Escaping The Brutal Northeast For Sunny, Warm Florida and Fun! Completed 7/12 - Page 28 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I'm behind on posting updates in my two TRs, too. We have been on the cruise, but now I've got Christmas activities that are keeping me from writing, too. So that just happens sometimes with TR writing. I'll be ready to ready yours again whenever you find time to write.
Looking so forward to your cruise TR and can't wait for you to share the details of it as it's the exact same cruise, I'll be taking just after Easter! Just take your time as we'll all be here! I hope you and Luke enjoyed it and the weather cooperated for you and got to experience some amazing adventures!
I have found it tough to update my trip with being so busy at work and am too tired to it after work. Been working some weekends too this holiday season from just before T-Day. Things should improve after Christmas!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
A Newly Reimagined Experience At One of WDW’s Best!
After quite a long delay with the holiday etc., I finally got this TR back up and rolling once again!
Monday, March 31 (Part III)
It was probably about 6:15 pm or so and thought it was time to head on over to the Contemporary Resort for dinner. I wanted to do a bit of exploring and have a drink in the Wave’s bar before heading upstairs to the California Grill for dinner. I thought about walking from the MK to the Contemporary, but opted to take the short ride over on the monorail as I enjoy this so much!
It was only a couple minutes wait for the monorail, but was quite crowded and even worse when I exited with a lot of people leaving as well as getting on as many were probably going to the MK or TTC and on to Epcot!
I headed downstairs by escalator and checked out the Wave Lounge a bit. Love the sort of art deco of this place.
Sorry, for the poor quality shots as I tried them with and without flash and still didn’t come out all that well. I didn’t have a drink in here yet as I wanted to do some exploring outside first.
Main Tower and Bay Lake Towers
I like this entrance and wanted to get a shot with no one in the tunnel, but it was just too crowded. I ate here once back in 2009, just after its' opening. The food was good, but service was somewhat off. Plan to eat here again as a lot of people like it so much.
Another of BLT, just as it was getting near sunset.
I went to the Wave Lounge and had a glass of Pinot Noir before going upstairs to check in for dinner at the California Grill. I still had about 45 minutes as my reservation wasn't until 7:30. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos while at The Wave. It was pretty crowded with a lot of people coming in here to have a drink before dinner and others having dinner here off The Wave’s menu!
At 7:15 I went to the 2nd Floor to check in for dinner at the desk the Cali has located there. There was quite a long line for checking in and had to wait a good five minutes or so, before I was able to check in. Once, I checked in I was able to head to the elevators and take the ride up to the 15th floor by one of the CMs. I was looking forward to the newly reimagined California Grill and what changes they had made as this is one of my favorite WDW restaurants.
First thing I noticed was the colors of the walls and ceiling were a lot different and more modern and vibrant, I guess it needed it. I forget whether I got my pager downstairs or upstairs, but anyway I had it. They said it would be about 15-20 minutes until I was seated for my ADR. So I went to the bar and had a glass of dry Riesling, which I enjoyed.
I enjoy the new look of the wine storage behind the bar!
Looks good. View towards the Magic Kingdom going towards the outdoor deck.
Seems so much brighter in here than before.
More of the bar at the Cali
Space Mountain from the 15th floor deck
The castle didn’t come out as well as I wanted! Also a bit of Astro Orbiter as well.
Sunset from the deck! This one came out better!
Magic Kingdom and resort bus depots
Finally after about twenty minutes my pager went off, which I turned in and was escorted to my table by one of the hosts. I was seated on the right side of the restaurant, but no window view. I’ve had those before and are good, if the sun is still out. Some people like those to watch the fireworks, but I prefer going out on the deck to watch as you get a much better view!
I went over the menu and wine list with the waiter for suggestions. I ordered a glass of Sauvignon blanc and had some rolls and butter with sea salt, while I waited for my first course to arrive.
Rock Shrimp Salad, which looks great from the photo and was!
My main course was Alaskan Halibut, but forgot to get a photo of it! It was also quite enjoyable and never seem to be let down by the food and service here! Before dessert arrived I took a walk around the restaurant and take some more photos!
Grill all fired up in the kitchen!
Although, the photo came out a little blurry, this is a Creme Brulee. It’s one of the best I’ve had. This is the first time, I’ve had this here in 11 times to the Cali. I accompanied it with an espresso and an after dinner cordial. The latter being a 5 year old Tokaji from Hungary. It’s a sweet wine and goes very well with dessert.
