Returning to Cali for Fireworks

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

After several weeks of checking ADRs, I was finally able to catch a 7:25 pm reservation at Cali Grill on a night when Hallowishes will be at 10:15. We initially had a 9:20, but several people on these boards commented that we might wait an hour to be seated with a reservation at that time.

If we finish dinner around 9:15, when should we plan on returning to Cali to watch the fireworks from the balcony? We'd like to have a good view, but we don't necessarily want to hang out on the balcony for an hour- and I don't know if they would even let us do that.

 

[NicoleLarson]

I would honestly just get a drink and hang out in the bar area. The line to get back up gets really really long near fireworks time. I think people start staking out a spot an hour before so you would be fine doing so plus it's an absolutely gorgeous view.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

You can leave and come back, they ask you to keep your recepit as proof that your dined there that night. But if you get done with your dinner and it is close to fireworks getting a drink at the bar would be a good idea. Going out on the balcony and waiting is nice too, I really enjoy the views from there.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

I would honestly just get a drink and hang out in the bar area. The line to get back up gets really really long near fireworks time. I think people start staking out a spot an hour before so you would be fine doing so plus it's an absolutely gorgeous view.

There is a line to get back up? How does that work? I was imagining that I would just walk leisurely back inside the restaurant. I guess I have to remember that this may be a signature restaurant, but it is still Disney . . .

 

[NicoleLarson]

Well you have to remember that anyone that ate or had a drink during the evening is entitled to go back up. They only run 1 elevator up and down and it holds maybe 10 people, maybe. We got in line about an hour before fireworks and just had enough time to grab a drink and stand on the balcony for like 10 maybe 15 minutes. This may not be the norm but not really sure what you would do for like 45 minutes. That's just about enough time to do nothing.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

Well you have to remember that anyone that ate or had a drink during the evening is entitled to go back up. They only run 1 elevator up and down and it holds maybe 10 people, maybe. We got in line about an hour before fireworks and just had enough time to grab a drink and stand on the balcony for like 10 maybe 15 minutes. This may not be the norm but not really sure what you would do for like 45 minutes. That's just about enough time to do nothing.

This will be a date night with my husband (one of about five nights we get per year when we are not on full parent duty) while our two daughters stay at Lilo's Playhouse. I have to say that "nothing" actually sounds pretty good.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Just remember--there may not be any seats at the bar for you to wait around and have a drink---they only have 18 seats and they fill up fast anywhere near fireworks time.

 

[maxiesmom]

I'm not sure who told you your first ADR was too late, but they did you a disservice. I've had a late dinner at the California Grill for fireworks a few times, and have never had to wait an hour to be seated. At most it has been 5 minutes. And I do make my ADRs about an hour prior to the fireworks.

If I were you I would ask your wait staff what would work best. I wouldn't go outside and wait for an hour, it can get pretty windy out there. If you can find some space at the bar I think that would be your best choice. Good luck!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Been to CG 25+ times now and several times we've waited an hour to be seated. Then again, several times we've been seated right away. And then again several times we've been seated a bit early.

No way to tell what will happen but generally the closer to fireworks time the longer the wait as campers sit at their tables for hours nursing an ice water and waiting for the fireworks...

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

Been to CG 25+ times now and several times we've waited an hour to be seated. Then again, several times we've been seated right away. And then again several times we've been seated a bit early.

No way to tell what will happen but generally the closer to fireworks time the longer the wait as campers sit at their tables for hours nursing an ice water and waiting for the fireworks...

That is what several people said when I asked about the 9:20 on another thread. My husband and I are used to eating dinner around 6:30, so I imagine I would be very grumpy if I waited to eat until 9:20 and then had to sit and wait for another hour to be seated.

I do think it is inconsiderate to sit and nurse a drink for over half an hour when there are people waiting for a table at a popular restaurant. On the other hand, it would also be annoying to leave the restaurant only to come back to a long line waiting to get back in. So I can see why people do it.

We considered having drinks and appetizers at Trader Sam's early then going to Cali Grill at 9:20 and having appetizers and desserts. Seems like it could be a gamble either way as either time might have us standing around for an hour or so. We still have the 9:20- the system did not require me to cancel it when I booked the 7:25. I just have to make a decision about what works better for us. Just having a night alone together should be nice, though, regardless.

 

[Uncleromulus]

My suggestion is--don't really sweat the details.

You will have a good dinner and see the fireworks one way or the other.

We've done it all ways--get to the restaurant and see the fireworks BEFORE dinner--see the fireworks at all stages OF the dinner--and leave after dinner and come back later.

And when we did the latter we really had no "line" waiting on the elevator to go back up.