What happened to Cali Grill? And Spice Road is new favorite!

[kaylasmom07]

This is so concerning to hear about Cali grill. We have an ADR for our trip because I always wanted to eat there before the remodel but new had the chance. Now i'm kind of thinking I may need to cancel?!

 

[Golden Rose]

We were at Cali Grill a few nights ago, and while our food was still good, we noticed that the service wasn't nearly as good.

We were seated for almost 45 minutes before anyone took our orders, but part of that was because someone broke a platter of glasses next to us/under our table. There were glass shards everywhere even after they "cleaned up", including all around our 3 year old, and they seemed affronted that we asked for another table. They eventually did move us, but our new waitress ignored us for about 15 minutes or more, and was never very attentive. We certainly didn't feel rushed; we could hardly get her attention!

That said, everything we ordered was excellent. It came out at strange intervals, but it all tasted delicious.

The meal did go on so long that my DM took our DD3 out of the restaurant and back to our room, because she was starting to act up. I believe we were there for almost 2.5 hours, which had not been our plan, with a 3 year old.

Anyway, it is still on our favorites list, because the food and view were still amazing, but we did notice service issues we had not experienced on any of our prior trips.

 

[jcvalenti]

Disappointed to hear all these experiences at California Grill.

We had gone there a number of times and really enjoyed it. My last trip there was 2011, for my 40th birthday dinner, and while the food was great, our server was positively terrible. Bad enough that for the first time ever we had to complain to a manager, who actually did something nice and sent us a bottle of wine and a cheese plate for a fireworks cruise the next night.

That being said, we decided to give it another shot after the remodel, and got rezzies for a table of 9 here for 8/4. My son really wants to try the sushi here, and we're hoping to catch a view of Wishes during dinner. Our group takes a LONG time (lots of appetizers and cocktails/wine), and considering I expect to drop at least $500 on dinner that night, if I have to keep flagging down my server for water, bread, or orders, I'm going to be mighty peeved.

I hate to say it, but service everywhere in the parks seems to be going downhill lately. I really think that's due in part to people getting locked into the dining plan, where the tips are guaranteed and you've prepaid your dinner (so they stop offering creative and inventive menus, and just focus on high profit margin, easily prepped and produced dinners). Hope the trend changes, but given the enthusiasm on these forums for the DDP, I fear it's just going to continue to go downhill.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Tips are not guaranteed on the dining plan - none of the plans include tips, and the only "automatic" tip charged is for parties of 6 or more - and that's whether they are on the dining plan or not.

 

[Buzzsgramma]

I had hope...these past few months things would improve....but i am going over to cancel our ADR for 6 this week....
NO way am I having my DDL birthday spoiled....

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Just back! We had booked some long-standing favorites which disappointed us, but found some new favorites, too!

Cali Grill is seriously now like a really pricey Applebee's. The whole feel of the place is different than what it used to be. Perhaps we went on the wrong night? Am I wrong here? Our service was casual and rushed, and It used to be attentive and elegant. There were multiple kids running around the restaurant everywhere, no exaggeration. I tripped over one crawling on the floor as I made my way to the bathroom. A younger woman at a table across from us was wearing either bathing suit bottoms or hot shorts, I'm not sure, but her tee shirt barely covered them. (And while I typically don't care too much about what others wear, it was kind of like pool bar attire!)

The food was good but we paid $400 (for 4) for what used to feel like a "special" and leisurely meal and it just wasn't. We will never go back. CG was always family-friendly and noisy but this was seriously too casual for the price. My husband, who doesn't get too ruffled about anything in life, was actually fuming as we left because he always used to look forward to eating here.

Our surprise bright spot, though? Spice Road Table at Epcot. We walked in at 3 and they were empty. Got a table by the window and we shared 4 plates. Delicious food and pretty atmosphere. Excellent service. Will be back! A favorite moment from our trip!

Another bright spot: the bakery/cafe at Norway. We had never eaten here and the sandwiches were some of the best and freshest I've had anywhere. Thumbs way up for that one too!

