Wishes Dessert Buffet and California Grill

[stinie18287]

We're considering both of these for our upcoming trip. My question is, would it be silly to do both of them and see wishes twice? If you had to pick one, which would it be? I'm a pastry chef so I'm excited about the dessert buffet but we've lso never done a signature restaurant so we'd be excited to try one. If we didn't do CG we could add two other meals, one most likely being Rose and Crown for illuminations. Or I guess we could do another signature. Are there any signatures that you can watch illuminations from? Sorry for all the questions, and thanks in advance!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I like to see Wishes several times during my trips.

I have never done the dessert party because I like to see Wishes from Main Street but did eat at the California Grill in Sept. 2011. I really enjoyed my meal and had great service.
I didn't eat late though, I ate at 6pm, changed my clothes and went to MK and watched Wishes from there.

I can't answer your other questions but I'm sure someone else will be along shortly who can.

Have a great trip!

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I think that both the dessert party and California Grill would be fun for a pastry chef, but I don't think that either offers a spectacular view of Wishes. I wouldn't base your decision to do either on the fireworks.

There aren't any signature restaurants that offer a view of Illuminations. Even Bistro de Paris, which does not accept the dining plan, offers a limited view to only a small number of tables.

 

[TDC Nala]

No problem. The view of Wishes is very different from each.

Are there any signatures that you can watch illuminations from?

You can see it from a distance out the other side of the California Grill. Otherwise, no.

 

[Nadjalu]

I have no opinion on where to see Wishes from, but I do have to say that I can watch Wishes every night of the trip from the same spot and get all giddy/sentimental each time!

Illuminations isn't as "wow" for me. Haven't seen F!. But Wishes, ah I would watch from each venue I wanted or had a chance.

 

[XGrumpy1]

I really like seeing wishes from the Cali Grill, the fireworks go off at eye level, too cool!

I would say do both! How often can you see fireworks from 15 stories high and then from a great view of the castle?

Go for it!

 

[ditsypixie]

We eat at CG each trip, our tradition on our last night. By that point, we have seen Wishes a few times but we still enjoy it (probably more) from the observation deck on top.

We have also eaten at the Rose and Crown and watched Illuminations while eating and that was by far the most we had every enjoyed it.

We have never done the dessert party but I am sure there are lots of people that can comment on that.

Have a great trip!

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

Doing both sounds like a Great idea to me.

Matter of fact I've both booked for our December trip & they are both a first for us. Calif Grill on Monday night during Wishes & then the dessert supper on Thursday night.

I've even got MMVCP on Tuesday night & we'll watch the fireworks again on the street in front of the castle. You can't get too much of a fun thing!

 

[corkycat]

What number do you call to make reservations for the Wishes dessert party?

Thank you!

 

[OKW Lover]

Having done both, my preference is for he desert party. Its a nice experience and the deserts are wonderful.

 

[vickiemariko]

My family and I have done both Cali Grill and the Dessert Party for Wishes and we liked the Dessert Party best for fireworks. We had the best seat in the house at Cali Grill and it was fantastic, but the Dessert Party was still better. There's just nothing like being right up close. I thought the view of the fireworks at the dessert party was great and so were the desserts. The observation deck at Cali was cool, but it was super windy and chilly when we were there so we didn't stay out for the show. But honestly, watching the fireworks from anywhere will be great. Have a great time!!

 

[TDC Nala]

what number do you call to make reservations for the wishes dessert party?

Thank you!

407-wdw-dine

 

[chamonix]

Definitely do both....or at least, don't make CG your only Wishes viewing. While it's very cool to watch from "eye level" Wishes was designed to be viewed from inside the park, and it's not nearly the same experience to see it from that angle. There's certainly a wow factor seeing fireworks from so high up, but in some ways I find it less "magical" seeing all the roofs of the buildings, the backstage areas, the parking lot, the buses, etc. being higher than Tink when she flies....not feeling so immersed in the overall drama of the show when you are at CG.

Just my two cents. I've seen Wishes many many times from CG, as well as many times in the park, and if someone was only going to see it once, I would recommend being in the park. (not at the Poly beach or on a boat either! Again, those are great, fun experiences, but just not anything like the experience seeing it as it was meant to be, in the park) if you've seen Wishes before, you will love seeing from CG. It's such a unique perspective, and worth doing at least once!