The Wave AND California Grill - too similar?

[elaine amj]

I have booked (super excited) Cali Grill brunch for our upcoming August trip. I have had the Wave on the backburner as a "would love to do" restaurant for years now (especially the breakfast buffet) and every trip it just hasn't worked out. I was very hopeful to try it this trip but now that I have booked Cali Grill brunch, I just wonder if it is too similar. Plus, we'll have gone to the Contemporary for California Grill and it might be more fun to visit a different resort for another meal. We are on the regular DDP and will be traveling with first-timers (my brother, SIL and 3 yr old niece.

WWYD?

 

[jwfla422]

I don't think they're all that similar. We have not done CG for brunch but have seen reviews. A lot of different and fancier stuff (and a lot more pricey)...we love the Wave breakfast. They have a nice selection on their buffet and it's one of the most reasonable buffets in WDW. You can order off the menu as well. The food is good quality and actually tops a lot of the other breakfasts there. The grits are the ultimate...if you don't like grits you have to try them there-and if you do like grits well they will knock your socks off as they are amazing! Feel free to check out my photos & review:

The Wave - Breakfast Photos & Review

 

[Hopefully]

Other than being in the same resort there is nothing similar about them at all.
The Wave is a nice "normal" breakfast buffet and also an a la carte breakfast menu.
The Ca Grille Brunch is a fancy, expensive, upscale experience that happens to be at buffet time.
Personally I think both would be fine and very, very different, but I also think it would be nice to try a different resort with first timers.

 

[goofyintoronto]

My friend ate at the wave for breakfast many times and says its one of the best. A lot cheaper than CG too! I had dinner at both Wave and CG and i do prefer the Wave. CG is over rated and frankly gone down hill since the refurb. Not a fan anymore.

 

[madalex]

I like them both, but don't find them similar. I do, however, agree with the idea of having another meal at a different resort so that you explore that other resort.

 

[LSLS]

I don't find them similar and honestly, I think the Wave is a good deal ahead as far as food quality and service.

 

[Minnesota!]

Not similar at all. I would LOVE to do the CG brunch! YUM!

 

[elaine amj]

Wow - lots of rave reviews for the Wave!!

 

[JZCubed]

I have booked (super excited) Cali Grill brunch for our upcoming August trip. I have had the Wave on the backburner as a "would love to do" restaurant for years now (especially the breakfast buffet) and every trip it just hasn't worked out. I was very hopeful to try it this trip but now that I have booked Cali Grill brunch, I just wonder if it is too similar. Plus, we'll have gone to the Contemporary for California Grill and it might be more fun to visit a different resort for another meal. We are on the regular DDP and will be traveling with first-timers (my brother, SIL and 3 yr old niece.

WWYD?

We stay at Bay Lake / Contemporary. There is no comparing the two places.

Wave feels like a hotel restaurant in Any Big City, U.S.A. There are no windows. I'll add a personal observation - the room is emotionally 'cold' and we've had little luck enjoying our meals here. But....

http://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/re...ar-menu-and-wagyu-sliders-from-contempo-cafe/

CA Grill can be be downright magical or a disappointment at dinner. Generally too hit-or-miss for me to give a recommendation. However, while we've not been for the buffet brunch, the view that makes CA Grill so special is on full-display as the need to arise to go to/from the buffet gives everyone more of an opportunity to absorb more of the magic.

http://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/review-california-grill-brunch-at-disneys-contemporary-resort/

The two links are from Josh at easywdw. He includes snark free of charge.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Wow - lots of rave reviews for the Wave!!

Yes, its that good! I've never had a bad meal there (mind you, i've only eaten dinner there, not breakfast). But i hear many great things about breakfast. Its a hidden gem. As for decore, sure the place lacks windows, but its very pretty inside, visually appealing.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

As others have said, they aren't similar. Yes, the Wave is very good, but if you would rather visit another resort, GF Cafe is also a very good 1 TS restaurant as are Capt. Grille at YC and Trattoria al Forno at BWI.

 

[Minnesota!]

We stay at Bat Lake / Contemporary. There is no comparing the two places.

Wave feels like a hotel restaurant in Any Big City, U.S.A. There are no windows. I'll add a personal observation - the room is emotionally 'cold' and we've had little luck enjoying our meals here.

100% agree...we are not fans of The Wave... very "Airport Hilton" vibe to it. Food to match. Blech.