The Wave vs. California Grill

[tarheelmjfan]

The Wave is getting very good reviews. I've even seen a post of someone who has been to both TW & CG, & preferred TW. The good reviews have definitely peaked my interest. So, those of you who have been to both, which did you prefer? We have CG booked for 9:10 on a night Wishes is at 9:00. Obviously, we're not going for the view. Also, we probably won't order sushi. We're most interested in quality food & a quiet (as possible @ WDW) atmosphere. Taking those things into consideration, how do you think they compare? Thanks in advance for the feedback.

ETA: We don't use DDP, so the point factor is irrevelant to us.

 

[ededmd]

Having eaten at both several times...
If you are looking for *quiet* with quality food, CG is not it.
The Wave is good and I enjoyed my meal there. Overall (excluding sushi - which is one of my fave reasons to go to CG) the Wave food is equivalent to CG if not perhaps a little better.
If you include sushi, CG is better.
Again if you want quiet, Wave is the winner.
If you have the opportunity, do both. Just totally different experiences.

 

[Mickey_Man]

The Wave is getting very good reviews. I've even seen a post of someone who has been to both TW & CG, & preferred TW. The good reviews have definitely peaked my interest. So, those of you who have been to both, which did you prefer? We have CG booked for 9:10 on a night Wishes is at 9:00. Obviously, we're not going for the view. Also, we probably won't order sushi. We're most interested in quality food & a quiet (as possible @ WDW) atmosphere. Taking those things into consideration, how do you think they compare? Thanks in advance for the feedback.

ETA: We don't use DDP, so the point factor is irrevelant to us.

Food is still better at CG even without eating sushi, but it is NOT quiet. The Wave would be a quieter place to eat, and the food (and drinks) are pretty good there, but I don't think they are equivalent to CG. Not too far behind, but behind none the less. CG could be quieter if you are there AFTER the fireworks are over. Even with the potential for noise factoring in, I'd still go to California Grill over The Wave on any occasion. FYI - at at both this past December and this past July, so we've been to both fairly recently.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Thanks to both of you for the feedback. I'm really starting to question our CG ADR. I'm considering switching to The Wave or Citricos. At least, TW isn't as expensive. We've never tried CG, & were looking forward to it. Unfortunately, it seems to be in a slump at the moment. I heard they have a new chef that's not the greatest. I think we'll give it time to get back on track, instead of spending so much on what could be a less than stellar experience.

 

[madalex]

Did the Wave last week and have done CG several times in past. Food is clearly superior at CG, as is the view. CG is loud, but so was the Wave.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Have been to both. I don't feel you can compare them in my opinion. Cali Grill is definately better and a very nice atmosphere. If you want to do a 2 tbs service.
Now for a 1 tbs service we really like the Wave. I guess it really depends on what you want to do. But both are good.

 

[JMD]

Don't question your ADR at California Grill. Go and enjoy it, it's a great restaurant. IMO, its far superior to the Wave.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

How long has it been, since you guys ate at CG? I'm wondering if it was before or after the chef change. Thanks again for all the input.

 

[Leanne1977]

How long has it been, since you guys ate at CG? I'm wondering if it was before or after the chef change. Thanks again for all the input.

I have eaten there before and after the chef change and noticed absolutely no decline in the standard of food. The menu had changed slightly but our meal was as wonderful as ever.

If you have never been then please do go, I don't think you would be disappointed. Its our favourite onsite restaurant.

 

[Gena001]

Hello! My upcoming trip will be my first time to eat at CG. Very excited to try it - hope I'm not disappointed. I must admit, I'm not a very adventerous eater... I did see items on the menu (allearsnet) that should suit me and my even pickier DD. Our ADR that evening is for 9:30 & the MK closes at 10:00. Think we'll get to see some of the excitement?

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I have eaten there before and after the chef change and noticed absolutely no decline in the standard of food. The menu had changed slightly but our meal was as wonderful as ever.

If you have never been then please do go, I don't think you would be disappointed. Its our favourite onsite restaurant.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad to see so many of you had a good experience there. Have any of you eaten after Wishes? We have a 9:10 ADR. Wishes is at 9:00. We purposely booked after Wishes hoping for a quieter experience. Do you think things will be calming down by then? Thanks again for all the help.

 

[GatorLady]

I heard they have a new chef that's not the greatest.

Though you might be interested, this is from allears.net restaurant news January 2009.

"Chef Brian Piasecki has left Animal Kingdom's Jiko and is now the new Chef de Cuisine at the California Grill! Brian started with Walt Disney World over eighteen years ago with the Disney Culinary Apprenticeship program. He then proceeded to round out his experience at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and Epcot’s Coral Reef restaurant.

As a Chef de Cuisine, Brian lead the culinary teams at Epcot’s Le Cellier and Rose and Crown complex. Most recently, as Chef de Cuisine at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Brian has worked extensively on the opening operational aspects for the upcoming Kidani Village project.

If you see Chef Brian, please tell him Deb and the All Ears team wishes him well in his new home!"

 

[fomom]

My son and I ate at The Wave during the President's Day weekend after reading many positive reviews. We were very disappointed. The restaurant and bar area were not clean, the food arrived lukewarm, the portions were TINY, and we were rushed out of there in less than an hour. We ate at California Grill on our first trip 7 years ago and I remember being pleasantly surprised at how good the food was.

 

[Leanne1977]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad to see so many of you had a good experience there. Have any of you eaten after Wishes? We have a 9:10 ADR. Wishes is at 9:00. We purposely booked after Wishes hoping for a quieter experience. Do you think things will be calming down by then? Thanks again for all the help.

The latest we have dined was 9.20pm, this was after Wishes but I'm not sure if Wishes was on at 8 or 9pm. But the restaurant was most definately quieter. There was a noticable decline in the number of children also. We were dining with our two boys who were excellently behaved as they always are in restaurants. But it definately had a more adult feel when we were there at that time.

But I also think it would depend on the time of year you are dining. I imagine the restaurant would be pretty busy all night long during free dining.

 

[TDC Nala]

How long has it been, since you guys ate at CG? I'm wondering if it was before or after the chef change. Thanks again for all the input.

he is the former head chef at Jiko and I have never heard that he was "not the greatest." In fact I thought he did a great job at Jiko.

In fact I am eating there on March 21 just because of the chef change.