Hi Kerri,
Welcome to planDisney! We are so happy to see you dropping by with a question!
California Grill at
Disney's Contemporary Resort is one of my family's favorite restaurants. You will be happy to know that guests who have dined prior to the fireworks may return to watch the fireworks. You will just need to show your receipt to gain access to the restaurant. Take a look at your
advanced dining reservations and you should see a note with these details at the bottom of the reservation confirmation email.
If you would like to dine while watching the fireworks, just keep checking the dining reservation system to see if a time opens up for your desired date. Also be sure to double-check the time for the
Happily Ever After Fireworks extravaganza. We typically make our dining reservation for about 30 minutes prior to the fireworks time.
As much as I adore this restaurant, I would suggest that you take a look at the
dinner menu prior to the date of your reservation. Doing so helps me to narrow down my options so that I do not take as long to place my order. As you continue to plan, keep in mind that the fireworks show could be interrupted by the weather. So, do have a back-up plan.
Kerri, Disney's Contemporary Resort is one of our favorite resorts. I am so tickled to learn that you are going to visit soon! If you do manage to go, remember to take a look at the stunning artwork by Mary Blair. I always take a few minutes to really study the work.
Drop by if you have other questions!
Magic and memories,
Donyell