Watching fireworks from California Grill

[MuttonJeff]

Hi all, we have reservations for California Grill at 7pm on 21st April. Wishes fireworks start at 10pm, and we'd like to watch them from the restaurant.
Clearly we will have finished eating by then, but I believe there is a viewing balcony attached to the restaurant, so does anyone know if they will let us stay, or will we get kicked out after the meal?
Thanks.

 

[TeeterTots]

Hi all, we have reservations for California Grill at 7pm on 21st April. Wishes fireworks start at 10pm, and we'd like to watch them from the restaurant.
Clearly we will have finished eating by then, but I believe there is a viewing balcony attached to the restaurant, so does anyone know if they will let us stay, or will we get kicked out after the meal?
Thanks.

I'm sure you can stay. Have a drink or linger with dessert, but I've read that you can come back with your receipt to view later.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

will we get kicked out after the meal?

1) WDW cannot kick you out or ask you to leave your table.
2) So, once seated, you could stay until closing.
3) Most people eating that early, leave and come back to the balcony for the fireworks later. (Show your receipt at the elevator.)

 

[kastoney]

We have a similar dilemma on the 19th of next month. We plan to return later with our receipt,

 

[PaintsWindColors]

We couldn't get a reservation close to fireworks time on Sept 17th but going to use the receipt to go back up later

 

[jgl130]

My sister and I got a reservation for 9:30. Do they frown on just ordering dessert that late?

 

[sotoalf]

No. You can order whatever you want.

 

[illinidp]

My sister and I got a reservation for 9:30. Do they frown on just ordering dessert that late?

If the fireworks are at 10 you want to check in from 9:00-9:15 to make sure you get up in time.

 

[jgl130]

Awesome, thanks for the tips!

 

[wdw&sonny]

Hi,
we have a 9:20 ADR with Wishes at 10p.
1. If I request a window table, do I stand ANY chance of getting one or will people just drag out their meals at that time?
2. With a 9:20 ADR, are we likely to even get seated before 10p Wishes? Or will everyone be stalling at all tables?
3. If we are seated before Wishes starts, are we able to leave our table, go out to the deck to watch Wishes, then return, at any point in the meal?
4. Do people on the deck, block the view from the tables?
5. Even if not at a window table, how much of Wishes can you see?
6. Can you see "Celebrate the Magic" from the tables? Deck?
Thanks.

 

[purple figment]

1. Extremely unlikely. Anyone with a window table will remain until after Wishes.
2. You might be seated, but don't expect a window table. If you are seated you could place your order, then go outside to the deck.
3. Yes, many will go out to the deck. The servers are used to this so just let them know and they will pace your meal accordingly.
4. No. The decks are at the ends of the restaurant.
5. Depends on where your table is. It could be all, some or none at all.
6. I don't remember seeing any of the actual projections because CG is pretty far from the castle.

 

[PoohsFan1]

I'm sure you can stay. Have a drink or linger with dessert, but I've read that you can come back with your receipt to view later.

We like to dine at CG with an early seating and then head downstairs to walk around/shop and do a loop around the monorail before heading back to CG and heading upstairs to watch the fireworks. Keep your dinner receipt because you will need to show the CMs at the check in desk, afterwards they will take you back upstairs. What DH and I like to do then is get our favorite glass of wine at the bar and head out onto the balcony and watch Wishes as we are sipping it .

 

[ariane37]

Hi,
we have a 9:20 ADR with Wishes at 10p.
1. If I request a window table, do I stand ANY chance of getting one or will people just drag out their meals at that time?
2. With a 9:20 ADR, are we likely to even get seated before 10p Wishes? Or will everyone be stalling at all tables?
3. If we are seated before Wishes starts, are we able to leave our table, go out to the deck to watch Wishes, then return, at any point in the meal?
4. Do people on the deck, block the view from the tables?
5. Even if not at a window table, how much of Wishes can you see?
6. Can you see "Celebrate the Magic" from the tables? Deck?
Thanks.

We had an 8:50 ADR in January and Wishes was at 10. We didn't get a window seat. We told our server we planned on going on the deck to watch Wishes so we were served our appetizers prior to 10 but our entrees were held. Because a couple tables up by the windows were empty by 10 and it was chilly outside, our server suggested to us and the couple sitting next to us that we simply move up to the window table to watch rather than going outside, which was nice. The view of Wishes is beautiful. We moved up about 30 seconds before they started but I highly doubt you would be able to see any of Celebrate the Magic from there. As purple figment said, you're really far away.

Edited to add that we were seated about 5 minutes after our ADR time. I don't think you'd be seated after 10 due to people lingering; the only way I think you'd be seated after 10 is if they're running WAY behind.

 

[MouseMama11]

You can either order dessert and drinks and hang out after dinner until the fireworks start (especially if you have a table by the window with a perfect view!) or you can leave when you're done, keep your receipt and head back up right before the fireworks start. They let you do that as long as you can show your receipt from dinner that night