Opinions needed, California Grill

[Becky925]

I come seeking advise from other planners. The last night of my upcoming trip I have a reservation for two(my mom and I) at the Cali Grill on our last night. I started out with a 5:30 and have slowly been able to get later reservations. I currently have a 7:40 but tonight saw there was a 9:30. With Wishes at 10, and assuming I am unable to get an 8:30, which would you keep? I don't want to hang on to both very long, I know someone else would want the reservation. So I guess my question is which would you keep and why?
Thanks all!!!

 

[ineedavacation33]

If you want to watch Wishes from the dining area or out on the deck, then I'd keep the 9:30 and take a break after appetizers to watch. If you don't care about the fireworks, then the 7:40 is not so late and probably more ideal.

 

[figment_jii]

For my family of three adults, the average three course Signature meal takes between 90 and 120 minutes. So we would probably opt to go with the 7:40 pm reservation and be just finishing up dinner when Wishes was slated to start. There might be a bit of time between finishing up and the start of the show, but you do have to go out to the observation deck a bit before the show starts if you want a good spot, plus you may have to wait to be seated. If you take the 9:30 pm reservation there is a chance you wouldn't be seated in time to order before you have to go out to watch Wishes. I wouldn't count on getting a table with a view at either time.

 

[snitchseeker]

Is it true if you dined earlier you are allowed back to the deck for wishes if you show your receipt?

 

[kappyfamily]

Is it true if you dined earlier you are allowed back to the deck for wishes if you show your receipt?

Yes that's true!

 

[Nancyg56]

I would keep the 7:30. If you shoot for 9:30 you may not even have a seat by then. People tend to stay and enjoy the show.

 

[Jon84]

I'd go earlier, and then you are guaranteed to at least be on the balcony if you haven't dragged your meal out for long enough!

 

[Kimosabe]

Personally, if it's just adults, I would be tempted to keep the 9:30 and try to arrive around 9:00 to check-in. (But I enjoy late dining, particularly if it's at a signature like CG.) They would likely allow you to go on up and hang out at the bar (if you would be inclined to grab a glass of wine or some other beverage). If that's not particularly appealing, I would still try to get there around 9:15 to improve your chances of getting seated before Wishes, but I seriously doubt you would have a problem being seated anyway if you arrived at 9:30. The servers at CG are very good about keeping your food warm during fireworks if you need to get up from your table to view them from the deck or by a window. Yes, there are nights when it's crazy up there at Wishes time, but it's not every night. You take your chances either way, but one of my absolute favorite things to do at WDW is to be eating at CG during Wishes.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Good luck in finding a seat at the bar--or the lounge--anywhere near fireworks time!

Keep the 7:40--most likely you won't be seated on time anyway.

 

[Pageantprincess]

I come seeking advise from other planners. The last night of my upcoming trip I have a reservation for two(my mom and I) at the Cali Grill on our last night. I started out with a 5:30 and have slowly been able to get later reservations. I currently have a 7:40 but tonight saw there was a 9:30. With Wishes at 10, and assuming I am unable to get an 8:30, which would you keep? I don't want to hang on to both very long, I know someone else would want the reservation. So I guess my question is which would you keep and why?
Thanks all!!!

You should eat whenever you are comfortable having dinner. If you would like to view the fireworks (best part of California Grill), just show your receipt and go back up to the restaurant about 9:45pm. You will be able to view the fireworks on the balcony. I would recommend the left balcony so that you can see the Frozen fireworks in Hollywood Studios to your left, then moments later, you will view wishes right in front of you in MK.

Have fun!

 

[PoohsHunnyBee]

You should eat whenever you are comfortable having dinner. If you would like to view the fireworks (best part of California Grill), just show your receipt and go back up to the restaurant about 9:45pm. You will be able to view the fireworks on the balcony. I would recommend the left balcony so that you can see the Frozen fireworks in Hollywood Studios to your left, then moments later, you will view wishes right in front of you in MK.

Have fun!

The Frozen fireworks are done for the year, aren't they?

 

[Pageantprincess]

The Frozen fireworks are done for the year, aren't they?

They don't run year-round like Wishes and Illuminations? Well, that stinks!