It's official: California Grill observation deck for diners ONLY

[sotoalf]

I just got back from three days at the Contemporary (great time, wonderful hotel; read my post in the Resort thread). We noticed that the California Grill observation deck is off-limits to anyone who is not either dining or using the lounge; and, yes, cast members are QUITE on top of the situation.

The hotel has set up a "greeting" area on the 2nd floor (the convention floor) as you exit the escalator. Once there your name is checked off a list and you are then escorted up via escalator by a cast member.

If you're not going to eat or drink at the CG, I suggest you use the 4th floor observation deck if you want to see Wishes.

There are signs posted in every public area alerting people to the change in policy: in the monorail queue, lobby, Grand Canyon Concourse.

Speaking for myself, I thank God it happened. Things were getting too crazy up there.

 

[epcotfan]

That is good hear! Glad they are finally doing something to control the crowds.

 

[ducklite]

Agreed! It will hopefully reduce some of the noise volume when the place gets overcrowded just before the fireworks as well.

sotoalf--how were they handling people who wanted to go up to have a cocktail at the bar? I'm a wine afficianado, so the list there is very appealling to me, and DH and I enjoy having a pre or post dinner drink there. Hoping we'll still be able to do so--we don't have PS's, just pop in for it.

Anne

 

[sotoalf]

ducklite:

I love their wine selection too! From what I observed you need to tell the CM's exactly what you'll be doing. I don't think you'll have a problem as long as you avoid going when Wishes starts.

 

[Uncleromulus]

We'll see how this all works out I guess. Still nothing to prevent folks from "using" the lounge to nurse one drink for a hour or two prior to Wishes??
And the lounge/bar area is pretty small actually. Wonder if they will let you up if all the barseats/lounge tables are full?? Or--if the CM letting you up would even know it's full?? Many times when we eat at CG we see SRO at the bar and NO seats in the lounge.

 

[webray]

I am hoping they keep the lounge for diners only.

 

[cinmell]

Originally posted by epcotfan
That is good hear! Glad they are finally doing something to control the crowds.

 

[sotoalf]

Originally posted by Uncleromulus
We'll see how this all works out I guess. Still nothing to prevent folks from "using" the lounge to nurse one drink for a hour or two prior to Wishes??

I agree, Uncleromulus. The hotel initiated this policy only two weeks ago and I'm sure they're learning as they go.

 

[KFISCHER]

What if you're staying at the Contemporary.
You're on the 9th or 10th floor.
You're having dinner at CG.
You leave your 9th or 10th floor room.
Do you have to go to the 2nd floor to "check in" or can you just take the elevator up to the CG?

 

[WEDWDW]

Does anyone know what the new official policy for the CG lounge is?Is a PS required for the lounge also?Also,can you order from the full CG menu in the lounge or is it appetizers only?Thanks!

 

[sotoalf]

Originally posted by KFISCHER
What if you're staying at the Contemporary.
You're on the 9th or 10th floor.
You're having dinner at CG.
You leave your 9th or 10th floor room.
Do you have to go to the 2nd floor to "check in" or can you just take the elevator up to the CG?

Yes. All guests must report downstairs, regardless of what floor or building they're staying at.

 

[sotoalf]

Originally posted by WEDWDW
Does anyone know what the new official policy for the CG lounge is?Is a PS required for the lounge also?Also,can you order from the full CG menu in the lounge or is it appetizers only?Thanks!

You must check in at the 2nd floor for any visitation, whether it's for the lounge or restaurant. The poilcy might change if there's too many kinks - you know how erratic Disney is - but for now it's all inclusive.

You can order menu items at the lounge, yes.

 

[beattyfamily]

Great news!!!

 

[BCV23]

Sounds like a great change. Will be interesting to see how it works.

So if arriving by monorail, do we need to take the elevator down to 2nd floor after taking the escalator down from the monorail...or are we at the 2nd floor then...but I sure don't think so???

 

[sotoalf]

Originally posted by BCV23
Sounds like a great change. Will be interesting to see how it works.

So if arriving by monorail, do we need to take the elevator down to 2nd floor after taking the escalator down from the monorail...or are we at the 2nd floor then...but I sure don't think so???

Take the elevator to the 2nd floor (the huge empty convention area), the floor at which you walk around to catch the escalator to the first floor (lobby). You'll see a desk on your left with two California Grill hosts/hostesses, a couple of bottles of wine, and a computer. The elevators are a few feet adjacent.

 

[BCV23]

Thanks, sotoalf. I don't think I've ever been on that floor.

 

[KFISCHER]

You obviously shouldn't be allowed to just go up there and watch.

But it seems there should be a system to make it easier, more convenient for those who have reservations and took the time to make them, etc.

I foresee problems, and even more changes.

As a friend of mine who used to work for Disney used to say, there are three ways to do things: the right way, the wrong way, and the Disney way.

 

[sotoalf]

Originally posted by KFISCHER
You obviously shouldn't be allowed to just go up there and watch.

But it seems there should be a system to make it easier, more convenient for those who have reservations and took the time to make them, etc.

I foresee problems, and even more changes.

As a friend of mine who used to work for Disney used to say, there are three ways to do things: the right way, the wrong way, and the Disney way.

Since Disney is not exactly known for consistency or even logic, I don't doubt that the policy will change too.

owever, the new policy is not an inconvenience. Every entrance to the Contemporary - in the lobby, pool area, monorail station - plainly says that you must report to the second floor if you've got a CG reservation. I think it adds to the suspense.