Fireworks from CA Grill

[Katy Belle]

I've read trip reports of people watching fireworks from CA Grill observation deck. If you've done this, would you recommend it? Can you hear the music? Do you have to request a certain table? Should I make the ADR for an hour before the fireworks..30 minutes?? I'd appreciate any explanation or advice you can give me.

TIA
Katy

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Do it! It is awesome!! You can hear the music really well. The only catch is, a lot of people who have, ahem, had one too many, can get loud out there while you are trying to enjoy the fireworks. That only happened to us once though

 

[TMM]

I think I am in the minority, but my husband and I did not enjoy viewing the Wishes from CG. We had a lovely window seat, but the music was barely audible and the fireworks seemed dinky. I did not know what to expect as it was my first time viewing them. The next night we stood on Main Street and then I knew why my husband was unhappy the night before. There is so much going on from the beginning to end of Wishes and I felt a lot of it was missed from CG. Great food, but I prefer watching the Wishes in the MK.

 

[Katy Belle]

Very different opinions here....anyone else??? I do want to see the fireworks while in MK too.

Thanks!
Katy

 

[FigmentKid]

My opinion is somewhere between the two posters above, I'd go ahead and book it but don't get too excited - there are a lot of factors that could stop you from actually getting to see the fireworks (of course you could get completely lucky and have an amazing time too!). We made our reservation for 45 minutes before the fireworks, we got there about 20 minutes early to check in and then waited an hour to be seated (right as the fireworks were starting and 40 minutes after our ADR). We had requested to be seated near the viewing window (you only get a good view from one side of the restaurant) when we checked in and they told us there was no way they could give us that. We were seated in a spot where we COULD see them when they started, but you had to turn your chair, crane your neck and then I only caught half of them... the music was very low and the restaurant was still very loud so it was hard to pay attention. I ended up just reading the menu the whole time while DBF tried to watch. You can always go out to the roof deck and the view is really good from there but for us in January it was way too cold for that.

Having said all that I think you should still go because the views are incredible with or with out fireworks, and the food is amazing! Yeah it was a bummer not to see them after I had planned it all out, but the food and service definitely still made it a really nice evening.

Some tips
-I would make an ADR for at least 45 minutes before and get there early to check in. You can check with the CM what time the fireworks are when you call to make your ADR.
-Be prepared to wait longer for your table if you request a view of the fireworks.
-When you check in you can go up to the restaurant and sit in the lounge, or go out to the roof deck while you wait for a table so you can still see the fireworks even if they haven't been able to seat you yet.
-Order the duck three ways or the pork with polenta!! Both amazing!

Hope that helps, let me know if you have more questions.

 

[Cruz Family]

We loved it! My 2 DS's who were 6 & 11 at the time said it was their favorite part of the vacation. We already have our ADR for October.

 

[TMM]

FigmentKid,

Off the subject, how did you enjoy the Polynesian in January? We are staying there in August. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[majortom]

I've read trip reports of people watching fireworks from CA Grill observation deck. If you've done this, would you recommend it? Can you hear the music? Do you have to request a certain table? Should I make the ADR for an hour before the fireworks..30 minutes?? I'd appreciate any explanation or advice you can give me.

TIA
Katy

It really depends on what your goal is. If you want good food and great service, do not expect to get it at California Grill. If you want to watch the fireworks from inside a building (or on the observation deck on the 15th floor), California Grill is your best choice. My suggestion: Make a reservation for whatever time the fireworks are or up to one hour after them. Get there about 15 minutes early. Go sit or stand in the bar (or go outside on to the observation deck) and watch them there. Then go somewhere else for your meal (or eat first and then just show up for desert or after dinner drinks there).

An alternate plan for when the park is not too busy is just go and ask to sit in the bar (you have to get there a bit earlier for that). Order a few drinks and then leave when Wishes is over.

If you want good food and service, I would suggest Jiko or Artist's Point.

/carmi

 

[sls23]

It really depends on what your goal is. If you want good food and great service, do not expect to get it at California Grill. If you want to watch the fireworks from inside a building (or on the observation deck on the 15th floor), California Grill is your best choice. My suggestion: Make a reservation for whatever time the fireworks are or up to one hour after them. Get there about 15 minutes early. Go sit or stand in the bar (or go outside on to the observation deck) and watch them there. Then go somewhere else for your meal (or eat first and then just show up for desert or after dinner drinks there).

An alternate plan for when the park is not too busy is just go and ask to sit in the bar (you have to get there a bit earlier for that). Order a few drinks and then leave when Wishes is over.

If you want good food and service, I would suggest Jiko or Artist's Point.

/carmi

We have eaten several times at California Grill and have always had great service and food.

I was also informed this week when making reservations through GF concierge that a credit card guarantee is required and you will be charged if you are not present at your table for your meal. The past few times we have been there, it would not have been possible to simply ride the elevator and sit at the bar as they were actively assessing the capacity and reservations (numerous people with reservation were already at the bar waiting for tables). The California Grill has become aware of such schemes and from what I have seen is really "cracking down" and only allowing those with reservations to board the elevator to the restaurant.

