Have to do both once. However since I'm Boardwalk bias I have to say Flying Fish. Cali Grill is beautiful but much of the ambiance to us is at night with the fireworks, the lagoon, and the park/resort skylines.
Potato wrapped red snapper - try it at the fish you'll love it...
I have been to both many times and they are both great, but would give the edge to FF (although going early like you are, CG will actually be a nicer experience than it is later in the evening, when there are big crowds and lots of people just sitting around waiting for the fireworks).
I would go to California Grill. Flying Fish was substandard the one time we went. I might be willing to try it again, but not for quite awhile. I've only had wonderful experiences at CG.
Flying Fish - Better food/service for the price. Don't get me wrong, I loved watching wishes from the balcony - but the restaurant is loud and last time the food was just so so.
We, too, would choose Flying Fish over Cali Grill. The view is great at Cali and the food is good, but we really prefer the food at Flying Fish. We've had both the snapper (excellent) and the scallops (even better).
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