Is Cali Grill worth 2 dinner credits?

[jfranklyn]

We are doing a ladies only trip in June, and decided that we would like to try a signature restaurant. We decided on the Cali Grill more for the ambience and the view than for the menu (didn't really look at it). So, is it worth is? How is the food?

 

[Tricia1972]

I have heard many reports that the view is fantastic, but it can be more noisy than the other signatures. More families take their kids to see Wishes and reportedly this has resulted in an overall louder atmosphere.

 

[Pakey]

The view is nice if you get a window table on the MK side but there is no guarantee that you will and the majority of the tables are not.

The restaurant is very crowded, busy, noisy. The acoustics because of all of the glass add to the crowd noise and the layout with people waiting for tables also adds to it. Some nights, there are many children dining here but for the most part, they do not contribute to the noise level.

Personally, we love Ca Grill because we love sushi. I also like it with a larger group because it's already noisy in there and we can talk a bit louder across a larger table without disturbing others. However, with a small group of 4 or an intimate dinner, I would definitely not go here.

 

[GazerBeam]

I think it is worth it on the DDP, as much as anything is worth it on the DDP these days.

It's loud, but to me it is a hip, happening, fun kind of loud. Not stuck-up or snooty in any respect. Food is great, great wine selection too. My favorite place to eat at WDW.

GB

 

[deekaypee]

In my experience, an unreserved yes! I've been to CG for both romantic and social experiences (no children). I've always had a great time, and haven't had a problem with noise. (Then again, I enjoy a lively restaurant.) The food has always been very good if not outright delicious,* the wine selection solid, and the service outstanding. I've never had a problem with seeing the fireworks, as you can go outside. And the view during other parts of the day is beautiful. I recommend it for a ladies-only trip!

*About the food. I speak as a vegetarian, but others in my party have enjoyed their meat and fish courses.

 

[ADP]

California Grill is a very nice restaurant, but I don't believe any fine dining experience/restaurant at Disney World is worth 2 TS credits.

 

[Dizneydaz]

We've done serveral 2 TS and here's my thoughts: We like CG, but have noticed a change since we first ate there. Sept. 2005, we had a nice meal (snooty server), they piped in the music and dimmed the lights, the windows were covered in condensation so we had to go out on the deck to watch (lots of gnats). So, overall, it was pretty good. Our next time at CS (Sept. 2006) was much better-our server was wonderful, we had a window seat and the windows were clear. The only negative was they didn't dim the lights which made it hard to see Wishes, and the music volume was so low that you could hardly hear it over the crowd noise level.

That same year we ate at Narcoossee's and had a much better experience, as far as the view and music went. The restaurant is smaller and therefore less noisy. We had an awesome view of Wishes, they dimmed the lights and piped in the music. We couldn't see all of the fireworks from our seats (second tier, on the rail) so we went outside on the veranda and had an awesome view. We liked it so much we went back last Sept. and skipped CG. This time we had a window seat but unfortunately about 5 min. before Wishes started a family (with large heads) came and sat right in front of our window substantially blocking our view. We had to go outside, anyway, to watch Wishes. We stood in front of our blockers.

The food at both is good. I would look at the menus if I was undecided. Narcoossee's has lobster! CG has sushi. I liked Wishes better from Narcoossee's than CG, others will probably disagree. At CG you are up high , far off to the wight side. At Narcoossee's you are at ground level, off to the left side.

One thing we noticed in our trips to CG, alot of our experience depended on our server. First time, seemed like he phoned it in, second time so much better (we had Billy, the sommelier-wine guy) He was just wonderful!

 

[TigerKat]

Absolutely!!! One of the finest dining experiences we've had, the sushi alone would make it worth it for me.

 

[princessesrule4]

CG is a must do for us on every trip!