The meal was quite enjoyable and one of the best here, I’ve had. I liked the improvements they’ve made to this restaurant. After settling my bill, which I didn’t have to wait long for, I took another walk around for some more photos.
A lot of action in the kitchen!
The long outside deck at the California Grill
I took the elevator downstairs and got some photos on the way before taking the monorail to my next stop for the night!
Contemporary’s monorail station
NEXT: Another Late Night as I Can Sleep In Tomorrow?
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 01-04-2015 at 06:12 PM..
What a lovely evening, with a great meal. I'm not a fan of the new look to the restaurant. Too glaringly bright for me and even more noisy than before, I thought. I've never been disappointed with the food or service, though!
What a lovely evening, with a great meal. I'm not a fan of the new look to the restaurant. Too glaringly bright for me and even more noisy than before, I thought. I've never been disappointed with the food or service, though!
It is bright but I like the new look! I guess I like changes. I felt, it was becoming a bit dated perhaps.? But I still loved the place! It's always been quite noisy as you can see in the set up from right to left as you walk the restaurant as it's narrow and is a cavern, which will support this unfortunately! The noise level is the part of the California Grill, which bothers me. The rest of it I adore!
There is a restaurant near to me, which I frequent on occasion and has the same long and narrow set up as the CG. (A bit smaller in length) It is also quite noisy and probably with the similar design to that of the CG. Also as busy! This place has great food...but the Cali tops it! For sure....and more expensive....but never keeps me away from a meal there!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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Sounds like a great night to me - great food, great wine! We haven't been there since the reno yet.
The food, wine, ambiance and all else were all good on this night for an exciting and different experience! I really enjoyed the newly enhanced CG!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Sounds like a most delicious meal! We've not tried Cali Grill yet, but it's still on our list.
Cam, you and Luke must do it, considering the quantity of trips the two of you have taken to WDW! I went there my first visit to WDW in 2002 and have frequented, every visit since! It's high end, but worth it, but not to the degree of V&A at the GF. Just a typical high end restaurant. I'm quite surprised the two of you have yet to dine here as I know you love your food and wine! You must do it! I will certainly be there on my next WDW excursion!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Yay, an update! I really like the looks of that wood tiling in CG. To me, it would fit at the Poly as well.
Those shots of MK through the window reminds me of how awesome a trip to WDW could be, even without park tix. There is so much to see and do outside of the parks, it's dizzying. That's one think you WDW folks have over us Anaheim kids.
It certainly was and one of my best ever at the CG!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Glad you enjoyed your meal at the California Grill.
Definitely and I know you enjoyed yours in 2013 with your big gathering!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Yay, an update! I really like the looks of that wood tiling in CG. To me, it would fit at the Poly as well.
Those shots of MK through the window reminds me of how awesome a trip to WDW could be, even without park tix. There is so much to see and do outside of the parks, it's dizzying. That's one think you WDW folks have over us Anaheim kids.
Actually, those various MK photos were taken outside on the deck of the CG from the 15th floor. There is definitely, so much to do outside the parks and I seem to take a lot of this in! That's why, I keep returning and love it so much here!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Great pictures from the CR and CG! What a great meal you had!
Glad you enjoyed them and the meal and experience of the renovated CG was not a let down!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Glad you enjoyed your meal at the CG so much Dave! My DH, DD and I went up there in October for a glass of wine and shared a flatbread. It was expensive but we certainly enjoyed the views as we got a window seat. I can't say our meals have always been spot on there but we always love the ambiance of the restaurant!
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Just take your time as we'll all be here! 
I hope you and Luke enjoyed it and the weather cooperated for you and got to experience some amazing adventures!
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I ate here once back in 2009, just after its' opening. The food was good, but service was somewhat off. Plan to eat here again as a lot of people like it so much. 
It was also quite enjoyable 
This is the first time, I’ve had this here in 11 times to the Cali. I accompanied it with an espresso and an after dinner cordial. The latter being a 5 year old Tokaji from Hungary. It’s a sweet wine and goes very well with dessert. 
We haven't been there since the reno yet.
We've not tried Cali Grill yet, but it's still on our list. 
But I still loved the place! 
The rest of it I adore! 
I will certainly be there on my next WDW excursion! 
PassPorter Guide Author
What a great meal you had! 
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