First time dining at California Grill

[monymony3471]

I have a trip planned for our 25th anniversary. I got a dinning reservation for my husband and I on October 11th at 7:55 pm. I was told by a very good friend that this night is NOT a Halloween party night. Fireworks should be at 8pm.
What can I expect from your experiences dining here? What should I know? Thanks!

 

[GAN]

Assuming the fireworks are at 8P, I would plan to arrive around 7:30. I would order a celebratory cocktail and take it out to the observation deck to view the fireworks, then I'd sit down for dinner. It's possible a table will be ready, so you may be able to sit and have your server grab your drink prior to the show starting. If that doesn't work, go to the bar but let the hostess know your plans ...she should coordinate for you. They will work with you to pace your meal around the show. My only suggestion beyond that is to tip accordingly since you may be stretching the meal out ...between enjoying yourselves and the show. Happy Anniversary!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I have a trip planned for our 25th anniversary. I got a dinning reservation for my husband and I on October 11th at 7:55 pm. I was told by a very good friend that this night is NOT a Halloween party night. Fireworks should be at 8pm.
What can I expect from your experiences dining here? What should I know? Thanks!

I would definitely show up at least 30 minutes prior to your reservation and ask if you can go up to the restaurant early to see the fireworks. The check-in for Cali Grill is on the 2nd floor of the resort and you have to take a private elevator up to the restaurant with a CM, so you can't just walk into the restaurant. If they are running late, you may not be seated at 7:55 pm.

 

[Pumbaa_]

If fireworks are at 8 no one is leaving early.
follow the pp advice. Get there early!

anyone who has dined that’s day at CG will be allowed back up to view the fireworks.
anyone stil dining will stay (typically)

with checkin on the 2nd floor, you have to wait to be escorted upstairs. It will be busy.
enjoy and happy anniversary

 

[monymony3471]

So you can see the fireworks from the dining room and/or do you have to go up to a viewing deck?

 

[Pumbaa_]

Yes!
ok, that was just for my fun

depending on your table location, you may have an awesome view or zero view. Especially towards the wine room, which has a long view of epcot fireworks

and the viewing deck is off the restaurant

 

[Mzpalmtree]

So you can see the fireworks from the dining room and/or do you have to go up to a viewing deck?

It depends on where you get a table. Some near the windows have fantastic firework views and some do not. The view from the decks are great! And I agree with prior posters, get there early. You have to be taken up from check in by elevator so there is usually a line of people waiting to go up near fireworks time. I’d want to make sure I got there early because of that.

 

[monymony3471]

Is there a time that’s too early?
What if I want to get there like an hour early and go up to the viewing deck? Do they allow beverages up there? Is there a bar up there?

 

[Mzpalmtree]

Is there a time that’s too early?
What if I want to get there like an hour early and go up to the viewing deck? Do they allow beverages up there? Is there a bar up there?

There is a lounge in the restaurant that does get crowded. I’ll let others estimate a time but I’m thinking I’d show up maybe 45 mins early? If the bar is crowded I believe you could get your drink and go out to the deck early.

 

[monymony3471]

I would definitely show up at least 30 minutes prior to your reservation and ask if you can go up to the restaurant early to see the fireworks. The check-in for Cali Grill is on the 2nd floor of the resort and you have to take a private elevator up to the restaurant with a CM, so you can't just walk into the restaurant. If they are running late, you may not be seated at 7:55 pm.

We are so laid back, I’m just happy to get a ressie. It’s more important to me, knowing what my options are going into it. I hate finding out missed opportunities after the fact. Thanks for your tips! They are very much appreciated.
Last trip our very late ressie and first at BOG got us to see Neil Patrick Harris and his family having dinner.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

So you can see the fireworks from the dining room and/or do you have to go up to a viewing deck?

Is there a time that’s too early?
What if I want to get there like an hour early and go up to the viewing deck? Do they allow beverages up there? Is there a bar up there?

The check-in for Cali Grill is on the 2nd floor. You are then escorted into an elevator to access the restaurant and bar/lounge, all of which are on the 15th floor of CL. There are floor-to-ceiling windows in the restaurant, but, depending on where you are seated, you may or may not have a good view of MK. The restaurant/bar/lounge have direct access to two observation decks - one has a view of MK and the other has a view of EP/DHS. You could certainly show up an hour early and let them know you would like to sit in the bar or lounge prior to being seated for dinner. You may want to check out some YouTube videos of the restaurant to get a better idea of how it is all laid out.

 

[monymony3471]

The check-in for Cali Grill is on the 2nd floor. You are then escorted into an elevator to access the restaurant and bar/lounge, all of which are on the 15th floor of CL. There are floor-to-ceiling windows in the restaurant, but, depending on where you are seated, you may or may not have a good view of MK. The restaurant/bar/lounge have direct access to two observation decks - one has a view of MK and the other has a view of EP/DHS. You could certainly show up an hour early and let them know you would like to sit in the bar or lounge prior to being seated for dinner. You may want to check out some YouTube videos of the restaurant to get a better idea of how it is all laid out.

Thanks so much!

 

[cobright]

Enjoy your anniversary. If you reach out to the restaurant ahead of time you can have a bottle of champagne waiting for you on ice. The Iron Horse Celebration Cuvee, a Disney exclusive, is a nice, not real expensive option for this.

 

[hereforthechurros]

California Grill seats notoriously late. Last time we waited 40 minutes past our reservation time. They’ll most likely take you up about 7:45 pm and tell you that you're welcome to order a drink from the bar and head outside to watch the fireworks, which is great as long as it’s a dry evening. There’s nothing wrong with this but if a 7 pm pops up, I would take that over 7:55 pm. That way you’ll most likely be seated before fireworks start.

The cheese plate app is wonderful to share. Enjoy your evening!