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California Grill


Updated 6/16/22
For the most up-to-date information about the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the  Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide.

The California Grill is located atop the Contemporary Hotel at Walt Disney World in Florida. It has superb “Californian” cooking such as seafood and sushi--while also offering American offerings like beef tenderloin, all while you get to view out over the Seven Seas Lagoon, as well as Magic Kingdom park!
 


At this time, dinner is the only offering--starting at 5 p.m. each evening, but do check back as there are brunch options and also other special meal offerings, such as fireworks meals that have been offered in the recent past! While this dining experience will NOT include characters---the ambience and view around sunset are spectacular!

My favorite part of this restaurant is the VIEW with the meal! If a dining reservation is before fireworks---no problem! Your receipt from dining there will allow you entry up to the restaurant observation decks around the time of the fireworks show! Complete with the music streamed into the viewing platforms, this makes for the perfect distanced view of the show!

California Grill is a full service, fine dining/signature dining experience. Guests are expected to treat this, as such. California Grill Lounge at the check-in podium on the 2nd floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. There are minimum dress code requirements that are a step up from typical park or resort attire. This is definitely an experience to plan for! All guests are required to wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts, jeans that are in good condition, capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Sport coats are optional.

Dining reservations are required! This can be a VERY hard reservation to get, especially during fireworks at Magic Kingdom! Let your On the Road Travel specialist take care of your party for this magically dream filled reservation.

One trick for this location is to arrive at the podium at the Contemporary around 4 p.m. You can get seating in the lounge at this restaurant without a reservation. It is first come and first served. NOTE---that these seats go FAST! Hence why I suggest being at the podium at 4 p.m. to wait--even before the opening of the lounge.

This is a great option for families or for date night away from the kids! The menu has something for everyone! The view makes it a memorable night, no matter the gathering type!

This location is within the Contemporary Hotel---so the monorail is available depending on if you are in the Magic Kingdom area/hotels or if you had enjoyed the day at Epcot.

If you are staying at another area hotel, simply take the bus from your WDW hotel to the Magic Kingdom. It is quickest to then walk the 10 minutes to the Contemporary and bypass the need for the monorail, at all. Do allow yourself 90 minutes to get to your dining reservation---you do NOT want to be late for this!

From Oak-fired Filet of Beef  to wood burning oven pizzas to hand rolled sushi to Blue Crab Bisque. There is so much and it is all so good! I am a fan of ordering California Rolls at the lounge bar with a glass of wine!

The California Grill is a NOT to be missed location! Check out the upscale menu, keeping in mind that it is indeed a Signature restaurant. When dining plans are in play--this one counts as two meals per person. At this moment, there are no dining plan credits to use. While this restaurant is more costly, it is truly a special experience for both food and atmosphere.

I have dined at this location from a quiet dinner for two to a full family of five experience. Both experiences were lovely from the amazing servers to the perfectly plated cuisine. And dessert! Oh the dessert! My preferred time to dine at this location is around dusk, which also happens to be the hardest time slot to obtain! Call us at On the Road Travel, as we specialize in making Disney dreams come true!

To start planning your next trip, contact your On The Road Travel agent. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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