Is it worth using up 2 credits on the Meal plan for the Califonia Grill?

[frankiemom]

My husband suggested we go there. We wnet there a few years ago. Do you think it is worth using the 2 credits? Thanks

 

[kittythepoohbear]

YES!!!!! My bf and I ate there on the dining plan in Sept. and it was a major highlight of our trip. The food was fabulous and since we were on the dining plan, we felt free to eat what we wanted and not have to choose one dish over the other based on our budget. It didn't matter too much to me since I am a vegetarian and the meatless dishes aren't too expensive but my bf really enjoyed a veal dish that was rather hefty in price (he is a very big veal fan). The price for the meal was around $200 including a few glasses of wine (not included) and a few extra dollars for a tip since the service was superb. We were also able to time our meal with Wishes which made the evening extra special. The whole experience was so special and romantic and we definitely plan to do it again, but can really only afford to do so on the dining plan.
To make up for the extra credit, we paid for CRT, which was then only 1 TS and $25 for lunch, out of pocket. It didn't come out to much money and really allowed us to use the dining plan to our advantage.

Kat

 

[frankiemom]

Oh great I am a vegetarian too---what did you have?

 

[hipchickie]

NO!!
The best thing about this restaurant is the view, but otherwise I was not impressed. The total bill was very close to what our total was at le cellier, which had much better food and server. And le cellier was only one credit. It was supposed to be the wonderful last meal of our vaca, and for many reasons I was disappointed.

It wasn't horrible, but I wouldn't bother again. If you are going to try and book it for during wishes would be the only way I would suggest it

 

[dnbent]

In one word ABSOLUTELY!! We, DH and DBIL and I were so impressed that when we were back earlier this month and not on the dining plan we went again. And loved it again. This time we even took our daughters, 16 & 14, and their two friends, 16 & 14. The girls friends had never been to a nice restaurant and they were truly impressed. In fact, it was a favorite for all 4 of the girls.

I must also agree that if you can time it to see Wishes, it is even more special.

Have a great time.

 

[hipchickie]

I just checked the posted menu, (because I know I had a vegetarian meal but it didn't make enough of an impact that I can even remember what it was) and the menu on here is completely different than what was offered in January, I wouldn't base your choice on that

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Yes !!! Yes !!! Yes !!!

 

[N.Bailey]

Yes !!! Yes !!! Yes !!!

What he said, however, I don't know how I'd feel if I were a vegetarian.

 

[jdvm]

No doubt about it. Go for it!!

 

[momto2girls]

Absolutely!

 

[kittythepoohbear]

As for vegetarian options, I remember they had one listed that I wasn't crazy about. So I asked if other options where available and they told me I can choose one appetizer and two other items from the non-entree part of the menu or they could ask the chef to come and speak with me. Choosing the two smaller items suited me just fine since I got to try more food!
I had the soup which I believe was a roasted squash. I was surprised by how much I loved it since I am not a squash person. Then I had the heirloom tomato stack salad which was delicious! It was a variety of tomatoes both red and yellow with some cheese and a lovely dressing. Vey sweet and fresh. I also had the ravioli which was very good. It was a first course portion, so not terribly big although I am sure you could double it if you wanted to, but it was more than enough for me after two courses. There were about three large ravioli in a light fresh sauce. I followed all of this with chocolate cake. It was one of my best meals in WDW and it was all on the dining plan.

Kat

 

[sheepygirl23]

Its absolutly worth it. I love the California Grill. Everything in the place is delicious, especially the steak.

 

[dgaston]

We ate at CG in the Wine Room for DH's birthday on the dining plan. I called ahead and secretly ordered a birthday cake for him, which they put on the Dining Plan! We had a flatbread, steaks and the bill came to around $140 dollars. We totally enjoyed watching Wishes from the balcony, and while I was first upset we weren't in the main dining room, really like the Wine Room. Our server was very professional, not warm, and we foolishly left 10 minutes too early to view IllumiNations from Epcot. This is on my definite list of repeats!!!

 

[CindyT]

Most definitely!!!

 

[RuthLS]

NO!!

It wasn't horrible, but I wouldn't bother again. If you are going to try and book it for during wishes would be the only way I would suggest it

What time is Wishes usually? And would you view if from in the restaurant/window or at the observation deck? We'll be there in May. Where can you find the times for illuminations and wishes?

Thanks,
Ruth

 

[pennyplanner]

If you are interested, here's my California Grill review from our Thanksgiving week trip! I thought it was it was a far superior dinner than the one at Le Cellier. Okay, I included the link for that review too.

California Grill:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1004022
Le Cellier:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1000961



--penny

 

[Cookie Princess]

OHHHH, YES!!! We never miss a meal at the CA Grill and we have never once left disappointed in our meals or the service. We were very happy to spend our 2 table service credits per person here last year.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

What time is Wishes usually? And would you view if from in the restaurant/window or at the observation deck?

The time of Wishes varies according to the time of year.

I think the best view is from the front observation deck, not in the restaurant.