Toddlers at California Grill?

[Minnie824]

DH and I have not been to California Grill before and he would like to try it on our upcoming trip in Nov, and try to catch the fireworks from there. I'm just wondering if for that late of a dinner, there are many kids there. We'll be with our 2 DDs for their 1st trip, one will be 4 and the other 19mos....the 4 year old I'm not that concerned about, she'll find something to eat, and she does great in restaurants. Its more the little one...also, is there a dress code in the evening?

 

[brandont]

The last time we were at California Grill for the fireworks it was very crowded and a little noisy up until the fireworks. We enjoyed the experience, but our toddler (not on the trip) might not have handle the crowd very well.

I would probably try it anyway.

There is a dress code. I think business casual is what they are shooting for. (maybe a little nicer)

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

I think I remember reading on a recent review of the California Grill that they are not piping in the music and diming the lights during Wishes any more. Seems like that would take away part of the experience of wishes and they would be just regular old fireworks that you could see any where and not worth the cost if that is the only reason to want to go. Part of what makes Wishes so great is the timing with music and everything.

 

[eeyore0062]

They no longer pipe in the music or dim the lights for Wishes at California Grille--- so the experience may not be the same as before. As for toddlers, as you may know, WDW will make anyone of any age comfortable, if at all possible. I would suggest that if you do take your little one, he/she get a really good, possibly late nap that day so he/she will be in a good mood that night. Also take a "friend" --- toy, stuffed animal with him/her so he/she will have something to occupy him/her.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Children of all ages are welcome at CG--tho as has been noted there will probably be a crowd and plenty of "noise" at this restaurant. Also, the meal may last a bit longer than usual, especially if you aren't seated right away. Even with the new access system (private elevator, etc) some folks still linger for hours at their tables just waiting on the fireworks--which I should add can be viewed just fine from the observation deck outside the restaurant.
The dress "suggestion" for CG is business/ resort/"smart" casual. That's what most folks wear. But it's certainly not a requirement, and you'll see theme park casual, shorts, etc at CG. Unless you are barefoot, wearing a bathing suit, or are a man with a tank-top, they will let you in.

 

[jl3614]

Does CG provide anything to keep the kids occupied like many restuarants - e.g. crayons and paper, or do you need to bring your own entertainment?

I realize the meal is longer than most disney meals - how long is it on average - 1hr, 90 minutes, 2hrs?

 

[littleprincessmom]

Plan on an hour and 1/2 - we usually eat in an hour with our young DDs though.

They do provide crayons and the kids can actually color on the tablecloths - they are paper! Now what can be more fun than that?

I usually bring a bag of stickers also. Betwen the crayons and stickers, they stay entertained.

Our 2 DDs (5 and 2) enjoyed CG and so did we!

 

[justhat]

We just ate there on December 4th and January 2nd and had our daughter with us both times, 9 and 10 months. She enjoyed the meal, as did my husband and I. In December they did dim the lights and play the music and we watched from the lounge area inside. In January we went outside so I don't know about the music and lights. They did have the music playing outside though. There were tons of other kids there both times, as well as every other time we've eaten there. My daughter is too young to color, but she loved playing with the crayons and a pack of sugar we handed her. Our meal was about 2 hours, but we ordered a flatbread to split, an appetizer, main course, and dessert, plus went outside to watch Wishes before the main course so I'm sure you could get in and out in less time. Oh, and we had the best waiter on January 2nd (had him last June too), his name is Andy and he's got a 3yo daughter and is hoping for #2 soon.

 

[Brina]

We ate there in feb 2003 with our twins, then just shy of their 3rd birthday. There were plenty of options for them to eat, they loved watching the fireworks from the observation deck, and we had a great meal.

 

[ducklite]

I ate there the other night, the no longer dim the lights for the fireworks.

I have no problem with kids in restaurants, as long as the parents are willing to leave IMMEDIATELY if the child becomes at all disruptive.

Plan on 90 minutes to dine there, and plan that crayons aren't going to keep your kids entertained for that long.

Also keep in mind that you could be seated at a table with no fireworks view.

Personally I think dining late enough to catch fireworks is too late for most kids. I can't tell you how many times I've seen kids crashed out in their chairs there, or fussy and cranky. I'ts not fair to the kids or other diners. At that point, kids don't care about fireworks, they want to go to sleep. Food for thought.

Anne

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I have no problem with kids in restaurants, as long as the parents are willing to leave IMMEDIATELY if the child becomes at all disruptive.

Anne,

Thanks so much for posting this. I consider the CG to be a semi-formal place, a place where my husband and I can enjoy a nice, quiet dinner together. I have to agree with you on what you posted above. But not every parent has the consideration to leave or take a child when they get disruptive, though I wish they did. Oh well.