Official California Grill Open ADR Watch Thread

[SlightlyocdDisneyfan]

Unfortunately, I had an unexpected hospitalization when ADR's opened so I am behind. If anyone who has dined at CG and viewed the fireworks could offer your opinion it would be greatly appreciated. I needed December 11th and ended up with two options: 5:25 and 9:10. Would I be better to go at 5:25 and go back with my receipt to view Wishes or take the 9:10 and try to work ordering, appetizers etc. around viewing Wishes? As a single mom just now being able to afford to take my adult children on a vacation, we are looking for a good meal and atmosphere, as well as the surprise treat of viewing Wishes. Of course, I plan to continue to check for cancellations to get a little better time but don't want to hold both of these spots when I can decide between the two and open one up for someone else. This thread has really been helpful even though I unexpectedly ended up a little behind. Thanks for your help!

We have never had trouble eating during fireworks. Twice, our servers have held our meals to work around the show. I would make a point to mention that you want to see the fireworks and your server should help your dining experience smoothly fit around that.

Since your children are old enough to stay up late, the later reservation might be more relaxing and time-efficient than trying to squeeze in another activity between an earlier dining and fireworks. With the earlier dining, you would run the risk of getting caught up in something else and not returning for the show. At least that's what has happened to us!!

 

[Crew-JTA]

Unfortunately, I had an unexpected hospitalization when ADR's opened so I am behind. If anyone who has dined at CG and viewed the fireworks could offer your opinion it would be greatly appreciated. I needed December 11th and ended up with two options: 5:25 and 9:10. Would I be better to go at 5:25 and go back with my receipt to view Wishes or take the 9:10 and try to work ordering, appetizers etc. around viewing Wishes? As a single mom just now being able to afford to take my adult children on a vacation, we are looking for a good meal and atmosphere, as well as the surprise treat of viewing Wishes. Of course, I plan to continue to check for cancellations to get a little better time but don't want to hold both of these spots when I can decide between the two and open one up for someone else. This thread has really been helpful even though I unexpectedly ended up a little behind. Thanks for your help!

So sorry to hear about your hospitalization, but it sounds like you've got a great trip to look forward to.

I also have a ressie for Dec 11 .

Wishes is a 9:00 that night, so you'd have to get there early to watch and then be seated. If eating late in the evening isn't a problem for all of you, then it may just be a preference thing. Do you want to take a chunk of time to eat, leave, and come back later or do you want to get there before 9, watch the show, and order and eat pretty late?

Either way, I think you're right to check back for cancelations. And I've heard others mention to put in a specific time instead of just "dinner" when you're checking. Good luck! Maybe I'll see you there. We'll be the happy couple without a care in the world after getting married the day before

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Marthasor]

Unfortunately, I had an unexpected hospitalization when ADR's opened so I am behind. If anyone who has dined at CG and viewed the fireworks could offer your opinion it would be greatly appreciated. I needed December 11th and ended up with two options: 5:25 and 9:10. Would I be better to go at 5:25 and go back with my receipt to view Wishes or take the 9:10 and try to work ordering, appetizers etc. around viewing Wishes? As a single mom just now being able to afford to take my adult children on a vacation, we are looking for a good meal and atmosphere, as well as the surprise treat of viewing Wishes. Of course, I plan to continue to check for cancellations to get a little better time but don't want to hold both of these spots when I can decide between the two and open one up for someone else. This thread has really been helpful even though I unexpectedly ended up a little behind. Thanks for your help!

If you don't mind eating late, I would take the 9:10 pm reservation. I would arrive early (8:40/8:45 pm), check-in and let them know you would like to view the fireworks prior to being seated. With a 9:10 pm ADR, chances are you won't be seated until after Wishes is over anyway. I would then watch the fireworks and sit down for your meal. Again, if you don't mind eating late, this could be a great scenario.

I personally would not want to eat at 5:25 pm, ending possibly at 7 pm only to have two hours to kill and then come all the way back to the restaurant.

Yes, keep trying for other times, but at this point, I personally would cancel the 5:25 pm

 

[gwany1999]

I was able to get reservations for February for myself and my husband. Can't wait!

