fireworks from ca grille?

[Dis-obrn]

Hi ya'll! Do you have to dine at CA Grill to be their for wishes. I thought I remember reading about the bar or something. Also is there an outdoor balcony? Anyone else feel like I'm rambling yet? Basically I'm looking for a good picture spot for the wishes fireworks. Thanks.

 

[geetey]

According to Deb's site, you must be dining in order to view the fireworks from CA Grille.

Here is the excerpt from allearsnet.com


[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=-1]Can you see the fireworks from the Contemporary?[/size][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=-1]The Magic Kingdom Fireworks can be easily viewed from the resort. One of the best spots for this is the 15th floor California Grill Lounge (you must be dining there to view the Fireworks from there). The music which accompanies the fireworks is piped into the lounge so guests don't miss a thing. Guests with Tower Rooms facing the Magic Kingdom can also view the show from their terraces. If you are a guest on the 14th floor Concierge, you can watch the fireworks from the balcony off the lounge.[/size][/font]


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Sorry - I haven't ever attempted to take photos from the Contemporary.

 

[tinksdad]

The view is pretty good actually. The observation deck is to the right as you enter the restaurant, around the right side up a ramp and outside. You might want to set up away from the viewing scopes since the kids like to use those during the display!!

Recommend making 8pm or 8:30pm reservations. You'll have plenty of time.

 

[Dis-obrn]

So do you have to be dining at CG to access the observation deck and shoot photos? thanks

 

[tinksdad]

So do you have to be dining at CG to access the observation deck and shoot photos? thanks

We have never tried without, but I think so. At the elevator downstairs you check in and take a designated elevator to the top with an escort.


A side note; The food is EXCELLENT!!!

 

[hmgolden]

Yes, you do need to dine at the CA grill to watch Wishes from the observation deck. They instituted this policy about 2 years ago I think to limit the crowds as many non-diners were crowding the restaurant.

 

[WillCAD]

Yes, you have to be dining at CG to view the fireworks from there.

However, the 4th floor observation deck is not the best spot. It's not high enough, and tends to get crowded.

But there are ways, and there are ways...

What I have done is take the elevator up to the highest public-access floor (which I think is 10), then walk up the stairwell the rest of the way. You have to be in good enough shape to walk up 5 flights, but when you get to the top - you're at the observation deck outside CG.

 

[ukcatfan]

You can also get there if you are going to their bar. But keep in mind that you really need to visit the bar. I have seen people sent back down when they try to head straight to the deck out of the elevator.

You should also look the part. They try to keep that as a higher class area, so you might get denied if you are in sandles, shorts, a T-shirt, and look like you have been at the park all day. You might also want to avoid carrying an obvious camera bag. They may get the idea of why you want up there.

All that said, it is also a nice place to take sunset pics.

 

[WillCAD]

You should also look the part. They try to keep that as a higher class area, so you might get denied if you are in sandles, shorts, a T-shirt, and look like you have been at the park all day. You might also want to avoid carrying an obvious camera bag. They may get the idea of why you want up there.

All that said, it is also a nice place to take sunset pics.

Heck with that! If I have to wear a disguise, I'll simply take my pics from the stairwell at the 13th floor (14 is enclosed).

 

[ukcatfan]

I know what you mean. I have never gone up for that purpose, but I always carry some sort of camera with me at WDW. My DW thinks I am crazy for always carrying one because we live fairly close and usually visit about once a month. You never know when that perfect picture will come your way.

Not to mention the prices they charge up there! It is hard to justify paying close to $10 up there for the same drink you can get down at The Outer Rim for $5.

There is one thing that I do like from the fourth floor observation deck. You can sometimes get a fireworks pic with the monorail in it.

 

[Dis-obrn]

Okay, I can do stairs. Once I am on the 13th floor, is the obs deck easy to find. I love the monorail idea. Do you have a favorite spot for wishes pix? Also you guys are great. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[ukcatfan]

I have never done the stairs thing, but I imagine that you take the elevator up as far as possible and then find the outside exit to the stairs. They are at the end of the row of rooms. There are three elevators on one side and one on the other facing each other. The side that you wat to go towards is the one with the three. You can also tell that you are going the right direction if you can look out over the stores and not the restaurants.

Will,

Which side is better, the left or right?


To get the monorail in the picture and have it fairly large, I believe that you would have to stay on the fourth floor observation deck or possibly the fifth floor stairs. I doubt that the angle would be very nice if you are above the track. You can get to the deck by the doors just on the far side of the stores. With all of these options, be sure to arrive a little early so you can get a good spot.

 

[Dznefreek]

Stairwell shot. . . . . .

 

[WillCAD]

Will,

Which side is better, the left or right?

As you face MK, I believe it's the left side - the same side at CA Grill.

The stairwazy on that side actually leads directly to the 15th floor observation deck outside CG, so all you have to do is keep going up and you're there.

 

[klmall]

That gorgeous picture of the castle gets me every time I see it!

I love the different rides so nicely contrasted with the castle and your picture is one of the very few I have ever seen that gives dimension to the Florida background beyond the castle. I get so tired of flat Florida pics when I know we see depth.

Again, this is a great picture!