Window Seat at California Grill

[KathleenC]

I have a PS for 7:15 PM at the California Grill Oct. 26 which is a fireworks night at MNSSHP. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get a window seat?
Thanks.

 

[sdrinon]

I heard it is just luck of the draw. We are going this Sept. and will be having our first honeymoon meal there. We had them put on our PS that we are on our HM and the person on the phone said that may help us get a window seat! **crossing fingers**

I would just ask when you get there!

 

[KathleenC]

Thanks.

Honeymoon won't work, I'm going with my 24 year old daughter, niece and her SO. I thought I would show up about 1/2 hour earlier and just wait for a table, but we'll see how it works out.

Are you able to view the fireworks if you don't have a window table?

 

[sdrinon]

Well, from the pics I have seen of the place online it looks like there are windows all throughout the dining area, so I sure you would still be able to see.

Or you could just go out on the patio?

 

[beachbunny]

I think it's luck of the draw and being nice at the podium. I was there in July on a MK fireworks night and it was VERY crowded. When I checked in, I very politely asked if a window seat was available. The person checking me in said no, but is one away from the window o.k.? Seeing all the other people waiting around, I decided not to wait. I was very nice about it, smiled and said fine. I don't know what happened next, but she then told the seater to escort us to a window table. Awesome view, no wait!

 

[Tnkrbl2199]

You cannot see the fireworks from half of the restaurant b/c it faces the other side of the Contemporary Resort. They don't allow people to stand all about where guests are eating so you'll have to go out to the observation deck to watch.
My suggestion, make an early PS time, the waiter during our first trip told us if you make an early PS you will be more likely to get a good table. In addition, he said the waiters expect when people come to dinner after like 6:00 they will probably want to draw the meal out to see the show.
My tip, do like my fiance did and be super nice at the podium and a tip will seal the deal. It got us the best table in the house for our engagement!

 

[lonegungirl]

Just a fyi--we stopped in to eat last trip with no ps around 7pm (it was a last minute decision to eat before the fireworks cruise)...we were able to sit and eat right away in the lounge area which also has window frontage. We were about 2 tables away from the window and would have had a nice view, if we were staying.

So there's still hope for a window seat, even if you have no ps or forethought whatsoever...

 

[Tnkrbl2199]

The lounge area does give you a view, however it is an often crowded waiting area where people are having drinks waiting to be seated. I can't see being very comfortable eating there unless it was empty. But it would be perfect to just have dessert and watch the fireworks!!

 

[sdrinon]

When you say tip, do you mean you can tip the host/hostess in the hopes of getting a better seat?

 

[PghDisney]

one FYI, it is my understanding that they do reserve certain seats on the better tables for at least one group, concierge guests, perhaps other groups of people as well . . . one of the perks of paying more for the service, my understanding is that when the concierge makes your reservations, you have a VIP next to your name and it makes a difference at all the restaurants, cirque tickets, etc. I asked specifically about california grill, fireworks night our first night there (August 31) as I had made reservations myself, before calling concierge, for 7:15 pm, being told that there was no guarentee of a window seat, and the concierge I dealt with a few days later made the reservations over again for me and said 'you have a window seat now'. Just throwing this out as info as I am not sure how many know this.

 

[Cinderella37]

Every time concierge has booked our table at California Grill, my fiance and I have had a window seat, even without us requesting it. I feel, though, that this may not be the best manner of "awarding" tables. Perhaps the window tables should be given in order of requests that were noted at the time booking...

 

[Marisa'sMom]

Like everyone has said, it is the luck of the draw. We were there for dinner in July and we went out on the observation deck and we had a fantastic view, plus they pipe the music in from MK. It was awesome. Hopefully the timing will be right and you'll be inbetween courses. They invited our DD (10) to start the fire works, so we left our table a few minutes before fireworks and our entree was at the table, our server Jenny (she was awesome!) put our food in a warmer. I wish you luck!

 

[Absimilliard]

I had a PS for 1, showed up 20 minutes in advance (had time for one space mountain at MK before hand, what a better way to work your appetite!). Checked in at the podium, then had a seat at the podium. Ordered a drink and some California Rolls. 20-25 minutes later, the manager shows up and tells me that they are having trouble seating me in the restaurant, so she asked if I whould not mind sitting in the lounge for my meal with a premium seat for the fireworks? I thanked her and said yes.

Meal went on... long story short: I should have went at the Bistro de Paris in Epcot and asked for a window seat. The California Grill was expansive, the food was bad except for dessert and I almost fell on my back when the bill arrived: no wine, just a single mixed drink. The total? 85$ with tip and CM discount... Never again.

The fireworks view? Well, they are the MK fireworks which are absolutely nothing to me (the DLP fireworks works better, even if there are no big shells!) and the view was nothing.

My advice? Dont go in expecting the greatest fireworks or a much better experience from watching them at central plaza.

 

[newtodisney]

My understanding is that the fireworks aren't until 9:15 for MNSSHP.

 

[Tinkerbelle739]

BUMP

 

[ceejay13]

We love the CG and have gotten window seats on our last 2 visits. The have not been overlooking the MK, however. The best place to view the fireworks in my opinion is to walk outside on the observation platform and view them from there. It is an incredible place, and they pipe the music outside, as well. I think the second best place would be in the lounge if you can get a close seat to the windows. Otherwise the seating moves away from the MK.