WWYD? 4-Day trip with newbies, California Grill or Brown Derby?

[robinb]

My DH and I are going to WDW next week with two other couples. One couple is experienced and the other couple are newbies. The newbie couple will be in the parks from Sunday through Wednesday and will be leaving on Thursday. The experienced couple will be in the parks Sunday - Thursday and will leave on Friday (the same day as us). We have APs, the experienced couple does not want to purchase park hoppers and the newbie couple doesn't care.

I booked us a 2BR for us at Boardwalk for 5 nights (Sunday - Friday) using my DVC points and it's my treat. We all had a little informational meeting a couple of months ago and the newbie couple wife asked my what my favorite restaurant is and I answered "California Grill" but added that it's pricey. She said, "That's fine! Make a reservation and we're paying since you're letting us stay for free." She pulled the other couple aside later on that night and told them pay for a dinner too. I chatted with them later about a second restaurant and I ended up booking Chefs de France for our DVC Moonlight Magic night at Epcot. The husband in the newbie couple is a bit of a plain meat eater so we didn't want to go too wild. We have CG scheduled for Monday night, 4/28 at 8:30. Fireworks are at 9:00.

I have been working out our park schedule. I have:
Sunday - Epcot (1/2 day, arrival at 12:00ish)
Monday - DHS, CG 8:30
Tuesday - MK
Wednesday - AK, plus MM entry in Epcot @ 7:00 pm, Chefs 7:30

I really like our time at CG, except with base tickets it cuts down our Tuesday night to 7:30 pm at the latest and we will either miss Fantasmic at DHS on Tuesday night. Both DHS and MK deserve more than a 1/2 day so I don't want to go there on Sunday.

If we had park hoppers, we would be fine. I would just hop over to DHS on Sunday night for Fantasmic! and DHS at night and then hop from DHS to MK on Monday and enjoy California Grill.

The alternative is to go to the Brown Derby on Tuesday instead and just spend the whole day at DHS with a little break at dinner. I currently have a 6:50pm dinner scheduled for Monday too. We really like Brown Derby and try to eat there at least once per trip.

Finally ... to my question! Price is not really an option, the newbie couple is wealthy and they have it covered. Food quality doesn't matter since I really enjoy both restaurants. Both restaurants will be new to both other couples.

Would you keep California Grill for the fun of watching the fireworks from the restaurant/deck?
- or -
Would you keep Brown Derby for the ease of fitting it into the park day and seeing Fantasmic! without paying for a park hopper?

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I’d vote CA over BD even with the convenience factor!

 

[Jelly563]

$ isnt an issue book V&A's.... make it a special night w close friends

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

Both are great choices and both have great food. I'd guess that both couples will enjoy either. I'd choose whichever fits best with your touring plan.

I personally like Brown Derby more....and would chose Fantasmic over MK fireworks. But both are great options

 

[Wings3496]

I’d take Brown Derby. Since California Grill changed to prixe fixe menu I think the quality isn’t as good and the value doesn’t match at all. BD is very good food and drinks, nice setting for adults, and it seems to make your schedule flow better. Win win.

 

[Marthasor]

Are you watching fireworks on your MK day? If so, I don't see the point of leaving DHS to go to CG. I would just eat at HBD and maximize your time at DHS.

 

[robinb]

Thanks everyone! I looked at the menu at the California Grill and noticed that the only app my picky friend would eat is a salad. And ... I just remembered that both he and I are taking GLP-1 meds so our appetites are probably not 3-courses worth. I love the view from up there and we're DVC members so maybe we'll take a break on our MK day and we'll visit the Top of the World Lounge for a drink and the view (maybe at dusk, not during fireworks).

 

[OKW Lover]

Not at all a fan of CG. They seem to think they can charge more just because of the location. You can get better food at several other places. Between the two of them I'd go with Brown Derby.

 

[erinch]

The other thing with CG is that being seated at 8:30, you would have time order your drinks, and then get your spot outside. You wouldn’t start on apps till post fireworks. I don’t handle that heavy a meal at 10 pm very well. We like the food at brown derby much better.
I’d move Chefs to your first night at Epcot and enjoy all of moonlight magic.
Then on the AK day I’d eat at Tiffins before going to Epcot.
And do the DVC lounge on your MK day?