Hi Denise!
Welcome to planDisney!
If I could dine at
California Grill on every visit to the Walt Disney World® Resort, I would! Dining during the
Happily Ever After fireworks is my favorite dining experience. Since you have a larger party, I suggest that you try to make two reservations for a party of four. Just be sure to make those reservations for the same time or within 15 minutes or less of each other. When you get to the check-in desk at Disney's Contemporary Resort, request to be seated as close as possible together. Although requests are not guaranteed, cast members have always tried their best to seat us together when we have faced a similar dining dilemma in the past.
As you continue to make plans, I hope you have considered a few other advanced dining reservations. My family adores breakfast at
Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera and lunch at
Space 220 Lounge. Disney's Riviera Resort is delightful so we always take a few minutes to explore before catching the
Disney Skyliner to EPCOT or Disney's Hollywood Studios after breakfast. At EPCOT, I love the serenity of Space 220 Lounge. In the middle of our Disney adventures, it gives us a chance to take a break from all of the activity and noise of the parks.
Denise, I am so happy that you are planning to dine at California Grill. I did check and, at the time I checked, there was still some availability for parties of four. Of course, keep in mind that dining reservation availability can change at any time. To ensure that the reservation system does not prevent you from making two reservations for the same timeframe, select a different lead person for that second dining reservation. Of course, I have to end with one final note - looking at your dates, you might be there in time for the opening of
Tiana's Bayou Adventure. We are so excited because we are
almost there!
Magic and memories,
Donyell