Which California Grill Dining Time?

[TeamSy]

This is one of the only restaurants @ Disney we've yet to eat at and are super excited!!
So here's what we're looking at...

Two adults. The choice is between 7:35 and 9:35.

- We plan to go to Blizzard Beach that day (which closes at 6pm). However, if we are doing the 7:35 we would obviously have to leave before the park closes, as we are staying at AKL, and it's quite a hike to/from the park to get ready AND then to the restaurant.
- Wishes is at 10pm (and MK closes at 10, and I think we were hoping to take the bus back to AKL). I think buses run an hour after park closing, so the 9:35 could cut it close.

Honestly, I wish I could get an in between time, because 7:35 is a little early and 9:35 is a little late, but those are the options.

I think our priority is the fireworks view. Is it worth it to do the 7:35 and ask for a table by the window, and then just wait for one to become available - even if it's an hour wait? Do they even do that? Or is that pointless, since the best view is really from the balcony anyway? So it doesn't matter where we'd sit because we'd most likely get up and go outside to see the fireworks anyway? And then I'm also assuming if we do the 7:35 we'd definitely be finished way before 10pm so does that even matter when it comes to seeing the fireworks? Ugh! See? I don't know! Help!

 

[rwdavis2]

Your best bet is take the later time and go outside to watch the fireworks from the deck. There's no guarantee you can get a window seat. The server will time your service to the fireworks if you tell him to.

 

[PoohsHunnyBee]

I recently asked a timing question with CG on this board and was told that an ADR 40 minutes before fireworks would probably be cutting it too close even though I was only planning on one course. Keep the earlier time.

You can definitely ask about a table with a view, but they may or may not accommodate you. If you finish dinner well before fireworks, you can always leave and come back to watch from the deck by showing your receipt from earlier that night.

 

[schoen]

I would take the earlier time, and maybe take a cab rather than the bus, which would give you more time in between the park and dinner. If you do decide to do the later ADR than I would just show up early, they may or may not be able to seat you, but the lounge there is awesome, so if you have to wait it will be a nice atmosphere. You can just take a cab home, so don't worry about catching buses. I know cabs are a bit pricey, but it will really make your evening much nicer, and what's another $20 on a Disney vacation!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Take the later. You will get to see wishes and the meal seems more elegant later at CG.

 

[VS85]

I had this dilemma myself, trying to decide between 7:25 and 8:50. Wishes viewing is a priority. I chose the earlier time so that we can have a relaxing meal and take our time. We would watch from the deck so aren't bothering with requesting a window table. We will more than likely finish dinner before the 10pm fireworks, so we'll probably grab a drink at the lounge and watch the show outside. We need to get to MK afterwards which is why I don't think the later time will work for us, but I would prefer not to be rushed through dinner, especially if we aren't seated exactly on time!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Good luck in even getting a seat in the "lounge" anytime near fireworks time.

As for timing--our meals at CG usually take nearly 2 hours--we do get drinks, apps, entrees and dessert. So a 7:35 seating (assuming you are seated on time and you may not be) could take you to 9:35--pretty close to fireworks time such that you probably won't have to leave and come back. Or look for seats at the bar or in the "lounge" that won't be there.

 

[denise5374]

We had a 7:05 ADR this past Thursday and our meal was over about 9:30, so we went outside and waited to Wishes to start.

 

[Rosebud123]

Do 7:30, especially if that coincides with the sunset. Watching the sunset from CG is even more beautiful than watching Wishes, although with that time you can probably see both.

 

[Rosebud123]

If BB opens at 10, you could stay 'til 4. 6 hours should be plenty.

 

[TeamSy]

We had a 7:05 ADR this past Thursday and our meal was over about 9:30, so we went outside and waited to Wishes to start.

Wow that is a long time! I don't know why, maybe we are fast eaters but our dining at disney NEVER takes that long. How many people were you and how many courses did you have?