[Janice419]

We have a ps for Concourse Steakhouse but are thinking of changing it. If Disney keeps pooling the meals for the dining plan we will probably have some extra to play with and could upgrade to a restaurant that counts as two.

First, am I right in thinking either of these would be better than Concourse Steakhouse?

I know California Grill would be nice if it is in the Wishes timeframe but for the sake of argument let's say it is not available then so that is not part of the equation.

We have two son's (2 and 4 yrs old) who are usually pretty good in restaurants - but I don't want to have to expect tooooo much of them. It is their vacation too! They are the reason I originally did not plan to go to a "nicer" restaurant. They also might be the reason I leave my PS's as they are now!

Any thoughts?

[dznygrl]

I have not eaten at any of the above, but if given the opportunity I think I would definitely go with California Grill over the Concourse Steakhouse any day. I don't know how CG compares with the Yachtsman, but I know that the Concourse lacks the top-of-the-world feeling you get from high atop the Contemporary. I think that adds a lot to the dining experience, whether you're there during Wishes or not.

I guess I would look at what time of day you're going, how tired you think the kids will be, etc. You know your kids best...only you can decide if you're willing to take them to a "nicer" restaurant, or if sticking with Concourse is better.

[mickey]

Either are better than the Concourse. Concourse is fine, but nothing special. If you are going for the food, go to Yachtsman. If you are going for the experience, go to California Grill. They are both great restaurants with great food.

[WDWNutCase]

Nothing compares to the food at YS. It is a staple for us each and every time we go to Disney. We've never experienced anything but incredible service and incredible food. The Bananas Foster Martini is to die for! It's a bit of a tradition to eat at YS then head on over to Jellyroll's on the Boardwalk for a night of clapping, singing and basically giggling our butts off at the Dueling Pianos.

[Park Hopper]

I agree, either the California Grill or the Yachtsman is better than the Concourse -- but I would pick the California Grill over the Yachtsman both for the food and the experience.

The Yachtsman is a fine restaurant in its own right, but the California Grill is consistently one of the best restaurants in the area (voted best American restaurant in Orlando several times), and has a well-deserved statewide reputation. Try the oak-fired beef filet or the grilled pork tenderloin, two absolutley fabulous main courses that are staples on the CG menu.

Even if you're not there during the Wishes fireworks, the view of the Magic Kingdom and surrounding area from the restaurant is fantastic. Here's a hint: when you check in for your Priority Seating (I still can't get used to "Advance Reservations"), try asking for table 303. It's the best seat in the house.

[KarenWDWCP]

Definitely pick either of those over Concourse. I have eaten at all three and the Concourse, while a fine restaurant, is very noisy thanks to the overflow noise from Chef Mickey's next door and the Monorail coming through overhead. The food was decent but not great at all.

California Grill had amazing service and delicious food with an amazing view. The food at Yachtsman was also delicious but the service we got there was not as great. I had the filet mignon at both places. I ate at Yachtsman first and talked about how it was the best piece of steak I had ever had. It WAS the best, until I ate at California Grill!!

[fjs08]

To decide between Yachtsman Steakhouse (YS) and CA Grill is a very tough decision. All I can say is that YS is more of a meat and potatoes restaurant where CA Grill is more eclectic in its offerings. CA Grill has an extensive wine list and most everything is offered by the glass too. I would think both menu's are listed somewhere on the web. That way you can get an idea of what both offer.

Frank

[Park Hopper]

Originally Posted by fjs08

. . . I would think both menu's are listed somewhere on the web. That way you can get an idea of what both offer.
Frank

Here's a recent menu for the Yachtsman and here's a menu for the California Grill.

Being a steakhouse, beef definitely is the focus of the Yachtsman. While I think the oak-fired beef filet at CG is the best piece of meat in all the World, the Yachtsman does offer something not seen very often in restaurants: chateaubriand for two. The Yachtsman used to serve it in the traditional tableside manner, but that practice has been abandoned because the cooking table took up too much room and restricted traffic flow in the restaurant's dining room.

[Janice419]

The food at both places looks great; I don't think there really is a bad choice. We are going to Le Cellier while we are there also and from what I hear they are pretty good as well.

I am leaning towards California Grill since I learned it is possible to come back later - show your receipt - and view Wishes from the observation deck. That might make it worthwhile for the kids too.

Ohhhhh, whooo hooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My 50th post!!! Halfway to chat and finding out about all these secret conversations!

[joseph3947]

Originally Posted by Park Hopper

I agree, either the California Grill or the Yachtsman is better than the Concourse -- but I would pick the California Grill over the Yachtsman both for the food and the experience.

The Yachtsman is a fine restaurant in its own right, but the California Grill is consistently one of the best restaurants in the area (voted best American restaurant in Orlando several times), and has a well-deserved statewide reputation. Try the oak-fired beef filet or the grilled pork tenderloin, two absolutley fabulous main courses that are staples on the CG menu.

Even if you're not there during the Wishes fireworks, the view of the Magic Kingdom and surrounding area from the restaurant is fantastic. Here's a hint: when you check in for your Priority Seating (I still can't get used to "Advance Reservations"), try asking for table 303. It's the best seat in the house.

I agree Parkhopper. Also the CG was once called the "Top of the World" back in the 70's and 80's. And if you can't get the right seating time for "Wishes" after you're done with your meal go to the roof of the Contemporary and watch from there. The door is to the North end of the restaurant. Joe

[Janice419]

Okay, well I added a ps for California Grill and Yachtsman Steakhouse so now I need to choose what to cancel. Three dinner PS's in one night is a bit much!


I don't particularly want to see Wishes DURING dinner at the California Grill. Anyone with kids knows that it is not really possible to do anything but worry with kids during a restaurant meal. Or at least that is true if you care at all about keeping them from disturbing everyone else in the restaurant! I really just want to be able to go up to the observation deck after we eat to watch them.

Since one Disney rep told me you cannot come back to watch the fireworks we might skip CG. However, another rep told me you can so I guess I will stop by and ask them before that night. Or if any of you guys are going and can report back, that would be great.