I have a question about dinner at Cali Grill and parking

[rgf207]

I posted a topic a few days ago. I will be in WDW for a weekend in April. I would like to eat at the Cali Grill at their open kitchen area. People here said I probably don't need to make an ADR, I can usually just walk in and either get that area or a seat at the bar.

Now my question is. I will have a rental car. When I arrive at the contemporary will they let me park there and eat even though I don't have an ADR?

Same goes for AK and Jiko for my next night

 

[shellybaxter]

Personally, regardless of where you want to eat, I'd make an ADR for both Cali Grill and Jiko. You know you want to go there so why not just make the ADR. I've seen people turned away from Cali Grill when they asked to go to the bar and it was full. That area is always a mess and there are few if any open table when I've been up there.

As for the parking, you might have trouble at the guard shack without the ADR, but you might not. We've only ever been asked once at the Comtemporary for an ADR number (actually they checked the list for our name). You won't have any trouble at the AKL just telling them you will be eating at Jiko; we've even gone there just to look around and see the animals with no problem.

 

[rgf207]

Ah well. I just called and Jiko or Cali Grill have no openings on the days I was going to be there. I guess i'll keep trying

 

[daisy112878]

I would say if you go early when Cali Grill opens you'll be able to get a seat at the open kitchen area. We were there last Oct for a conference and had 2 men that went up the elevator with us to sit at the open kitchen. The later it got the more packed it was up there.

 

[jennifer6800]

I don't think you will have trouble with parking, just let them know you are eating at the hotel. There are so many things going on there with three restaurants, boat cruises, and recreation activities that they can't be sure. Also I do believe if you have a Disney Dining Experience card you can valet for free (plus tip of course). I ate in the lounge once, at a table without an ADR, and that was in August at 7:30. So I guess its just the luck of the draw.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Most likely at CG they will give you a parking pass for 3 hours. We go to CG almost every trip and only once (some years ago) was I ever asked for an ADR # by the guard.
Give it a shot--and I agree the earlier, the better.