Dilemma - California Grill or Narcoossee's for fireworks

[catwoman71]

Hi all,

Looking once again for the wisdom of the dis masses.

The family will be in the world the week prior to and including Christmas day. On December 22nd, the MVMCP is happening. The cost of this is prohibitive and I'm not sure it is of interest to the teenagers, however, I would LOVE to see the fireworks that go along with the party.

So, for those in the know.....I have an option of California Grill at 9:20 pm for dinner or Narcoossee's at 7:35 pm for dinner. We have not eaten at either restaurant but will be having brunch at California Grill.
The question is - which one is better for viewing the fireworks? Or are they both good in their own way?

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[steg]

Cali Grill, then you can walk to MK afterwards and catch your resort bus! (assuming youre not staying at the contemporary) I like seeing the fireworks high up on one of the outside observation decks at California Grill. I've never been to Narcoossee's. To me Cali Grill's menu has gotten me to go back for multiple visits, Narcoosee's menu hasn't gotten me to go there once.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Narc had a dessert party on their dock a few months ago. That might be fun if it's still going on.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

The fireworks would be better seen from California Grill; however, after that party, the fireworks will be able to be seen as the regular wishes for the rest of your stay. I like Narcoossee's better for food, but you could eat at Narcoossee's and watch the fireworks from either the balcony around the restaurant or you could go back to the marina in front of Gaspirilla's and they pipe in the music and everything. More than likely you won't even be at your table by 9:30, but you can go to the observation deck to view. Are you planning at eating at either of the 2 places solely to see the fireworks? I would choose Narcoossee's so you're not rushed and can enjoy your dinner and then either watch it outside of the restaurant or go over to the marina to watch.

 

[Hopefully]

I believe party fireworks are scheduled for 10:15. Stretching your Narcoosees ADR to 3 hours is too long. I would go with CA Grille

 

[GPC0321]

The fireworks are at 9:30. I haven't been to either restaurant, but I suggest looking up videos of the Holiday Wishes fireworks from both locations on Youtube (there are videos of both) and seeing which you prefer. And, of course, look at the menus and see which one appeals the most.
And remember, you can go to the TTC, the area in front of Gasparilla Grill at the Grand Floridian, the 4th floor observation deck at the Contemporary, or the Poly beach (I think?) to see the fireworks without the cost of a meal at Cali Grill or Narcoossee's.
Oh, and there's also the pirates & pals fireworks cruise that leaves from the Contemporary and has a great view from the middle of the lagoon (youtube video of this as well).

We're going in December 2017, and I've already watched just about every possible vantage point for the Holiday Wishes show there is on Youtube, LOL! Just a bit obsessed!

 

[figment_jii]

Both California Grill and Narcoossee's offer good views of the fireworks, but it depends on which type of view you like better.

Narcoossee's view is from water level and further away. The fireworks generally appear to the left of the castle and somewhat at a distance. You can kind of see the castle changing color, but I couldn't really make out any of the projections.

California Grill's view is from higher up, so you feel like you're almost level with the fireworks. The fireworks generally appear as if they're over Space Mountain. You can see the castle and have a better chance of making out some of the projections (but it really depends on how good your eyes are!).

(As an aside, I think Narcoossee's offers a better view of the Electric Water Pageant. You're too high up to really hear/see the pageant very well from CA Grill.)

 

[Hopefully]

The fireworks are at 9:30. I haven't been to either restaurant, but I suggest looking up videos of the Holiday Wishes fireworks from both locations on Youtube (there are videos of both) and seeing which you prefer. And, of course, look at the menus and see which one appeals the most.
And remember, you can go to the TTC, the area in front of Gasparilla Grill at the Grand Floridian, the 4th floor observation deck at the Contemporary, or the Poly beach (I think?) to see the fireworks without the cost of a meal at Cali Grill or Narcoossee's.
Oh, and there's also the pirates & pals fireworks cruise that leaves from the Contemporary and has a great view from the middle of the lagoon (youtube video of this as well).

We're going in December 2017, and I've already watched just about every possible vantage point for the Holiday Wishes show there is on Youtube, LOL! Just a bit obsessed!

Party fireworks have been 9:30 in the past but this year MNSSHP fireworks are scheduled for 10:15. I thought the Xmas would be as well. I believe the area in front of Gasparilla Grille is no longer open to the public.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

IMHO, the view is much better at Cali Grill. You are so much closer and can actually see the castle. We ate there in late November 2014 and could see the Frozen castle lighting from our raised, banquette table. The view is really unparalleled.

 

[GPC0321]

Party fireworks have been 9:30 in the past but this year MNSSHP fireworks are scheduled for 10:15. I thought the Xmas would be as well. I believe the area in front of Gasparilla Grille is no longer open to the public.

According to the MVMCP 2016 schedule the fireworks are at 9:30pm. And the area in front of Gasparilla's should still be open to the public. They have that "Gone Mad" Party thing there on certain nights for anyone who wants to attend (it's free and you don't have to be a GF guest) and on other nights the area there is open as far as I've heard. Maybe someone else can clarify?

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

I ate at California Grill during the fireworks and it was incredible. Really cool view, you see it all and it's really cool to see the fireworks from a differnet angle. We somehow got a window table too, which made it even better. I attached a couple pictures!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'd go with whichever one has food that sounds more appealing. Someone above mentioned being able to walk from the Contemporary to MK to catch a bus back to your resort - but it's just one monorail stop from the GF.