Callifornia Grill question?

[praisehim5]

I have read some pretty mixed reviews of the CG on allearsnet. Some say it was the best they had on property and some say the worst. Some are saying they weren't treated right because of dining plan. I really want this night to be special. We are celebrating our 25th anniversary and CG seemed like a wonderful place to have a romantic dinner and watch the fireworks. Any info would be helpful.

 

[rifrancis007]

I have dined at CG with my family for many years and we choose in fact to go there on our arrival night. The food is outstanding and the service usually excellent. I suspect that many negative reviews could be due to delays in seating on exceptionally busy nights or disappointment that a table could not be secured windowside. CG also allows diners to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks from an Observation Deck (or even tableside).

You should have an excellent time at this restaurant for your 25th anniversary. Should you continue to have doubts, I might also suggest Narcoosees at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Good luck!

 

[disnut1149]

Hi
I've been to CG twice. The first time the food and service were great. It was a highlight of my trip. We were not on the DDP. The second time I went, last October, the service wasnt' as friendly. My girlfriend loved her steak and I had some vegetarian dish since I don't eat meat, and it was awful, but the dessert was delicious. We had free dining. I wouldn't hesitate to go again. I think most of the reviews are positive. We went out to the balcony both times to watch the fireworks, and then came back in for our dessert. Even though I didn't enjoy my dinner last year, the year before was really good and I definitely would go here again. Also, watching the fireworks together on the 15th floor of the Contemporary, which my husband I did 2 years ago is something I'll always remember.

 

[Scrap_Vamp]

My fiance and I ate here for our anniversary on 25th April and we had a wonderful time. If you get Ron as your server, I guarantee he will make it so special, as well as a lot of fun.

We got a window table without asking for one and, at the end of our meal, we didn't order dessert and asked for the bill - Ron returned with a complimetary chocolate dessert which said "Happy Anniversary from the California Grill". We hadn't expected any of this, and Ron really went out of his way.

At the end of the meal, a mixup between the two of us meant we tipped him twice (DF did it personally, I put it in with the bill) but he was so amazing we agreed that we really didn't mind!

 

[tlev]

Ate here on our honeymoon and was not impressed. We thought the food was ok, but way overpriced. We had much better meals at Artiste Point, LeCellier, Bistro de Paris and Fulton's. Also, this place is not very romantic, the location can't be beat, we did not have a window seat but you still have a great view of the lagoon no matter where you sit, however, it is LOUD and hectic. The place was full to capacity when we went, including the bar area, and it just seemed very impersonal and cramped. If you want a nice romantic meal, I would definately recommend Bistro de Paris, usually fairly empty, the were only three other tables being served when we were there last Sept. The waiters were all in tuxes, great menu, great meal, although VERY expensive, it was worth it for the experience.

 

[praisehim5]

Thanks for all the info so far. I know we will not change our ressie, just wanted to know what you all thought.

 

[JMD]

We ate at CG a few weeks ago and the food and service was excellent. IMO, its far better than any of the restaurants in Epcot. We had a table right next to the window in a semi-private room in the back. It was really nice.

As with all restaurants you will get mixed reviews, but the ones for CG seem to be overhelmingly positive. I honestly have no idea how people could eat there and say its the worst on property. Many people go in with high expectations and when they don't get a window seat or may not get the best waiter, they are disappointed.

There are very few places, in WDW that are quiet and romantic. Its a vacation spot with mostly families with children. So alot of the restuarants are crowded and noisy. Its pretty much unavoidable at WDW, I don't know why people expect otherwise.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

We ate here last December on our first night at WDW. We received a window seat without waiting/asking for one but we were on the far end of the restaurant and couldn't see much of MK. It was still beautiful and we weren't there to see the fireworks (just throwing this in as some people assume if they get a window seat they will have a great view of Wishes or MK). There was a couple beside us celebrating their anniversary (there was confetti and a card on the table) and they were not happy with the table as one of the large columns by the window was blocking their view of MK.

The food was amazing. My brother and I split the appetizer of Dungeness Crab California Roll with avocado and cucumber. It was huge! The best california rolls I've ever had. I had Mahi Mahi on a bed of some kind of rice/pasta. It was delicious. My dad and brother had the beef short ribs which both said were outstanding. And my mom had the pork tenderloin which she said was pretty good. We didn't have dessert.

The restaurant was VERY noisy when we first arrived there. It was close to the time of the fireworks and there were tons of people hanging out by the bar and the lounge area was full of kids. When we got to our table the noise wasn't as bad and our meal was fairly quiet. Even though we didn't ask for a window seat I probably would wait for one next time as the tables in the middle seemed so close together and servers constantly running by.