 

[Debijmk]

We have never had trouble eating during fireworks. Twice, our servers have held our meals to work around the show. I would make a point to mention that you want to see the fireworks and your server should help your dining experience smoothly fit around that.

Since your children are old enough to stay up late, the later reservation might be more relaxing and time-efficient than trying to squeeze in another activity between an earlier dining and fireworks. With the earlier dining, you would run the risk of getting caught up in something else and not returning for the show. At least that's what has happened to us!!

Thanks so much! I was hoping the servers would be willing to help make it a magical night. Glad to know they did for you

 

[tinkerpea]

If you don't mind eating late, I would take the 9:10 pm reservation. I would arrive early (8:40/8:45 pm), check-in and let them know you would like to view the fireworks prior to being seated. With a 9:10 pm ADR, chances are you won't be seated until after Wishes is over anyway. I would then watch the fireworks and sit down for your meal. Again, if you don't mind eating late, this could be a great scenario.

I personally would not want to eat at 5:25 pm, ending possibly at 7 pm only to have two hours to kill and then come all the way back to the restaurant.

Yes, keep trying for other times, but at this point, I personally would cancel the 5:25 pm

I also have just had to decide between 9.10 and 5.25 for November 5th lol so those times must be unpopular!

Anyways I just wanted to add that when we have eaten at Cali grill " 1st time last trip" and narcoosees we have arrived around 20 mins before our time and normally seated just before our time, as we have children also they are age. 8:8:11 this is rather late for them, so we order and they will make sure not to bring out your food if your viewing the fireworks but will have it ready for when you are seated back down!

This way your not still waiting to order at gone 9.30 and only just getting food at 10! They are amazing when you have children with you!
So if you can take a good look at the menu before hand ( even if its just an hour or so before) so your not having to think about what you want to eat wks in advance lol, write it down and then you can tell the server straight away, with no waiting for menu then drink order etc

We have done this a few times with late adrs and its worked out perfectly. X

 

[Debijmk]

So sorry to hear about your hospitalization, but it sounds like you've got a great trip to look forward to.

I also have a ressie for Dec 11 .

Wishes is a 9:00 that night, so you'd have to get there early to watch and then be seated. If eating late in the evening isn't a problem for all of you, then it may just be a preference thing. Do you want to take a chunk of time to eat, leave, and come back later or do you want to get there before 9, watch the show, and order and eat pretty late?

Either way, I think you're right to check back for cancelations. And I've heard others mention to put in a specific time instead of just "dinner" when you're checking. Good luck! Maybe I'll see you there. We'll be the happy couple without a care in the world after getting married the day before

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

How exciting Tamara...Getting Married and Disney!!! Of course, I would prefer 7:00ish and then Wishes but don't think being later will be too difficult for us. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage

 

[Debijmk]

If you don't mind eating late, I would take the 9:10 pm reservation. I would arrive early (8:40/8:45 pm), check-in and let them know you would like to view the fireworks prior to being seated. With a 9:10 pm ADR, chances are you won't be seated until after Wishes is over anyway. I would then watch the fireworks and sit down for your meal. Again, if you don't mind eating late, this could be a great scenario.

I personally would not want to eat at 5:25 pm, ending possibly at 7 pm only to have two hours to kill and then come all the way back to the restaurant.

Yes, keep trying for other times, but at this point, I personally would cancel the 5:25 pm

Thanks so much...this was pretty much my thoughts exactly but since we have never been before I wanted to hear for the experts. I don't particularly care for the killing time idea between eating and Wishes. I cancelled my 5:25 and will hope for this scenario unless I get lucky enough to get an earlier time. Either way, I am excited for us to get the opportunity to experience CG and Wishes

 

[Debijmk]

I also have just had to decide between 9.10 and 5.25 for November 5th lol so those times must be unpopular!

Anyways I just wanted to add that when we have eaten at Cali grill " 1st time last trip" and narcoosees we have arrived around 20 mins before our time and normally seated just before our time, as we have children also they are age. 8:8:11 this is rather late for them, so we order and they will make sure not to bring out your food if your viewing the fireworks but will have it ready for when you are seated back down!

