learn after the first not to order the pork - it was excellent but is intended to be served med-rare; I know the recommendations about pork have changed and that rare pork is considered safe now, but I just can't get used to the idea).

I personally like to look beyond the DIS for dining reviews. I read a lot of reviews here too, but I like to balance it out simply because all it takes is a menu change or for a favorite dish to disappoint to earn a terrible review from a regular guest. Sites like Yelp and Citysearch sometimes offer a different perspective from more "average" guests.

Thanks Colleen! Since we haven't eaten at CG before, I do think it is definitely worth trying regardless of the negative reviews. I know that if everyone had horrible experiences there, no one would be going anymore unless they were first timers like me!!

 

[Meteora]

Thanks Colleen! Since we haven't eaten at CG before, I do think it is definitely worth trying regardless of the negative reviews. I know that if everyone had horrible experiences there, no one would be going anymore unless they were first timers like me!!

I also think you should keep your reservation. We went to the CG in October, and while there were high points and low points, it was overall a fine experience. The food was good. Not the best food we've ever had, but fine. The appetizers were far, far superior to anything else--if I went back, I might just get a few apps and skip the main course.

That being said, what concerns me here is less the fact that the OP received meals that were cooked or prepared incorrectly--it happens, though it should certainly happen less when the meals cost 50 bucks each--but the fact that the restaurant was given two chances to fix mistakes--when the pork was sent back and when the manager was called--and basically didn't do anything to improve the situation. Maybe I'm being pessimistic, but I worry that the manager/Disney is looking at its extremely crowded restaurant where losing business is not a concern and figuring that they don't have to work that hard to please individual diners, because their restaurant is packed regardless.

 

[7165red]

I will be going to the CG for the first time next wed. I hte reading these reviews. We are paying OOP.

 

[Sweettears]

I will be going to the CG for the first time next wed. I hte reading these reviews. We are paying OOP.

Don't worry about. Go ahead with your plans. I'm sure that you will enjoy it. We just did 6 nights at TS restaurants. All were splendid (La Hacienda less so). We did a few that get trashed regularly on this site such as San Angel and Coral Reef (and now CG). Not a bad meal in the bunch and I can say that they were entirely enjoyable from the food to the service to the ambiance. Its all what you want to make out of it.

 

[Micca]

We hadn't been to CG for 15 years, but I managed to convince DW it was time to try again on our early 2010 trip. Perhaps by 2025, I can convince her to try again.

 

[Meteora]

Its all what you want to make out of it.

I sort of agree in theory, but I also don't think that people who have something negative to say about a restaurant are necessarily being poor sports. People have cited very specific problems with their meals/experiences, and while it's certainly possible to have a good time in spite of that...I mean, raw pork is raw pork. You know? I'm glad you had a good experience, though.

We went to CG and FF on our last trip. CG was fine, but we LOVED FF. And I've read plenty of bad reviews of it, but they would never stop us from going back. So I definitely agree with you on that count. I do think everyone needs to decide for him or herself.

 

[snykymom]

Maybe I'm just a cynic, but with a restaurant such as CG, I always figure that I'm paying for the view, not for the food. I assume I'll get food that is nowhere near value for the price. I can be pleasantly surprised, but I'll probably not be terribly disappointed. (Except of course for fish scales. Ewww!)

 

[DrMikey2]

I really appreciate the feedback. We are going President's Week and the California Grill was always a must visit restaurant. We will pass this year and dine elsewhere.

 

[I'mwithGrumpy]

1) And, people say I am crazy to say WDW food & service has deteriorated.
2) Thank you for the food review.

I completely agree. We ate at the CG 12/11/10, and while it wasn't the worst meal of the trip, we won't be wasting our money to go back. I was disappointed in the whole experience, food quality to service.

However, for those who have never been, it is worth trying. You may have a great meal experience. It is best to try something and make your own decisions, then possibly miss something you might have enjoyed. Every restaurant has hit or miss days

 

[ClareH37]

Dining (at any restaurant) is always very subjective, and I personally don't think that those (including me) who have either experienced negative aspects or just feel Disney dining is not at the standard it used to be, should dismissed. Everyone has different expectations but the main thing is that those expectations are met.

However, it is up to each individual to choose, all restaurants, signature or not, will get good and bad reviews, I will not dismiss either good or bad reviews, but if I *really* like the look of a menu and want to give a restaurant a try then I will do so.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

So if I have a great experience and post about, am I somehow wrong? It isn't that I don't know what I'm talking about. You seem to think that "objective" equals "less than positive." I haven't had a single experience that is negative (or even neutral), nor have I had mediocre food.

Not in the least, if you post specifics that we, as food lovers, can identify with about why you had a great meal then it would be a valid review that anyone could use in determining the current status of that restaurant. If you just post, "we love the food and the service was good," it's a valid opinion but not much of a review. But if you've never experienced ANYTHING negative about recent WDW dining then ... Well, I just can't fathom that.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I don't brush off all negative reviews. In fact, I think Rusty has it right about the inconsistencies in Disney's quality control processes right now, and I've noticed a pattern in recent reviews of what sounds like significant understaffing affecting service. But I don't think that isolated bad experiences are a reason to rethink trying places that still get far more good DISer reviews than bad, and get even better reviews in non-Disney focused venues than they do here.

I've had mostly positive experiences with Disney dining, through two trips on the basic dining plan and two on the deluxe plan, trying 31 table service restaurants and a dozen or so counter service. There have been a couple of ho-hum meals I don't think are worth the price, and a couple of places where the experience left enough to be desired that I doubt I'd go back. I haven't noticed a downward trend overall; those not-so-good experiences were scattered across different trips and different dining locations.

You did in fact use a pretty broad brush to describe the negative posts by long time dis'ers, I just think the 'all is well with Disney dining crowd' posts are at least as suspect as those.

 

[Googelibear]

So do you all think because Disney is doing so many Free Dining Promotions, that are cutting corners here and there and that the quality of the food is not as good?

I absolutely believe that. I don't like discounts of any kind. They are always heralding lesser quality - at Disney or anywhere else.

 

[Googelibear]

1) Yep.
2) Right up until profit came before guests.

unhuh, those pesky shareholders want to be reimbursed for their investments. It is a catch 22