Which would you choose: California Grill or Topolino’s?

[Jaimet]

I would like to plan a nice celebratory dinner for our end of August trip. It is my husband and 2 kids, 11 and 9. I’m not too concerned about the children’s menu, they are fairly flexible eaters. Both menus appeal me and my husband. We have not been to either restaurant. If you could only choose one, which would you choose?
Thanks

 

[loves to dive]

We have been to both - pre-Covid. Hands down for us Cali Grill. We like Topolino's well enough but the service wasn't as good and the food wasn't as good.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I don't think you can go wrong but I would probably choose Topolino's. I personally have had hit or miss experiences at California Grill (we booked it for next month so nothing so bad we aren't excited to return) and only excellent experiences at Topolino's. Assuming fireworks have returned, my understanding is that the outdoor terrace at Topolino's offers views of EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom (limited view) fireworks whereas CG focuses on the MK fireworks. Not sure where you're staying ... if you're on the monorail line I might do California Grill for ease of transportation.

 

[snappy]

California Grill without a doubt.

 

[ucf_knight]

I would like to plan a nice celebratory dinner for our end of August trip. It is my husband and 2 kids, 11 and 9. I’m not too concerned about the children’s menu, they are fairly flexible eaters. Both menus appeal me and my husband. We have not been to either restaurant. If you could only choose one, which would you choose?
Thanks

Cali grill. Fireworks will probably be back by then too.

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

Tough one, I enjoy them both. For food I’d say they are pretty even. CG probably gets the edge on view. TT is accessible by skyliner which makes it a no brainer if staying at any of those resorts. Can’t go wrong either way!

 

[NYCgrrl]

Haven’t been to Topolino’s yet thus for a celebratory meal I‘d stick with the tried and true CG.

 

[elsbit]

Topolinos.

 

[Marthasor]

Cali Grill. While the food is just ok at both, IMHO, the view at Cali Grill is absolutely spectacular. Topolino's doesn't compare.

 

[Eastern]

Also review the menu prices. CG seems to impose a location surcharge ($9 for coffee or tea, romaine salad $17, goat cheese ravioli $17 (you get 1 large one) etc) the prices are crazy but it's always booked solid.

Never been to Topolino's but I would like to try in place of CG. But realistically they are both very popular so I would book whichever one I could get.

 

[leoromano]

I found both overpriced and overrated. Unless you want to do the fireworks experience while eating dinner, California Grill is a pass. At least Topolino gives you enough food so you don't leave hungry. But there are plenty of more inexpensive and better alternatives.

 

[rainyvegandisney]

.

 

[Jaimet]

I don't think you can go wrong but I would probably choose Topolino's. I personally have had hit or miss experiences at California Grill (we booked it for next month so nothing so bad we aren't excited to return) and only excellent experiences at Topolino's. Assuming fireworks have returned, my understanding is that the outdoor terrace at Topolino's offers views of EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom (limited view) fireworks whereas CG focuses on the MK fireworks. Not sure where you're staying ... if you're on the monorail line I might do California Grill for ease of transportation.

We are staying at Wilderness Lodge, so that may play in to our decision.

 

[Jaimet]

It looks like CG is winning. We make dining reservations on Friday. Now let’s see if I can get either.

 

[Eastern]

I found both overpriced and overrated. Unless you want to do the fireworks experience while eating dinner, California Grill is a pass. At least Topolino gives you enough food so you don't leave hungry. But there are plenty of more inexpensive and better alternatives.

You used to be able to budget $100 pp for CG for app/entree/ cocktail. Now I would budget about $120 pp (or more). That being said, you can order whatever you want and we often just do drinks and apps, maybe a dessert to share.

 

[Eastern]

It looks like CG is winning. We make dining reservations on Friday. Now let’s see if I can get either.

You can usually get 5pm or 9pm at CG pretty easily. It's the popular sunset times that will be more in demand. If you get an early time you can always come back later with your receipt to watch fireworks. Hopefully they will be back by then.

 

[MomOTwins]

There was a similar thread a little while ago. I voted CG--the food we had there was outstanding versus just "nice" at Topolino's, and the service was miles better. However, so many others in that thread wrote gushing endorsements of Topolino's that it made we question if we just had an off night. So we're booked to go to Topolino's again this August in hopes it'll live up to the hype this time. They are both pretty hard to book, so I would just go with whatever you can book at the best time, with my tiebreaker vote going to CG.

 

[mouseRD]

We just recently had dinner at both in mid May 2021. Nice aspects to both TT definitely larger feel and more children present. I thought prices were inflated. My husband did enjoy the filet of sole. I had the rigatoni which was ok and HUGE portion (pastas are homemade). The winner there was the house made ricotta appetizer. Nice wine selection. Nice views from outdoor area.
For just the 2 of us, I preferred the more intimate atmosphere of CG. The views when you stepped out on the observation deck were pretty awesome too! Coffee is served as individual French press for both regular and decaf and was very good. Loved the short rib wonton appetizer and also enjoyed the sushi roll (Cali roll). Romaine wedge salad was overdressed so May want to ask for dressing on side. Husband had fish- enjoyed it. Wanted dessert but too full again!
I think you’d be happy at either but if we went back to TT we’d probably just do wine and appetizers.

 

[B-Ride]

I would lean towards Topolino's but would be out voted by my wife and kids for the sushi at CG.

 

[Blondie58]

I would like to plan a nice celebratory dinner for our end of August trip. It is my husband and 2 kids, 11 and 9. I’m not too concerned about the children’s menu, they are fairly flexible eaters. Both menus appeal me and my husband. We have not been to either restaurant. If you could only choose one, which would you choose?
Thanks

For years we ate dinner at California Grill and always enjoyed the service, quality of our meals, and view of MK fireworks in the evening. Then we discovered the California Grill Sunday Brunch. We have not done dinner since but go to the Sunday Brunch each time we visit. This brunch is exceptional. We have only eaten at Topolino's once and it was a brunch time meal. Our meal and service were exceptional.