Hello, Seth! Thank you for visiting us here at planDisney with your question.
I'm so excited that you will be dining at
California Grill on your trip in June. The restaurant boasts some of the most beautiful views of Magic Kingdom Park and every time I am in there it just takes my breath away. Seth, you are more than welcome to keep your dining reservation and order cocktails and appetizers if that is what you would like to do. There is no pressure to order multiple courses or a full-on meal at any of the Walt Disney World restaurants. If this makes you a little bit uncomfortable though, you could always forgo your dining reservation and sit in the bar/lounge area. The bar and lounge area at California Grill is on a first-come, first-serve basis. I've enjoyed sitting in the lounge area many times and haven't had much of a wait anytime I've visited. You'll still be able to order the same delicious drinks and indulge in some delicious appetizers. The choice is really up to you, either one is perfectly fine.
I'm hoping that you like sushi because California Grill has some pretty amazing rolls to choose from. The creamsicle roll has got to be one of my favorites there. It's salmon, yellowtail, jicama, cream cheese, ikura, jalapeno and then topped with a zesty Florida citrus sauce - so good and something fun to add to your appetizer order! Another appetizer I love at California Grill is the Sanoma Goat Cheese Ravioli. This is a tomato-fennel ragu, truffle-goat cheese espuma and a basil crisp. It's so good but not really big enough to share if ordered on its own so be sure to get this if you are ordering something else as well. If you are a wine fan, like me, I am sure you already know that California Grill is known for its amazing wine selection. You can choose from over 300 hand-picked wines - most being from California which I think is fun considering the name of the restaurant. If you aren't sure what to choose, sommeliers are available and more than happy to help you pick out something to enjoy! I love chatting with them when I am dining at the restaurant, I feel like it just elevates the experience.
Another great restaurant to try out if you enjoy drinks and appetizers is
The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs. You can reserve a table there but they also have 3 different bars and outside seating that is walk-up only. My family and I are currently obsessed with eating at The BOATHOUSE right now. The last time we went, a few weeks ago, I couldn't secure a reservation so we sat at the bar and had the best time. The bartenders are so friendly and you can choose from the full menu of options. Their cocktails have to be some of the best-tasting on Disney property. If you follow them on Instagram, they showcase some of their fun offerings. For appetizers they have a great raw bar if you like seafood but if not there is still plenty to choose from. If you can, snag a table outside right at sunset. It's a beautiful view of the sun going down and then Disney Springs starts to come alive with lights and the sounds of live music. It's a perfect spot to enjoy an evening.
Seth, I know you are going to have a wonderful time at California Grill. If you have any other questions before your trip, please feel free to come back and
ask me. I'm happy to help!
Enjoy!