Califoria Grill Disappointment

[kakn7294]

We had Cali Grill scheduled for our anniversary on July 24. I received a phone call yesterday from a really nice lady at WDW telling me that Cali Grill will now be closed on July 22-23-24 for a private event. She wanted to help me re-arrange our ADR's and gave me a direct phone number to call her back with our decision. I was really disappointed as this was the first time we were going to dine there and we wanted something a little more special for our anniversary. We ended up deciding on Narcoossee's instead and I made my ADR online last night.

[mouseketeer mom]

That is a disappointment. If it helps, Narcoosees is right up there with Cali Grill. We celebrated my husbands birthday there and I thought Narcoosees was top notch. THE best service we have ever had at WDW. (and we've been to Cali Grill)..there were no faults at all with our experience here, and it felt warmer and friendlier here, and the views were beautiful. We watched the boats, the castle, the water...very nice. We also got personalized menus and we didn't even ask for them. The food was incredible. Both DH and myself had the surf and turf. I think we rolled out of here. You'll love it.

[kakn7294]

Thanks Lisa! I'm looking forward to Narcoossee's after I did a bit of research last night. I was more disappointed for my 9 yo DD who desperately wanted that child's steak at Cali Grill. It's so hard to find steak for a child at WDW but even better than a steak, Narcoossee's offers a child's filet - I think she'll be happy! We also debated GF Cafe and Hoop-Dee-Doo but wanted something a little "nicer" (not that these places aren't nice) so we settled on Narcoossee's.

[SBETigg]

Lisa said it all. They're both very good. Narcoossee's is a tad warmer and friendlier, perhaps. The food is excellent, so if they offer the child's filet, you should be all set. The thing that I love about CG is the view, but it's otherwise equal to Narcoossee's for food, service, and atmosphere. GF Cafe is good, but Narcoossee's is that much better and more special for an occasion. Good choice!

Considering the cancellation, I wonder if you checked in at the podium of CG for another night of your trip if they would let you up for the fireworks view. It's an amazing view, though it might be a hassle to go over just for that depending on your schedule.

[kakn7294]

I'm mostly angry that they will bump all those people with ADR's out for a private event with only 4 weeks before our dining dates. It's really poor customer service. I wouldn't have been upset if they had booked the private event before I made an ADR and was simply told that I couldn't get an ADR. I've had this since my 90 day + 10 date and now I have to scramble at 4 weeks out to make a change.

We weren't going to be there for Wishes anyway and I don't know that we were going to go back to the deck when it is time so I'm not worried or upset about that.

[joonyer]

I'm mostly angry that they will bump all those people with ADR's out for a private event with only 4 weeks before our dining dates. It's really poor customer service. I wouldn't have been upset if they had booked the private event before I made an ADR and was simply told that I couldn't get an ADR. I've had this since my 90 day + 10 date and now I have to scramble at 4 weeks out to make a change.

We weren't going to be there for Wishes anyway and I don't know that we were going to go back to the deck when it is time so I'm not worried or upset about that.

I agree. Bumping customers who already had ADRs for a private event is BAD customer service. If a private group wants to reserve the entire restaurant it would be OK if Disney allowed them to do that before the 90 days so that no one else could bok and then be knocked out of an ADR. But to do it the other way around just sends a message that Disney is only in it for the money (I'm sure the private event made it worth their while to bump everyone out of their ADR's). This is very poor customer relations. BAD Disney. Write a letter(s) to Disney and it's exec's and complain. Even if you don't get your ADRs back you might get some satisfaction, or maybe even a comped meal or discount.

[ThanxForNoticin]

That really is bad form to cancel a reservation so close to the date. A 3-day private event? Wonder what that's all about.

On the other hand, as mentioned, you did get yourself reservations at a very nice place - we actually prefer Narcoossee's. Hope you enjoy your dinner.

[SBETigg]

I'm still thinking about it. I would be really steamed, too. I can't believe they moved ADRs that close. You think they would have been aware of the event sooner? I would imagine that kind of event would have to book way in advance, before they started taking ADRs for the 90 day window. What a disappointment.

[DANAM]

This happened to us once before Teppan Edo reopenned after refurb. We where bumped and had to go to Cape Maye Cafe which is one place I can not stand. The food was horrible and we waited forever for a table. It was 9 days before our trip. We did get a special viewing ticket for Fantasmic that night. But since we waited so long for the table we missed it.

This kind of thing is why I now book some extra ADR's and we pay OOP for the one's we go to and cancel the others.

[hoop de do]

Personally I'd be upset. It would be nice to know who is going to be there at that time. I don't think it's a good sign as far as customer service is concerned. How many other people have been given the same notification. Three days is a long time for a "private" event. I'm a Disney backer all the way but these kind of things concern me. Anxious to hear from other INTERCOTEES. Hope you have a great time.

[steamboat willy]

Sorry they messed with your Disney Planning. I know how much "we" put into these very special trips, especially our versaries.....
Isn't everyday someone's 90 + 10, It could have been you, could have been me. I'm glad you got a GREAT dining venue with an awsome view of the CONTEMPORARY RESORT!
I think I'd have to do the "SUMMER RENTAL" (one of my favorite movies) and stomp right up to a CG table and say "MY TABLE", "MY Lobster" before they call Security to escort me off the property. OH well...good to vent anyway!
I hope they make your evening very special since you had to adjust your schedule for someone elses convienence.
And WOW, your trips almost here! Have a great time!

[epceddie]

I think it's horrible that your plans were disrupted like that.
My wife and I went to the California Grill on our honeymoon and we came away very unimpressed.
For the prices we paid, the food was good, not outstanding. Also, the place was a zoo at 5:30 p.m.
They gave us a table in the "Wine Room", which is off the main room and was a little more quiet.
We had a great waitress though and that was one of the highlights.
We would only go in the future to take advantage of the viewing platform for Wishes.
We would not return just for the food.