I wanted to go someplace special to celebrate our engagement, so I asked Mike (wherever), and asked around, and finally decided on the California Grill. I wish we had gone back in May instead of to Artists Point, and I finally had another chance. It was a Thursday when I was trying to make a priority seating for that Saturday, and the only ones left were 5:30 PM and 9:40 PM. I knew the fireworks were at 10 PM, so I chose the 9:40 PM seating.
We arrived at the Contemporary resort around 8:15 PM, and went right to the second floor. Wed never been before, so hadnt experienced the old check-in, but had no problem with this system. We overheard people checking in for 9:30 already, so we got in line. When we got to the front, we were told that there was a 30 minute wait, and for a window seat, an hour wait PAST the fireworks time. We deliberated for a minute, and decided that we would just take whichever seat we received, and that wed go outside to the observation deck to see the fireworks. We received a buzzer, and they asked if we wanted to go upstairs to wait, and we did, so we were escorted up to the 15 th floor.
When we arrived upstairs, it was around 8:20, and it was very crowded and noisy. There wasnt much of a romance or relaxing factor in the beginning with how loud it was. All of the seats at the bar and in the lounge area were taken, with many people standing. After a few minutes of not being able to find a seat, we went to the observation deck. The view is beautiful, and Im glad we were able to look around before it was completely dark. After I took some pictures, we went back inside. As soon as some people got up to leave their table in the lounge, I grabbed it. The lounge consists of quite a few tables in the center of the restaurant, with tables, and some are against the windows. We saw many people sharing appetizers and having drinks before their meals. I believe I even saw some people eating complete meals.
The people before us had left the menu behind, and Mike and I decided to split a flatbread while we were waiting. Well, we waited for someone to come and take a drink order from us. And waited. And waited. And waited. Mike finally got up and asked someone at the desk, and he was told someone would be with us shortly. Well, shortly ended up being an HOUR after we sat down, because one of the servers thought that our table was in someone elses area, and it was actually her area. We were steaming by this point, not that we had waited this long for a table in the restaurant, but that no one had even asked if we had been helped. Mike had even asked at the bar, and they told him that he had to wait for someone to come by to take our order.
So finally, a server came around and took our order. I asked for a mojito, and they said they didnt make them, so I asked for a water instead. Mike asked for a diet Coke, and was told it would be complimentary. We never had a chance to ask for a flatbread, because at that time, our buzzer went off. We went up to the front, and then we were escorted to our table.
The location of our table just about made up for it. We were actually given a window seat, and even though there was a small window support in the middle of our view, we had a great view of the castle and Space Mountain, where we knew the fireworks would be going off. Our server, Joanna, came by and said that we probably were seated there because we were celebrating. How exciting! For our drinks, Mike stuck with his diet Coke, and I was still perusing the wine list. We did still want to start with a flatbread, so we chose the mango chicken barbecue flatbread ($9.25). It had roasted chicken, mango barbecue sauce, Monterey jack cheese, and mango avocado salsa. It actually came out very quickly, even though it was late and we had just sat down. It was oval shaped, with a crisp crust. There was a perfect amount of toppings, and it was just perfect. The barbecue sauce was slightly sweet and very flavorful, and the mango avocado salsa was wonderful on top. It might sound a little odd, but everything went very well together.
I looked over the wine list, and was in the mood for a chardonnay, so I asked Joanna what she thought about the Flora Springs chardonnay ($9.75). She said that it was right in the middle between buttery and oaky, and said that she could give me a taste before I decided. If I didnt like that, shed try something else. Luckily, the one I picked first, the Flora Springs, was wonderful. I definitely recommend it.
I was curious about the sushi at the California Grill, since I had heard so many raves about it. Joanna told me that the tempura soft shell crab roll came with the legs, when I asked about it, and I definitely declined. She suggested the California roll ($17.00) instead, and I asked if I could get the spicy sauces with it, as well. Mike ordered the mushroom soup ($8.25) at my suggestion. The sushi was very good, but it wasnt the best Id ever had. It may have been different if Id ordered sashimi instead, but the crab was still of high quality. I loved the sauces that came with it, though. Along with soy sauce and spicy teriyaki, it also came with a sriricha sauce, which is a very spicy Thai chili puree . I had just been reading about it in Cooking Light magazine, and was interested in trying it. Both of the spicy sauces went great with the sushi (a little unorthodox, but it tasted good!). Mikes mushroom soup was good, but nothing like the roasted Portobello soup at Artists Point. It really paled in comparison to the rich, hearty soup at Artists Point. It actually was a very good soup at the California Grill, though, with a deep, creamy mushroom flavor and roasted mushrooms on top.
