We did SSS in February, and to be honest was disappointed by it. We had a nice evening, but felt like the event could me done a lot better. I’d read people had said to show up early to get your pick of table – I didn’t enjoy this. For this type of experience and the amount of money spent, I should just be able to roll up at the event time and be sat – like they did for the Sunday Brunch they used to do. Standing and queuing up for 30-45mins before the event, isn’t right – what if your wearing heels, this is a signature event, queuing shouldn’t be involved. I really think they should pre-assign tables to get rid of this rush after getting off the elevator – I didn’t really know the set up, the buffet room only had 3 tables in it, and seemed like an after thought, tbh the whole event felt like an after thought, just an extra way Disney can charge guests money. I didn’t like having to go between two rooms for food and drink, you were always excusing yourself between other guests in the corridor. It just felt odd.
It was such a rush getting off the elevator, we didn’t know where to sit and ended up with a terrible table by the service door leading to the actual California Grill. I didn’t like the conference room vibes of the rooms, again it felt like they just used the rooms as a extra way to charge guests. We had drinks in
Geo-82 later in the trip, and a space like that would be soo much nicer to do SSS, I do know they have their own firework dining experience, but I don’t think their view is actually prime.
The food was nice, but the tapas style was kind of a pain, trying to fit the chunky dishes on the small plate. Drinks were ok, I don’t think the bartenders are actually trained very well in making cocktails. I tried a range of drinks, my Paloma was ok to poor, lemon drop that the bartender recommended to me was terrible, he put Limoncello in it for some reason, tasted like cough medicine. Old fashioned was decent, espresso machine was strong but no beans, I saw everyone ordering chocolate martinis so finished the night with that, but it was awful, I took a sip and was done.
The desserts were nice; the key lime pie was the best. And as it was my mum’s birthday they brought her a special dessert, that was the nicest.
I found it difficult to order drinks from our table, the CM was spending the majority of time bussing tables.
The popcorn was a nice touch for the fireworks and you could take your drinks outside. Unfortunately, we got outside too late and missed a spot on the railing, tbh it was only us and about 2 other groups who couldn’t fit on the railing. I think one group stayed inside for the fireworks. It was a shame to have heads in my view. Thankfully didn’t notice anyone who wasn’t a part of the event on our balcony. We had plain wristbands for the evening, would have been nicer if they actually had the event night name on them.
We weren’t rushed to leave the event, and left a little after 10pm and caught the end of the Water Pageant Parade outside the Contemp. We were one of the last groups to leave.
So overall I wouldn’t really recommend the event to anyone, I’d rather dine in the actual California Grill. Sorry this is a negative review, but it’s my honest thoughts. But when you’re spending that much money you expect to be wined and dined.