I would go back here in a heartbeat (we're not going next trip as we're going to Jiko and Yachtsman Steakhouse instead). It's a great restaurant especially since we didn't know what to expect and didn't have extremely high hopes for it. Good luck!

 

[praisehim5]

There are very few places, in WDW that are quiet and romantic. Its a vacation spot with mostly families with children. So alot of the restuarants are crowded and noisy. Its pretty much unavoidable at WDW, I don't know why people expect otherwise.

I know there are very few places that are without noise. The noise level in not an issue with us. We have five children and I babysit everyday so there is always comotion at our house. I quess I just want some quality time with my husband without the kids. Im sure CG will be wonderful for our first night at WDW.
Thanks for your input.

 

[DeborahA]

Dear Praisehim5, we celebrated our 25th anniversary at CG. We were treated royally. We asked for and were given a table by the window overlooking the castle. The food was so good and the service was top notch. We felt very comfortable and un-rushed. When our dessert was brought to us it was decorated with a choc. and gold ribbon that said Happy anniversary. We went outside on the deck and watched wishes. It was a magical night!
Deb
p.s. be sure to mention your anniversary when booking and again at the podium downstairs.

 

[skunkvette]

We ate at CG last month for the first time. Wonderful experience,and we have added the CG to our list of "must return to" restaurants.

Food and service were great, atmosphere was also nice, but the house was full and it was a little loud.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Here's another hearty endorsement for CG. It was my _0th birthday (yegads!), and DW and DD took me there. It was noisy, but the service was just superb, and it ranks as one of my best Disney meals... with a flatbread, sushi, pork tenderloin, a pasta dish (not on the menu), and black grouper ... desserts included strawberries forever and the chocolate souffle.

Heck, yeah. And per reviews ... just remember folks are more prone to let the negative drown out the positive. Even when opinions are running 50/50, I prefer to check things out for myself.

 

[BCV23]

California Grill is a must do for us each trip. We all enjoy it. There are so many choices on the menu, the food is great and so is the service.

For a quieter experience, ask for the "wine room." We also like to dine early and it is not as hectic then if Wishes is later.

We celebrated our 27th there in January and had a wonderful time with exceptional service. A magical night for us.

 

[Laurajean1014]

The only way to know is to go there yourself and make your own observation.

When you go, let the CM know that it is a very special night for you and your party and that you would like the service to be exceptional. I don't think Disney will say NO to that.

 

[praisehim5]

Dear Praisehim5, we celebrated our 25th anniversary at CG. We were treated royally. We asked for and were given a table by the window overlooking the castle. The food was so good and the service was top notch. We felt very comfortable and un-rushed. When our dessert was brought to us it was decorated with a choc. and gold ribbon that said Happy anniversary. We went outside on the deck and watched wishes. It was a magical night!
Deb
p.s. be sure to mention your anniversary when booking and again at the podium downstairs.

Thanks for the encouraging information.

 

[jarrdisney]

I have been 4 times. The first time I went they comped the entire meal. It was that bad...from the moment we "checked in," to the moment we left. IMO the food is mediocre and hit or miss. I've had much better meals on and off disney property. I do suggest you try it yourself though. You'd be the best critic.

 

[gokenin]

has anyone ever eaten in the wine room at Cali? just wondering what its like compared to the rest of the floor

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

My fiance and I ate here for our anniversary on 25th April and we had a wonderful time. If you get Ron as your server, I guarantee he will make it so special, as well as a lot of fun.

We got a window table without asking for one and, at the end of our meal, we didn't order dessert and asked for the bill - Ron returned with a complimetary chocolate dessert which said "Happy Anniversary from the California Grill". We hadn't expected any of this, and Ron really went out of his way.

At the end of the meal, a mixup between the two of us meant we tipped him twice (DF did it personally, I put it in with the bill) but he was so amazing we agreed that we really didn't mind!

I am really happy to hear Ron still works at CG! We dined at CG only once, back in 2002. He was an AWESOME server. We gave his name to some friends of ours that went the following year with a large party...they requested him and also agreed he was outstanding. I have an ADR at CG in Nov and I will be SURE to ask for him! Thanks!

 

[Scrap_Vamp]

I hope you get Ron when you go back

We are getting married in Florida in 2009 and we want to take our wedding party of 12 to the California Grill for the evening meal - we are definitely hoping that Ron will still be there then too!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Oooo! Congrats! Will you be getting married on WDW property? When we go to CG, I will mention that to him...I will tell him some folks from England will be requesting him in 2009!

I am concerned, because I want to request him AND a window seat and I think I may be pushing my luck. I haven't yet decided which request is more important.

Well, congrats again. Dinner for 12 at CG sounds like a wonderful plan!