Reservation Time @ CA Grill to view Wishes

[bronzebrunette78]

I can hardly believe that my WDW trip is only 16 days aways-- so excited! I'm just looking for some advice from anyone who has viewed Wishes from the California Grill. I've got 2 different reservation times on 2 different nights, and I can only use one. For an 8 pm show, which dinner time seems better-- 5:35 or 7:20? I know we'd probably be done if we go with the earlier time, but I'm not sure we'd manage to get a window seat with the later seating. Any thoughts? Thanks for any help!

 

[Nadjalu]

I would go with the later. If you get a window seat (which is a big IF but I think you know that) it would be perfect.
But during Wishes you can go out on the deck and watch, they hold the food back for you if you wish.

Enjoy!

 

[steamboat_rachel]

i would go with the server. we had a 7:25 reservation for a 10:00 wishes show, and our server timed our meal perfectly accordingly. we had a window seat, but i think that was partially due to me calling ahead and informing them it was my mom's birthday. good luck!

 

[bronzebrunette78]

Thanks for your advice guys! Looks like 7:20 is the way to go. Hopefully we'll even get to see a nice sunset if we're lucky.

 

[bronzebrunette78]

So……I'm having second thoughts on the later time now. I just realized that the restaurant opens at 5:30, so I was thinking that if we arrived early and/or called earlier that day, we might be more likely to get a window seat. I know it's not something they can guarantee, but I figured having a reservation only 5 minutes after they open might increase the likelihood of prime seating. How long should I expect the meal to take? I'm thinking it might be better to finish our meal and watch the fireworks from the balcony anyways….that way I can take pictures without the glare of a window pane. Thoughts??

 

[Uncleromulus]

You can't call ahead and ask for a window table. You have to ask when you arrive.
If you are seated at 5:35 and do get a window table, you'll be sitting there for almost 2 and a half hours before the fireworks begin. What are you going to do in all that time??

 

[bronzebrunette78]

Well that's why I asked how long it takes to eat there. I was reading on the mom's panel on the disney site that signature meals often take over 2 hours. I thought we could finish our meal and then head out to the balcony for drinks and a few photos. That was sorta my question-- is it better to aim to be IN the restaurant or OUT on the balcony? Just trying to get some opinions, that's all

 

[TheTravelingCarters]

I had the same dilemma but ended up getting reservations for AFTER the MNSSHP fireworks, so that I can watch them on the balcony before my meal without any worries about my food timing or how I long I will have to take up a table sitting....

 

[momtobrynncess]

Well that's why I asked how long it takes to eat there. I was reading on the mom's panel on the disney site that signature meals often take over 2 hours. I thought we could finish our meal and then head out to the balcony for drinks and a few photos. That was sorta my question-- is it better to aim to be IN the restaurant or OUT on the balcony? Just trying to get some opinions, that's all

We did this last year. We arrived about 20 minutes early, and asked for a window seat. Initially, she said it would be a 10-15 minute wait on top of the 20 minutes we were early. (Odd) But we literally waited 10 minutes, and had a PERFECT window seat. I think (and I may be wrong) that arriving early is the key. And being willing to wait. Our adr was I think an hour before the show, and it worked perfectly. Good luck!

 

[Uncleromulus]

At 5:35, CG won't be particulary busy--or the kitchen backed up. Even with appetizers, drinks, entrees and dessert, an hour and a half would probably be right for that time of day.
Even when we eat at fireworks time (reservation at 8-fireworks at 9)--we are usually out by 10.
I was just trying to avoid you having a window table and then have to sit there nearly an hour after dinner just waiting for the fireworks.

 

[ospopo5]

I am not trying to be rude but hopefully you make your mind up soon and cancel your other reservation. I know you are trying to plan the perfect dinner but it is a very hard place to get reservations for and you are holding up someone elses perfect dinner. I have been trying to make a reservation there for months for my wife but can't get in.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[obxshark]

I am not trying to be rude but hopefully you make your mind up soon and cancel your other reservation. I know you are trying to plan the perfect dinner but it is a very hard place to get reservations for and you are holding up someone elses perfect dinner. I have been trying to make a reservation there for months for my wife but can't get in.

Best of luck with your decision.

I heartily concur with Ospopo5 - please be sure to release whichever ressie you don't end up using, and the next guy in line waiting for a table will love you forever. As for which I'd take, I'd go for the later time. If it works perfectly, you'll just get your table, order drinks and an appetizer, then have time to stroll out on the overlook to watch the show. My wife and I did that once a few years back and it worked out perfectly. Either way, have a great evening

 

[bronzebrunette78]

All set-- 5:35 ADR canceled! Hope someone gets to snatch it up and enjoy the fireworks! Sorry for any hold-up I may have caused