California Grill

[Dennis]

Just made PS arrangements for California Grill. I've always wanted to dine here, but never have. Hopefully we can get a window table when we arrive for our 7:45 seating, so we can enjoy the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom at 9 p.m. Any suggestions on how to best secure a window seat would be appreciated.

Also, any entree and dessert (here is where I really go crazy) suggestions are welcome!

We will be staying at the Dolphin (attending a convention), so what is the best way to get over to the Contemporary via Disney transportation, and how much time should we allow. (Going through EPCOT to catch a monorail WOULD NOT be the best option).

This is the trip where I am going to really enjoy my dining experiences!

So far we have PS for breakfast at Boma, Lunch at the Brown Derby, dinner at Artist's Point and California Grill, but still have more to plan.

10 days and counting!

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[wendy*darling]

You will LOVE the California Grill

I suggest taking a bus to the Magic Kingdom and either walking over to the Contemporary or hopping on the resort monorail at MK. The Contemporary is the first stop.

As far as what to order- I haven't heard anyone complain about the meal they had there. I believe I had a salmon dish- I do remember loving my meal. Just order whatever hits your fancy that day.

You might want to arrive about 15 minutes prior to your seating- to help assure you a window table. Cheerfully tell them you'll wait for the perfect table. The lounge is very comfortable, as is the bar. You won't have trouble just hanging out!


Enjoy- it looks like you have some excellent choices for dining- my favorite part of our Disney vacations!

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Linda aka: wendy*darling
Intercot Staff: Disney & Orlando Dining
[email protected]

DVC owners at the Wilderness Lodge Villas
WDW:
4/92 (MK day trip only); 9/93 (Poly); 10/96 (DL & BC); 6/98 (YC); 2/00 (Contemporary); 12/00 (BWI)
Next: June 2001 (Fort Wilderness tent camping with the Boy Scouts!!)

[TheSorcererofFantasia]

This has to be one of my favorite restaurants to dine at!

I agree with Wendy*Darling to take the bus to the MK and it is a quick pleasant walk to the Contemporary or hop the resort monorail.

As for food choices it will depend on your personal taste. On our most recent trips we have dined on the following and they were all delicious!

STARTERS:
All of the flatbreads are great.
Dungeness Crab California Roll
Black Mussels
Warm Artichokes
Warm Duck and Arugula Salad

ENTREES:
Spit fired Chicken - hubby's choice
Grilled Salmon (one of my favs)
Tamarid Barbeque Beef Filet (FANTASTIC)
Grilled Pork Tenderloin

DESSERTS: (The basic dessert is usally the same the but the 'flavor's vary)

Souffle (any flavor is fantastic!)
Creme Brulee (pure heaven no matter the flavor)
The Sorbets are so nice for something light.

Hope that helps.


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Cher (aka TheSorcererofFantasia)

"It's not hard to do the right thing. It's hard to know what the right thing is. Once you know what the right thing is, it's hard not to do the right thing."



[This message has been edited by TheSorcererofFantasia (edited May 09, 2001).]

[Jillpie's sister]

Dennis: You won't regret California Grill, one of our favorites at WDW. Don't discount the resort you are staying at-the Dolphin. The year we stayed here we dined exclusively at the Dolphin/Swan and it was not only convenient, but delicious! Harry's was awesome, the Italian place at Swan fantastic, and both of the other restaurants at the Dolphin great (both Mexican and the buffet.. I apologize, I am having a senior moment in their names). Don't forget on your way home some night to stop in at the ice cream parlor! I don't know why you don't hear much about the Dolpin/Swan on this site, probably because, like you, most of its business is of the corporate/convention type, but enjoy your resort, it is great!

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[ChipDale]

Welcome to Intercot, Dennis!

We enjoyed the California Grill. The last time we were there, I had a filet mignon that was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

I agree with wendy*darling - arrive early and be as pleasant as possible and I'm sure they'll do their best to give you the table you desire.

As for transportation to the Contemporary - if you have a car with you - take that. If no car, then catch the bus to the MK and take the walkway to the Contemporary. Getting home, if it's after MK park hours, you may have to take the bus to Downtown Disney and transfer to a bus for the Dolphin. I would probably opt for a cab in that situation.

