California Grill Update..

Login to post comments
15 posts / 0 new
The Watchmaker's picture
Offline
Joined: 07/08/2014
Posts: 1802
California Grill Update..

Hi Folks...Ive searched the search engine to see if anyone has had a meal at CG since its major refurbs...But couldn't find anything..Still hoping for a November trip this year, I plan to do just two signature dining experiences and one non signature ( what with F&W last year and seven ADRS I found it too much ) Anyway I've only dined at CG once, back in 2012, and we loved everything about that experience..The food..Ambience..View from our table..Our server..And of course watching Wishes from the outside area...So has anyone been since the makeover.?..How was it.?..Cheers..

JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849

We were there in November, there should be something about it in my birthday trip report. We enjoyed it. You can't beat the view and the food was delicious. I had never been prior to this visit so I have nothing to compare it to.

The service was point on and the food exactly as we requested. We went around 7 so we monorailed to Poly for a Lapu Lapu and came back in time to go up and watch the show.

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

jhugo's picture
Offline
Joined: 01/11/2014
Posts: 717

We tried CG for the first time last September and loved it! The food was amazing. The best sushi I have ever had and the DH loved his bison steak. We were seated off the main room in a little room with about five tables that looked out over the Wilderness Lodge (very quite and relaxing). Service was outstanding. We are debating about going back this year but there are so many restaurants we want to try still not sure if it will make the list.

The Colonel's picture
Offline
Joined: 11/08/2012
Posts: 2943

I've been there a few times before and once after, and there were no earth shattering changes. Just a freshening up and a few new menu items. Pretty much the same experience.

__________________

See my Disney Photography at...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rt_images/

DVC owner since 2002 BCV/BWV/BLT/VGC

MrHub's picture
Offline
Joined: 10/29/2009
Posts: 9503

Watchmaker there have been a number of people that have been back to the Cali Grill since its refurb and I can only recall 1 person that was not happy with their experience. We have been back there at least 6 times since the refurb and every time was amazing. Also, you do not need a seat by the windows to get a spectacular view either. I would rather be seated in the main dining room rather than the room jhugo mentioned, we were in that room in November. This past trip we were seated in a large booth along the wall towards the castle end of the restaurant. this was a magnificent view.

Kristen K.'s picture
Offline
Joined: 09/01/2011
Posts: 23803

Still tops in my book!

The Watchmaker's picture
Offline
Joined: 07/08/2014
Posts: 1802

Thanks for these opinions folks,especially your photos MrHub..Wow..Those windows look panoramic, I can't remember them being that big..Saying that,we were seated on the other side of the restaurant facing WL...and yes JHugo, I agree about trying out other restaurants, but I'd place this number two on my top five signature restaurants... awesome

Allie's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/26/2012
Posts: 5477

We were there in September and if you combine the food, atmosphere, and service, it is hands down my favorite dining experience we've had in Disney. I had never been before the refurb so I can't compare it, but I can't imagine you would be dissapointed!

Kris1971's picture
Offline
Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 2350

Dined there both before and after the refurb and its still one of the top restaurants in my book! I say go for it!

__________________

kathys's picture
Offline
Joined: 12/01/2013
Posts: 694

I have been before and after the refurb (last time was May, 2014) and I loved it. Don't think I have ever had a bad meal there.

__________________

[url='http://www.mickeypath.com/']

[/url]

crazycatperson's picture
Offline
Joined: 09/19/2011
Posts: 3718

We had dinner there just two weeks ago.

Go here to read my summary and see a few food photos.

LouisianaMike's picture
Offline
Joined: 04/22/2014
Posts: 460

We'll be going in May... We loved our dinner and experience there last year. Can't wait!! mickey clapping

The Watchmaker's picture
Offline
Joined: 07/08/2014
Posts: 1802

crazycatperson wrote:
We had dinner there just two weeks ago.

Go here to read my summary and see a few food photos.[/quote...Read your report and viewed photos..You've convinced me..awesome..

oHIo's picture
Offline
Joined: 10/04/2014
Posts: 844

LouisianaMike wrote:
We'll be going in May... We loved our dinner and experience there last year. Can't wait!! mickey clapping

Hey Mike, Colonel and I have reservations at CG for Saturday May 23. Mine are at 6:50 and his at 7:10. Want to meet us there at 7:00? laugh

Offline
Joined: 03/22/2014
Posts: 552

Smile So apparently I'm the only one who didn't enjoy it and would never go again. Our service was mediocre and I was terribly unimpressed with the view. Maybe it's just the seating we got though. We were in a back corner where the booths line the windows because it overlooked the roof. Not pretty at all. Sadly, it was raining too (clearly not their fault) but we couldn't see a view from our table even if it had been nice. We ordered appetizers extra and given the price were expecting a little more (the ravioli was in fact, just one ravioli). My steak was poorly done, though my husband really like his bison steak. The desserts were all right (creme brulee was very good). Did we complain - No, because we waited a very long time for our food and I didn't feel like waiting anymore. Plus, I really hate sitting there without food while my husband eats.

Overall though I find that we are in a very small minority of people who didn't enjoy it. We had WAY better meals at other restaurants and didn't think it was worth the two dining credits. HOWEVER, I would recommend going for those who enjoyed it before or to those who have never been and trying it either way.

__________________