Reservation timing for monorail crawl

[Girimama33]

We are about 90 days out from our very first WDW trip. We have a resort day on a Friday where I was going to do laundry and relax by the pool. That evening we are planning on exploring the monorail resorts. We are planning on stopping at California Grill Lounge first when they open at 5. Then head to the Poly to walk around and then check out the GF. Our plan is to get a reservation at Citricos, and after that hopefully watch the fireworks from the viewing area at the CA Grill.

My question is, what time would you make the Citricos reservation for?

 

[Nayan]

I would start at Poly (5pm), head to GF around 5:30 (get a reservation for 6:15/6:30) then finish the night at CA Grill. That way you don't have to backtrack.

 

[TammiMcMan]

For the California Grill, the closer it gets to fireworks, the harder it is to snag chairs at the bar so your plan to start there is a good one. I would plan my reservation time at Citrico’s to start around 3 hours before the fireworks. You may not be seated immediately and you want to have enough time on the other end to get the monorail back to the contemporary. if you find yourself with a little extra time, you could always get a drink at the Steakhouse 71 to bring with you up to the California grill observation deck . Just have your receipt handy to show at the check in check in desk for the elevator.