Have a great time!


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Jane

[Pixie Dust]

Welcome to Intercot Glad you found our Dinning Forum! And my I say.... excellent choice with California Gril!! Last time we went I noticed they didn't have the wonderful pork tenderloin that I had enjoyed the prior year. The server explained that much of the menue is "market" driven. They have their regular entrees, and then several items vary on the quality of produce & meats they can get! But regardless of what is exactly on the menue each night it is WONDERFUL!! I agree with everyone's else advice on arrival method and getting that important window seat!

Remember to enjoy your meal at easy pace, it will be wonderful and you won't feel rushed to "get out" before the fireworks!



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Pam AKA Pixie Dust
Intercot Staff : Disney & Orlando Dining

[email protected]

Those who have not been just can't imagine what they are missing.

Life is magical, share it with those you love and watch it grow.

[This message has been edited by Pixie Dust (edited May 10, 2001).]

[DisneyWizard]

WELCOME TO INTERCOT!
"The Happiest (virtual) Place on Earth!"

I have heard through the grapevine (or my friends who ate there with me) that the SUSHI is to die for.

(BTW - if you are looking for more places to dine, might I suggest the best restaurant on WDW property? The San Angel Inn in Mexico at Epcot - it's wonderful!)

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"...I say believe in the future. The world is getting better."
-Walt Disney

In the works:
X Busch Gardens VA 2001 (Been there done that!)
-Cedar Point OH 2001
-Worlds of Adventure 2001
-Walt Disney World 2001
-DisneyLand 2002

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[MaryJoG]

How much should I expect the bill to be for a party of 4?

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MaryJo

1972 - MK visitor
1973 - MK visitor
1992 - CBR
1994 - CBR
1995 - ASM
1997 - CSR
1999/2000 - BC

[Jillpie's sister]

MaryJoG: If you are asking for an estimate at the California Grill..well, let's just say, expect the absolute worst amount and that way the waiter won't have to pick you up off the floor when the bill comes.

Seriously, it's hard to determine (it would totally depend upon hors d'oeuvres, drinks, etc.) It's worth every penny!


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[[email protected]]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dennis:
Just made PS arrangements for California Grill. I've always wanted to dine here, but never have. Hopefully we can get a window table when we arrive for our 7:45 seating, so we can enjoy the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom at 9 p.m. Any suggestions on how to best secure a window seat would be appreciated.

Also, any entree and dessert (here is where I really go crazy) suggestions are welcome!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


I'd arrive 15 or 20 minutes early for your PS, very very nicely ask about the availability of a window table, tell them it's your first time there, how excited you are, been looking forward to this, etc... It may work, may not! LOL but it never hurts to be nice anyway

As for menu recommendations .. geez, everything! For appetizers, their sushi is outstanding; so are the mussels, no matter how they're prepared; the flatbreads are great!! too.. Main courses, just about any of the fish dishes have been fantastic; the pork tenderloin is out of this world, and the filet is wonderful too. For dessert choices, I usually get a souffle, and haven't had a bad one yet, though my absolute favorites have been a lemon, a blueberry and once, a combination of the two!




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IMBE
.."to handle yourself, use your head, but to handle others, use your heart.."
Eleanor Roosevelt

[goofynmd]

Our bill for 2 people was $165. This included drinks, flatbread, appetizers (1 each), main course, and dessert (1 each). I feel it was worth the money to have that one nice dinner on our vacation. Enjoy!!!

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[DisneyFreak1]

the california grill is wonderful, the flatbreads are great, my fiancee and I shared one for an appetiser. for the main course i had the filet (the mashed potatoes with it melt in your mouth...mmmmm) my fiancee had the pork tenderloin, and for desert we shared a chocolate chip souflee with raspberry sauce it was all VERY exellent. and the view of the MK is to die for, also, i arrived 30 mins early and did not get a window seat, so dont go in expecting it, just try. but dont worry if you do not get one you can go out on the balcony and watch the fireworks! for all that ( no alcoholic beverages (thats one good thing about being underage, you save money )) it came out to about $90 including a very nice size tip (about %25, the service was the best i have found on property) also i would highly recomend trying artist point at the wilderness lodge, the food was definatly up to par with the california grill.

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