Timing CG reservation and Wishes!

[LisaDKG]

When is the best time to book California Grill in order to see the fireworks? Is it possible to request a view? I can't imagine that everyone can see them from their seats but are there a lot of window tables? Is there a place that everyone goes to see them at CR AFTER their meals? I have no idea what these places will all LOOK like so I am piece-mealing my information together from these threads. Maybe I am way off but I would appreciate any info you can spare!

 

[ladycollector]

I've never been either but I made our ressies for 9:10pm (Wishes starts at 10) so we should be finishing the entree/getting dessert when the fireworks start.

Here a link to a pic I was able to find of CG. This actually convinced me to eat there, LOL.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photos/contemporary/pages/Dining_CaliforniaGrill_01.htm

I asked on the phone if they could put on the ressie that we would like to sit next to the window but she said you have to tell that when you arrive.

HTHs!

 

[mlwear]

That is a great picture. But, I'm wondering since I will have a party of five if there will any chance of sitting by the window? Looks like they are all tables for four.
A table in the middle would mean a no-go (I know everyone can't have the perfect view and I'm not demanding that) but we must have tables or booths that are on the sides of a room, esp. for a long meal anywhere we go. DS is autistic and we just absolutely cannot go if our party of five means we will be in the middle of the restaurant. Difficult for us, but I won't ruin dinner for everyone in there.
Luckily we will be a party of 5 for only two meals during our trip.

 

[BCV23]

mlwear, there are a few boths along one window but not the MK side. There is also a booth or two near the ramp to the balcony. We've been in a booth with four or five of us....but I think it was four. However, it was a nice sized booth. I would try to have the CM with Disney Dining make a note about your concern. I wouldn't ask for window seats but explain about being on the side because of your sons needs. If the CM won't note it, just explain when you check in on the 2nd floor.

But you should know it is a pretty loud restaurant. It is spacious and has an open kitchen and just gets very noisy. Will your son be OK with that?

There is a little side room that we love. On the DIS it is called the wine room. It is more subdued and has only 5 or 6 tables. But the noise from the main room does filter in. You can't see Wishes at all from there though.

But the thing is, it is very easy to go out on the balconies to watch Wishes. The servers will hold your course while you do that. Then you will have a wonderful view.

 

[lovespugs]

The best view of Wishes at CG is from the balcony. And in case you don't normally eat late, if you save your receipt they will let you back into the restaurant to see Wishes from the balcony. So for example you could have dinner at 7:00, walk around the resort, and come back at 10:00 for the fireworks. If you want a table by the window, you have to request it when you check in and the wait will be longer.

 

[mlwear]

mlwear, there are a few boths along one window but not the MK side. There is also a booth or two near the ramp to the balcony. We've been in a booth with four or five of us....but I think it was four. However, it was a nice sized booth. I would try to have the CM with Disney Dining make a note about your concern. I wouldn't ask for window seats but explain about being on the side because of your sons needs. If the CM won't note it, just explain when you check in on the 2nd floor.

But you should know it is a pretty loud restaurant. It is spacious and has an open kitchen and just gets very noisy. Will your son be OK with that?

There is a little side room that we love. On the DIS it is called the wine room. It is more subdued and has only 5 or 6 tables. But the noise from the main room does filter in. You can't see Wishes at all from there though.

But the thing is, it is very easy to go out on the balconies to watch Wishes. The servers will hold your course while you do that. Then you will have a wonderful view.

Thanks. In other cases, dining won't note that we need a side table and have told us to request at check-in. We were always accomodated. We don't care if we have to wait a little longer . It's either wait or have a miserable dinner. I hope the CM's realize that we are also trying to be considerate of those around us, too.
I read about the noise. That's another thinkg for me to consider, too. Usually, though, if DS has food he focuses on it and blocks out everything else around It is kind of funny to see him in school cafeteria. But, when the food is taken away...sigh...
Well, here's an example that comes to mind: Not that the two restaurants compare, but have you ever been to a Joe's Crab Shack? If so, you know how noisy they usually are, but they are also very stimulating. Is it about that noise level. That was a really bad experience for DS. He didn't have a tantrum but he went into this trance...anyway, is it THAT loud --if you even know what I'm talking about. I just use that ex. because of his bad experience. As I reread my post, I realized the comparison seems even weirder than I originally thought. Just the first thing I remembered about too much noise and severe reaction. However, I do think I am going a little nuts trying to decide on a TS, which is ridiculous.
LuvPugs: Thanks about the tip for earlier dining. I was thinking that we might be pushing it. Kids can stay up that late, but it starts getting more difficult for them to be on best behavior later at night.

I'm really starting doubt that this is a good choice for us. It would be fabulous without the kids, but I like having my kids with me on my birthday.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

Also, so sorry to the OP--I completely hijacked your thread. I'll stop posting now.

 

[BCV23]

I haven't been to a Joe's Crab Shack although we have a couple near us. But yes, it is really rather loud and is especially so near fireworks time. We actually prefer to go at or near opening regardless of the time of Wishes. So we are gone before it starts most times of the year.