CG WITHOUT Wishes?!!

[myhat]

Have read lots of rave reviews of California Grill which tend to comment on the combined experience of the food and the view of the fireworks.

However, with Wishes scheduled for 10pm when we go, I am not too sure we want to eat (or finish eating) that late. The alternatives are Artist Point and Citricos.

If Wishes is taken out of the equation, how does CG stack up against these other restaurants?

Which would you recommend?

Thanks.

 

[Bob P]

We try to go to CG every trip, and we've never been there during Wishes. I'm not sure that answers your question, but I hope it helps!

Bob

 

[BCV23]

We go there for the dining experience as well. We usually dine at 5:30 or 6pm so are gone before Wishes most nights. And it is a must do for us each trip.

Artist Point and Citricos are excellent as well. One reason I like CG better is that the menu is so varied.

 

[Kteacher]

we actually prefer to time our meal at CG to the sunset. We've seen some spectacular sunsets during our dinners. here's my favorite:

 

[iwaseeyore]

I prefer CG without Wishes. It's a better dining experience since less people are hanging around or pushing their bratty kids close to the windows. If CG has a downfall it's the internet and it's ability to spoil a good thing.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

CG even without the fireworks is unbelievable. The park all lit up at night and seeing it from above is beautiful and the food is outstanding. I've never been to Artist Point, that's my next must do! But we were all very impressed with CG.

 

[Nancyg56]

We enjoyed Wishes at the CG, but I would not hesitate to eat there and miss the fireworks. The food is amazing, and the service was excellent.

 

[wdw_dine_junkie]

I try and find a night without Wishes if possible, it's not as crowded. But if I can't, I go early enough to miss the mayhem. I don't want to pay that much for a meal and not enjoy it.

 

[lillygator]

We love California Grill, Wishes or not!

 

[Laurajean1014]

Although Wishes is nice, you will find that many go to CG without a Wishes experience.

We've been going to CG for 10 years now and we love the atmosphere, view, ambience, food and waitstaff. The wine selection is excellent. I would say that it is one of the finest restaurants in Orlando, with a spectacular view!

 

[bleeps]

I'll agree with everyone who has said how terrific CG is -- regardless of fireworks! I'll also say that while we loved our meal at Artist's Point in Dec., the room isn't all that special or lovely after dark; all you can see out the windows is -- darkness! They kind of spoil you with all the photos of Artist's Point that are taken during the daytime when you can see the waterfall but once darkness falls, nothing! SO unlike CG, which is gorgeous any time of day (sunsets really are spectacular) -- the view is breathtaking day or night! CG has been and will always be on our "must-do" list, with or without fireworks.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

California Grill is the best dining experience at Disney (and possibly in Orlando) - with or without Wishes.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We've dined there twice during Wishes and lucked out on window tables. BUT, if we do eat there again in the future, we will be sure to eat there as to not coincide with Wishes. The food is fantastic, but dealing with the mob there during the Wishes time period is a pain, IMO.

 

[Collette]

Not having planned on it, we enjoyed seeing Wishes when we were at CG, but it wouldn't be a factor in choosing date or time for an ADR next time. I enjoy Wishes much more in the park anyway. And I know I would like to try CG without the interruption and extra shuffling around.

Having considered yet never been to Artist Point or Citricos and not having many opportunities to enjoy an expensive meal, I know I would choose CG again before them. They both seem very nice, but I thought CG was just such a special total dining experience.

I hope you will feel the same after trying it!

Collette

 

[myhat]

Thnaks for all your help.

It is unusual to post a question and receive such a unanimous answer!

Makes my decision so easy!!

Best WISHES to you all!!

 

[BCV23]

Bon apetit!