California Grill
  • On Jul 2, 2022
    Shannan from MD Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I scheduled a surprise dinner for my parents at Cali Grill for their 50th wedding ann at 715. Is that too early to dine & watch fireworks from the balcony or should they be ok to wait once they’re done? Is there seating? It’s tied w/my MDE, is that ok?

    Shannan,

    The California Grill at the top of Disney's Contemporary Resort is my wife and my favorite restaurant! The food is outstanding, and the views might be even better. You are going to score great daughter points for making that reservation for them!

    So let us look at your questions one at a time. Because it is tied to your My Disney Experience account, you will want to eventually connect them to this reservation, just so they can get in. But you should not have a problem. Certainly, when you deliver the surprise, you should be fine. You likely could also just escort them to the restaurant check-in desk on the 2nd floor and manage it there. 

    As for a 7:15 pm dining time, I would imagine they will be done before the 9:20 pm Disney Enchantment show start time. Even though it is a nice meal, one that is not rushed, 2 hours seems a bit long. You could try to move to a later time but remember that they do allow guests from earlier in the evening to return to watch the show from the outdoor balcony. There is no seating out there, however. 

    One final thought. Not every table in the restaurant gives you a view of the fireworks. Some face Bay Lake, on the other side of the resort building. It is still a beautiful view, but likely not the one you are expecting.

    So what should you do?


    BOTTOM LINE
    Personally I would stick with my current reservation, and simply return for the fireworks from the balcony. But if the lack of seating is a concern, you could try to move for a later time. Either way, I have no doubt that it will be a memorable evening, worthy of such a special milestone. 

    Write me back if you have any follow-up questions.

    Have a Magical Vacation!

    Doug 
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Meet the Panelist: Doug, Indiana

I am one of the Dads on the planDisney Panel, and I love to help parents plan their vacation, with a focus on showing them how it can be fun for them too. I am also here to help Dads plan some nice surprises for the Moms in their life (they deserve it!). Learn More About Doug

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