Narcoossee's or California Grill?

[dbaker375]

7:30 ADR at Narcoossee's or 8:50 at California Grill? Right now I have both reservations.

Help me decide which to cancel!

Will most likely be going back into Magic Kingdom for fireworks on Sunday, so, I'm ok with watching fireworks from Cali Grill or from the GF beach/restaurant area.

DH is not really a Disney fan so I'm trying very hard to show him that Disney can be awesome for a couple! We are 49 and 55 and he has traveled to Disney too many times with competition dance teams and that has jaded his opinion of a Disney vacation. Once again we are traveling with his studio dance team for the Summit World Dance Competition at Coronado next weekend. So, I'm desperately trying to create as many "adult" opportunities for us in between his required time with the team.

It's been since 2014 since I've been to the World and I'm beyond excited to go back!! I LOVE Disney

 

[sanapp]

I would review the menus and figure out which he would like the most. Personally 8:50 is a tad late for me to have dinner, so for that reason alone I would pick Narcoossees!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I think both are very good, Narcoossee's can be a bit louder but our last dinner there, beat the one from California Grill (my scallops were a bit rubbery). California Grill is a bit more romantic and if your husband is a sushi nut, then I would let that be the determining factor.

 

[Pygoplites]

I'm probably in the minority here, but Narcoossee's is one of my least-favorite Signature restaurants. It just seems like corporate "hotel food"--competent but uninspired, whereas California Grill seems really special. To be honest, neither would be my top choice for a special couples evening, but between the two, I'd pick California Grill.

 

[Shelleyfs]

I love both of these restaurants. It's hard to pick. I think I would pick the earlier reservation like, sanapp. I wouldn't want to eat a big meal at 9 pm.

 

[gharter]

Another vote to go by the menus. I'm not a big fan of Narcoossees, never had a great meal there, never had a bad meal, just average. Seems cramped and loud.
California Grill is one of our favorite restaurants. We love timeing our ADR to stop dinner and watch the fireworks, and then resume dinner. Its always a fun evening.

 

[dbaker375]

Thanks everyone. We do not mind eating later, in fact we're kind of used to it given our work schedules. I thought that Narcoossee's might be louder. I ate at California Grill in 2011 at sunset and really enjoyed it. I walked back over to the MK for the fireworks so I've never seen the fireworks from that vantage point.

I've even considered keeping the dinner ressie for Narcoossee's and using the CG ressie for dessert and fireworks viewing... best of both worlds?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Thanks everyone. We do not mind eating later, in fact we're kind of used to it given our work schedules. I thought that Narcoossee's might be louder. I ate at California Grill in 2011 at sunset and really enjoyed it. I walked back over to the MK for the fireworks so I've never seen the fireworks from that vantage point.

I've even considered keeping the dinner ressie for Narcoossee's and using the CG ressie for dessert and fireworks viewing... best of both worlds?

Our disastrous Narcoosee's meal took almost 3 hours, so I wouldn't count on doing both. Personally, I would pick Cali Grill. I'm not a huge fan of the food at either, but you cannot beat the view at Cali Grill!

 

[Tksolomom]

California Grill has a new chef. Right now it is Pete’s (from the DIS) favorite restaurant. I have never been to Narcossee’s but I love CG, especially with the fireworks.

 

[BachataMan]

The location for Narcoossees is great especially if you get a sunset reservation. I've never eaten there but there was nothing on their menu that really stood out to me.

I'm going to be doing CG again soon. Last time I got the sushi, which was really good.

 

[jenjersnap]

We had a disastrous meal at Narcoossee's last trip so I am giving it a pass for awhile personally (including our adult only trip this fall). I would choose California Grill. We prefer later dining times too.

 

[LVSWL]

The fireworks on 5/4 and5/5 are at 9 and the castle projection show is 9:45. If your ressie is 8:50 it could be an issue getting seated/drink/ordering all during the time that the fireworks are going unless you plan to remain seated instead of going outside to watch.

 

[Nancyg56]

I sure do hope that the Narcoosses disasters are anomalies. My DGD loves this restaurant so it is our fireworks outside the parks restaurant.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I sure do hope that the Narcoosses disasters are anomalies.

It’s among my favorites as well, let’s hope!

 

[dachsie]

I sure do hope that the Narcoosses disasters are anomalies. My DGD loves this restaurant so it is our fireworks outside the parks restaurant.

"Disasters" are usually due to unrealistic expectations

 

[Nancyg56]

"Disasters" are usually due to unrealistic expectations

My family had an horrific experience at 'Ohana two years ago and despite the fact most of my family claimed it as a favorite must do, we have not returned. It was not pretty.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

My family had an horrific experience

I’ve been fortunate, been going to Disney since it opened, I’ve lived the highs (before the dining plans) and the lows (the early days of only hot dogs and hamburgers) and though my expectations are realistic my only issue has been at Coral Reef. After waiting and waiting for my bill, with my server no where to be found, I finally asked loudly for the manager and I told them, “You can’t give me a check then I’m leaving now and eating for FREE. The service there is terrible. Disney is a place of “zen” for me, I relive the memories of my childhood and I’m NOT eating at a place that makes me angry![/QUOTE] Take CG, in Feb my scallops which looked awesome, didn’t taste awesome, I loved the rest of my meal and they certainly were edible, you can’t always blame the chef, and you bet your bottom bippy, I’m going there again.

 

[Nancyg56]

I’ve been fortunate, been going to Disney since it opened, I’ve lived the highs (before the dining plans) and the lows (the early days of only hot dogs and hamburgers) and though my expectations are realistic my only issue has been at Coral Reef. After waiting and waiting for my bill, with my server no where to be found, I finally asked loudly for the manager and I told them, “You can’t give me a check then I’m leaving now and eating for FREE. The service there is terrible. Disney is a place of “zen” for me, I relive the memories of my childhood and I’m NOT eating at a place that makes me angry!

Take CG, in Feb my scallops which looked awesome, didn’t taste awesome, I loved the rest of my meal and they certainly were edible, you can’t always blame the chef, and you bet your bottom bippy, I’m going there again.[/QUOTE]


Oh my gosh the hot dog and burger baskets!!!! Took three to feed my DH, and with no way to order just a dog or burger, we sure did have a lot of soda and fries. LOL!!!
Yes, we also had a less than stellar experience at Coral Reef however we always figure a restaurant will have an off night and move on. 'Ohana has had it's ups and downs, but until that fateful night, nothing that would keep us from going back. With so many restaurants to choose from we figure it's not a bad thing.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

but until that fateful night, nothing that would keep us from going back. .

You crack me up... I’m not a fan of O’hana’s either, but to each his own.

 

[Nancyg56]

You crack me up... I’m not a fan of O’hana’s either, but to each his own.

LOL!!!! I do manage to entertain at times! LOL!!!