While we were still in the middle of our first course, the lights dimmed, the music was piped in, and the fireworks started. It was so beautiful from on top of the Contemporary that I started to tear up. It was much better from this high up than from the fourth floor observation deck. I still love the view from the Polynesian, though, because the fireworks are right behind the castle.
For our entrees, I knew a long time ago what Id order the pork tenderloin ($21.75). I recommended to Mike that he order the oak fired beef tenderloin ($34.50), but he didnt need any prodding for that. Joanna highly recommended both, as well. Interestingly enough, we had been told before that all service shuts down during the fireworks, but our entrees were brought out then. We didnt mind, though. Once fireworks were over, we settled down to our entrees, as I took pictures. (Joanna just laughed when she saw me taking pictures its a common response. That, and bewilderment.) Mikes filet was brought without a steak knife, and he said that they must think highly of themselves. Believe it or not, he could cut the steak with his butter knife. He said that it was one of the best steaks hes ever had, rivaling the one at Le Cellier. I think that he liked the potatoes even more than the steak, though, and I had to agree. It was a three cheese potato gratin, and it was just amazing, rich and full of flavor. I had asked for the recipe, but I think Joanna forgot to bring it. Also on the side were crisp-tender green beans, and Mike loved the texture and how fresh they tasted.
My pork tenderloin was also wonderful. It didnt come with a steak knife, either, and could practically be cut with a fork. It was very tender and juicy, and cooked just a touch past medium well. Its definitely one of the best pork dishes Ive had, right up there with the pork at the Disney Dining Experience Polynesian luncheon. It was served over creamy polenta, which had an incredibly silky texture. Mike even liked it, and he doesnt like polenta. On top of the pork were sautéed cremini mushrooms and crispy sage leaves. I love it when herbs are fried as a garnish, and these were delicious with the pork. The whole dish went together so well, and I can see why its been on the menu for so long its perfect.
While we were eating, Joanna brought by the dessert menus, because if we wanted the Valrhona chocolate cake ($9.50), it would take 20 minutes to prepare. Of course, thats one of the ones I wanted to order. We werent sure what else, and though I also wanted to try the Valrhona torte, Joanna said that it would be too much chocolate. She said the mango crème brulee was definitely only for mango lovers. We debated on the sorbet, but finally I decided on the cheese plate ($9.75). I considered ordering a dessert wine, but didnt see anything I wanted. I did see the Grand Marnier 100 and 150 on the menu, and debated it for a second, but both of them were a bit expensive ($20 and $29). The Valrhona cake came with white chocolate ice cream and a chocolate drizzle. Mikes face froze when he tried the ice cream it was absolutely fantastic. It had such a rich white chocolate flavor, which surprised us because of how lightly flavored white chocolate ice cream can be. The chocolate cake didnt disappoint, either. I took the first bite, and the chocolate came oozing out. It was real chocolate lava cake, with an incredibly fudgy flavor. This was truly a magnificent dessert, which might sound a bit over the top, but its just that wonderful. The cheese plate I had was the first dessert cheese plate I ever had, and it was an interesting change. Since Mike isnt the cheese fan that I am, I let him have the majority of the chocolate cake. The cheese plate had a parmesan crisp, cheddar flan, Hereford hop, and a cheese with a blue rind. The parmesan crisp was a cup made out of parmesan cheese, and it held the cheddar flan. The flan had a great cheddar flavor, and not too sharp. The cheese with a rind had a herbal fermented rind, which was a bit too strong for me, so I ate around it. I really enjoyed the Hereford hop, which is a British cheese. The cheddar flan spread nicely on the small, dense pieces of nut bread that accompanied this plate. While I did enjoy the cheese plate, it was overshadowed by the Valrhona cake, so it might have taken away from some of my enjoyment.
By the end of dessert, we were definitely ready to go home, as itd been a long day. The check was brought out quickly, and we paid and walked out. Mike stopped by the restroom, and one of the lounge servers apologized to us about our wait in the beginning (interestingly, the woman who ignored us never apologized, or even said anything to us), and asked how our meals were. Mike pulled me back towards the restrooms after we chatted, because he wanted to show me all of the pictures and articles about the restaurant lining the walls they are definitely written about quite often!
Our dinner here was excellent, overall. The food was fantastic (if a bit pricey!), and service in the restaurant area was impeccable. If we hadnt been so tired, we would have tried to find a manager regarding the lounge area. It honestly did take away from the experience we had, somewhat. But our seat was perfect, and the view of the fireworks was wonderful. Even if you dont have a view of the fireworks, you are still allowed to get up and walk out to the observation deck, and I did see quite a few people standing up. The view, fireworks or no fireworks, was beautiful and really brings in a lot of Disney magic. I saw many people in shorts (including us), and many people in fancier clothes. I honestly didnt feel bad in shorts and a shirt. This was another one of our most memorable dining experiences, and also one of our favorites. I definitely recommend it for a special occasion, or even just a night out without the kids.