Overall we had some excellent meals, and the CG experience was just a lesson learned, I guess!

I've had both great and not so steller CG trips recently. In october I had one at fireworks time that was FANTASTIC. Our service was great the atmosphere was great, everyone was dressy, it was fantastic.

A few weeks ago, I had another at fireworks time and it was dampered by a complete lack of parenting from the table next to us. They had two boys, with FULL SIZE PIRATE SWORDS and were allowing them to run around inbetween the tables "fighting". Mom sat there with her drink doing nothing. Dad and the other four adults also sat around watching and doing nothing. Sorry, when I'm paying $50 for an entree control your brats or get disney babysitting and don't bring them. (maybe that's mean, but this was ridiculous) It really, really irritated me. They even hit a lady in another table nearby in the leg with the sword! Then they kept whacking on the windows. It was a nightmare. Nobody stopped them.

My observation now is your experience will depend on the courteousness or lack there of that those around you have. I would go back, as the food is great, but I would probably be more aware of who is around me before I sit down. My bad experience was the fault of other guests, not Disney.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

My observation now is your experience will depend on the courteousness or lack there of that those around you have. I would go back, as the food is great, but I would probably be more aware of who is around me before I sit down. My bad experience was the fault of other guests, not Disney.

Sorry, but I think it is Disney's fault. The manager shouldn't allow that to happen. They need to stop allowing a few guests ruin the experience of many. When one goes to a signature restaurant, they should be able to expect everyone to sit at their own table & behave properly.

 

[snausman]

This was one of our favorites also. But the last time we tried it, last year, it was so bad we will not be back until they changed the menu. Our meal was awful and our waiter was the same. They need to make some major changes there before we spend that kind of money again, not when there are other wonderful restaurants out there. So sad to see, one of our all time favorites hit rock bottom, at least in our opinion.

Laura

 

[PelletierBears]

Sorry, but I think it is Disney's fault. The manager shouldn't allow that to happen. They need to stop allowing a few guests ruin the experience of many. When one goes to a signature restaurant, they should be able to expect everyone to sit at their own table & behave properly.

tarheelmjfan I'm quoting you but my comments are to everyone : )

You're right... it is ultimately up to management to stop bad behavior in the restaurants. I IMPLORE YOU ALL WITH BAD EXPERIENCES TO CALL OR EMAIL Disney!!! Or better yet complain while you're there!!! Things will never change / improve if everyone stays silent. Yes, less people will book ressies but they need to know why.

When we went in January this year (we've gone every year the past several), the service and food was great as usual but the atmosphere was not. Like others have said, when you're dropping a few hundred dollars for dinner there is an expectation that should be met. My DH emailed Disney when we got back about the ignorance of the staff to certain behaviors of other guests. After an email exchange with the restaurant manager he actually got a phone call from him. They had a great conversation about the "not up to par" experience we had. He was very genuine and open about the challenges of guests who don't watch their kids and the overall impact to the other guests and staff. We all need to let restaurant management know why we're upset or disappointed so please make your opinions known by more than just going somewhere else.

 

[trainingupmy4princes]

Sorry, but I think it is Disney's fault. The manager shouldn't allow that to happen. They need to stop allowing a few guests ruin the experience of many. When one goes to a signature restaurant, they should be able to expect everyone to sit at their own table & behave properly.

I would expect that at any restaurant actually. I have 5 kids(2 who are unique) and they are not allowed to run around any ts restaurant except to the bathroom if it's an emergency. I think the manager should have warned them and then second time they're out. I would think it would be better to risk upsetting one family over a whole restaurant full of people.

 

[Jaegermouster]

that's what I was thinking, but maybe it was just one of those days?

 

[MeanestMomEver]

We went for the first time in March. I'd hoped for a special experience for just DH and myself and we were both disappointed.

The entire experience was awkward and frustrating starting at the hostess station. She looked me in the eye and frowned and said, "but I just seated you...?"

