Dining at the California grill?

[xxpeplyxx]

So we want to eat here when we go in may 2016, but how do you go about booking a table by the window or is that pot luck? Also what time would I book for to enable us to see the fireworks from there for, we can book today but I want to make sure I pick the right time slot

 

[chmurf]

there is no way to be sure you'll get a window table, and even if you do, it may not be in the best of angles to see Wishes.

we had a window table last month, probably when I mentionned it was our wedding anniversary.
but it's really about luck and about the Cast Member checking you in.
You may ask for a window table when you check in on the day, that would probably require a wait time (or be denied)

There are 2 observation decks (open air) facing MK, and wishes music is piped in on those decks.
Even with our window table directly facing the castle, we chose to go out rather than stay at the table.

Also note that you don't have to time your meal with Wishes.
Even if you're finished before wishes, you can stay on the decks, or go down to do some shopping. When it's time, you can get back up with the express elevator on the 2nd floor, just show your receipt and up you go.

If you want to time it right, try an ADR no later than 30 minutes prior to Wishes, just in case you're not sat right away.
You can leave your table during your meal to go to the decks, just inform your server to delay the next course.
a standard meal at CG will take roughly 90 minutes on average (more or less depending if you get appys or sushi, coffee and extend the meal time through any other means.

 

[xxpeplyxx]

Wow thanks for the info I had no clue you could leave and return, we shall do that then! Thanks so much

 

[scottishgirl87]

Wow thanks for the info I had no clue you could leave and return, we shall do that then! Thanks so much

I just booked Cali Grill for May yesterday. Wishes is on at 10pm so I wanted an 8pm ADR but could only get a 7.40pm or 9.15pm reservation so went with 7.40pm Amazed there's no ADRs left now for my date!

 

[mickeyforpresident]

We ate at the CG this summer and it was our favourite meal. We had a 9pm ADR. There was no rush at all, and just before fireworks we had ordered our dessert but the lovely, lovely, lovely server said she would hold off bringing them until after the fireworks and she sent us out to watch the! So, we went to watch the fireworks on the gangway and had a gorgeous time. When we came back our napkins had been folded!!! Dessert came and we had the most marvellous time.

 

[saintrob]

We've eaten here many times and on the occasions when we've asked for a window table it's always been granted. Sometimes we've had to wait at the bar for a while which hasn't been a problem.

 

[Shazzie B]

Thanks for the info, we're hoping to book for late May, won't worry so much about what time ADR now . Looking forward to some different meals this time as 1st time without the kids.

 

[Minniesgal]

Love CG it is our last night must do.

 

[Jon84]

We've got a 9pm table in May for CG.

I've read that the CMs are fully prepared to hold courses back so you can go out for Wishes. My estimate would be that if we are seated in time we'd have just finished Starters. If we are seated later, we'd probably just be getting through cocktails.

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

Last time we ate here we requested a window table but still got sat near to the kitchen.DH politely asked the person who seated us if we could move and we didn't mind waiting,she went away and found us a window table within minutes.Nothing ventured nothing gained

 

[tinkerpea]

We've eaten at cali around 6 times now, and never had a window seat, not on our honeymoon, anniversary, birthday etc.
Twice we've asked and both times been told sorry they're too busy.
When we went in may, I finally asked why it's so hard and was told, turn up 30 mins early for your reservation.
That's way they have much higher chance of being able to seat you, as your table wont be ready.
So next yr I'm trying that.

 

[mom2randj]

We've eaten at cali around 6 times now, and never had a window seat, not on our honeymoon, anniversary, birthday etc.
Twice we've asked and both times been told sorry they're too busy.
When we went in may, I finally asked why it's so hard and was told, turn up 30 mins early for your reservation.
That's way they have much higher chance of being able to seat you, as your table wont be ready.
So next yr I'm trying that.

Just got back from our trip which was the last week of October. We had reservations at 8:50 - arrived approximately 20-25 minutes early and were seated immediately by the window with no waiting whatsoever. Didn't even ask for it (forgot to as the check-in is on a different floor and it just slipped our mind). I am not sure if it was luck or what as the only other time we had visited CG was our first trip and we were seated again at the window.

We did have part of the wall blocking my son's view, so we simply moved our chairs over a few feet and were fine. We could have gone outside as well, but we were fine with watching it from our table. That said, a few tables did get up to go outside to watch from the balcony.

 

[Tiggers21]

We have a reservation for CG next week. I have seen other reviews and posts about a long dinner and slower service, has this been your experience. Asking as we will have our 4 and 9 year old.

Thanks!

 

[ABZDisneyFan]

We usually try for a reservation around 8pm & always manage to catch Wishes either just before or just after desert.