Spoodles or California Grill?

[GADISNEYGIRL]

We're going in December with my inlaws, and are having them take DS to dinner one night while DH and I go out. We're trying to decide between Spoodles and California Grill. The menu sounds better at Spoodles, but is the atmosphere at CG not to be missed? In that vein, what time will the fireworks be during that season of the year, 7? Please help! This will be one of our (very) few "romantic" dinners out since DS was born (nearly 3 years ago by the time we go!), and we want it to be special. Noise isn't a problem, we understand that there will be kids, no matter where we are. Mostly just want good food and a "Disney" atmosphere! Oh, yeah, and a great creme brulee won't hurt, either!!

 

[mommystieg]

We haven't tried Spoodles but I highly recommend CG!!! We ate there two years ago (with kids)and absolutely loved it. The food was wonderful. We were there during the fireworks(not near a window, though)but it was so awesome--they pipe in the music, turn down the lights and the waitstaff lays low--it was very romantic. I am looking forward to a kids-free visit someday......

 

[micks]

Definitely go with the CG for a nice dinner with your DH. Spoodles is great, but not really a romantic dinner, IMO. It's like a big open Italian kitchen with great food, but a good place to take the kids, not really enjoy time with your DH. We love both places, but for different reasons. Just my $.02!

 

[Candace]

I agree about choosing CG for your romantic dinner. That said, I love Spoodles for other times, and when you go, be sure to try their Pistachio Creme Brulee with the pistachio brittle on the side. Delicious!!

 

[Terk-1]

Hands down, this is the best place to dine on Disney property!!!! The food & service are excellent and the views are amazing! Make sure to try and get a PS on a night that Wishes is being shown.

 

[DisneyDiver]

California Grill by a mile...

The food is just sooo much better, the atmostphere is a lot more relaxing, and it'd just be a much better place to have a romantic meal for two.

I'd say that you'd be better having the dinner when the fireworks aren't on, as it is absolutely PACKED when they are... maybe either have a PS for just after to enjoy the tranquility once all the people on the concourse have finished watching Wishes.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

We got engaged in 2002 at CG during the fireworks-what a magical restaurant with an adult feel! Not to be missed!

 

[jennymouse]

I agree, California Grill all the way!

 

[Jamie Curci]

Hi,

My wife and 3-year-old son are also coming down in December. I've heard and read so many good things about CG, but with all the 'romantic' aspects, is this an appropriate restaurant for children as well? What is the menu selection like for kids (i.e. are chicken fingers and ketchup an option)? Thanks!

 

[wdwfan]

I have been to both restaurants. Spoodles is good, but California Grill is fabulous! Food, excellent, atmosphere, excellent. So worth it!!

 

[kwdietrich1]

I vote CG all the way. If the siggies were working, you would see a picture of my DH at CG with a chocolate mickey and strawberries I ordered for our anniversary through the CR. Fabulous meal!

 

[GailT]

Originally posted by Jamie Curci
Hi,

My wife and 3-year-old son are also coming down in December. I've heard and read so many good things about CG, but with all the 'romantic' aspects, is this an appropriate restaurant for children as well? What is the menu selection like for kids (i.e. are chicken fingers and ketchup an option)? Thanks!

Same question for me, I was thinking of doing CG the last night at W with my 22 yr old son, we were going to celebrate his BD but if it is that romatic I would have to find somewhere else

 

[emememem]

We are going on July 23 with our 2 children ages 10 and 13. It is a great place for a romantic dinner (went there for my birthday a few years ago with DH and no kids), but families are also there enjoying the wonderful food and atmosphere.

 

[Patty3]

The CG is a must for us, it is my very favorite Disney restaurant. This May we were there with children ages 2 1/2 and a 14 month old, both are very well behaved. The restaurant has plenty of children and I would not hesitate to bring them. It is not just an adult place, the only place that I know of that I would not take children is V&A's.

 

[MPLsDad]

YOU MUST DO California Grill - it's otherworldly. The most perfect dining experience in all of WDW! Take advantage of your inlaws offer to watch your son and get spoiled. Then as a thank you, treat the whole family to Spoodles the next night!

We've been 2x with my DS (once at 2yo, once at 3yo) but he is well behaved in a restaurant. The staff was very receptive to him. I can't remember what they offered him, but it must have been kid friendly...I do remember a basket of cheddar cheese goldfish as an appetizer!