Photo gallery
We arrived at the Contemporary resort around 8:15 PM, and went right to the second floor. Wed never been before, so hadnt experienced the old check-in, but had no problem with this system. We overheard people checking in for 9:30 already, so we got in line. When we got to the front, we were told that there was a 30 minute wait, and for a window seat, an hour wait PAST the fireworks time. We deliberated for a minute, and decided that we would just take whichever seat we received, and that wed go outside to the observation deck to see the fireworks. We received a buzzer, and they asked if we wanted to go upstairs to wait, and we did, so we were escorted up to the 15 th floor.
When we arrived upstairs, it was around 8:20, and it was very crowded and noisy. There wasnt much of a romance or relaxing factor in the beginning with how loud it was. All of the seats at the bar and in the lounge area were taken, with many people standing. After a few minutes of not being able to find a seat, we went to the observation deck. The view is beautiful, and Im glad we were able to look around before it was completely dark. After I took some pictures, we went back inside. As soon as some people got up to leave their table in the lounge, I grabbed it. The lounge consists of quite a few tables in the center of the restaurant, with tables, and some are against the windows. We saw many people sharing appetizers and having drinks before their meals. I believe I even saw some people eating complete meals.
The people before us had left the menu behind, and Mike and I decided to split a flatbread while we were waiting. Well, we waited for someone to come and take a drink order from us. And waited. And waited. And waited. Mike finally got up and asked someone at the desk, and he was told someone would be with us shortly. Well, shortly ended up being an HOUR after we sat down, because one of the servers thought that our table was in someone elses area, and it was actually her area. We were steaming by this point, not that we had waited this long for a table in the restaurant, but that no one had even asked if we had been helped. Mike had even asked at the bar, and they told him that he had to wait for someone to come by to take our order.
So finally, a server came around and took our order. I asked for a mojito, and they said they didnt make them, so I asked for a water instead. Mike asked for a diet Coke, and was told it would be complimentary. We never had a chance to ask for a flatbread, because at that time, our buzzer went off. We went up to the front, and then we were escorted to our table.
The location of our table just about made up for it. We were actually given a window seat, and even though there was a small window support in the middle of our view, we had a great view of the castle and Space Mountain, where we knew the fireworks would be going off. Our server, Joanna, came by and said that we probably were seated there because we were celebrating. How exciting! For our drinks, Mike stuck with his diet Coke, and I was still perusing the wine list. We did still want to start with a flatbread, so we chose the mango chicken barbecue flatbread ($9.25). It had roasted chicken, mango barbecue sauce, Monterey jack cheese, and mango avocado salsa. It actually came out very quickly, even though it was late and we had just sat down. It was oval shaped, with a crisp crust. There was a perfect amount of toppings, and it was just perfect. The barbecue sauce was slightly sweet and very flavorful, and the mango avocado salsa was wonderful on top. It might sound a little odd, but everything went very well together.
I looked over the wine list, and was in the mood for a chardonnay, so I asked Joanna what she thought about the Flora Springs chardonnay ($9.75). She said that it was right in the middle between buttery and oaky, and said that she could give me a taste before I decided. If I didnt like that, shed try something else. Luckily, the one I picked first, the Flora Springs, was wonderful. I definitely recommend it.
I was curious about the sushi at the California Grill, since I had heard so many raves about it. Joanna told me that the tempura soft shell crab roll came with the legs, when I asked about it, and I definitely declined. She suggested the California roll ($17.00) instead, and I asked if I could get the spicy sauces with it, as well. Mike ordered the mushroom soup ($8.25) at my suggestion. The sushi was very good, but it wasnt the best Id ever had. It may have been different if Id ordered sashimi instead, but the crab was still of high quality. I loved the sauces that came with it, though. Along with soy sauce and spicy teriyaki, it also came with a sriricha sauce, which is a very spicy Thai chili puree . I had just been reading about it in Cooking Light magazine, and was interested in trying it. Both of the spicy sauces went great with the sushi (a little unorthodox, but it tasted good!). Mikes mushroom soup was good, but nothing like the roasted Portobello soup at Artists Point. It really paled in comparison to the rich, hearty soup at Artists Point. It actually was a very good soup at the California Grill, though, with a deep, creamy mushroom flavor and roasted mushrooms on top.
While we were still in the middle of our first course, the lights dimmed, the music was piped in, and the fireworks started. It was so beautiful from on top of the Contemporary that I started to tear up. It was much better from this high up than from the fourth floor observation deck. I still love the view from the Polynesian, though, because the fireworks are right behind the castle.
