Dining at the top of Walt Disney World California Grill that is!
Walt Disney World Contemporary Resort
The WDW Contemporary resort is special no matter how you describe it. It is a modern A-frame resort with the iconic Monorail running through the resort giving you a one-stop Monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom. The icing on the cake so to speak is the California Grill restaurant located on the 15th floor. You get exclusive access to the California Grill from an elevator on the 2nd floor where you check-in.
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The California Grill Restaurant
The California Grill is one of WDW’s finest restaurants and is something we like to splurge on when we can. As the name implies, the food and wine are California-themed.
Dress Code
It is also one of the few WDW restaurants that have a dress code. This is from their website:
Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional. Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Not permitted are tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.
We saw people very dressed up and also some that I felt didn’t follow the dress code. This is a fancy restaurant and I think you need to wear your “vacation best”.
California Grill Has A Modern Theme
The decor is modern with pleasant colors and white linens. Seating is comfortable and floor-to-ceiling windows give the best view of the Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon.
Everything has sleek lines and curves and unique features such as the lighting.
The restaurant is relaxed and friendly but also classy enough for a special occasion. The staff wears suits and ties making it feel very special.
We started out in the bar area while we waited for our table. We saw a beautiful sunset over the Grand Floridan.
The restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic evening or a gathering of adults. It is also child-friendly, although we have not taken our children or grandchildren under the age of 10. The dinner is relaxed and there are no real time limits – you will not be rushed through this dinner! Some children are not able to sit still for a dinner that might last a couple of hours.
Food and Drink
We are basically teetotalers so I can’t comment on the alcohol except that there was an extensive selection of wines and cocktails. The wines, of course, are mostly from California and many are available by the glass. They also have good iced tea (for this Southern lady 🙂 ).
This is a gourmet restaurant. The menu is varied and everything we have ever had there (we have been several times over the years) was excellent. Food is prepared in an open show kitchen that adds to the atmosphere.
Their website can explain the menu selections better than I can:
Californian cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and the international, melting-pot culture of the Golden State. Changing seasonally, the menu may include such specialties as handmade Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, Atlantic Yellowfin Tuna and Oak-fired Choice Angus Filet of Beef.
You should have no problem finding something you will love! We have never had their sushi or pizza but I hear from friends that it cannot be beaten!
On our last visit, I had the pork tenderloin. The presentation was spectacular and it was so tasty – I ate every bite!
My husband had the Oak-fired Filet of Beef which he also devoured! This is probably the most popular menu item.
Although I was stuffed and rarely order dessert, I could not help myself this time. I ordered this Bourbon-Pecan Sorbet, Pecan Praline and Caramel Sauce. If I could have licked the bowl, I would have. haha! This was also the most unusual serving dish I have ever had.
Fireworks
One of the very special things about the California Grill is it provides one of the best viewing areas for the Magic Kingdom evening fireworks show. The lights are dimmed in the restaurant and the show music is fed into the restaurant. You can enjoy the show from inside the restaurant or on the outdoor viewing deck. If you dine before the fireworks, bring your receipt back to the check-in station and you can go up to the restaurant for the show. Also, if your reservation is after the show, you are also welcome to go to the restaurant for the show. You will not be disappointed!
Reservations
Reservations are strongly recommended. This is a very popular dining spot so make a reservation as soon as you can when you make your WDW plans.
The California Grill is a must-do, at least once. It is one of the more pricey restaurants, but I suggest you save and plan for this special event.
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