Some California Grill Questions

[myhat]

Thinking of including this as part of our next trip, hoping to time it with Wishes

Do you get a choice of where to sit and does this matter? Is it a single room or lots of different ones?

What exactly happens during the fireworks? Can you get up and walk to a window or balcony of some kind (in the middle of your meal?) or is it only the window seats that get a good view? How does the experience compare to seeing the show from MK itself?

Sorry to ask so many questions but any help would be appreciated.

Thank you

 

[Esmerelda]

Hi,

We just recently ate (late Oct 05) at the CG. It was myself, my husband, and my two sons. We were not given a choice as to where to sit. I think we did end up near the window as I recall...the view was really great. When the fireworks began. They actually encourage you (if you are so inclined) to step out onto the balcony/ledge right off the rooftop. It was a breathtaking view and the fireworks were beautiful. It did however, get VERY crowded...not sure if all those folks came from the restaurant or not (scratching head here now...).....I hope if you go...you have a great time!

Forgot to add...it appeared to be one big room to me...I didn't notice it broken up.

good day,
Esmerelda

 

[bicker]

We begged and pleaded for a window table, and we put as far from the windows as you could get. Several window tables were still empty, but apparently being held for VIPs. What's interesting was that when the fireworks started, the folks at the window tables were shuffled off to some better viewing area, and we ended up watching the show from their tables!

 

[Leota]

No, you can't choose where you sit. You can request a window seat & you may be able to wait for one - but there is no guarentee. It is pretty much one room - there is a room off the far end that is sort of seperate.

You are encouraged to use the Observation Deck to view the Fireworks. Our servers have held courses for us so we can view the show without worrying about our food. So yes, you can absolutely leave your table mid-meal for the show. The view from the deck is gorgeous. I really love it. It does get crowded, so we go out about 7 minutes before the show. If we see more than one group making their way toward the deck, we head out.

It's a different experience than seeing it in the Park. It's no better nor worse, IMHO - just different. It feels more intimate, even when the deck gets crowded.

 

[John's Mom]

We had dinner at the CG on Dec. 22. We were seated in the Wine Room, which has about ten tables (very quiet compared to the large room). It is located on the very left side of the restaurant. We had a window seat and got to see the Electrical Water Pageant and the fireworks from Illuminations. A few minutes before Wishes started we informed our waiter that we were going to the observation deck to watch. The deck in on the right side of the CG. The music was playing, the fireworks were spectacular, and we were freezing. In my honest opinion, Wishes should be seen from the Magic Kingdom.

Kathy

 

[Got Quattro?]

TIP -

Find out when the Whishes Show will be for the night you wish to dine at CG.

Example, Whishes is at 8:00pm, so I have a 7:00pm PS. So, if I show up say 15 mins early, and get seated right away, our dinner should be brought to us just before or after the show.

If we get seated late, we can enjoy our drinks and apetizers to the show. Works out very nice.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Just so you know...although the view from the Observation Deck is wonderful, Wishes is designed to be viewed either from the lagoon or from in front of the castle. You can see all the fireworks, but they look a little disjointed, with the high-up ones to the right, and the smaller ones to the left. In other words, you're looking at the show sideways instead of head-on, and I think you miss some of the magic that way.