The most interesting thing about this thread has been the consistent disappointment in California Grill, and in particular the service. My DH and I were there in 2006 and while I thought the food was acceptable, the service was laughably bad. It had a silly, pretentious vibe. The hostesses were giving the primo view seating to their friends, early 20 somethings playing dress up as the Sex and the City cast. Their first time out in high heels, or something. Their first cosmopolitan. I don't know. The whole experience was just...dumb. Like the snobby restaurant in the movie 'Date Night' where Steve Carrel plays hipster by wearing his suit jacket backwards? Yeah, I think they were at California Grill.
Oh, and my husband had had about enough (even before we were seated) so that when they tried to put us back in a corner after waiting 55 minutes past our reservation, he refused the table and asked to speak to a manager. We were shown a much better table and our waiter was fine, but really? Who needs the drama. So, it's just interesting that one of their signature restaurants is still so crap. Sad, because I'd love to try it again, but only if I thought it had improved.
I'm an excellent cook but really not too picky about eating out. I know I can prepare most anything I'm being served, so its not like I'm going to faint if the food isn't life changing. It's not like I'm a food snob or anything--for me it is more about the overall experience. I just like to enjoy being waited on and spending time with family and friends without the work, ha ha.
It's not that hard to make us happy, Disney restaurant ppl: Act like you are glad we are dining with you, be attentive but don't HOVER obtrusively (looking at you, Victoria and Albert's) keep your restaurant clean and inviting, limit the chaos and noise (although I get it--we are at Disney so some is to be expected) and don't RIP US OFF because we are a semi-captive audience.
Places on my *ick* list: CG, San Angel Inn (used to love it, but the heck with the tables all smooshed together and the food is no bueno lately) Biergarten (just...no. Trust me.) BOG dinner--before the 2 credit thing--too loud, too crowded, just blah food and lousy service. Now that it's 2 table services, did they take 1/3 of the tables out? No? Then, no. Le Cellier for all the reasons previously mentioned, Coral Reef for the dinginess of the restaurant (dirty carpet and dated, dingy decor).
Restaurant we have consistently had good experiences with: Crystal Palace for breakfast, Rose and Crown (always great wait staff, lots of fun to getting to know them) and that dumb food court in the Land. I know! But the food has always been good there! And it's fun people watching! And Tony's. We love Tony's! So see? Everyone's experiences/ tastes vary widely!
We are going next December with family. 7 adults, 5 kids aged 14 to 3. We will have good meals, maybe a great meal or two, mediocre meals and hopefully no horrible ones. But it all ends up being a nice memory--even California Grill and Victoria and Alberts--if only because we shared them and the memories make us laugh and grimace. That said: PICK UP THE BALL, DISNEY! Pay Eiger a mill less and buy a decent cut of beef! Sheesh!