Hi Caroline,
I am right there with you! My family is spending Thanksgiving week at Walt Disney World, and there's nothing we would like better than to have our Thanksgiving meal at California Grill, always our favorite special occasion restaurant. We can't wait to see the new menu and the renovated space.
I'm keeping my eye on the
Disney Parks Blog for updates and announcements. The most recent posting about the
re-imagined California Grill says the restaurant atop the Contemporary Resort will "reopen this fall." The blog promises to announce when reservations open. Rest assured, those first spots will be snapped up quickly.
Unofficial sites such as DisneyFoodBlog.com, allears.net and others also are posting updates as soon as they become available.
Meanwhile, I have made alternate reservations for Thanksgiving Day and the rest of that week. If you don't already have a reservation for Thanksgiving dinner, there are still spaces available at a number of restaurants, including Boma, which is my back-up plan.
For all of your reservations, make sure you note that one of your sons has food allergies. You also should alert your server when you are seated. The restaurants will do everything they can to accommodate his needs, including sending a chef out to talk with you in most cases.
I'll be crossing my fingers for you (and for me), hoping for a little reservation magic. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time with your family, regardless of where you dine. Please feel free to check back with me if I can offer any other help.
Enjoy!
Wilma