WWYD? BOG or Cali Grill?

[katandmouse]

My sister, cousins, and I are going on an adults-only weekend trip this fall and one night happens to be my birthday. Originally I had requested Be Our Guest for a birthday dinner (since I’ve never been and always wanted to try it), with California Grill as a backup. Well, we were able to get both reservations and now have to cancel one. And now I can’t decide!
It’s a MNSSHP night; we do not have party tix.
-BOG dinner at 5:40
-Cali Grill dinner at 9:00 (hopefully watch the Hallowishes fireworks while we’re there)
Which would you choose and why?

 

[bubblefactory]

Cali Grill at 9. I never eat dinner before 8, love Hallowishes from the Cali Grill ( new show though this year ) and Cali grill is more of a birthday experience.

 

[EdnaMarieMode]

Hands down California Grill. We have consistently had great service and food there and feel it is worth what we spend.

If you want to go to BOG to see the castle/ theming, book a lunch instead if you can (Beast is not there but if that's not a deal-breaker, lunch is my favorite meal at BOG).

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I voted for Cali Grill as well. It feels special the moment they escort you up in the private elevator and the view is just stunning. You can see the DHS and EP fireworks from there as well. A 9:00 pm reservation is perfect as Hallowishes usually starts at 10:15 pm. Make sure to have the birthday noted on your reservation and remind the host when you check-in as your server may (or may not) sprinkle a little pixie dust.

 

[goofy4prez]

If you want way overpriced, average foot at best in an incredible themed restaurant then BOG is your choice. But if you want a spectacular view, very good to excellent food and good service I would suggest Cali Grill. IMO, they are not even close. If you really want to see BOG then I would suggest lunch as someone else has suggested.

 

[katandmouse]

Thanks all! I like the idea of BOG lunch instead and it sounds like Cali Grill would be special!
(If anyone has any other opinions, I’d like to hear those as well)

 

[garris3404]

Cali Grill. No question. Food is way better. Service is way better. View is amazing. And watching the fireworks from there is a must do.

And happy early birthday.

 

[Pyotr]

Cali grill. No question. Excellent food, excellent view.

Doing BOG for lunch and Cali for dinner is a perfect solution.

 

[katandmouse]

Cali Grill. No question. Food is way better. Service is way better. View is amazing. And watching the fireworks from there is a must do.

And happy early birthday.

Thank you!

 

[ABZDisneyFan]

California Grill without a doubt, fantastic food, fantastic wine list, great service, beautiful room, great view & there is nothing nicer than standing out on one of the viewing platforms with a glass of wine watching the fireworks.

 

[SaraJR]

BOG is great for photos and decor but imo the food sucks. Cali has it all

 

[SSRFred]

BOG dinner is overpriced and underwhelming. Their lunch is much better. I would definitely choose dinner at CG over BOG.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Looking at your situation, i'd definitely go with Cali Grill. It just makes sense. And watching the fireworks from the balcony or your table is so magical. Perfect bday dinner.

 

[JeninTexas]

Go to lunch at BOG. It is definitely worth seeing the castle and we have had good experiences with the food at lunch. Dinner at BOG is underwhelming. CG is always good.

 

[shocker]

You didn't happen to say which-ish birthday it is & might well change my answer.

But, I'd go with a casual lunch at BOG inside the park on a park day. That will get you inside to see it. We went for lunch, didn't love it, tried another trip for dinner (DD's senior trip dinner pick) still bad, now crossed off our list completely.

Then I'd book CG for an evening, dress up, slow down & enjoy for birthday dinner and some fireworks.

 

[starrysky]

We have done dinner at both and 100% agree that Cali Grill is by far the better option. Plus you said it’s a MNSSHP night and a 5:40pm reservation would mean if you didn’t get seated right away then you will be rushed through the meal as the party starts at 7pm meaning once your done you can’t linger in the park they would ensure you leave.
Cali Grill we love going for a drink at the Wave or Out Rim first and then heading up for dinner. Fireworks from the view up there are incredible and they time your food so you can have appetisers and then pause for the fireworks before your main meal. The goats cheese ravioli appetiser is delicious

 

[Accidental Magpie]

All 2 credit meals are not created equal.
For both food quality and ambiance, California Grill is the only choice here.