This way your not still waiting to order at gone 9.30 and only just getting food at 10! They are amazing when you have children with you!
So if you can take a good look at the menu before hand ( even if its just an hour or so before) so your not having to think about what you want to eat wks in advance lol, write it down and then you can tell the server straight away, with no waiting for menu then drink order etc

We have done this a few times with late adrs and its worked out perfectly. X

Thanks for the information, that is a great idea! Even though my children are older, it would help being prepared this way so we aren't eating at 10:00 or after. Just curious since it seems you have experienced both; which did you prefer between CG and Narcoosee's? I watched several threads when initially planning and it seemed the general consensus was CG.

 

[andyman8]

This new California Grill looks positively amazing! Cannot wait to eat there! I found some pictures from TouringPlans, so here are some of the pictures:

This restuarant is just amazing! Hopefully, the food is good too! You can read more HERE.

Two questions though (I can't remember): the blog post says that the bar will be open to anyone, no ADRs required. Has that always been the case or is that new? Also, do you need to have an ADR to sit at the lounge?

 

[ammag]

I believe the bar is open to anyone! Does anyone know how to add in a celebration? This wasn't an option when I did my online reservation. It's our anniversary dinner so wanted to note that. Should I call or are they not doing that anyone?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Two questions though (I can't remember): the blog post says that the bar will be open to anyone, no ADRs required. Has that always been the case or is that new? Also, do you need to have an ADR to sit at the lounge?

Thanks for posting the pics - looks great, and seems a bit more open/airy than the old style

I believe that even before you did not need to have a ADR to sit at the bar/lounge - HOWEVER they would not let you up if it was too crowded so it was kinda first-come/first-serve or you had to wait until there was room and people with ADRs would have priority to get up there

 

[tinkerpea]

Thanks for the information, that is a great idea! Even though my children are older, it would help being prepared this way so we aren't eating at 10:00 or after. Just curious since it seems you have experienced both; which did you prefer between CG and Narcoosee's? I watched several threads when initially planning and it seemed the general consensus was CG.

Due to the menu " i love seafood so lobster and steak was a huge winner" I really loved narcoosees I found the food to be really nice and actually thought the view of watching fireworks across the lake was lovely!
My boys although really enjoyed CG was quite scared to go out on to the roof as it was pretty windy the day we was up there and so being high up and the path where you watch not being exactly huge did have them worried at the start, saying that though the view of the parks from CG is just beautiful, something very magical about seeing everything from up high and I can not wait to see it again.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Happy "Official California Grill Re-Opening Day" everyone!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Happy "Official California Grill Re-Opening Day" everyone!

Does anyone know if there is a Tweeter, reviewer or Blogger we should follow to get a dinner review soon? I'm going to post to my CR thread to see if any posters will be dining there soon.

 

[LisaCM614]

Does anyone know if there is a Tweeter, reviewer or Blogger we should follow to get a dinner review soon? I'm going to post to my CR thread to see if any posters will be dining there soon.

AJ provided a great review last week on disneyfoodblog.com

 

[WDWKOOK]

AJ provided a great review last week on disneyfoodblog.com

Fantastic, I had missed that. Thank you, Lisa!

 

[AquaDame]

Personally I can't wait to get some 'real people' reviews. I'm always wary that those specially invited to press events aren't getting the real deal - I like hearing from the regular Joes on regular nights who have to pay for it since that is my ticket in too!

 

[brios86]

Personally I can't wait to get some 'real people' reviews. I'm always wary that those specially invited to press events aren't getting the real deal - I like hearing from the regular Joes on regular nights who have to pay for it since that is my ticket in too!

We just ate there tonight and it was amazing. I was a little hesitant due to the menu. I didn't think there was anything I would like. Everything we ordered was incredible. I'll have to list it out later. Eating there will have to change how we dine at WDW.

 

[JamesA1]

I wish it was possible for me to say the same things as the PP. Yes the appetizer was good but that is all I can tell you about. It was the execution that was an issue for me. My entree could not be prepared to the chef's satisfaction. Credit there. The 45 minutes before the issues was brought to my attention. No credit there. The alternate was not even a close second.

When the manager came to speak to me he offered me a dessert. Wait I have not even had an entree. No thank you my check please. They did take care of my appetizer.

My hope is that they work out their issues and execution improves.

One other thing and now it makes sense. The table next to me said as they were leaving. "Good luck getting you meal."