I have an ADR for the California Grill AND a fear of elevators!

[Unca_Scrooge]

***IF*** an elevator has a stop at every floor (and I suspect most at Disney would) you can't get trapped in an elevator. Elevator stops (oh noes!), open the door and step out. At worst you'll have to step down (or up) two feet or so.
I learned this being mishevious in college.

 

[JoeyD]

Me and DW ate there a year ago. It is an express elevator and depending on when the reservation is, it may only be your party and the CM. The ride was over quickly.

I do think it would be a good idea to call now to check into the possibility of taking the stairs. It never hurts to ask.

 

[dis-happy]

I'm not a big elevator lover either, and walk up stairs when I can. One thing that helps me get through it mentally is if I know that there are people who will be around to rescue me if it gets stuck. So the monitored elevators in places like hotels or Disney aren't quite as bad. I bet you'll do fine and it will be worth it in the end.

 

[kadesha]

I won't do elevators either. Which is the reason I've never attempted ressies at this restaurant.

It sounds crazy to some people. I got stuck in an elevator in a hospital when the fire alarm went off. I'm not sure how it happened. I was on the elevator and then fire alarms started going off and the elevator stopped and the doors would not open. I was freaking out in there thinking that the building was going to burn down and I wasn't going to be able to escape. After about 10 minutes the alarms stopped. About 5 minutes later the elevator began to move again and opened on the next floor. Turned out it was just a fire drill within the hospital. No one on staff could tell my why the elevator did that. Needless to say, I will climb any number of stairs before getting on an elevator again.

 

[lookingforward]

I totally can relate to the OP! I have a horrible fear of all things closed in! I hate elevators and will avoid them at all costs. Here is the funny thing....elevators don't scare me at disneyworld. I don't know why. And just to make the OP feel better....I have stayed at the Contemporary and eaten at California Grill. The elevator up is actually renovated and quite pretty, its express and QUICK AND a castmember will be with you. Nothing is going to happen! It takes about 40 seconds. I swear!

 

[mimimischief]

I have suffered from panic attacks while driving and in elevators. It was a concern of mine also..We made a reservation 2 years ago and i cancelled . This year i told myself i was gonning to eat at california grill and i DID!
The elevator ride was fast and smooth, i had a pre dinner drink at our hotel and hopped right in. Our reservation was at 930, so we arrived at 845 checked in, rode up and watched Wishes from the viewing platform. The view is beautiful and i do not like heights.I will dine there again.
I have listened to cd's from a women named Belleruth Naperstak and she has many tapes dealin with phobias, diffenately invest in one. I t has doe wonders. I even rode rollercoasters this visit. Enjoy your meal at California grill, it was so relaxing i didn't even hesitate to ride back out.

 

[Tink888]

My son has a thing about elevators too. He has to stand in the back, in the corner. You can always ask about the stairs and at least it is an express elevator. Will someone be with you? If CG is a place you have always wanted to try, I say go for it - maybe close your eyes during the ride and envision Wishes and the fantastic dinner you'll be having. Just try to stay focused on that and the ride will be over before you know it.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

Thanks you guys. I do feel better knowing that its quick and a CM will be there too.