The Wave or CG for dinner

[craquell]

any suggestions?

 

[mdhkitten]

I've never eaten at the Wave, but have at California Grill and LOVE it! If you want an amazing fine dining experience, you can't go wrong here, IMO.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

The Wave is good, but California Grill is amazing.

 

[Halle]

Please compare the two for me. Thanks.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Here are links to their menus so you can compare them.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=105
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=56

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Have not yet been to The Wave BUT... CA Grill is AMAZING much more than just a dinner out, it's an entire dining experience from beginning to end.

It's not cheap but it's worth every penny.

 

[ccigliano]

I just got back from DisneyWorld and have eaten at both. Keep in mind that the ambiance at CG is terrific with the view of the castle and fireworks and it is more expensive than the Wave. I just had the chicken pot pie at the Wave and it was delicious. One of the best meals of the week and we all ordered it and we all really enjoyed it. So depending on what type of dinner experience you're looking for both are terrific.

 

[xosti]

CG hands down, we ate at the Wave for lunch and we didn't like it at all. It was when it first opened so it may have changed since then.

 

[Uncleromulus]

California Grill is much the better restaurant.

 

[Time Traveler]

You can't really compare them, CG is MUCH more expensive than the Wave therefore the experience/food is expected to be much better.

 

[CdnTink]

The California Grill hands down!! The Wave is not a fine dining experience and the view at the Grill is unbelievable, make sure to check out the roof terrace.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you want to save money, or just walk in without a reservation, try the Wave.

If you want to go all out, CG is the one.

 

[webray]

Please compare the two for me. Thanks.

There is no comparing the two.

CA Grill is upscale, price to prove it and beautiful wine list to go with it.

The Wave is very very good, moderately upscale, nice wine list. There are some excellent things on the menu, the apps are outstanding...new restaurant working our the kinks.

We like them both, would eat at either in a heartbeat...just two different experiences. Kind of like Boma and Jiko...both very very good, just two different experiences.

 

[elastigirl]

California Grill is fine dining, with the price tag to match, and is wonderful. The Wave is a nice table service restaurant (been there for lunch and for dinner, enjoyed both).

Two completely different experiences, depends on which you would rather have.

 

[ScottJoseph]

You might as well ask for a comparison between a Cadillac and a Ford Focus. California Grill is fine dining; the Wave is utilitarian.
CG looks out over the Magic Kingdom and miles and miles of Florida from the top floor of the Contemporary Resort, it was designed by Martin Dorf as a paean to New York's Rainbow Room; The Wave is an interior, windowless room that looks as though the design money ran out after the bar was decorated.

So -- it's up to you.
Scott
ScottJosephOrlando

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Oh, I'm sad to hear negative comments about The Wave. We have booked it to celebrate my parents' 30th wedding anniversary. We will be touring the parks and didn't want anything fancy but something nice. The food looks fantastic and, as far as I understand, it is also sustainable and somewhat local, which is a huge selling point for us. Is the decor really that bad? DH and I ate at CG on our honeymoon and thought the food was fantastic but it just wasn't the type of experience we were looking for for this occassion. Can someone reassure me that I didn't make a big mistake? Is the atmosphere any worse than, say, Kona Cafe?

 

[Disneynutt]

Another problem (along with no windows) with The Wave is that there is absolutely no Disney themeing in the place at all. You might as well be eating in a restaurant in Podunk, USA.

I know I will never go there again. It was ok but I'd rather spend my $$ elsewhere.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Another problem (along with no windows) with The Wave is that there is absolutely no Disney themeing in the place at all. You might as well be eating in a restaurant in Podunk, USA.

Well the lack of "Disney" theming doesn't bother me. Most of the nice restaurants at WDW are not Disney themed per sey. The CG isn't Disney themed either, imo. I guess I'm more concerned about the quality of The Wave as a restaurant that could be anywhere than as something that reminds me of Mickey and the gang.

 

[BCV23]

Oh, I'm sad to hear negative comments about The Wave. We have booked it to celebrate my parents' 30th wedding anniversary. We will be touring the parks and didn't want anything fancy but something nice. The food looks fantastic and, as far as I understand, it is also sustainable and somewhat local, which is a huge selling point for us. Is the decor really that bad? DH and I ate at CG on our honeymoon and thought the food was fantastic but it just wasn't the type of experience we were looking for for this occassion. Can someone reassure me that I didn't make a big mistake? Is the atmosphere any worse than, say, Kona Cafe?

Based on what you're looking for, The Wave should fit the bill well. As most have posted, the food is quite good. We've only had one lunch and one dinner there but were pleased.

As for the decor, it's fine. Reminds me a bit of Flying Fish, Jiko, and Kona with many copper accents. It obviously doesn't have the incredible vistas that CG enjoys but has more detail in its decor.

The tables are spaced well and it is a much more quiet space than Kona Cafe at dinner or breakfast. It feels more formal as well.

Will it replace CG in my list of mustdos...no. But we enjoyed our meals and will go back.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

BCV23, I am so happy to hear your review! I was so excited to eat here but I was getting worried that it was tacky or something like that. And for those prices, I would prefer a step above tacky.