 

[LSchrow]

i think we're in the miniority, but were not very impressed with CG. it is definately something to try once (a designation i would give to just about any other restaurant on WDW property), but we found it more hype than substance.
portions were small (we're not big eaters, so this was tolerable, but surprising), service definately not what we expect from a high end restaurant (bored waitstaff who spent most of the time chatting in groups rather than attending to multiple tables of dirty dishes, empty drinks, lack of flatware ), & the food just "okay" (simply, not as special as one would expect. taste (seasoning) was inconsistant within the same piece of meat/fish, and while beautifully presented, the lackluster flavor of the majority of offerings ~ basically, we had hoped that the food would taste as good as it looked & found out differently ).
the restaurant does offer a beautiful view of wishes, which is why i would especially recommend at least a visit.
however, if you are going more for excellent food with atmosphere, perhaps consider Jiko. also, flying fish has excellent reviews, & as it is directly on the BW, offers quite a bit to do after your meal.
hth

 

[Pakey]

We've done serveral 2 TS and here's my thoughts: We like CG, but have noticed a change since we first ate there. Sept. 2005, we had a nice meal (snooty server), they piped in the music and dimmed the lights, the windows were covered in condensation so we had to go out on the deck to watch (lots of gnats). So, overall, it was pretty good. Our next time at CS (Sept. 2006) was much better-our server was wonderful, we had a window seat and the windows were clear. The only negative was they didn't dim the lights which made it hard to see Wishes, and the music volume was so low that you could hardly hear it over the crowd noise level.

We ate at CG about five weeks ago and they did dim the lights. The place was packed and noisy but it was quiet during Wishes and we could easily see and hear from inside the restaurant.

 

[Sugardimples]

We love the CG and think it is worth every bit of 2TS credit and then some. It has been our pleasure the order wine pairing with each course and to take the wine recommendations from our server. We ask for "Billy" each time and think that he is the best server we have ever encountered anywhere. He has taken the time to educate us and help us to expand our wine appreciation. The first time we were there we went outside to see Wishes - now we don't. We just enjoy our dining experience.

 

[O_Jr71]

California Grill it's definitely worth 2 credits!! the view, the food, we had EXCELLENT service. it was amazing and i can't wait to go back in august

 

[cdtommie]

On the old DP, definitely worth the 2 TS (we did CG three times last year on the DP). With the new DP, I would say it's not worth it without the appetizer (ie. the sushi for us) but then again we don't think the new DP is worth it period.

 

[Angel Ariel]

In my experience, an unreserved yes! I've been to CG for both romantic and social experiences (no children). I've always had a great time, and haven't had a problem with noise. (Then again, I enjoy a lively restaurant.) The food has always been very good if not outright delicious,* the wine selection solid, and the service outstanding. I've never had a problem with seeing the fireworks, as you can go outside. And the view during other parts of the day is beautiful. I recommend it for a ladies-only trip!

ITA! DH and I were here on our honeymoon, and our anniversary trip. The service was amazing both times (above and beyond, in our opinion), the food was some of the best we have had anywhere, the view is incredible, and the wine is fabulous!!!

Honestly, it might be noisy but we don't really hear it. We're too much in our own little romantic world when we're there that no one else really registers!

 

[wdwhereicome]

If you ask my DH, he'd say no. He wasn't impressed with the food at all and the server we had was downright terrible. If I go again, it will be on a solo trip or with friends.

As far as 2 TS, my thought is if it somewhere you really want to go - then yes it's worth it. Or if you've never been before and want to give it a try - then the TS are worth it. If you are not sure then no.

 

[byoung]

IMHO none are worth 2 credits. Only the shows.

 

[timandlesley]

We love the CG and think it is worth every bit of 2TS credit and then some. It has been our pleasure the order wine pairing with each course and to take the wine recommendations from our server. We ask for "Billy" each time and think that he is the best server we have ever encountered anywhere. He has taken the time to educate us and help us to expand our wine appreciation. The first time we were there we went outside to see Wishes - now we don't. We just enjoy our dining experience.

Not to hijack but I have a question based on your response. How much are the wine pairings roughly? We will be paying out of pocket for alcohol of course and I am a wine drinker and would love to know how much this runs, sounds awesome.
Lesley

 

[Pumbaa_]

I prefer AP over CG

 

[yankeepenny]

No it was NOT worth it.