Help, I feel I should be more excited about my Cali Grill ressie

[KAA1972]

DH and I are taking our anniversary trip in Sept and we've booked Cali Grill for our anniversary dinner. DD will be heading to Neverland Club. For some reason, I can't ge excited about this ressie. This is our 10th WDW trip in two years so we go often. However, I just keep thinking that I would prefer a faster dinner so DH and I could walk around MK a bit before we pick up DD.

Can anyone help me get excited about this ressie or can you suggest another restaurant on monorail resort or mk that would be faster?

We have no interest in seeing fireworks from top of Cali grill as we are staying at poly and can see them from there too....

 

[dandave]

It's your anniversary. Do whatever you want! CG is very, very, good, but it isn't the be all end all. Kona Cafe at the Poly is pretty good. Even a burger and a churro are good, if that's what you want.

 

[dsnyrn]

From what I have been reading on this fabulous board, Citircos or Narccoossees would be more quiet and romantic! Since it is just the two of you, this might be a better option. We have never done any of these restauranats, but will this trip!! Love Deluxe Dining!! Enjoy

 

[OhThePain]

CG doesn't say "anniversary dinner" to me. It is too loud and the food is good, but nothing really special. I think 2 better options in that area are Citricos (GF) and Artist Point (not on the monorail but WL is a short boatride from MK). The food at both is much better than at CG and the atmospheres are quieter and a bit more romantic. If you change your ADR, those are the 2 I would consider.

 

[djblu883]

I totally agree! I'd hop over to the Grand FLoridian!!! Citricos or Narcoossee's is quieter and to our family the food MUCH better!!!

 

[LAS321]

If you want something a little faster than one of the signatures I would consider Grand Floridian Cafe. The food is excellent and I think it's a little quieter than Kona. We've loved our meals there....then jump on the monorail and walk around MK for a bit!

 

[TDC Nala]

From what I have been reading on this fabulous board, Citircos or Narccoossees would be more quiet and romantic! Since it is just the two of you, this might be a better option. We have never done any of these restauranats, but will this trip!! Love Deluxe Dining!! Enjoy

but if the concern is that they want a dinner that will move faster, I dont think they will get that at Citricos or Narcoosees. Signature meals are more leisurely paced. I guess you could ask your server to expedite everything. If you're looking for a non-signature I'd say Grand Floridian Cafe. The Wave is good and you can walk to MK after dinner but the decor is pretty standard (except the bar, the bar is cool).

 

[disneyfav4ever]

It's your anniversary, do what you want! Personally, I've been dissapointed with CA Grill the last two times I've been there, and if you want to eat faster, a non-signature would probably be a better choice, I really like Kona, the Wave, and GF Cafe.

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

I like the atmosphere at California Grill, but it can be noisy depending on the evening.

Citrocos had good food, but the atmosphere left a lot to be desired. I felt like I was dining in the lobby of any big, corporate hotel.

Artist Point is romantic, while, Narcoossee's is noisier, but it does have a nice view of the water, which I love.

Grand Floridian Cafe is okay, but it doesn't say anniversary to me.

If it was me, I would stick with California Grill (or another signature), but I would go ONLY for drinks and appetizers. I would make a quick exit to the Magic Kingdom and stroll along Main Street. I would purchase a caramel apple or a box of popcorn and soak in the ambience. If the weather was good, I would find a place to sit together and wait for the parade. That's what I would do.

If you do decide to have a long dinner, then I would splurge for Victoria & Alberts. It does feel special and romantic.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

IIf it was me, I would stick with California Grill (or another signature), but I would go ONLY for drinks and appetizers. I would make a quick exit to the Magic Kingdom and stroll along Main Street.

That's what I would do, too. California Grill has outstanding appetizers and I don't think they should be missed.

 

[KAA1972]

If it was me, I would stick with California Grill (or another signature), but I would go ONLY for drinks and appetizers. I would make a quick exit to the Magic Kingdom and stroll along Main Street. I would purchase a caramel apple or a box of popcorn and soak in the ambience. If the weather was good, I would find a place to sit together and wait for the parade. That's what I would do.

If you do decide to have a long dinner, then I would splurge for Victoria & Alberts. It does feel special and romantic.

I love this plan!!! This is perfect for us-- and a good compromise. Will we still need our ressies for apps or should we release those?

We are saving Victoria and Alberts for my husband's retirement from the Military in three years.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

Keep the reservation just in case it's crowded up there when you get there.

 

[BabsBunny]

Like everyone says, you need to do what you makes you happy. That being said, I would much rather enjoy a leisurely dining experience for two at CG than to mingle with the strollers at MK. CG is one of my favorite Disney restaurants. Last time we were there we got a table in view of the open kitchen. It was fun to watch the "ballet of the chefs".

 

[Uncleromulus]

Sweet Mellisa is right--w/o a reservation, if its crowded, they might not let you in.

 

[JimmyV]

You can make it a "quick" dinner with plenty of time to head to the MK. You can order up some sushi and a flatbread. Tell them not to "course" them, but instead to bring everything out at once. You'll be in and out in half an hour once you are seated. And this will in no way be a "compromised" dinner, as sushi and flatbreads are among the things that they do best.

 

[KAA1972]

You can make it a "quick" dinner with plenty of time to head to the MK. You can order up some sushi and a flatbread. Tell them not to "course" them, but instead to bring everything out at once. You'll be in and out in half an hour once you are seated. And this will in no way be a "compromised" dinner, as sushi and flatbreads are among the things that they do best.

Oh, this is good to know too.... We are TIW so we aren't "locked in" to the DDP options. I think we can just wait and see how hungry we are when we get there. We are having breakfast at Kona that morning at 9 a.m. and DH just asked me where we are going to eat lunch that day.... Surely, he's joking...