[Cinderellafifi]

My husband and I would like to have a nice, quiet dinner for the two of us on our trip to Disney. We have a PS for the 30th but our time is at 9:30. Of course we want to be able to see the fireworks.

I am thinking that we should still plan on arriving at firework time and that we should be allowed on the Observation Deck since we have a PS. Does anyone know if this is correct? Also, is there a bar area that we can go to until our table is ready?

Thanks for any input! :)

[Linda]

Oh, California Grill........My DH and I were there on Nov. 30 for his birthday. Great place to dine. I should think that they would let you in early for the fireworks show, but I am uncertain. There is a very nice bar area at the restaurant, if it isn't full.

Enjoy yourself and don't be shy with the menu. Be sure and request the bread pudding. It is to die for! You have to order it early in your meal because it takes them some time to prepare it.

:laugh

[trishb]

Fifi...I have never eaten at the CG, but it sounds so perfect! A little time alone (I'm sure that you need it, too!)

Have you considered arriving early and requesting a table by the window? I understand that if you have a PS and arrive early they will try to accomodate your request. Fireworks and a night out, sounds romantic:love:

Are you hiring a babysitter for your kids, or are you bringing Grandma?

[donschott]

I have eaten at the CG several times including last month.

While I love the food at the CG, it is not the place for a *quiet* meal. In my experience, it is extremely popular, and the tables are packed together. It also has an open kitchen, and huge glass window/walls that reflect the sound. It is a very noisy room. When we were last there, we had a table that shared a bench on one side with several other tables including 2 next to us that were very close.

Regarding your other question, last month we were able to check in, get one of those coaster/pager things and then walk out on the observation deck. There is a lounge area, but again, when they are busy you may need to wait to find a seat. A couple of years ago they converted a large portion of the lounge area to regular dining room to fit more dining customers.

[Cinderellafifi]

Donschott - welcome to Disney Central! Thanks for the feedback about the CG. I didn't realize that it was such a bustling restaurant. I don't mind that at all, but I am glad to find out ahead of time.

Trishb - thanks to you, too. We will certainly put in a request for a window table. Grandma will be coming with us to Disney so the kiddies will be with her. :D

I think our game plan will be to arrive around 8:30 to check-in and then get out to the deck to see the 9:00 fireworks. Someone else who is a member of this board told me that if a certain person is working that night, it is okay to "name drop". So, we'll see what happens and, of course, I'll report back here.:)

[trishb]

Great minds think alike! Grandma is coming with us, too!

Why not make a point to tell the host, when you check in, that you are having an extra-special night? Like that you are on your first date after becoming a brand-new mom...or...it's your birthday..or your anniersary. Every little bit helps when it comes to getting a great seat, quickly.

[Cinderellafifi]

Let me just send out a HUGE thanks to all of you who recommended California Grill! My husband and I (and the baby who slept the entire time) had such a wonderful time! Hubby was actually a little misty-eyed at one point!

Our PS was for 9:30 but we arrived at 8:30. I figured they couldn't kick us out for the fireworks. Anyway, they told us they were running 20 minutes behind the 9:30 reservation but that they would seat us as soon as possible. I requested a window table and, of course, they told us that they could not guarantee it. We got our buzzer and was told to enjoy ourselves at the bar.

Well, the entire restaurant was packed! As we were waiting near the bar, two chair opened up so we were able to sit and enjoy our surroundings. I was already impressed with the castle changing colors. I had a very good sparkling wine and hubby a Martini. At 8:55 our buzzer went off. We were very surprised. We were even more surprised to be put at a perfect window table. We were served some water and told that the fireworks were starting so our waiter would be back.

Just then, the music started, the lights dimmed and the beautiful fireworks display started! I was just so great that I have goosebumps thinking about it. It was truly magical. At the time, all I could think of was that every visitor to Disney needed to experience this! It was too bad that DD was at the hotel sleeping - okay, maybe it would not have been so peaceful with her. :laugh

After the fireworks we ordered our meal and got to watch the water parade. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Our total bill with drinks and tip was under $150.00.

What more could you want? A great meal with great company overlooking the most magical place on earth? I highly recommend it to everyone!

[dab]

Fifi that sounds fabulous... thanks for sharing!! I don't think we'll get there on our next trip but it is definately on my must do list now!!

[graybill]

Thanks for the terrific report on the California Grill (and a great trip report). We've never eaten there but it sounds like a must for us.
How far ahead of time did you get your PS? Did you drive to the Contemporary or take the mono?

Sounds like the weather was a little rough but it didn't seem to dampen your spirits!

Welcome back!

graybill

[yesdisneyfool]

Originally posted by Cinderellafifi
What more could you want? A great meal with great company overlooking the most magical place on earth? I highly recommend it to everyone!

Did this Christmas Day for 6pm and was able to get a window view overlooking the MK. Breath taking an out of this world food.

[trishb]

:love: How perfect!

[brumcg]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Fifi...real nice...

What did you have?!? C'mon, I need food details here! :laugh

Bruce

[Cinderellafifi]

How far ahead of time did you get your PS? Did you drive to the Contemporary or take the mono?

I got our PS no more than a month out. It's right around the date of my first posting on this thread, but I can't see the date as I write this.

We drove to the Contemporary as we were staying off property but still very close. They have valet service, of course, and we used that.

Sounds like the weather was a little rough but it didn't seem to dampen your spirits!

We didn't mind the cold one bit but the rain on NYEve was a bummer. We were determined to have fun and we did. I think everyone at PI that night had the same mindset so that made it better. Everyone was in a good mood.

What did you have?!? C'mon, I need food details here!

Sorry, sorry! You're right - I forgot! First we ordered sun-dried tomato, 3 cheese flat bread. It was delicious! I kept eating and eating so much of it that I was getting full. Then the waiter brought us a basket of bread with dipping oil. I only had a bit of that but you could tell the bread was freshly baked. Yum!

Then for appetizers we ordered what I think were called California Eggrolls. They were delish! Again, freshly made. My main entree was a crusted chicken breast with mashed potatoes. Absoultely wonderful! By then I was so full I couldn't even finish it. Hubby had the prime rib and he said it was just about the best he ever had. He is a meat and potatoes man so that was a high compliment. (Of course, by then he was on Martini #2...):laugh

I forgot exactly what it was that I ordered for dessert, if you can believe that, but it was chocolately and great.

The menu changes every evening with the most popular dishes returning each night.

I really cannot wait to go back. I know, however, that this particular experience will be very hard to duplicate. :)