California Grill Review- 50th Anniversary

After a trip with my husband to Disney World, I just have to tell you— the magic is there for the adults too. ✨

This blog I’m highlighting he most obvious way to enjoy Disney world as an adult, elaborate food!

If you’re looking for an experience where you know you’re going to have world-class cuisine, the best wait service, and a romantic memory; California Grill is a fabulous choice.

This popular restaurant’s reputation causes it to be rather difficult to obtain a dining reservation so I advise using Mouse Dining to set up alerts for any reservations that pop up. Click the link to create an account. It’s a free service (I do recommend getting the paid version for the text alerts) that sends emails and/or text messages so you don’t have to babysit the website or miss your most desired dining dreams.

Currently they have a 50th anniversary prefix menu that cost $89 per adult and includes bread service, And your choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert. There’s an optional upgrade for a ginormous tomahawk steak that we did not choose. You can also add on a signature wine pairing for $39 each or the deluxe wine pairing for $69 each. We did elect to go with the signature wine pairing and it was a phenomenal decision.

California Grill is located at the very top of the Contemporary Resort. You check in on the second floor and are guided to a private elevator that sends you directly to California Grill. I did request a special window table to celebrate our anniversary and they over delivered! We were actually seated at the most coveted table in the restaurant with the most magnificent view of Cinderella‘s castle. I shed tears as soon as I sat down to the breathtaking sites. The fireworks display is an entire ordeal at California Grill. Five minutes prior to showtime an announcement is made that the show will begin soon. At that point the kitchen will close for 30 minutes so that no one‘s food gets cold and no one is being disturbed as they watch the entertainment. All the lights go dark and the music for the show is piped into the restaurant so you have the visual effects and audio to match. If you happen to find yourself at a table without a direct view, there is an observation deck to enjoy the show. Actually, if you have dined at California Grill , You can show your receipt from the meal and come back the same day to partake in the observation deck viewing at no charge.

While the food was remarkable, I have to say, the moment they brought tears to my eyes was having that absolute perfect view. If you’re intentional with when you select your reservation time, your meal can overlap with a nighttime firework show at Magic Kingdom. Check the fireworks schedule and reserve during that window of time. Even though you are allowed to return to the balcony for a nice view even if you dined at an early time, nothing beats sitting with your love and watching the castle gleam.

Including the nighttime entertainment and three-courses, we spent two hours for dinner. We loved that the staff was so knowledgeable about the history of the restaurant and such extreme knowledge and care was given to food and its accompaniments by the chefs and sommelier.

While there are definitely several upscale restaurants to choose from on Disney property, I can now attest that California Grill should absolutely be on your must try bucket list.