California Grill - which is a better time? About This Page:

[Polish Hammer]

With Wishes at 10:00pm would you choose an ADR at 7:50pm or 9:00pm?

[WDWJAMBA]

I would choose the later time myself, but understand that window dining will be occupied by that time. We usually dine earlier closer to the first time, but it would be difficult to stay for that period of time until 10.

I believe that if you save your receipt, even if you finish earlier, you may be permitted back onto the viewing platform just outside of the restaurant.

[Polish Hammer]

With an ADR an hour before Wishes you don't think one table with a view will clear out in that time? Some of those tables will have been sat long before 9pm, can they really milk it out that long?

[MickeyWatch]

Dinner at the Cali usually lasts about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I would recommend the later seating. Most Calif Grill patrons go to one of the two outside balconies to watch the fireworks, so a window seat isn't crucial. I would recommend the "secondary" balcony which is in the back, past the restrooms. Great view and much less crowded than the balcony that is adjacent to the dining room. Both balconies have piped in music from the fireworks.

[Wolfy6688]

I also say the second time. The first time wouldn't necessarily last long enough for Wishes.

[chezp]

I'm with the others. I'd go with the later time, but as has been mentioned, don't worry if you don't get a window seat, you can just go outside to watch Wishes. I have to be honest, we've had window seats before and we've also had people crowd around behind us, and I must admit I found that a bit disconcerting.

[Uncleromulus]

Polish Hammer:

I've seen people at California Grill nurse a GLASS OF WATER for over an hour waiting for fireworks.

Once somebody gets a window table, they generally don't move until the fireworks begin.

And tho well aware of the practice, the staff will do nothing to get these people to vacate their table.

IT's been this way at CG for all the many years we've been going there..

[Polish Hammer]

Thanks to all, I'm going with the later seating.

[annc98]

Originally Posted by Uncleromulus

Polish Hammer:

I've seen people at California Grill nurse a GLASS OF WATER for over an hour waiting for fireworks.

Once somebody gets a window table, they generally don't move until the fireworks begin.

And tho well aware of the practice, the staff will do nothing to get these people to vacate their table.

IT's been this way at CG for all the many years we've been going there..

We have seen that at Rose and Crown as well. We had a 7:30ish ADR, and got a prime table on the patio. The table right behind us was paying their bill as we were seated. They sat there for another hour and half, never ordering another thing, then left after IllumiNations was finished.