California Grill
Enjoy contemporary cuisine, spectacular rooftop views and unforgettable fireworks atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
✨ The Magic & Mayhem Must-Knows
Location: Top floor, Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Best for: Special occasions, date nights, guests looking for a signature dining experience with incredible views
The Scene: Elevated dining with panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and the surrounding Walt Disney World Resort
Must-try: Time your reservation around the nighttime spectacular for the fireworks views.
Would we return?: We’re not avoiding it, per se, but we haven’t made it back since our initial visit.
After several trips of trying to snag the perfect California Grill reservation, we finally got one for my birthday vacation!
We were often able to find late reservations, but half the magic of California Grill is the spectacular view of Magic Kingdom and the fireworks. The restaurant sits on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, so the views are obviously a huge part of the experience.
After all the buildup, was it worth it?
Yes and no.
Honestly, part of that answer was on us. We weren’t quite hungry enough to really indulge, and California Grill is absolutely an indulgence. We had a late lunch at Beaches and Cream earlier that day, and even though we shared plates there, we still weren’t ready to fully appreciate a multi-course dinner.
The meal can also be an indulgence for your wallet, especially if you’re planning to enjoy several courses. With the challenge of securing those prime reservations, I’d definitely return for special occasions, but it wouldn’t be on my must-do-every-trip list.
That said, everything we did have room for was delicious.
The Scene
The view is the star here.
California Grill’s location on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort creates one of the most iconic dining perspectives at Walt Disney World. The restaurant itself feels polished and elevated, with large windows designed to showcase the Magic Kingdom skyline.
The observation decks are also a great feature, especially for guests who want to enjoy the fireworks outside of the dining room.
For guests who aren’t seated near the windows facing Magic Kingdom, there are observation decks outside the restaurant. Stitchy and I enjoyed the fireworks from the deck while my mom and grandma watched from our table.
Magic Tip: If you dined at California Grill prior to the fireworks, you can access the observation deck during the show if you have a valid, dated receipt from your meal.
The Food
Californa Grill celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and the international melting-pot culture of the Golden State. The chef de cuisine creatively blends new flavors, textures and techniques, delivered in a 3-course selection menu.
You may choose:
- One appetizer
- One entrée
- One dessert
Bread service
Filet
Limoncello
Limoncello
Birthday dessert
Our Take
We truly enjoyed our meal, but it’s not somewhere we’ve returned. There are so many interesting and delectable options at Walt Disney World, that California Grill just hasn’t begged repeat business from our crew.
That said, the views are spectacular, the service is thoughtful and the setting makes it a memorable choice for birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations. Just plan ahead, arrive hungry and remember that the fireworks view is a big part of what makes this restaurant special.
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