Shannon,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
The
California Grill is, by far, our favorite fine dining restaurant in all of Walt Disney World! The food is exceptional, and the service is always both friendly and efficient. I also cannot think of many restaurants where the view is as good as the food!
You absolutely are allowed to go up to the viewing area outside of the California Grill restaurant to watch the fireworks before your dining reservation comes due that same evening. While they only allow guests dining at the California Grill that evening to use the viewing platform to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks, they don't care if it is used before or after your meal.
RECOMMENDATIONA lot of guests forget that the California Grill has a lovely bar with exceptional bartenders. We enjoy arriving early so we can sit down, have a drink, take in the view, and chat about our day. In your case, you may want to stop there to get a drink before going out to watch the show!
BONUS TIPAnother one of my favorite little known lounges is the
Outer Rim, also at
Disney's Contemporary Resort. You can find it near the entrance to Chef Mickey's, and it provides some lovely lake views.
Please feel free to
write me back directly if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!Doug