Hiya Marco,
Welcome back to planDisney! I’m so glad that many of my pals have been able to help you prepare for your upcoming vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth! I am ecstatic to talk to you about
California Grill today, as it is one of my top favorite locations to dine at Walt Disney World Resort. Everything on the menu is exquisite, and the experience of watching
Happily Ever After from the reserved observation deck is unmatched. I know you are going to love it!
To answer your first question Marco, it depends. Due to the popularity of California Grill, you would not be able to arrive that far in advance of your reservation to visit the 15th-floor observation deck. When I visited last, we came 45 minutes before our reservation and had to wait until space was available to be able to head upstairs. A Cast Member may allow you to head up early, but depending on space, it would be up to their discretion. A better idea is to try the Lounge at the California Grill. When I spoke to a Cast Member, they reminded me that the lounge is open at 5 pm, which would be the perfect way to get early access to the observation deck (since it is located in the California Grill). Just let the Cast Member at the podium know you would like to visit the lounge, and if there is space (it is first come-first served), they will let you ride the elevator to the 15th floor. Then you could enjoy one of the fantastic cocktails and get your pictures.
About your second question, Marco, yes, you can watch Happily Ever Afte
r before enjoying your meal. Arrive at the California Grill podium about 15-30 minutes before the showtime; let the Cast Member know that you have a dining reservation and would like to watch the show from the special observation deck. My family and I like to time our arrival so that we can be seated at our table, put in our drink order, and head outside to the observation deck. That way, our drinks are waiting at the table for us after the spectacular viewing.
I hope I have answered your questions, Marco. If there is anything else we can do to help, please come back and see
us again!
Happy Planning,
Ashley F.