Window seat at California Grill

[Nancyg56]

Have you looked in guests rooms, while they are there ........... those Mousekeepers need hazard pay.

Oh goodness, it is not a job I would want, but I was surprised.

 

[Barbruka]

Ok, I got a 6:50 ADR for California Grill instead of the 7:40. Do you think this improves my chances of a window seat for Wishes at 8??

 

[EvilDrPorkchop21]

When you arrive at the check in podium you can request a window table, but I agree with Disbuckman that your chance of being seated by a window in time to view Wishes is extremely unlikely. Anyone who has a window seat at 7:40 won't be leaving until after the fireworks, but afterwards you can probably have a window table and enjoy the view while dining. With a reservation so close to fireworks time we would go outside to one of the decks to watch Wishes and ask to be seated afterwards.

I agree. There is really only a handful of seats worth watching Wishes from in CG. You're better off just watching them on the deck and waiting for a nice table view post wishes. The last time I was there we waited an extra 30 minutes (which was awkward standing at the bar) for our table, and it wasn't even that great. Definitely ask, but be prepared to just go outside if your table isnt ready yet.

 

[Hopefully]

Ok, I got a 6:50 ADR for California Grill instead of the 7:40. Do you think this improves my chances of a window seat for Wishes at 8??

Yes, but only minimally. I still don't believe that your chances are very good.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Most likely folks with window tables who are there at 7 will be sitting there until 8-and even if they are done eating.

 

[evilqueenmindy]

Ok, I got a 6:50 ADR for California Grill instead of the 7:40. Do you think this improves my chances of a window seat for Wishes at 8??

it might improve slightly, I've eaten at CG probably close to a dozen times at various times of year and at various times in the evening, and I've received a window-side table once. And it was not a spot I could view fireworks from.
That said, do not despair if you get seated away from the windows; the view of the fireworks from outside on the observation deck is awesome. They play the music, and it's a really great experience.

 

[Nancyg56]

Ok, I got a 6:50 ADR for California Grill instead of the 7:40. Do you think this improves my chances of a window seat for Wishes at 8??

Is there a reason that you really want a window seat? For me, the benefit would be that I do not need to go to the observation deck...I am really uncomfortable up there, so I do not like that vantage point. The rest of my family loves it, so window seat or not, they would go outdoors for the best view.

 

[akaDaddy]

My favorite seat at CG is at the window, but in the small dining area facing Bay Lake; less than 8 tables, quiet, warm lighting and a beautiful view of Orlando at night. We try to get a ADR two hours before the fireworks, request the room (which we have always been seated in) enjoy our meal and dessert, all while making the meals last long enough to stroll out on the balcony just in time to see the fireworks and then leave.

 

[sbgla]

When we eat at Cali Grill it is usually in the middle of Summer when the fireworks are at 10pm. We book our table for 8:45 and arrive a bit early. We usually ask for a window seat in the main restaurant area and are prepared to wait a bit longer to get one. We have been lucky to get one a few times now but it is just your luck. As a poster above said - people seated that close to the FW time are there for the show. Suggest trying to make your reservation a bit earlier if possible then you can "make sure" you havent finished or are just finishing around show time and go yout to the balcony or sit at the window.

 

[Uncleromulus]

We've seen folks nurse a glass of water for an hour sitting at a window table waiting for the fireworks....

 

[MaryKatesMom]

We've eaten at the CG around 10 times and never gotten a window seat and we are always celebrating something. They expect the guests to linger until after the fireworks. I've never seen anyone leave in the hour leading up to the fireworks.

The observation deck is lovely so I wouldn't be too upset if you don't get a window seat.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I was trying to be funny - the snotty nose emoji and all, but I have seen some desperate dads do this. There are tons of great places at WDW, you can get an ADR for somewhere decent most any day if you know to. Sorry if I suggested anything that anyone else, or Disney ,views disdainfully. In the real world though, lets admit, this happens all the time.

I had a coworker who asked me for help planning their first Disney trip and I mentioned about making ADRs, etc. - her husband wanted nothing to do with planning and assumed he could get into anywhere whenever they wanted by doing what you describe and wouldn't hear otherwise

Let's just say they were not the happiest of campers when they returned home and found that it didn't work at Disney

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Ok, I got a 6:50 ADR for California Grill instead of the 7:40. Do you think this improves my chances of a window seat for Wishes at 8??

It might, but I honestly wouldn't worry about it. We've gone out on the observation deck every time and it is lovely. One time, when we were celebrating out anniversary, our server brought out to us champagne (obviously no guarantee this will happen, just mentioning that they can make that special without needing a window seat)

 

[TeresaWen]

Last time we were in CG we had a window seat in the lounge. There was another couple drinking a bottle of wine at another window table. 10 minutes before fireworks they paid their check, poured the rest of their wine into their glasses and headed outside. Ah youth. We stayed at our table

 

[Barbruka]

Have to update this thread. Well, we asked for a window seat and got a pretty good one. Once removed from the window, looking right over the MK. But funny thing is, we got up anyway and went to the terrace. Much better view. But wind was brisk!! About 3/4 of the restaurant got up and went to the terrace balcony. Main dish pretty blah here. Apps were good and so was dessert. So, one soup, one salad, two apps, one main and one dessert was $175! No alcohol. Always wanted to eat here. Never will again. A lot of hype for a lot of blah...