I would agree that eating at Jiko is not to be missed.

 

[Cass]

I celebrated my 40th Birthday at CG and loved the fireworks. We went outside to watch and it was c-o-l-d!! (December) You can hear the music fine, it was a special night and a great meal too.

 

[FigmentKid]

FigmentKid,

Off the subject, how did you enjoy the Polynesian in January? We are staying there in August. Any info would be appreciated.

We fell in love with the Polynesian! Here is a link to the review I wrote when we got back: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1011162

Hope that answers your questions. Nothing but positives from me... Have you looked at Tikiman's site? I lived on it during the weeks leading up to our trip! http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

The view of wishes is off to the side a bit. So the sky rockets look like they are going off over space mountain and the ground effects look like they're going off by the castle. Still it's a very nice view and you don't have to fight the crowds in the park to get it.

You need to reserve about 1.5-2 hours before wishes depending upon whether you plan to eat A-e-d. The reason is as wishes gets closer, the people sitting there draw it out. So if you reserve about a half hour before or even 45 minutes before, you aren't likely to have someone getting up from those prime spots. They'll even order a bottle of wine or extra deserts if they have to. Better to plan on just going out on the deck if that's the case. But note that they do try to get you up there if you have a ressie fairly close so you can see the fireworks from the deck before you eat. After the fireworks, the place usually clears out and it's really nice and quiet afterwords.

We found the music fine both inside and out. One section has a really good view of the show. The other does not. And the back area has no view of the fireworks But it's more quiet so if you get seated back here, you can walk out on the deck to see the show. We ended up in the good section.

Service is pedestrian. It will seem slow compared to say an Ohana or Chef Mickey's or your average Disney place that pretty much tries to get you in and get you out. But don't mistake that for bad service. I don't know about you, but I like to linger at a place like this. And Ca Grill knows this and so it takes about 2 hours to eat. But I'm sure if you're wanting it faster, they'll give it to you faster. Our server was nice, friendly, and efficient. She explained what we could get with the dining plan, and took care of us. Don't expect the usual HEY WOULD YOU LIKE PIZZA SHOOTERS, SHRIMP POPPERS OR EXTREME FAJITAS WITH THAT? type service.

The food we had was supurb for the most part. The menu rotates frequently. I see only the Pork Tenderloin and the Oak Fired filet are still there from when we went. The Veal Tournedos were excellent. Best Veal I've ever had. These were not pounded cutlets. More like Mini Steaks. The Pork Tenderloin was really good. My son had kid's beef tournedos which was great. The Sushi was well done. We got Snake in the grass, (If you are squeemish about raw fish order these or the California Rolls) We had the yellowfin tuna 3 ways, and the spicy sensations. All were good. The only complaint we had was my wife's Salmon entree wasn't up to par. Salmon is a very flavorful fish. It will never measure up to being as much better here than other places as one expects. So I don't suggest the Salmon. The deserts were really good too.

As for trying to get up to the bar without a ressie, I don't suggest you try it.
If the restaurant is full, which it usually is pre wishes, they won't let you up without a reservation. And the bar is just a small one for a few to have a drink while they're waiting for a table. As for making a ressie to have an excuse to get to the bar, I don't suggest you do that either. They now require you to guarantee a ressie with a credit card. This may seem draconian but they had to do something. People tromping up just to see wishes were interfering with the enjoyment of the guests paying and eating.

I suggest you go and have a good time.

 

[majortom]

We have eaten several times at California Grill and have always had great service and food.

Either your experience differs from mine (and many others on here) or your standards differ from mine.

I was also informed this week when making reservations through GF concierge that a credit card guarantee is required and you will be charged if you are not present at your table for your meal.

Before I posted what I did, I called to confirm the following: All that is needed to avoid being charged as a "no show" is to check in downstairs. There is no minimum order. I spoke with several different Cast Members and even with a supervisor. I specifically asked about going just for desert or appetizers and was told that once one checks in, one will not be charged.

The past few times we have been there, it would not have been possible to simply ride the elevator and sit at the bar as they were actively assessing the capacity and reservations (numerous people with reservation were already at the bar waiting for tables).

Since they moved check in downstairs, one has had to get permission to go to the bar.

The California Grill has become aware of such schemes and from what I have seen is really "cracking down" and only allowing those with reservations to board the elevator to the restaurant.

That is why I said it only works to go without a reservation if one is going during an off peak period.

Again, given their in ability to seat people with reservations right around when Wishes is scheduled (earlier tables will often not leave until after it ends), it is very easy to make sure that one will not have been seated when it starts. Have a drink, pay with a credit card and do not worry about it.

I would agree that eating at Jiko is not to be missed.

Glad we agree.

/carmi

 

[LindsayDunn228]

It really depends on what your goal is. If you want good food and great service, do not expect to get it at California Grill.

