Narcoosee's vs. California Grill

[bantha09]

So I am trying to plan for my January trip and I have the dining plan, and thanks to planning to snack/drink around the world one day I am left with an extra credit to do a Signature restaurant. I have done Citrico's before and loved it, but was looking for something new in the magic kingdom resorts. So Narcoosee's or California Grill, I throw the question out to the public forum.

 

[Nancyg56]

I think the two are like comparing apples to oranges, they are that different. I have to admit that I have not been to CG since the refurb, so take the feedback with that in mind.

CG is a big restaurant that seems to be a bit noisy to me. Now I like that, and enjoy the atmosphere, but it is not the quiet and romantic spot some folks picture. My family has alwasy experienced excellent food and wonderful service at CG, but since the menu change, we decided to try Narcoossees. (Love it by the way) If you arre going specifically for the view and for WIshes, CG is the place to be. The vantage point is unbelievable, with a spectacular view of MK. WIshes is gorgeous from the restaurant, but bea in mind you will probably need to go out to the viewing balcony.

Narcoossees could not be any more different! It is a darkish, quieter restaurant, with a more intimate atmosphere. WDW restaurants are not really quiet, but thi one comes close. The food is wonderful, the portions generous, adn the service stellar. WIshes can be seen from the front porch, and honestly while it is not the same as CG, it is really a lovely sight. You are out on the water, with a great view of the Castle and Wishes. Given a choice I would choose Narcoossees. .

 

[oceanmarina]

Narcoosees is always the best meal we have in WDW, a must do for us every trip. It's an amazing experience.

 

[kastoney]

throwing in a curve ball, but have you considered artist point? I've never done narcoossees as the menu doesn't appeal to me and Cali grill is hit or miss, but artist point is consistently perfect and a great atmosphere.

 

[bantha09]

throwing in a curve ball, but have you considered artist point? I've never done narcoossees as the menu doesn't appeal to me and Cali grill is hit or miss, but artist point is consistently perfect and a great atmosphere.

Ah more options, and while I kind of remembered it was there I had sort of forgotten too, might need to look into it too.

 

[kmn952]

Narcoossees. Surf and turf! Also a lovely view of the electric water pagent

 

[tabrizia]

We love Narcoossee's it is the only restaurant we have done every trip. The food has been great everytime we go.

 

[Nancyg56]

Narcoossees. Surf and turf! Also a lovely view of the electric water pagent

You can see the water pageant from Narcoossees?

 

[River Country]

I love both but CG is a must on every trip

 

[kmn952]

You can see the water pageant from Narcoossees?

Yes!!! If you're sitting by the window It's perfect. If not, step onto the deck! It's lovely!

 

[Nancyg56]

Yes!!! If you're sitting by the window It's perfect. If not, step onto the deck! It's lovely!

Thank you! I had read that you could not see it well from the GF. I am so glad that is not so. We have enjoyed this little pageant since it started so many many years ago, and wanted to be sure to introduce our newest Disney princesses to this sweet display. Our meal at Narcoossees will be extra special now!

 

[kmn952]

Thank you! I had read that you could not see it well from the GF. I am so glad that is not so. We have enjoyed this little pageant since it started so many many years ago, and wanted to be sure to introduce our newest Disney princesses to this sweet display. Our meal at Narcoossees will be extra special now!

I'm so glad! It's a great view too

 

[Nancyg56]

View attachment 113128


I'm so glad! It's a great view too

Perfect! I know it is silly, but it is special to me. I met my Buddy when I was 23. I had three chidren, and my husband has passed away. I had never been on an airplane, and really had not traveled at all. Two years in he took me to Disney and we stayed in the CR. There really was not much to do after dark, no clubs, etc. Well he insisted on the Tower and made sure it was facing the Lake so I would see this little pageant from our balcony. A few years later he had saved enough to take the whole family, and again made sure the kids were able to see and hear it from our balcony at the CR. My DH is not an articulate man, he is not that guy who uses words to display his intentions or his feelings, so the care he took in making sure that the one evening show was available for us told me more than any words could have. We always try to catch the ELP, and I wanted to be sure Nola and Rylee could come home to tell "Budman" they saw his favorite "parade". Thank you for taking the time to share the photo!

 

[kmn952]

Thank you for sharing that. That is the sweetest memory! I hope your vacation is wonderful!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Let me suggest that Narcoossee's is by no means a quiet restaurant.

Due to the fireworks/water parade business it is often full of families with kids--loud kids very often.

 

[JJZMgailey]

Perfect! I know it is silly, but it is special to me. I met my Buddy when I was 23. I had three chidren, and my husband has passed away. I had never been on an airplane, and really had not traveled at all. Two years in he took me to Disney and we stayed in the CR. There really was not much to do after dark, no clubs, etc. Well he insisted on the Tower and made sure it was facing the Lake so I would see this little pageant from our balcony. A few years later he had saved enough to take the whole family, and again made sure the kids were able to see and hear it from our balcony at the CR. My DH is not an articulate man, he is not that guy who uses words to display his intentions or his feelings, so the care he took in making sure that the one evening show was available for us told me more than any words could have. We always try to catch the ELP, and I wanted to be sure Nola and Rylee could come home to tell "Budman" they saw his favorite "parade". Thank you for taking the time to share the photo!

If I could "like" this 100 times, I would! This beautiful story is part of the magic of Disney for me. So, so sweet and he's a real keeper, your Buddy.

Wishing you and your family many, many years of magical vacations!!

P.S. Narcoossee's gets my vote too ~ my family had Christmas dinner there last year and it was amazing.

 

[Nancyg56]

If I could "like" this 100 times, I would! This beautiful story is part of the magic of Disney for me. So, so sweet and he's a real keeper, your Buddy.

Wishing you and your family many, many years of magical vacations!!

P.S. Narcoossee's gets my vote too ~ my family had Christmas dinner there last year and it was amazing.

Thank you!,

 

[cjsquared]

Another vote for Narcoossee's.

 

[purple figment]

You can see the water pageant from Narcoossees?

Yes, you can see the floats from inside, but you will want to go outside onto the deck because the music is not piped into the restaurant for this.

The music/soundtrack is piped into the restaurant for the fireworks.

 

[JZCubed]

So I am trying to plan for my January trip and I have the dining plan, and thanks to planning to snack/drink around the world one day I am left with an extra credit to do a Signature restaurant. I have done Citrico's before and loved it, but was looking for something new in the magic kingdom resorts. So Narcoosee's or California Grill, I throw the question out to the public forum.

CA Grill, while certainly having the best view at Disney, your experience can be hit-or-miss for a number of reasons. 1.) Where you're seated can matter, 2.) Noise level, 3.) Food can miss the mark for the price.

Narcoossee's - far more consistent, but the food is high-end 'New Englandy' (mostly) seafood; good food, but nothing special for a 'foodie'. Also, Grand Floridian is a more lovely stroll than is Contemporary, especially if you arrive before the live music ends in the main lobby (Narcoossee's requires you to walk outside to get to their front door).