For our entrees, I knew a long time ago what Id order the pork tenderloin ($21.75). I recommended to Mike that he order the oak fired beef tenderloin ($34.50), but he didnt need any prodding for that. Joanna highly recommended both, as well. Interestingly enough, we had been told before that all service shuts down during the fireworks, but our entrees were brought out then. We didnt mind, though. Once fireworks were over, we settled down to our entrees, as I took pictures. (Joanna just laughed when she saw me taking pictures its a common response. That, and bewilderment.) Mikes filet was brought without a steak knife, and he said that they must think highly of themselves. Believe it or not, he could cut the steak with his butter knife. He said that it was one of the best steaks hes ever had, rivaling the one at Le Cellier. I think that he liked the potatoes even more than the steak, though, and I had to agree. It was a three cheese potato gratin, and it was just amazing, rich and full of flavor. I had asked for the recipe, but I think Joanna forgot to bring it. Also on the side were crisp-tender green beans, and Mike loved the texture and how fresh they tasted.
My pork tenderloin was also wonderful. It didnt come with a steak knife, either, and could practically be cut with a fork. It was very tender and juicy, and cooked just a touch past medium well. Its definitely one of the best pork dishes Ive had, right up there with the pork at the Disney Dining Experience Polynesian luncheon. It was served over creamy polenta, which had an incredibly silky texture. Mike even liked it, and he doesnt like polenta. On top of the pork were sautéed cremini mushrooms and crispy sage leaves. I love it when herbs are fried as a garnish, and these were delicious with the pork. The whole dish went together so well, and I can see why its been on the menu for so long its perfect.
While we were eating, Joanna brought by the dessert menus, because if we wanted the Valrhona chocolate cake ($9.50), it would take 20 minutes to prepare. Of course, thats one of the ones I wanted to order. We werent sure what else, and though I also wanted to try the Valrhona torte, Joanna said that it would be too much chocolate. She said the mango crème brulee was definitely only for mango lovers. We debated on the sorbet, but finally I decided on the cheese plate ($9.75). I considered ordering a dessert wine, but didnt see anything I wanted. I did see the Grand Marnier 100 and 150 on the menu, and debated it for a second, but both of them were a bit expensive ($20 and $29). The Valrhona cake came with white chocolate ice cream and a chocolate drizzle. Mikes face froze when he tried the ice cream it was absolutely fantastic. It had such a rich white chocolate flavor, which surprised us because of how lightly flavored white chocolate ice cream can be. The chocolate cake didnt disappoint, either. I took the first bite, and the chocolate came oozing out. It was real chocolate lava cake, with an incredibly fudgy flavor. This was truly a magnificent dessert, which might sound a bit over the top, but its just that wonderful. The cheese plate I had was the first dessert cheese plate I ever had, and it was an interesting change. Since Mike isnt the cheese fan that I am, I let him have the majority of the chocolate cake. The cheese plate had a parmesan crisp, cheddar flan, Hereford hop, and a cheese with a blue rind. The parmesan crisp was a cup made out of parmesan cheese, and it held the cheddar flan. The flan had a great cheddar flavor, and not too sharp. The cheese with a rind had a herbal fermented rind, which was a bit too strong for me, so I ate around it. I really enjoyed the Hereford hop, which is a British cheese. The cheddar flan spread nicely on the small, dense pieces of nut bread that accompanied this plate. While I did enjoy the cheese plate, it was overshadowed by the Valrhona cake, so it might have taken away from some of my enjoyment.
By the end of dessert, we were definitely ready to go home, as itd been a long day. The check was brought out quickly, and we paid and walked out. Mike stopped by the restroom, and one of the lounge servers apologized to us about our wait in the beginning (interestingly, the woman who ignored us never apologized, or even said anything to us), and asked how our meals were. Mike pulled me back towards the restrooms after we chatted, because he wanted to show me all of the pictures and articles about the restaurant lining the walls they are definitely written about quite often!
Our dinner here was excellent, overall. The food was fantastic (if a bit pricey!), and service in the restaurant area was impeccable. If we hadnt been so tired, we would have tried to find a manager regarding the lounge area. It honestly did take away from the experience we had, somewhat. But our seat was perfect, and the view of the fireworks was wonderful. Even if you dont have a view of the fireworks, you are still allowed to get up and walk out to the observation deck, and I did see quite a few people standing up. The view, fireworks or no fireworks, was beautiful and really brings in a lot of Disney magic. I saw many people in shorts (including us), and many people in fancier clothes. I honestly didnt feel bad in shorts and a shirt. This was another one of our most memorable dining experiences, and also one of our favorites. I definitely recommend it for a special occasion, or even just a night out without the kids.
Photo gallery