Different strokes for different folks. Our service and food has always been over the top and the CG is a tradition for my husband and I.

 

[Leah and Emily's mom]

We at CG on of the nights of the MNSSHP- fireworks were beautiful. We loved our expience at CG. I think everyone should try it once.

 

[majortom]

As for making a ressie to have an excuse to get to the bar, I don't suggest you do that either. They now require you to guarantee a ressie with a credit card. This may seem draconian but they had to do something. People tromping up just to see wishes were interfering with the enjoyment of the guests paying and eating.

I suggest you go and have a good time.

As I noted earlier, they do not have a food minimum, just require that one shows up. One would not be charged were one to check in, go up, order a drink in their bar, watch Wishes and leave.

You are right that this policy is draconian. From when it opened until Chef Cliff and its opening GM George left, it did not feel the need to do this. The restaurant was always full and one could go out on either pier to watch the fireworks with no problem. This was also when California Grill was receiving its highest ratings. After service and food quality started to slip, Disney began getting many complaints about this restaurant. Instead of addressing their real problem (food and service quality), Disney has taken the easy route with things like dress codes and credit card guarantees.

In addition, their prime reason for these credit card guarantees is that when people are forced to make a reservation for dinner during their theme park vacation six months earlier, they are much less likely to actually show up without some stick forcing them to do so.

/carmi

 

[ucbedge]

I have the exact same question as the original poster.

Thank you for all your inputs and replies. So let me get this straight...

Lets say that I want to see the fireworks from California Grill and maybe have a drink or two....since it seems like the food has gone downhill there. The best way to do this is to make a reservation for exactly when the fireworks begins....arrive 15 mins early....be told that we will be seated in about 30 mins....go up to the bar to get a drink...watch the fireworks from the observation deck...and then just leave with some excuse? (i.e. they are making us wait past our ADR time)

And for this, my credit card wont be charged for "missing" the ADR? Will my Disney Dining Credits be used at all?

Also, it's my girlfriend's and I's first time to WDW. Is this a restaurant we should consider eating at? Or should we instead go to some less-popular destinations (i.e. Todd English's place, Jiko, etc)? I hate to admit it, but we're food snobs...

FIRST POST! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[majortom]

and then just leave with some excuse? (i.e. they are making us wait past our ADR time)

And for this, my credit card wont be charged for "missing" the ADR? Will my Disney Dining Credits be used at all?

As long as you check in downstairs, you will not be charged (I would pay with a credit card for a record of your visit). As for dining plan credits, just say that you expect to pay out of pocket (as you would do if you were not ordering a full meal).

Also, it's my girlfriend's and I's first time to WDW. Is this a restaurant we should consider eating at? Or should we instead go to some less-popular destinations (i.e. Todd English's place, Jiko, etc)? I hate to admit it, but we're food snobs...

FIRST POST! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What are your favorite restaurants in other places? If you provide some examples, I can get a better sense of what you like and make some suggestions.

I really like Jiko, unusual food, good service. Todd English's BlueZoo comes highly recommended.

Off property I would suggest Emeril's Orlando (Universal City Walk) and Emeril's Tchoup Chop (Lowe's Royal Pacific Hotel - Universal Orlando).

/carmi

 

[Dizneydaz]

We ate there in Sept. 05 for my mom's birthday. I haven't seen anyone mention this yet so I will. We were able to secure a window table (after some doings) but the problem was it had rained earlier in the day and the windows were completely obscured with condensation! You couldn't see a thing clearly. It was like looking through fog. That being said, the view from the observation deck was very nice-and we could hear the music. One other thing to mention, this was the only place we've every been "bugged" in WDW. There was some king of annoying insect that especially hung around the outside lighting and even though they didn't seem to bite, they were aggresively buzzing us the whole time. It may have also been because of the earlier rain-the deck was still wet.

The food was good, service okay, major disappointment-they didn't do anything special for my mom's birthday even though I mentioned when making ADR and upon check-in.

 

[ucbedge]

What are your favorite restaurants in other places? If you provide some examples, I can get a better sense of what you like and make some suggestions.

I really like Jiko, unusual food, good service. Todd English's BlueZoo comes highly recommended.

Off property I would suggest Emeril's Orlando (Universal City Walk) and Emeril's Tchoup Chop (Lowe's Royal Pacific Hotel - Universal Orlando).

/carmi

Thank you for asking!

I just started a new thread about this, because I find there isnt much much advice for couples w/o kids. I dont want to waste everybody's time in 2 threads, but to answer your question, bluezoo is numero uno on our list. Basically, we like places with great food, no matter the cost. However, I despise paying $100 for a meal thats just average.

Example: if youve been to Vegas, our fav restaurant ever is a place called Rosemary's. It's off the strip...in a strip mall actually....but the food is INCREDIBLE. We tend to places like that rather than the chains that just have a big name attached to them (i.e. Wolfgang Pucks...).