Contemporary question

[Mickey Rules]

Hi, is it possible to go up to the top of the Contemporary without going into the California Grill? Is there an observation deck up there as well, or is it just the restaurant? Thanks.

 

[gatour]

At one time you could up to the California Grill and visit the observation deck, but nowadays, at the least you have to be willing to have a drink at the bar. The hostess desk will allow you up to the bar at their discretion (which I imagine is up to the bookings for the night and how early you ask)

 

[beattyfamily]

There is an observation deck also on the 4th floor.

 

[Mickey Rules]

I've been to the observation deck on the 4th floor several times (I love that view, especially when the monorails go overhead...I love the monorail lol...I guess that's why the Contemporary has always been my favorite hotel even though I've never stayed there lol). I have always wanted to go up to the top, but never thought I could because we never had reservations at the California Grill. I read another post with a similar question a while ago, but forget now . Thanks.

 

[slug]

I've been to the observation deck on the 4th floor several times (I love that view, especially when the monorails go overhead...I love the monorail lol...I guess that's why the Contemporary has always been my favorite hotel even though I've never stayed there lol). I have always wanted to go up to the top, but never thought I could because we never had reservations at the California Grill. I read another post with a similar question a while ago, but forget now . Thanks.

Hi there. We just got back. I went to the CGrille on 3 separate occations: 1 for dinner, but the other 2 were just for a drink. The CG has a nice lounge area where you can have a drink and can order food as well. We went late one night and the kitchen was closed, but we still were able to order soup. You might have a hard time going up there right before the fireworks for a drink (I'm sure that happens a lot) but it's pretty nice to go up there and have a drink and look at the castle changing colors.

 

[skifast22]

Hi there. We just got back. I went to the CGrille on 3 separate occations: 1 for dinner, but the other 2 were just for a drink. The CG has a nice lounge area where you can have a drink and can order food as well. We went late one night and the kitchen was closed, but we still were able to order soup. You might have a hard time going up there right before the fireworks for a drink (I'm sure that happens a lot) but it's pretty nice to go up there and have a drink and look at the castle changing colors.

I'm hoping to get up there for drinks a few times on my upcoming trip. Were you ever turned away from going up there? Did you get up there in the afternoon at all? I don't plan on eating dinner there at all, just want to get up for a few drinks and enjoy the view.

 

[Mickey Rules]

Hi there. We just got back. I went to the CGrille on 3 separate occations: 1 for dinner, but the other 2 were just for a drink. The CG has a nice lounge area where you can have a drink and can order food as well. We went late one night and the kitchen was closed, but we still were able to order soup. You might have a hard time going up there right before the fireworks for a drink (I'm sure that happens a lot) but it's pretty nice to go up there and have a drink and look at the castle changing colors.

Hi, thanks, quick question, is the Cali Grille a more "dressy" place, or can we just wear nicer shorts and stuff like that? Thanks.

 

[bradk]

all signature restaurants outside the park have a recommended business casual policy. dress shorts would be acceptable.

 

[chasgoose]

I'm hoping to get up there for drinks a few times on my upcoming trip. Were you ever turned away from going up there? Did you get up there in the afternoon at all? I don't plan on eating dinner there at all, just want to get up for a few drinks and enjoy the view.

The California Grill only serves dinner so you might not be able to go up there any earlier than 5:00, but as long as they are serving and they aren't too crowded you should be able to go up there for drinks whenever.

Hi, thanks, quick question, is the Cali Grille a more "dressy" place, or can we just wear nicer shorts and stuff like that? Thanks.

The California Grill is definitely more dressy (it's probably the nicest place at WDW after Victoria and Albert's). In the summer, you could probably get away with nicer shorts and a nicer shirt, but not so much in the winter months. Also, probably no t-shirts or flip flops for guys.

 

[skifast22]

The California Grill only serves dinner so you might not be able to go up there any earlier than 5:00, but as long as they are serving and they aren't too crowded you should be able to go up there for drinks whenever.

The California Grill is definitely more dressy (it's probably the nicest place at WDW after Victoria and Albert's). In the summer, you could probably get away with nicer shorts and a nicer shirt, but not so much in the winter months. Also, probably no t-shirts or flip flops for guys.

Thanks for the answers to both questions. I didn't realize it was dinner only, kind of puts a damper on my mid-day glass of wine ideas. But, staying there for 7 nights I should be able to find my way up there on one of those occasions If I have dressier shorts and a collar shirt, would sandals be ok? I'll be there the last week of September so I'm not planning on bringing shoes or long pants.

 

[slug]

I'm hoping to get up there for drinks a few times on my upcoming trip. Were you ever turned away from going up there? Did you get up there in the afternoon at all? I don't plan on eating dinner there at all, just want to get up for a few drinks and enjoy the view.

We were never turned away.

I think it opens at 5 or 530. So we didn't go there in the afternoon. We had dinner early at like 6 one night though.

 

[slug]

Thanks for the answers to both questions. I didn't realize it was dinner only, kind of puts a damper on my mid-day glass of wine ideas. But, staying there for 7 nights I should be able to find my way up there on one of those occasions If I have dressier shorts and a collar shirt, would sandals be ok? I'll be there the last week of September so I'm not planning on bringing shoes or long pants.

I wore khaki shorts, a collared shirt, and birkenstocks with straps (yeah, I know birks are out of style, I don't care). There were a few dressed more formally, but for the most part it was similar. There were a lot of people with the same outfit as me but with sneakers.

I actually called Artist's Point to see if the girls could wear sandals with no backs (basically like a dressier flip flop) and they said that was fine.

 

[slug]

I'm hoping to get up there for drinks a few times on my upcoming trip. Were you ever turned away from going up there? Did you get up there in the afternoon at all? I don't plan on eating dinner there at all, just want to get up for a few drinks and enjoy the view.

If you don't want to have dinner there, one option would be to just go to the lounge for a drink and try a dessert.

The lounge area is definately sizeable. I hadn't been in a few years and had read that it was changed and made smaller, but there were a bunch of little lounge tables and chairs and there was plenty of room.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

There is an observation deck also on the 4th floor.

If you are not able to get into the California Grill, the observation deck on the 4th floor is another great place to watch Wishes. So if you do decide to go there I would not waste anytime in making that decision, because it can get very crowded so it's best to get your spot at least 20 minutes before Wishes begins.