She left, returned after 5 minutes and handed the host a note. He seated us in that little room on the back side of the restaurant overlooking the resort pool. In the far corner. Not only could we not see fireworks, we couldn't see as much as a spark. And it was way to cool and windy out on the terrace. No fun. Not special.

Sushi was good. Wine was good.

Service was horrible. Desserts were tiny and nothing special. (Though presentation was lovely.). Our server was a jerk when I asked him (trying not to sound rude) what the hostess meant and if someone else was given our table. I thought it was a logical question. Evidently, he decided then and there it was ok to screw with us.

I will never ever go back.

(The children there on this night were well-behaved and I didn't notice anyone under dressed. But then, from our creepy little back-room, corner table, I could only see about 20 people. Really)

 

[Uncleromulus]

tarheelmjfan I'm quoting you but my comments are to everyone : )

You're right... it is ultimately up to management to stop bad behavior in the restaurants. I IMPLORE YOU ALL WITH BAD EXPERIENCES TO CALL OR EMAIL Disney!!! Or better yet complain while you're there!!! Things will never change / improve if everyone stays silent. Yes, less people will book ressies but they need to know why.

When we went in January this year (we've gone every year the past several), the service and food was great as usual but the atmosphere was not. Like others have said, when you're dropping a few hundred dollars for dinner there is an expectation that should be met. My DH emailed Disney when we got back about the ignorance of the staff to certain behaviors of other guests. After an email exchange with the restaurant manager he actually got a phone call from him. They had a great conversation about the "not up to par" experience we had. He was very genuine and open about the challenges of guests who don't watch their kids and the overall impact to the other guests and staff. We all need to let restaurant management know why we're upset or disappointed so please make your opinions known by more than just going somewhere else.

Understand that no Disney CM will ever do anything to curb the behavior of a guest who is just "having fun"--even if its at your or my expense. Complaints and letters will be of no avail, no matter how pleasant the phone call you received.

 

[Eastern]

Understand that no Disney CM will ever do anything to curb the behavior of a guest who is just "having fun"--even if its at your or my expense. Complaints and letters will be of no avail, no matter how pleasant the phone call you received.

I agree. We stayed Club Level at BWI last winter and there was a father and son who came in every day in their gym sweats and socks and just hung out on their computers. I mentioned the socks to one of the CMs and he said that they are not allowed to say anything to the guests about socks in the lounge

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I honestly believe the CMs are instructed to do nothing unless the behavior is dangerous or requires a security presence.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I agree. We stayed Club Level at BWI last winter and there was a father and son who came in every day in their gym sweats and socks and just hung out on their computers. I mentioned the socks to one of the CMs and he said that they are not allowed to say anything to the guests about socks in the lounge

I know this from talking with several CM's who work in the restaurants. Its the same for the hotels, parks, etc.

At BEST they might say something to a manager, but all that does is put the manager in the awkward position of having to reprimand a guest who is just having fun.

And that they will rarely--if ever--do.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I honestly believe the CMs are instructed to do nothing unless the behavior is dangerous or requires a security presence.

That is the situation exactly.

 

[smcabee]

Hmm, sometime in the future, I have visions of a sue happy person getting bumped into or hit by a child running around in a restaurant and flopping like Lebron James or Chris Paul and the next thing you know either there will be a big payout or changes to this situation or both. Its things like this and decreased quality/service that drove DW away from Disney Restaurants and toward eating more at S&D restaurants and outside the parks.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Cali has been dumbed down so to speak. No special service, meals plopped on table in a hurry, kids acting out and no one dressed up. It is just fine if you want to pay so much for so little. Sorry siam. $400 is a lot of money for that in my opinion. Our last experience!

I concur. We were decidedly underwhelmed on our last visit.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Hmm, sometime in the future, I have visions of a sue happy person getting bumped into or hit by a child running around in a restaurant and flopping like Lebron James or Chris Paul and the next thing you know either there will be a big payout or changes to this situation or both. Its things like this and decreased quality/service that drove DW away from Disney Restaurants and toward eating more at S&D restaurants and outside the parks.

They would find a way to blame it on the adults---